A Day at Fort William Henry Seward National Landmark in Beautiful Haines, AK

As you arrive in Haines, Alaska, whether it be via cruise ship, the Alaska Marine Highway, Alaska Fjordlines or your own private vessel you’ll see Fort William H Seward National Historic Landmark up on the hill. Similar to many other turn of the century era forts around the USA, Fort William H Seward is an iconic collection of handsome, formerly military buildings that now serve as different businesses and historic sites (and homes). There is also a cool collection of Chilkat Tlingit art and function here at the fort, making it an extra interesting place to visit.

We’ve got the scoop on what you’ll find at Fort William H Seward Historic Landmark and how to add it to your visit to Haines. If you have any questions about the town or planning a Southeast Alaska trip, please leave a comment or send us a note. We’re always happy to share more and help you plan an awesome adventure.

Highlights of Fort William Henry Seward

There isn’t a ton to do at Fort William Henry Seward National Landmark, but it’s more of a walking destination with a few shops and galleries, and just a nice space to explore. Starting at the bottom and walking the street around the Parade Grounds, you’ll get to take in the cool old Officers Row, the Hotel Halsingland, and more. This nice walk up around the district leads you over to some wonderful old totem poles and Tlingit carvings at the Alaska Indian Arts building (not currently open to the public), and then down to some of the old fort ruins. You’ll find some interesting public art in the ruins, and then on the backside a large, beautiful Tlingit panel.

Continuing along Fort Seward Drive you’ll come to more historic buildings (under renovation in 2025) and then in the middle of the Parade Grounds is a Chilkat Tlingit clan house with totem poles. There are some sleeping totem poles here too (laying down) and hopefully the clan house will be open for events in the future. Currently there is work to be done and access is limited.

Just below Fort William Henry Seward are several other businesses occupying the cool old buildings of the neighborhood. From art to smoked salmon, on busier summer days you’ll be able to visit the different shops and support the local businesses. There is also a distillery here, the Port Chilkoot Distillery, which is open from spring to fall. One of the coolest shops in the neighborhood is the Wild Iris, with both handmade jewelry and lots of wonderful local Tlingit art. If you want to bring home a limited edition print, a unique pressed piece of art or even a Tlingit mask of sorts, the Wild Iris is the gallery for finding something special.

Tips for Exploring Fort Seward and Haines on Foot

If you’re visiting Haines just for the day as part of a cruise port stop, you’ll easily be able to walk up from the dock. On your way up you can check out the different shops that are open (even in summer hours can be odd) and read the exhibit placards as you stroll. Visiting Fort William Henry Seward National Landmark is not a full day activity and shouldn’t take more than an hour, maybe 90 minutes. Pair it with a walk over to the downtown area and the museums (the Haines Sheldon Museum and Hammer Museum), and you have given yourself a nice day of exploring the town on foot. If timing allows, you could plan to have a nice meal at Haines’ newest upscale restaurant, Deer Heart, which is open for dinner or brunch.

Check the Haines Visitor Center website before your arrival to see what town events are happening as well. Haines is home to the Southeast Alaska State Fair which happens the first weekend of August at the Fairgrounds, walking distance from Fort William Henry Seward, and on the 4th of July they hold a community festival and shoot underwear out the cannon at the park. For such a small town, there’s lots of fun to be had.

Being Prepared for Visiting Haines

When you’re visiting Haines, for a day or for a week, always pack for the weather in the forecast and the weather that’s not. The clouds roll in swiftly and things can change rapidly. And just as the weather can turn for the worse, it also can clear up in a blink. Always be ready with an umbrella and a sweatshirt, and I like to have a rain jacket available too. If you’re coming to Haines simply to walk around and enjoy the museums and restaurants, you don’t need to worry about a day pack, but just have good walking shoes and that umbrella I mentioned.

For anyone visiting Haines for fishing, you can fish just down in town off the piers or you can head to one of the beaches for shore fishing if you’ve brought your own gear. There are a few guide services in town as well that can outfit you and get you onto the water for fishing.

Parking at Fort William Henry Seward

Fort William Henry Seward National Landmark is a mixed use area, meaning that it’s a tourist attraction, a community space, and a residential area. When you visit, if you’re driving into the fort area, please be mindful of parking signs, and if you’re in a spot without restrictions, be sure to park off the road as safely as possible.

More Things to do in Haines

I feel like Haines is kind of this sort of secret spot on the Inside Passage. Most of the cruise ships go to Skagway or Icy Strait Point and completely miss Haines, which makes it wonderful and quiet. I love this town because there is lots to do and it’s beautiful. There are a few museums, you’ve got two state parks, lots of options for fishing, boat charters, LOTS of Chilkat Tlingit totem poles, art and more. Haines is the version of Alaska that I wish still existed all through the Inside Passage and up into South Central AK.

When you’re planning your visit to Haines and your activities, I think spending 3-4 nights is perfect. This gives you plenty of time to hike and enjoy the wildlife and rivers, but then also you can have time in town and up along the Haines Highway. Everyone has a different style of travel and activities they look for, and I think that’s what makes Haines such a good destination to visit.

Here are some of our recommendations for things to do in Haines: