Things To Do In Tacoma

Things To Do In Tacoma – Fort Nisqually Living History Museum

Fort Nisqually Living History Museum

Established in 1833 as an outpost for fur trading, Fort Nisqually is now a living history museum based in Tacoma, Washington. It was the very first European settlement on the Puget Sound that was later occupied by Americans and British. When you visit the museum, you will find volunteers dressed in period clothing and engaged in old 19th-century social practices, work, and crafts.

The museum is open year-round, which means you can visit it whenever you are in Tacoma. Located in Point Defiance Park, the Fort Nisqually Living History Museum features a total of seven historically equipped buildings. This includes two National Historic benchmarks, a Museum Store and a Visitor Center. If you are visiting in a large group, you can also rent the multi-purpose room.

Efforts to conserve the remnants of the dilapidated and long-abandoned fortress from the 1800s were made in 1933. The primary focus lay in the two remaining structures of the fortress, the Granary, and the Factor’s House. Both structures were then moved to the Point Defiance Park, and the remaining outpost turned into a Living Museum.

Present-day, the Granary still stands as Washington’s oldest wood-framed edifice. Currently, there are no tangible remains of the Nisqually Fort in Dupont. But the area is a secure site for archaeological activities. A route along the Sequalitchew Creek’s south bank leads to a pointer for the Fort that tells the location and describes the post. During the 1930s, the Fort was rebuilt at its present location in Point Defiance Park as a way to bring the country out of the Great Depression.

The Fort is adorned with various exquisite exhibits as well as many other original objects. Informative events are also hosted by volunteers that truly revive life as it was in 1855. All exhibits include practical activities designed for all age groups. You can search and select artifacts from Fort Nisqually Living History Museum’s permanent collection from the mid-1800s.

The museum’s library is also available if you wish to do more research about a certain topic or artifact. The non-circulating materials comprise recorded copies pertaining to primary materials of Fort Nisqually, the Puget Sound Company, and the Hudson’s Bay Company.

Visitors should definitely stop by the Museum Store in the Visitor Center. You can freely browse the fascinating selection of Pacific Northwest history books and also take home locally made jewelry and gifts. The store is also a great place to find some hidden historical gems like Green River knives and wooden toys. The Heritage Gardens are also something you must see as they represent the much more profound historic garden that used to be located in the Fort’s original site. The gardens replicate agricultural practices from the 19th century and are quite intriguing to uncover.

To visit the museum, you have to pay a $9 admission fee. Special exhibits and events can go all the way up to $16. You will need to purchase the tickets online to avoid any last-minute entry issues because of full quotas.

 

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Dash Point State Park

 

Fort Nisqually Living History Museum Tacoma, WA

 

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Things To Do In Tacoma – Washington State History Museum

Washington State History Museum, Tacoma

The Washington State History Museum is headquartered in downtown Tacoma and operated by the Washington State Historical Society. Founded in August of 1996, the museum is a great place to visit for a fun and educational experience. While you look around the facility, you will get to learn a lot about the country. The exhibits offer an interesting opportunity to learn about the country’s unique places and people and how they have impacted the national and international arenas.

Perched amongst a thriving array of restaurants, art galleries, and shops, the WSHM offers fascinating exhibitions and objects taken from the Society’s permanent collection. There are also exhibitions that explore different investigative cases like D.B Cooper to the establishment of American football.

There are three permanent exhibits that the museum maintains. One is related to Washington’s history and its relation with the Pacific Northwest, containing relics from industrialization, women’s suffrage, etc. The topmost floor of the museum houses a History Lab, where visitors can research and learn history with a more practical approach. It also contains one of the state’s biggest and permanent layouts of a model train, covering an area of 1700 square feet. Other exhibits include:

Great Wall of Washington State History

This exhibits dives into detail about the engaging history of the Washington State via life-sized sculptures, videos, and dioramas. You can find 35 visually pleasing sculptures, all of which come with audio and video components for a fun history lesson. Here, you can learn about a range of topics, from prehistory to modern-day Washington.

