In 1972, the post was designated a national historic site and the name, Fort William Steward, was restored. The annual strawberry festival developed into the Southeast Alaska State Fair, which draws thousands of visitors each year. The last of the early canneries closed in 1972 due to declining fish stocks. Expansion of the timber industry in the early 1970s fueled growth. The sawmills closed in 1976.
Tourism is now an important source of income in the community.
A federally recognized tribe is located in the community. Historically Chilkat Indian territory, Haines is now predominantly a non-Native community. There are two Chilkat Indian Villages in the area, the Chilkoot, in Haines, and the Chilkat, in Klukwan. Haines is home to the world's largest congregation of bald eagles, who feed from the hot spring-fed rivers. The Chilkat Bald Eagle Reserve, located 18 miles from Haines, is a major attraction in Southeast Alaska.