Red Dog Saloon: A Legendary Alaskan Landmark in Juneau
Step into history and wild tales at Juneau’s oldest tourist destination, brimming with Gold Rush lore, music, and famous memorabilia.
Red Dog Saloon: Juneau’s Storied Bar of Legends and Lore
Located at 278 South Franklin Street in Juneau, Alaska, the Red Dog Saloon is far more than a bar—it stands as an enduring symbol of Alaska’s wild past and vibrant present. Recognized by the Alaska Legislature for its longevity, it is celebrated as Juneau’s oldest man-made tourist attraction—a place where local history, Gold Rush legends, and lively entertainment converge to offer visitors an unforgettable experience.
Table of Contents
- History and Origins
- Notable Moments and Entertainers
- Quirky Memorabilia and Collections
- The Story Behind the Sawdust Floor
- Relocation and Evolution
- The Modern Red Dog Experience
- Red Dog Mercantile & Souvenirs
- Frequently Asked Questions
History and Origins
The Red Dog Saloon was founded during Juneau’s mining era, a time when gold fever drew prospectors from across the globe into Alaska’s rugged wilderness. While its history stretches back to the early 1900s when it reportedly operated as a humble tent on Douglas Island, official records establish 1949 as its founding date. The saloon quickly became a focal point for miners, travelers, and locals seeking respite, camaraderie, and entertainment.
- Founders: Earl and Thelma Forsythe (also referenced as early proprietors), followed by longtime owner Gordie Kanouse, and later the Harris Family and other local owners.
- Mining era roots: Gold miners would visit after a hard day at the mines, with the saloon serving as a refuge for stories, music, and laughter.
- Oldest man-made tourist attraction: Recognized by the Alaska Legislature for its enduring legacy.
Notable Moments and Entertainers
The Red Dog Saloon’s history is peppered with colorful characters and events that fueled its fame:
- “Ragtime Hattie”: The legendary entertainer regularly played the piano in white gloves and a silver dollar halter top, delighting miners and visitors alike over many years.
- Mule-led tours: During territorial days, Gordie Kanouse would meet arriving tour boats with his mule, which bore a sign saying, “follow my ass to the Red Dog Saloon”—a local tradition that became famous.
- Television fame: The saloon hosted an episode of The Ed Sullivan Show shortly after Alaska became a state, cementing its place in national memory.
Quirky Memorabilia and Collections
Inside the swinging doors and above the sawdust floors, visitors will find a trove of unique memorabilia that showcases the saloon’s distinctive character:
- Wyatt Earp’s gun: Once checked at the bar but never claimed during Earp’s journey to Nome.
- Walrus oosik: An authentic walrus penile bone, a quirky Alaskan curiosity.
- Trophy wildlife mounts: Animal trophies lining walls, chronicling the region’s wildlife and hunting traditions.
- Signed currency: Paper bills autographed by miners and visitors over the years, adding international flavor to the décor.
- Antique furs, guns, and relics: Carefully curated by successive owners, preserving Juneau’s connection to its rugged past.
The Story Behind the Sawdust Floor
Few sights better evoke the Gold Rush spirit than the Red Dog’s iconic sawdust-covered floor—a tradition born out of necessity and opportunism, as recounted by Juneau author and bartender W.R. Kozey:
“The real reason stems back to the Gold Rush days. Miners would drop gold nuggets from their daily pay, and it was much harder to find them among sawdust than on a hardwood floor. Bartenders would rake up the sawdust and pick out the nuggets, sometimes making as much from the floor as from the bar.”
This practical approach not only reduced cleaning but helped bartenders add to their haul—an ingenious practice now immortalized in local folklore.
Relocation and Evolution
The Red Dog Saloon’s journey through Juneau has seen it inhabit several sites:
- Originally, it stood about two blocks up Franklin Street, later moving across the street beside the Alaskan Hotel.
- In 1988, the entire saloon was painstakingly relocated to its current site at 278 S. Franklin Street, with many original features replaced exactly as they were in the previous room.
- Old timers recall the earliest manifestation as merely a tent on the beach, catering to rowdy Gold Rush miners.
The careful maintenance of décor, artifacts, and historical features reflects the dedication of owners through the decades.
