If you are planning a visit to Seattle, you should consider checking out Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park. This park is the smallest national park in the USA, and is a museum that details the Gold Rush in the area. You can tour historical buildings and see exhibits about everyday life if the history interest you. This unique park is located near Pike Place Market in Seattle. Admission is free to the public, but you should book in advance.
The park features self-guided tours and ranger-led tours that cover the history of the region. Visitors can explore the exhibits, films, and gold panning demonstrations on weekends. You can also view incredible artifacts from the time. You can build your own experience of the Gold Rush, too, by choosing to guide yourself or touring with a park ranger to learn more about the Seattle time period. To find out what else is in store, you’ll have to visit the museum!
If you enjoy learning about the history of the area, you should also visit the Center for Wooden Boats. This non-profit organization provides sailboat adventures for the public and rents out boats all week. If you would rather keep your feet firmly planted on land, you can also check out the Museum of History and Industry. This museum celebrates the city’s role in industry and catalogs the events that led to its rise as a major port city.
Another activity for any history buff is the park’s Stehekin Valley, which is the perfect spot for you to explore the area’s history. Located in the headwaters of Lake Chelan, you can navigate this valley on foot, by boat, or by plane. Among the sights are the 300-foot Rainbow Falls and the Harlequin Bridge. You can also explore the town’s historic district and see structures from the late 1800s to the 1950s.
There are several national parks within easy driving distance of Seattle, Washington. Some charge an entrance fee, but others offer free admission. You can also check out some of the state parks in the area. Both national and state parks are a wonderful way to spend quality time in the outdoors. No matter what you’re in the mood for, the museums, nature trails, and wildlife viewing areas have something for everyone. It’s definitely worth the time, considering there is such a variety of activities and exhibitions for the entire family.
You should also check out another popular landmark in Seattle called the Space Needle. Originally built to host the 1962 World’s Fair, this 605-foot-tall structure is a landmark in the city. The observation level is reached by a 43-second elevator ride. From there, you can enjoy panoramic views of the city.