How do I get to Jewell Gardens?
If you have a car or are up for a good walk or bike ride (rentals available on 5th Ave)– we are located just across the Skagway River Bridge – on the west side of the river, about a mile from downtown Skagway. Walk up admission is $12.50 per adult. We have discounts for seniors and kids 12 years and under.
Skagway’s city transit, the SMART Shuttle, offers transport to the gardens. Pick up locations are every other block in downtown Skagway on Broadway Street every 30 minutes. Buses leave downtown beginning at 9:00 am. The last bus leaves Jewell Gardens at 5:00 pm for downtown Skagway.
Does Jewell Gardens offer discounted tickets?
We offer discounted rates for members of the military, veterans, kids (ages 0–12), and seniors (ages 55+). Please bring valid form of ID.
Are walk-in customers welcome to the garden?
Yes – Our gardens are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily from late April through early October. We turn our furnaces off and put the garden beds to sleep after the cruise season is over. We sometimes have space on our glassblowing tours for day of bookings but it is best to book in advance. Give our office a call at 907-983-2111 or click “Book Tours!” to reserve your spot today.
How long does it take to see the Gardens?
Visit lengths vary, but we recommend planning on at least an hour to see the majority of the Gardens. Please pick up a Garden Map in the gift shop when you purchase admission.
Can I smoke in the Gardens?
To protect the health and well-being of our guests, staff, and plants, Jewell Gardens is a smoke-free environment. Guests may smoke in the designated smoking area in the parking lot.
Are walk-in customers welcome to eat at Poppies?
Poppies Restaurant is open from 11 am to 4 pm daily from late April through early October. You do not need a reservation to eat. Sometimes we have large tours that dine in our restaurant from 12:30-1:30. For the best dining experience, please plan to eat outside of these hours.
What cruise lines sell Jewell Gardens & Glassworks Tours?
Almost all the cruise lines sell at least one of our tours. Please visit the Cruise Passenger page for information on which tour programs are sold by the different cruise lines.
What happens in case of inclement weather?
Visiting our Gardens is a largely outdoor experience, and our tours and events are rain or shine. It frequently rains in Skagway so please be prepared for varying weather conditions. Rainy and cold days are a great excuse to get warm by our glassblowing furnaces. Ask our gift shop personnel about day of tour bookings.
Does Jewell Gardens have parking facilities? Is it free?
Parking at Jewell Gardens is free but limited. We have buses that frequently pick up visitors at our entrance. Please do not block any gates or the driveway.
Do I need prior experience to try Glassblowing?
No! Almost none of our glassblowing guests have ever done it before. It is a very personal excursion opportunity with no more than ten guests per trip. You spend a full hour and a half in the ‘hot shop’ studio with our glass artists who will walk you through the process.
Do I get to keep the glass that I blow?
Of course – and perhaps best of all, you don’t need to try and pack it home with you in your suitcase! The final stage in the glassblowing process is an ‘annealing’ of your piece. By cooling it down slowly (overnight) the glass becomes more durable and can be handled without fear of it breaking. Since you will likely be gone by the next morning, we include the shipment of your piece at no additional cost. There is a $10 additional cost for international shipping.
Can I watch the Glassblowing if I’m not on a Glass Tour?
Yes, we have built our hot shop studios “open air” so that all visitors can watch the mesmerizing process. We just ask that you do not enter a tour or a studio without permission from Jewell Gardens staff. If you are really interested in glassblowing, we suggest you sign up for a glassblowing class or guided demonstration.
How long should I allow to shop in your gallery?
This is entirely up to you and your shopping speed. The longer you spend in our galley, the more unique hand blown products you will find. We have lots of staff which are knowledgeable about glass that can assist you in your Christmas shopping for the entire family!
Is the facility wheelchair accessible?
You can tour the entire garden – and even blow glass in our glassblowing ‘hot shop’ – in a wheelchair! There are a few beds that we allow people to walk on narrow pathways which cannot accommodate a wheelchair, but it won’t detract from your experience. If you are comfortable maneuvering your wheelchair or scooter on the grass, you can experience more of the garden. There is uneven terrain and various surfaces, so please always watch where you are traveling. We have an ADA compliant restroom for our mobility impaired guests.
How big is the garden?
The Jewell Gardens property is over 5 acres. Just over three acres are planted. The other two acres hold buildings, the gift shop and glass gallery, Poppies restaurant, Garden City Glassworks studios, the parking area, and the wooded hillside.
Is there much to see in May?
Of course the garden changes dramatically throughout the summer and May in Skagway is like April in Chicago. We plant thousands of bulbs that delight our guests in early May. By mid-May the garden has undergone a dramatic change and our guests are amazed at the progression that has taken place in a few short weeks. And of course the Glassblowing Hot Shop offers warmth, color & dramatic flair throughout the summer!
What growing zone is Skagway in?
The U.S. Department of Agriculture lists us as a Zone 4. However, our long winters and cool summers make many Zone 4 plants difficult to grow. There are also some Zone 3 and Zone 5 plants that survive in our climate. Our biggest challenge is our severe wind, which is particularly hard on shrubs. For example, Zone 3 Rhododendrons have to be in a protected location to survive.
What is the annual precipitation in Skagway?
Skagway averages 25 inches of precipitation a year, most of which accumulates during late summer and early fall. September and October are our wettest months. Early season is pretty dry. In May, we average only half an inch for the whole month! We must water every day in May.
Can I walk in the grass barefoot to connect with the earth?
Unfortunately, no. There are a lot of glass features in the gardens and we would hate for you to get cut. We know that the grass is lush but please be respectful of this wish as we just want to keep you and your loved ones safe.
Can I pick the flowers?
Please stay on paths or grass and be respectful of our plants; do not step in flower beds, pick flowers or fruit.
Where can I consume alcoholic beverages in the garden?
No alcohol is allowed in the gardens or glassblowing studios; our restaurants will be pleased to serve you. Our liquor license does not extend throughout the property and if you do not obey these rules, you may be asked to leave.
Can I bring my pet?
Pets are not permitted in the Gardens, nor are there provisions to temporarily house them during a visit. Please do not leave pets in your car in the parking lot during warm weather since shade is minimal. Properly identified service animals that provide assistance for guests with disabilities are permitted everywhere at Jewell Gardens. Owners are required to clean up after them.
Can I fly a drone?
The Skagway airport is very close to Jewell Gardens and the airspace above the gardens is frequented by small planes. From a plane, there is a great perspective to see the gardens and is a treat to view the layout from above. However, you are not permitted to fly drones at Jewell Gardens.