Circled around a grassy parade ground, the graceful buildings of historic Fort Seward are backdropped by snow-capped mountains. Along the top of the hill is “Officers’ Row,” the white century-old homes that once housed captains, lieutenants, and their families. Today, the buildings are used as private residences, bed-and-breakfasts, and the Hotel Halsingland.

A reconstructed Tlingit tribal house—decorated inside and out with colorful carvings—sits within the parade grounds, and the nonprofit Alaska Indian Arts (907/766-2160, www.alaskaindianarts.com) operates from the old hospital building on the southeast side of Fort Seward. Inside you’ll find master wood-carvers, silversmiths, blanket weavers, and other crafts workers, plus a gallery.

It’s officially open weekdays year-round, but may not be staffed when a cruise ship isn’t in port. The Haines Visitors Bureau (2nd Ave. near Willard St., 907/766-2234, www.haines.ak.us) has a free detailed historical guide and walking tour of Fort Seward.