Sign Post Forest in Watson Lake

The Sign Post Forest in Watson Lake, Yukon:
A Unique Roadside Legacy
Nestled along the Alaska Highway in Watson Lake, Yukon, the Sign Post Forest is one of the most iconic and quirky roadside attractions in Canada. This ever-growing collection of over 100,000 signs from around the world is a testament to human connection, nostalgia, and the spirit of adventure. In September 2024, travel enthusiast Kass from KassDays visited this remarkable site, capturing its charm and sharing his experience with his  followers. Let’s dive into the history, origins, and current 

state of this beloved landmark.
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A Homesick Soldier’s Legacy
The Sign Post Forest began in 1942 during the construction of the Alaska Highway, a critical World War II project prompted by the Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor in December 1941. The highway, stretching 2,414 kilometers from Dawson Creek, British Columbia, to Fairbanks, Alaska, was built to provide a land route connecting the contiguous United States to Alaska. Thousands of American soldiers, including Private Carl K. Lindley of Company D, 341st Army of Engineers, were deployed to the remote Yukon to complete this monumental task.

While working near Lower Post, British Columbia, Lindley was injured and sent to an Army Aid Station in what is now Watson Lake, then a military airbase. Tasked with light duties during his recovery, Lindley was asked to repair and repaint a directional signpost that indicated distances to various locations along the highway. Feeling homesick, he added a personal touch: a sign pointing to his hometown of Danville, Illinois, 4,300 kilometers away, complete with the mileage. This simple act sparked a tradition that would grow into the world-famous Sign Post Forest.

Growth of a Global Tradition
Lindley’s sign inspired others to follow suit. Fellow soldiers and later travelers began adding their own signs, marking their hometowns, cities, or personal messages. By 2004, the forest boasted nearly 55,000 signs, and by 2024, that number had soared to over 100,000, covering a two-acre area. The signs are as diverse as the travelers who leave them: license plates from Nova Scotia, stolen highway signs, handcrafted wooden plaques, and even a massive 6x10-foot sign from the German autobahn. Visitors can bring their own signs or create one at the Watson Lake Visitor Information Centre.

The forest has been nurtured over the years by the Watson Lake community, including groups like the Lions Club and the Town of Watson Lake. In 1992, during the 50th anniversary of the Alaska Highway, Carl Lindley and his wife, Elinor, returned to Watson Lake as guests of the town. Lindley replaced his original Danville sign, which had long since rotted away, with a replica now displayed at the Visitor Center alongside photos from 1942 and 1992. A time capsule buried during the 1992 celebration is set to be opened in 2042, adding to the forest’s legacy.

Where It Stands Today
Located at historic mile 635 of the Alaska Highway, near the junction with the Robert Campbell Highway, the Sign Post Forest is a designated historic site by the Yukon Government since August 30, 2013. It remains a must-see stop for travelers, offering free admission and ample parking. The forest is a maze of towering posts, with new panels added regularly to accommodate the roughly 2,000 signs contributed annually. In 2024, the Yukon government announced plans to repurpose old “Yukon: Larger than Life” welcome signs, with one slated for display near the forest for photo opportunities.

In September 2024, Kass from KassDays explored this vibrant attraction, likely wandering through the rows of signs and perhaps adding his own mark to the collection. His visit highlights the forest’s enduring appeal to modern adventurers. The Sign Post Forest is more than a tourist stop; it’s a living record of global travel, personal stories, and the shared experience of the open road.
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A Bucket-List DestinationWhether you’re a history buff, a road trip enthusiast, or simply curious, the Sign Post Forest invites you to leave your mark and connect with travellers past and present. As Kass’s visit in 2024 shows, this quirky landmark continues to captivate, offering a glimpse into the human need to say, “I was here.” Plan your trip to Watson Lake, grab a sign, and become part of this extraordinary tradition.