Klondike Gold Rush - Seattle Unit National Historical Park

This free indoor museum in Seattle's Pioneer Square neighborhood is packed full of historical information. It chronicles the city's involvement in the 1890's Klondike gold rush. Two floors of photos and exhibits fill this restored period hotel. There's also a 20-minute video to help bring history to life.

The exhibit recounts how the devastating fire of 1889 destroyed the city's commercial district and how the subsequent gold rush proved key to reviving the city's fortunes. When newspapers spread tales of gold in the Canadian territory, Seattle merchants were quick to declare their port as the "Gateway to the Goldfields." This clever marketing ploy encouraged many of the 70,000 stampeders to flock to Seattle to buy the provisions they needed to join in the rush.

Follow the tough lives, successes, and failures of five of the gold rushers that flocked to the area. Kids will enjoy the interactive exhibits and gold panning demos by the Rangers. Keep a look out for temporary exhibits too.

It takes less than one hour to get around the exhibits so it's easy to make this part of a day trip to Seattle. As it's an inside park, it's great for cold or rainy days. The museum is accessible and a gold-colored elevator runs between the floors. There are restrooms, a good gift shop and helpful staff on hand to guide you.

The museum opens daily, seven days a week, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with some closures and variations on opening hours around Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year.