Company History
Come for the history. Stay for the adventure. Leave with the spirit of Alaska in your veins.
1999
It was Ron Holway’s lifelong dream to preserve a piece of Alaska’s gold-mining legacy so future generations could experience its spirit and history firsthand.
In the spring of 1999, Tom Hall approached his friend, lifelong gold miner Ron Holway, with a bold idea: move Ron’s 1937 gold dredge from the Klondike gold fields north of Dawson City to Skagway. The massive relic sat weathered and silent in the far north — a forgotten giant of the gold rush era.
For Ron, preserving gold mining history wasn’t just a goal — it was a lifelong dream.
Together, they rallied friends and family to undertake the incredible task of relocating and rebuilding the historic dredge from Dawson City to the banks of the Skagway River, giving a legendary piece of the gold rush a powerful new life.
2000 / 2001
In May 2000, the Klondike Gold Dredge opened its doors and began welcoming guests into Alaska’s gold rush story.
By August 2001, the experience was featured for the first time as a cruise line add-on tour — and it quickly struck gold. In the years that followed, additional cruise lines joined in, demand surged, tours were expanded and enhanced, and new heated gold panning sheds and shopping spaces were added — transforming the Klondike Gold Dredge into one of Skagway’s must-experience attractions.
2009 / 2010
In 2009, the site grew even bigger with the addition of a brewery and restaurant, and the company was renamed Klondike Gold Fields — reflecting its evolution from a single tour into a vibrant, multi-experience destination.
Expansion continued in 2010 with the exciting addition of a live sled dog demonstration, giving guests an even deeper taste of Alaska’s adventurous spirit.
TODAY
Over time, Klondike Gold Fields evolved into something even greater — now proudly known as Alaska 360’s Dredge Town. The new name reflects our mission: to immerse guests of all ages in a dynamic blend of educational, interactive, and entertaining experiences that bring Alaska’s most iconic highlights to life — all in one unforgettable location.
Built on a foundation of excellence and authenticity, what began as one man’s dream to preserve the Gold Rush history has grown into a bold vision — showcasing not only Alaska’s storied past, but the spirit and daily life of Alaskans today.
Today, the team at Alaska 360’s Dredge Town is passionate about creating “Your Day in Skagway” — where guests step back to the 1890s amid authentic period buildings, costumed guides, and an exciting variety of tours and hands-on experiences. We proudly provide award-winning tours and have been nominated for many years as one of Alaska’s highest-quality experiences, delivering history with heart, energy, excellence, and true passion.
By honoring the miners of yesterday and the Alaskans of today who make this state extraordinary, Ron Holway’s dream has truly come full circle.
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