Haines, Alaska Cruises

Haines, Alaska Cruise Port

• Military history buffs will want to check out Fort William H. Seward, a nationally recognized historic site. Also called Port Chilkoot, it got its name from the man who negotiated the purchase of Alaska from Russia. While most of the original buildings are private residences, you'll also find places to eat and galleries featuring local art.
   
• To focus more on the native people of the area, visit the Haines Sheldon Museum & Cultural Center. Here you'll learn more about Tlingit art, history, and culture, and get some information about parts of Haines, such as the Eldred Rock Lighthouse.
   
• The outdoor adventurer's dream come true, Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve is one of North America's most popular wilderness parks. Many cruise lines offer shore excursions to include the many types of tours associated with the park, which include whale watching, glacier flightseeing, and kayaking.
   
• Shopping is plentiful in Haines; many shops are open year round, although some are seasonal. Here are just a few: for quality handcrafted items, there's Alaska Rod's; Bell's Store has plenty of fresh Alaskan seafood; and the Gold Spot is where you'll find jewelry made from gold nuggets, along with other Alaska-themed gifts.