History Lab Learning

This exhibition is targeted more towards children and students and provides a more hands-on approach to learning. It uses computers and other activities to learn history with photos, audio, and artifacts. You can also play historical games or listen to old stories. Due to its innovativeness, this program has received numerous awards from both the American Association of Museums and the American Association of Local and State History.

Model Railroad

Near the History Lab is the Model Railroad exhibition developed by engineers from Puget Sound Model Railroad to a 1:87 scale. During the first Saturday of every month, engineers run the model trains from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Real railroad rules are also followed.

Besides these popular exhibits, you will also find displays of Native American baskets and masks. These items were crafted a long time ago but have still maintained their beauty and intricacy. If you wish to take a breather, you can also head to the museum’s theater and watch a film related to the state’s history.

The Washington State History Museum also hosts a number of events all through the year. These include an art festival and a Model Train festival. The museum building can also be rented for private events, such as weddings and business meetings.

For an engaging experience, visiting the Washington State History Museum is a must. Once you are done basking in the country’s history, you can then go to a nearby restaurant or shop. There is a lot of casual flare happening near the museum, so you can conclude your day with a bang.

 

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Next Thing To Do In Tacoma:

Fort Nisqually Living History Museum

 

Washington State History Museum Tacoma, WA

 

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Things To Do In Tacoma – Point Defiance Park

Point Defiance Park, Tacoma 

Located in Tacoma, Point Defiance Park is a 760-acre park that houses the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium. In addition to that, it also includes a Rose Garden, beaches, a boardwalk, trails, Rhododendron, and a boathouse. On an annual basis, the park welcomes over 3 million visitors, making it a very popular destination. For a fun-filled day where you get to connect with nature, head with your family to the Point Defiance Park in Tacoma. Here’s are some of the things you need to check out. 

The Gardens 

PDP has a variety of beautiful formal gardens, such as a Japanese Garden, Dahlia gardens, and a Rose garden. These gardens are situated towards the main entrance of the park. While you are there, make sure to stop and smell the flowers.

Wildlife 

Point Defiance Park offers an amazing opportunity to witness the local wildlife in their habitats. While some animals are caged, others roam free inside the zoo. When standing atop the high cliffs that overlook the Tacoma Narrows, you can see bald eagles preying on salmons. You can also see habitats of red foxes, deer, raccoons, Douglas squirrels, and pileated woodpeckers. 

Beautiful Landscapes

The Point Defiance Park has a 450-year-old fir tree as well as 250-foot long vertical bluffs. This spot is perfect for picnics, organized events, and even weddings.

Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium 

Located inside the Point Defiance Park, the combined Zoo and Aquarium are one-of-a-kind facilities in all of the Pacific Northwest. The area is spread across 29 acres and was built in 1905. Due to its popularity among tourists, approximately 70,000 people visit each year. The Association of Zoos and Aquarium has officially recognized PDZA, which means that animals present in the facility are provided high-quality care. 

Guests can take awareness sessions on the importance of conserving wildlife, as that is one of PDZA’s main aims. During the 1960s, the Point Defiance Park Aquarium was combined with a zoo. At the zoo, besides seeing the local wildlife, you can enjoy a wonderful view of Mount Rainier and the Olympic Mountains. 

When you enter the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium, you can visit a variety of exhibitions that the facility has to offer. The zoo’s theme is quite diverse, comprising ecosystems from the Pacific Rim, the tundra, the Pacific Northwest, Southeast Asia, and aquatic habitats. 

Different Recreational Facilities 

As the biggest urban Park in Pierce County, Point Defiance Park has a myriad of trails and roads that wind through beautiful forests. If you are an avid jogger or love hiking, you can pick from a number of beautiful spots to explore. From Owen Breach, you can take a kayak and ride the powerful tides.

Boating 

The Tacoma Yacht Club offers a chance for you to indulge in a relaxing boating trip with your loved ones. If you enjoy water activities, don’t miss out on this boating trip.

Whether you will be traveling with friends or young children, the Point Defiance Park offers something for anyone. Make sure to pack a load of yummy snacks, or you can also enjoy delicious foods in one of the park’s cafes.

