Location: Haines
Top Things to do in Haines
Top Restaurants in Haines
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What to do and see in Haines, Alaska (AK): The Best Museums
Looking for an authentic Alaskan experience? Visit Haines. A popular cruise port, Haines is a great place to see the outdoors – hiking, fishing and wildlife viewing are all popular activities. A top local attraction is the decommissioned military outpost of Fort Seward, now an historic landmark. Bird watchers take note: the world's largest concentration of bald eagles comes to the area every autumn.
Restaurants in Haines
1. Hammer Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 182 reviews
Museum owner Dave Pahl has built a collection of more than 1,000 hammers over a few decades of construction work.
Reviewed By 144ernieb - Salt Lake City, United States
Haines is a quiet little place just around the corner from the more touristy Skagway but it's real in the sense that it's where people live versus a tourist trap for cruise ships. We learned about the hammer museum from a Seabourn staff member just that morning so off we went. Follow the harbor drive to its end (restaurant blocks the path) and make a left. The 2 story wooden hammer shows the way. We were greeted by two very nice people and paid our nominal $5 entry fee. Chatting with the older "colorful" gentleman, it became clear that he was the founder and quite proud of his collection of tool. Some hammers so heavy they defied lifting. Others tiny in glass cabinets Including a full set of croquette mallets maybe 3 cm long in all the right colors. We enjoyed the combination of collection, creativity and uniqueness we donated a larger sum as we left. Time well spent!!
2. Sheldon Museum and Cultural Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 79 reviews
This educational institution of the Haines Borough collects, preserves and interprets the history, art and unique blending of diverse cultures within the Chilkat Valley.
Reviewed By danfendel
Excellent museum, including interesting material about John Muir. Historian and archivist Daniel Lee Henry was there explaining some of the exhibits, and his excellent book on Muir, "Across the Shaman's River: John Muir, the Tlingit Stronghold, and the Opening of the North," was available for sale (and signing).
3. American Bald Eagle Foundation
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 154 reviews
The American Bald Eagle Foundation is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization located in Haines, Alaska. Since opening in 1994, our aim is to educate and inspire guests from around the world about the American bald eagle and interconnected species through our natural history museum and raptor center. Anyone who passes through our doors will take a walk through the cultural and natural history of Southeast Alaska. Let our staff guide you to understanding and appreciating the ecology of our unique region.
Reviewed By ksrich - Linwood, United States
We went into the Eagle side first, saw live eagles with a very well done talk given by an intern. 2 of the female eagles decided to talk to each other while we were there, then spread their wings and moved around some. I understand it is even better if you come when the trainer is feeding them. They had live falcons and hawks as well. Then we went to the animal side. All the animals were stuffed and displayed extremely well. Again we were given the priviledge of hearing an intern do an excellent talk about the animals present, the 5 types of salmon, the different bears, lynx, horseshoe rabbits, etc. Very interesting and the display was excellently done.
4. Jilkaat Kwaan Heritage Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 25 reviews
Reviewed By 383gailh - Rockford, United States
My experience during this optional tour off of Holland America made the trip for me. I really don't want the hit and glance trip, wanted to see the depth of culture in this area. The dancing, the incredible artifacts in the museum, the lovely setting? If you miss this place, you have missed something very significant. I'm grateful this was part of a cruise tour that focused mostly on the Gold Rush and the natural beauty of the area. yes, these things matter. But this... this is what has endured and is truly the essence of this area. Look deeper, people.
5. The Magpie Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6 reviews
Local art, crafts, ceramics, clothing, gourmet Alaskan foods, jewelry, stationery and much more.
Reviewed By shannonmR5051UM - Haines, United States
The Magpie Gallery carries a wide-variety of Alaskan art and items for everyone on your list. She also carries local artist work, including cards, jewelry, hats, etc. Her staff is friendly and helpful. Absolutely one of my favorite places!
6. Alaska Arts Confluence
Alaska Arts Confluence is a 501(c)3 tax exempt nonprofit that strives to promote art education in the Chilkat Valley.. as well as a Gallery on Main Street featuring art by local artists.
