Home Things to do 15 Cool Things to do in Haines

15 Cool Things to do in Haines

by Pankaj Upreti
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Things to do in Haines

Haines, Alaska | Photo Credit – Andrei Taranchenko

If you are interested in exploring Haines, this article is just what you need. We have curated a list of 15 places that you must visit on your trip to Haines, to enjoy it at its fullest. From parks to breweries, we have made sure that you get a taste of all the experiences that Haines has to offer. Additionally, if you are also planning on exploring Alaska, we exhort you to check out Things to do in Alaska, which will help you discover the best of Alaska.

We hope you have fun on your trip!

1.Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve

Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve | Photo Credit – Matt Zimmerman

The Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve was established in 1982. It encompasses an area of 48,000 acres and is built with the aim to preserve the population of Bald Eagles found in Haines, Alaska. If you are a nature lover, this place is one of the best places to visit in Haines, as you will have a chance to spot a variety of wildlife.

Here you have the chance to spot animals like mountain goose, swans, moose, and even bears. While you can find Bald Eagles all around the year, yet, the best time to spot them is from October to February. This is an ideal place to visit with your family and we recommend you carry your bird-watching equipment, so you do not miss out on any extraordinary sightings.

2.Port Chilkoot Distillery

Port Chilkoot Distillery | Photo Credit – James Brooks

One of the best things to do on a vacation is to check out the local distillery of the area and Haines comes with the promise of one of the best distilleries in all of Alaska. A perfect place to visit with friends, here you can taste a number of signature cocktails, all of which are locally produced in the distillery.

The place is famous for its Boatwright Bourbon and 50 Fathoms Gin. A visit to Port Chilkoot Distillery makes for a perfect getaway with your loved ones as it would give you the opportunity to drink and relax. Not just this, you can also indulge in some liquor shopping to enjoy later. The Port Chilkoot Distillery is open from Monday to Saturday from 2-8 PM, so make sure that you plan your trip accordingly.

3. Haines Borough Public Library

Do you like the smell of old books and does it instantly make you feel at home? If yes, then when in Haines, make sure that you visit the Haines Borough Public Library. The library has been in operation since 1928 and is one of the most popular spots in Haines among bookworms.

Owing to its excellent management, it won the award for the Best Small Library in America in the year 2005. So if on your trip to Haines, you wish to spend some time by yourself in the company of books then this is the place for you.

4.Haines Brewing Company

One of the best things to do in Haines is to visit the famous Haines Brewing Company and taste their hand-crafted beers. The company has been in operation since 1999 and
Haines Brewing Company | Photo Credit – Lin-Z

One of the best things to do in Haines is to visit the famous Haines Brewing Company and taste their hand-crafted beers. The company has been in operation since 1999 and is known for its fresh and seasonal brews.

Here at the brewery, you will be greeted with localities, with whom you’d have a chance to taste some of the finest beer in the area. The brewery also sells their hand-crafted beers, so make sure that you grab a couple to enjoy your stay in Haines. If you liked visiting Port Chilkoot Distillery, we assure you that you will also enjoy your time at Haines Brewing Company.

5.Jilkaat Kwaan Heritage Center

The Jilkaat Kwaan Heritage Center has been built with the aim to preserve the culture of the natives of Klukwan village. Here you will find a number of artifacts belonging to the indigenous people of the Klukwan village.

If you like history, this will be one of the best places to visit as here you will be greeted with lively traditional forms of performances. Not just this, you can also opt for a tour of the center, which will enable you to understand the place intimately. A visit to Jilkaat Kwaan Heritage Center will be one of the best places that you will visit in Haines and we highly recommend it to you.

6.Sullivan Island State Marine Park

Spanning over an area of 2,700 acres, the Sullivan Island State Marine Park is a perfect getaway from the hustle-bustle of the city. If you are looking for a place where you can beat the crowd but also engage in some outdoor activities, this is the place for you.

Here you can partake in a number of sports- from fishing to boating and kayaking. However, we advise you to check the weather report before you decide to visit the park as sometimes, there can be an alert issued due to the high tides.

7.The Bamboo Room and Pioneer Bar

If you are craving some authentic American food in Haines, you must visit The Bamboo Room and Pioneer Bar
The Bamboo Room and Pioneer Bar | Photo Credit – David Burn

If you are craving some authentic American food in Haines, you must visit The Bamboo Room and Pioneer Bar. The place serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner; so you can plan your visit as per your schedule. The fish that they serve at this restaurant is locally caught, so be prepared to enjoy some fresh fish in your dinner.