 

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Next Thing To Do In Tacoma:

Washington State History Museum

 

Point Defiance Park Tacoma, WA

 

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Things To Do In Tacoma – Wild Waves Theme and Water Park

Wild Waves Theme and Water Park, Tacoma

For a fun-filled day with lots of aquatic activities, splashing, and plunge pools, explore Wild Waves Theme and Water Park in Tacoma. It opened in 1977 as the Enchanted Village and is now one of the most popular summer destinations in the Pacific Northwest. The biggest theme park in all of western Washington, Wild Waves promises a range of different activities and rides.

The water park includes a myriad of water slides, fun river rides, a wave pool, and much more.  You can also find relaxing hot tubs, a Hook’s Lagoon, and a treehouse that is safe for kids. On the other hand, the theme park section, Enchanted Village, contains a variety of rides for kids, families, and thrill enthusiasts.

During the summer, visitors can stop by the Enchanted Village Stage for a fun time with magic and experiment shows. If you plan your visit during the windy or rainy days, you will find fewer crowds and shorter lines.

When visiting the water and theme park, make sure to pack some snacks, sunscreen, slip-on shoes, and a swimsuit. There’s plenty of stuff to enjoy there, and here are some of our favorite spots.

Pirates Ahoy

Wild Waves Water Park features a range of activities that both children and adults can enjoy. From plunging down a twisty waterslide and floating in the Wave Pool to relaxing in a warm tub, there’s a lot to do. For children, Pirates Ahoy offers a great time in the shallows and the waterfalls.

Zooma Falls

For a memorable time that the whole family can enjoy together, head over to Zooma Falls. The gigantic slide can accommodate four riders who can then experience sharp turns and big curves before traveling under a waterfall. Other fun slides include the four serpentine Konga Slides, where each of the slides has an unexpected twist that will surely wind, twist, and send you flying out of the slide tube.

The riptide is another fun activity to try, the experience of which is similar to being flushed down a toilet. Once you have surpassed the sharp drop, you will spin around in a bowl before finally getting sucked down the drain.

Konga Lazy River

If you are not up for the crazy slides or the thrashing waters that send you flying here and there, then you are in luck. The Konga lazy river is an ideal spot to relax, and you can go in circles as many times as you like. You can get floaties for free at every slide, but you can rent your own also if you want to avoid long queues.

The Wild Thing Roller Coaster

The Wild Thing Roller Coaster, with its two corkscrews and loop-de-loop, is sure to give you an adrenaline rush. It takes two rounds and will also turn you upside down.

Lumberjack Falls                          

This ride is a fan-favorite log flume ride that sends you hurtling 50 feet down into the water. You will definitely feel like you are in the middle of a whirlpool.

Add a trip to Wild Waves Theme and Water Park in Tacoma to your bucket list for a fun and memorable day!

 

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Next Thing To Do In Tacoma:

Point Defiance Park

 

Wild Waves Theme and Water Park Tacoma, WA

 

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Things To Do In Tacoma – LeMay – America’s Car Museum

LeMay – America’s Car Museum, Tacoma

LeMay- America’s Car Museum is an entity of America’s Automotive Trust and a top spot for car enthusiasts and families to see the history of automobiles. Located in Tacoma, the facility is spread on a 165,000 square feet area with four floors. The architecture of the ACM is designed in a unique way. It allows you to see half of it when going down and the remaining half while traveling up. The museum’s present collection contains around 250 cars that have a rich history spanning over a century. In addition to that, there is a temporary exhibition of 100 automobiles that come from private collections.

Even if you don’t find cars particularly interesting, you will still enjoy paying this place a visit. Whether you are traveling alone, with children, or with friends, you will find something that is geared for your interests. Here are some of the fun activities you can do, even if you are accompanied by children.

Virtual Race Car Driving

There is an area in the museum dedicated to CXC racing simulators. They look just as fun as arcade cars, and the tickets are also reasonably priced ($5 for members and $8 for non-members). You can also observe the racers while sitting or standing with your family members. This activity is ideal for both teens and adults alike.

Slot Cars

Slot cars are a powered mini-vehicle led by a slot or groove in the track on which it runs. At ACM, you can get a ticket for slot cars for $2 (members) and $3 (non-members).

