Explore Tacoma Washington’s Largest Park Along Puget Sound
Point Defiance Park, located just 32 miles from Seattle, in Tacoma, Washington, is a place of nature and history. Tacoma’s largest park, is enjoyed by over 2 million visitors each year. Five Mile Drive circles the park, giving way to scenic views of Puget Sound, Tacoma Narrows, the Cascade Mountains, the Olympic Mountain Range and Mount Rainer. Observe sail boats and ferry boats navigating along the South Sound. Sunbathers and beachcombers enjoy Owen Beach on warm Northwest days. Piers occupy sightseers and those who fish alike.
- Hike through the park’s old growth forest and theme gardens. The 702-acre park, first set aside as a military reservation, was named a public park in 1888 by President Grover Cleveland. The old growth trees remain untouched, towering above providing a shaded canopy. The park envelops 8 feature gardens, including a Rose Garden, Fuchsia Garden and Dahlia Trail. The Rhododendron Garden included over 500 plants native to the Northwest. The Japanese Garden, contains a 17th century replica of the Pagoda, a Japanese lodge.
- Visit the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium. With its Pacific Rim theme, the animals at the zoo originate from countries bordering the Pacific Ocean. Watch as the beluga whales swim, the walrus bellow and the polar bears play. Sumatran tigers, reindeer and artic fox also call the zoo their habitat. The zoo contains many endangered species, including the red wolf. In 1980, only 14 pure wolves existed. There are now over 250 wolves, due to the conservation efforts of the recovery program at the zoo. Many of the wolves have been reintroduced into the wild. The zoo is open daily for visitors.
- Learn at Fort Nisqually Living History Museum. Re-enactors demonstrate 19th century history and crafts at the fort. Fort Nisqually was the first settlement by Europeans on Puget Sound, established by the Hudson’s Bay Company in 1833. A new interpretive center will be coming soon.
- Volunteer to operate the Browns Point Lighthouse. Take on the lighthouse keeper’s duties for one week, with lodging at the Light Keeper’s Cottage. Explore the Browns Point Lighthouse Park surrounding the lighthouse, which was closed in 1964 and now on the National Historic Register.
- Discover the W.W. Seymour Botanical Conservatory. Tacoma’s glass-enclosed botanical garden contains exotic tropical plants, delightful azaleas and rhododendrons and over 200 orchids. The 12-sided glass dome lets sun in, warming the temperature of the garden.
Exploring Point Defiance Park can be exciting and educational. Most attractions at the park have free admission, except the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium. Contact the zoo for more information on admission fees.
Originally published by Suite101.com on July 6, 2007
