Red Onion Saloon & Brothel Museum – Skagway, Alaska
The Red Onion Saloon & Brothel Museum is one of Skagway’s most colorful and entertaining historic attractions. Once a bustling Gold Rush saloon and upstairs brothel, the building now serves as a lively restaurant, bar, and museum that celebrates the town’s wilder side. With costumed guides, preserved rooms, and humorous storytelling, the Red Onion offers a fun, lighthearted look at life during the Klondike era.
For cruise travelers, this is an easy, walkable stop right in the heart of downtown. Whether you’re grabbing lunch, enjoying a drink, or joining the brothel tour, the Red Onion delivers a memorable mix of history and entertainment — perfect for travelers who enjoy quirky, character‑driven experiences.
Fun Facts
- The Red Onion opened in 1898 during the height of the Klondike Gold Rush.
- The upstairs brothel once employed ten “working girls,” each represented by a doll placed in the bar to show availability.
- The building is one of the best‑preserved Gold Rush saloons in Skagway.
- Costumed guides lead tours as “madams,” sharing humorous and historically grounded stories.
- The brothel rooms upstairs remain authentically furnished, offering a glimpse into frontier life.
- The saloon’s bar is original and was shipped around Cape Horn to reach Alaska.
- The Red Onion is rumored to have ghostly activity, adding to its local lore.
- Today, it’s both a museum and a popular spot for food, drinks, and lively atmosphere.
What to Expect During Your Visit
Visitors can enjoy the bustling downstairs saloon, which serves food, drinks, and local brews in a lively Gold Rush–themed setting. The real highlight, however, is the guided brothel tour upstairs. Costumed “madams” lead guests through the preserved rooms, sharing stories about the women who worked there, the realities of frontier brothels, and the colorful characters who passed through Skagway.
The tour is humorous, engaging, and historically informative — never graphic, always playful. Most visitors spend 30–60 minutes here, depending on whether they dine, drink, or take the tour.
Why It’s Worth Visiting
The Red Onion Saloon & Brothel Museum is perfect for travelers who enjoy history with personality. It’s fun, memorable, and offers a unique perspective on Skagway’s Gold Rush past. The combination of preserved rooms, costumed guides, and lively saloon atmosphere makes this one of the most entertaining stops in town.
Where It’s Located
The Red Onion is located on Broadway Street in downtown Skagway, just a short walk from the cruise docks.
How to Get There From the Cruise Port
- Walk: 3–7 minutes from most cruise berths
- Taxi: Not necessary
- Excursion transport: Some city tours include a stop, but most visitors walk independently
Best Time to Visit
- Mid‑morning to afternoon offers the most tour availability.
- Lunch hours can be busy when multiple ships are in port.
- Late afternoon is great for drinks and a lively atmosphere.
- Summer provides the full schedule of tours and performances.
Tips for Visiting
- Book the brothel tour early on busy cruise days.
- Bring a camera — the upstairs rooms are full of quirky details.
- Expect humor — the tour is playful but historically grounded.
- Enjoy a drink or meal downstairs for the full experience.
- Combine with Historic Downtown Skagway for an easy walking itinerary.
- Check hours in advance — schedules vary by season.
Common Complaints
- Tours can sell out quickly on busy days.
- The saloon can feel crowded during lunch or peak cruise times.
- Some visitors expect a larger museum; the upstairs area is compact.
- The humor may feel theatrical to travelers seeking a purely serious history experience.
Final Thoughts
The Red Onion Saloon & Brothel Museum is one of Skagway’s most entertaining and memorable attractions, blending Gold Rush history with humor, personality, and preserved frontier charm. It’s an easy, walkable stop that adds fun and flavor to any Skagway itinerary. For more ideas to plan your day, explore my full guide to the top things to do in Skagway.