Not just this, they also have a special children’s menu and for the adults, they have a variety of alcohol from the local breweries of Haines. The Bamboo Room and Pioneer Bar is an ideal place to visit with your family as it has something to offer to everybody and makes for a holistic experience.

8.Chilkat State Park

Spread across an area of 9800 acres, this is the best place for people who like to enjoy the beauty of nature. This place is known for its mesmerizing views as here one can see both the Chilkat Inlet and Rainbow Glaciers.

This place is an ideal place to visit for trek lovers as it is home to three trails- Seduction Point Trail, Battery Point Trail, and Mount Riley Trail. It is also a great place to indulge in some fishing. Visit this park with your family and spend some time in the tranquility of nature.

9. 33 Mile Road House

If you would like to mingle with the natives in Haines, one of the best places to visit is 33 Mile Road House, which is a cafe cum lodging house. The place has a very lively vibe as it serves as a pit stop for travelers.

The menu includes a number of local cuisines. We recommend you to try out their roadhouse burger, which is one of the most famous dishes of 33 Mile Road House. This is a perfect place to stop by on your road trip and we are sure you are going to love its ethos.

10. Kroschel Films Wildlife Center

A trip to Haines would only be complete after exploring its natural parks and one such natural park is the Kroschel Films Wildlife Center. This place is known for being home to the abandoned and rescued wildlife of Alaska. Here you can see it all- from bears, wolves to porcupines and reindeers.

One of the best ways to enjoy the park is to opt for its guided tour. When at Kroschel Films Wildlife Center, make sure that you check out their gift shop. Here you’d be able to buy a relic to help you remember the time spent in this beautiful place.

11. The Hammer Museum

The Hammer Museum, Haines
The Hammer Museum | Photo Credit – lovinkat

Ever heard about a museum that is solely dedicated to hammers? At Haines, you have the chance to visit one of the most unique museums in the entire U.S. State- The Hammer Museum. The museum is characterized by its larger-than-life exhibition of a hammer, which is part of its main building.

The Hammer Museum opened its door to the public in the year 2002 and is known for its astounding collection of over 7000 hammers. These hammers come from all over the world and have their own unique histories. Here you will be able to learn the various professions in which hammers are employed and the differences in those hammers. To know more about the museum, check them here.

12. Saint James Bay State Marine Park

Haines is full of exquisite parks and one such park which you mustn’t miss is the Saint James Bay State Marine Park. This park is spread across an area of 1000 acres and is ideal to indulge in some water-based activities.

From fishing to kayaking, you can do it all. If you are looking for an adventurous day in the sun, this is the place you ought to visit. The park also makes for some marvelous views of nature, thus ensuring that you are going to love every bit of it.

13. The American Bald Eagle Foundation Museum

Are you mesmerized by the magnificence of the Bald Eagle? If yes, then The American Bald Eagle Foundation Museum is just the place for you. This organization was founded in 1982 with the aim to conserve the population of the American Bald Eagle. Here you can opt for a guided tour to learn all about the American Bald Eagle.

Not just this, you will also have a chance to witness them in their natural habitat. The museum operates from Monday to Saturday from ten in the morning to four in the evening and remains closed on Sundays. This is one of the most unique places to visit in Haines and we highly recommend it to you. To know more about The American Bald Eagle Foundation Museum, check them here.

14.Sheldon Museum and Cultural Center

If you are interested in learning about the rich history of Haines then a visit to Sheldon Museum and Cultural Center is one of the best things to do when in Haines. Here, you will be acquainted with the history of the region from the indigenous area to the current times. In the museum, you will find a number of cultural artifacts, photographs, and books.

This is one of the best places to visit with your children as it would help them understand the culture of Haines in a comprehensible manner. The museum also has a separate wing for children, Children’s Gallery, where they have curated exhibitions designed for the young.

The museum frequently hosts a number of exhibitions and workshops, which will ensure that every time you visit the museum, you’d have a uniquely immersive experience.  If you would like to visit more museums, read Things to do in Anchorage, Alaska. Here you will find a number of museum suggestions to visit in Anchorage, Alaska. 

15. Chilkoot River

Cool Things to do in Haines
Chilkoot River | Photo Credit – mike

The Chilkoot River runs in Southeast Alaska and is about 20 miles long. It derives its name from the indigenous settlement that historically found its settlement near its bank. If your idea of vacation includes chilling by natural sites, then this is just the right place for you.

Additionally, the place is also known as one of the best places to sight bears. Over the years, the river has also emerged as one of the prime locations for camping. So, if you’d like to spend a night under the night sky, this is the place for you. The river is also an excellent place to indulge in some outdoor activities like kayaking, canoeing and fishing.


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