Haines Travel Guide

Trek Zone

Locality

Facts and practical information

Nestled in the pristine wilderness of the Alaska region, Haines is a captivating Census-designated place that offers an enchanting mix of natural beauty, rich history, and thrilling outdoor adventures. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains and picturesque fjords, this charming town is a haven for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Haines is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, making it a paradise for hikers, bikers, and photographers alike. The Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve, located just outside the town, is a must-visit for wildlife enthusiasts. This sanctuary is home to the largest congregation of bald eagles in the world and offers incredible opportunities for bird watching and photography.

For a taste of Haines' vibrant history, a visit to the Sheldon Museum is highly recommended. This small but fascinating museum showcases the town's rich Native American heritage, as well as its gold rush era and pioneering days. Explore the exhibits and learn about the resilient spirit of the people who shaped Haines into what it is today.

Adventure seekers can embark on thrilling expeditions to nearby Glacier Bay National Park, where towering glaciers and abundant wildlife await. Take a boat tour to witness the immense beauty of icebergs calving into the sea or go kayaking to get up close and personal with seals and sea lions.

In Haines, you can also experience the thrill of heli-skiing, an exhilarating activity that allows skiers and snowboarders to access untouched powder slopes via helicopter. With vast expanses of pristine terrain and breathtaking vistas, Haines has become a favorite destination for winter sports enthusiasts from around the world.

After a day of exploring, immerse yourself in the local culture by attending the Southeast Alaska State Fair, held annually in Haines. This lively event showcases the region's agricultural heritage and features live music, traditional crafts, and delicious local cuisine.

Alternative names: Population: 1.7 thous.Area: 20.67 mi²Elevation: 30 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 59°14'6"N, 135°26'38"W

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AlaskaUnited States

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Haines Top Attractions

Haines Attractions - What to See and Explore

Haines offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Fort William H. Seward, Hammer Museum, Sheldon Museum & Cultural Center, Haines Borough Public Library. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Forts and castles
Fort William H. Seward
Fort William H. Seward, also known as Chilkoot Barracks and Haines Mission, is a site at Port Chilkoot in Haines Borough, Alaska, about 0.5 miles from the city of Haines.
Specialty museum • Museum • Science museum
Hammer Museum
The Hammer Museum, located in Haines, Alaska, U.S. is the first museum in the world dedicated to hammers. The museum was founded in 2002 and became a non-profit organization in 2004.
59°14'5"N • 135°26'35"W
Sheldon Museum & Cultural Center
Natural history museum • Museum

Library
Haines Borough Public Library
The Haines Borough Public Library is the only public library in the Haines Borough area of Alaska.
Nature • Natural attraction • Mountain
Mount Ripinski
Mount Ripinski is a mountain located immediately to the north of Haines, Alaska at the southern terminus in the Takshanuk Mountains.
Universities and schools
Government Indian School
The Government Indian School, also known as the B.I.A. School and later the City Multipurpose Building, is a historic school building in Haines, Alaska. The building is a 1 ¹⁄₂-story wood-frame structure, 71 feet long and 30 feet wide, built in 1906.

Day trips

Haines – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Haines, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Eldred Rock Light (Eldred Rock), Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park (Skagway), Mount Wright.

20 milesSE
Lighthouse, Vernacular architecture
Eldred Rock Light, Eldred Rock
The Eldred Rock Light is an historic octagonal lighthouse adjacent to Lynn Canal in Alaska. It is the last of the ten lighthouses constructed in Alaska between 1902 and 1906. It was also the last of 12 manned lighthouses that were started in Alaska.
16 milesN
Museum
Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, Skagway
Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park is a national historical park operated by the National Park Service that seeks to commemorate the Klondike Gold Rush of the late 1890s.
37 milesSW
Mountain
Mount Wright
Mount Wright is a 5,054-foot mountain located in the eastern Alaskan panhandle, on the east side of Muir Inlet, just north of Glacier Bay within Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve.
34 milesSW
Mountain
Mount Case
Mount Case is a prominent 5,545-foot mountain summit located in the Alsek Ranges of the Saint Elias Mountains, in southeast Alaska.
17 milesNW
National park
Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve
The Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve is a state park and wildlife refuge in the U.S. state of Alaska near Haines. Established in 1982, the park covers 49,320 acres, mainly along the Chilkat River, with sections along the Klehini and Tsirku rivers.