The Modern Red Dog Experience
Now open year-round for lunch and dinner, the Red Dog Saloon remains a hub for locals and visitors seeking authentic Alaskan hospitality. Managed by a group of local Juneauites since 2008, the saloon balances tradition with innovation:
- Daily entertainment: Live music, storytelling, and performances bring crowds into the bar.
- Swinging doors and quirky signage: The classic Western-style entrance adds to the immersive experience.
- Sawdust floors and rustic furnishings: Preserved details evoke genuine Gold Rush atmosphere.
- Welcoming atmosphere: Both locals and travelers are greeted with fellowship and friendly service.
The saloon’s unique blend of charm, irreverence, and authenticity continues to make it one of Alaska’s most popular destinations.
Red Dog Mercantile & Souvenirs
Since 2012, the Red Dog Saloon has been slightly expanded, connecting seamlessly to the larger Red Dog Mercantile shop. Here, visitors can purchase a wide variety of Red Dog souvenirs and apparel, including:
- Branded t-shirts and hats
- Unique Alaskan memorabilia
- Books chronicling local history and tall tales
- Custom glassware and collectibles
Both the saloon and the mercantile are dedicated to enhancing the experience for every guest, celebrating Juneau’s past while offering modern hospitality.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Why is Red Dog Saloon’s floor covered in sawdust?
A: This tradition comes from the Gold Rush era, when miners’ gold nuggets would fall onto the floor. Sawdust made it harder to find the nuggets, allowing bartenders to rake and collect them later.
Q: What famous items are displayed in the saloon?
A: Notable displays include Wyatt Earp’s gun, a walrus oosik, trophy wildlife mounts, and paper currency signed by miners from around the world.
Q: Who were the most famous entertainers at Red Dog Saloon?
A: “Ragtime Hattie,” known for her elaborate costumes and musical talent, was a longtime favorite performer.
Q: Where is the Red Dog Saloon located?
A: It’s at 278 S. Franklin Street, Juneau, Alaska, and is open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner.
Q: How old is the Red Dog Saloon?
A: Official records mark its founding as 1949, but its origins as a miners’ tent date back to the early 1900s.
Tips for Visiting Red Dog Saloon
- Come early to enjoy lunch or stay late for live entertainment.
- Bring your camera—the quirky decor and memorabilia make for great photos.
- Check out the Red Dog Mercantile for souvenirs to remember your visit.
- If lucky, you may catch a storyteller reciting tall tales from the Gold Rush days.
- Be ready for a lively, bustling crowd—especially during cruise season!
Quick Facts: Red Dog Saloon
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | 278 S. Franklin St, Juneau, Alaska |
| Established | 1949 (mining tent since early 1900s) |
| Recognitions | Oldest man-made tourist attraction in Juneau |
| Flooring | Sawdust, as a Gold Rush tradition |
| Famous Artifacts | Wyatt Earp’s gun, walrus oosik, signed bills, trophy mounts |
| Notable Entertainers | Ragtime Hattie |
| Dining Hours | Year-round, daily lunch & dinner |
| Shop | Red Dog Mercantile (souvenirs & apparel) |
Legacy and Cultural Impact
The Red Dog Saloon’s lasting reputation stems not only from its age, but also from the countless stories exchanged beneath its roof. From wild Gold Rush parties to televised events, and from miners’ currency to quirky antiques, every surface and artifact tells a story. The bar remains a living tribute to Juneau’s irreverent spirit while fostering community and storytelling.
- Oral tradition: Bartenders and patrons alike have passed down tall tales, jokes, and histories, contributing to works such as “Tall Tales of Alaska, the Red Dog Saloon: Stories from the Gold Rush & More.”
- Music and festivity: A venue for song, laughter, and celebration through generations.
- Tourist destination: Featured in travel guides, TV shows, and countless travelogues as a must-visit Alaska experience.
Why Visit Red Dog Saloon?
- Experience living Alaskan history in a vibrant setting.
- Marvel at rare artifacts and Gold Rush relics.
- Enjoy authentic hospitality and local entertainment.
- Leave with tall tales and unique souvenirs.
- Be part of a tradition that spans centuries and connects guests to the heart of Juneau.
A visit to the Red Dog Saloon is more than just a stop for food and drinks—it’s an immersion in Alaska’s legendary folklore, where every corner adds to your adventure.