Photo OP

If you are all about those Instagram photos, don’t miss out on an opportunity for a Photo OP. ACM’s photo OP is absolutely free and is a fantastic way to make cool memories. You can pick any vintage hat of your choice then climb into a gigantic 1923 Buick touring car. You can have your picture taken by any one of the volunteers. You’ll get a print of your photo, and they’ll and send you a copy through email as well.

Hands-on Exhibits

There are numerous exhibits where kids are encouraged to interact and even touch things. The Learning Lab also allows young ones to learn about the future of cars and how to power them. There are fueling and designing stations where kids can design their own cars for the future. Not only is this a very fun activity, but it also teaches kids plenty of things about cars.

NASCAR Racing

NASCAR is a popular sport throughout the country, and if it’s something that interests you, you can’t afford to miss out on this experience. During the session, professional athletes and players talk about famous races. If your children love racecars, they will definitely enjoy learning a few things about the sport.

Family Programs

You can also look into one of the community or family programs provided by the American Car Museum. These include Family Steam Days, Scout programs, and preschool programs for children aged 3 to 5.

So if you are ever in Tacoma with friends or family, be sure to pay the LeMay- American Car Museum a visit and make memories for a lifetime.

 

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Next Thing To Do In Tacoma:

Wild Waves Theme and Water Park

 

LeMay - America’s Car Museum Tacoma, WA

 

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Things To Do In Tacoma – Mount Rainier National Park

Mount Rainier National Park, Tacoma

The Mount Rainier National Park is a 369 sq.-mile reserve in southeast Tacoma. Established in 1899, the park was meant to conserve Mount Rainier, an active volcano standing 14,410 feet tall. Its tops are covered with sparkling white snow, and the peak spawns five key rivers. The park bustles with wildlife from different ecosystems, making it a must-visit. The main purpose of the park is to protect and conserve magnificent Mount Rainier as well as its cultural and natural resources. You will not only experience the beauty of nature while visiting the park but also learn to care for its environment.

Although the Mountain Rainier National Park has a mountainous landscape, visitors can still access it through five different routes that surround the lowlands. Once you have made it there, you can partake in a variety of activities that will make your trip a memorable one. To help you make the most of your experience, we’ve compiled a list of 5 things you need to do.

Visit Paradise

Paradise is one of the most popular destinations in the park, located on the southern slopes of the mountain. Here, you can find a number of hiking trails and a hypnotizing view of the skyline. If you like, you can also trek to different waterfalls and lakes. Especially during summers, Paradise is full to the brim with wildflowers and rushing waterfalls. The melting snow tops also offer a gorgeous opportunity for sightseeing, and the weather is generally warm and cozy.

We recommend that you choose a hiking trail and travel up to Mount Rainier.

Spend Time in Myrtle Falls

Myrtle falls are located in Paradise, so it won’t take too much of your time to see this wonder of nature. The waterfall tumbles 72 feet down into a rocky ravine, while the snow-topped Mount Rainier sits beautifully in the background. Myrtle falls are especially a must-visit if you are looking to take some million-dollar photos that will be remembered for many years.

Drop By at Longmire

Longmire is essentially a service center for visitors who come to see Mount Rainier National Park. The area falls in the Nisqually River at the height of 2,761 feet between the Tatoosh Range and the Ramparts Ridge.

Go to the Chinook Pass

The Chinook Scenic Byway is popular for its memorable landscape, making it is the best path for drives. While passing through this road, you will be able to see Mount Rainier, as well as other natural wonders. When you are on the Chinook Pass, stop at Tipsoo Lake and hike all the way to the Naches Peak Loop.

Visit Sunrise

Just like Paradise, Sunrise is also one of the most enjoyable spots to visit when in Mount Rainier Park. Standing at the height of 6400 feet, this is the highest you can get with a car to enjoy a very pleasant view. You can also hike in Sunrise, ranging from quick and short ones to long and challenging ones.

When visiting Mount Rainier Park, make sure you make the most out of your trip by walking and hiking rather than driving.

 

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Next Thing To Do In Tacoma:

LeMay – America’s Car Museum

 

Mount Rainier National Park

 

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