Tacoma Attractions

The Children's Museum of Tacoma offers children a chance to learn and be creative while having fun. Some of the themes include art, gardening, neighborhoods, an area for parents to learn about entertaining ideas for children, and a regularly changing exhibit each week.

The Commencement Bay Maritime Center focuses on the history of Tacoma and the port.

The Karpeles Library contains some very famous documents and claims to be the "world's largest private holding of important original manuscripts & documents". However, they are not all at the Tacoma location, the Karpeles Library has buildings across the United States. At the Tacoma location visitors will find originals by Napoleon, Gandhi, Galileo Galilei, and more.

The Museum of Glass in Tacoma, is a fine art museum focusing on glass in contemporary art. The museum features changing exhibits to check ahead to see what about current and upcoming exhibitions. The Museum of Glass, or MOG as it is often referred, opened in 2002 and is located in a very unique building with an easily identifiable stainless steel cone and the adjoining Chihuly Bridge of Glass.

In 2003 the Tacoma Art Museum moved locations to a new modern, and much larger facility. The museum features a permanent collection as well as temporary exhibits. Artist from the United States and around the world are showcased at the Tacoma Art Museum.

The Tacoma Opera has been in operation since 1968 and is well respected in Washington. The opera presents a full season of performances each year and also offers educational programs.

Tacoma's historic Union Station has been lovingly restored and is worth a visit. The facility is available for rent evenings, weekends and holidays, and can hold up to 1,200 people. Union Station is open to the public weekdays during working hours.

The Washington State History Museum in Tacoma displays both a permanent collection and changing exhibits. Visitors will learn about the history of the state and the Pacific Northwest.

The town of Enumclaw lies just east of Tacoma. This mid- size town is a pleasant place to visit and is considered a gateway to some of the nearby natural attractions such as Mt. Rainier National Park.

Mud Mountain Dam was built in 1948 with the intention of keeping the surrounding areas from flooding, a regular occurence before the dam was errected. The area immediately around Mud Mountain Dam is visit friendly, with areas to view the dam and walking paths.

The Fox Island is located in Puget Sound and accessible by a bridge to the mainland. The Fox Island Historical Museum, with a focus on the island's history has undergone a recent expansion, allowing for more space for displays.

Lakewold Gardens offers 10 acres of gardens, statuary, landscape architecture and a Georgian-style mansion. The gardens were designed by a leading landscape architect, Thomas D. Church.

Puyallup was established in the 1870s, founded by, Ezra Meeker. The town hosts a number of annual events including the Puyallup Fall Fair held each September.

Meeker Mansion in Puyallup is a late 1800s two storey home, built by the town's founder and mayor, Ezra Meeker. The home is open to the public and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The small town of Steilacoom is known for its historical buildings, many of which are well maintained. The town, founded in the mid 1800's, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Tribal Cultural Center and Museum explains the history of the Steilacoom Tribe with changing and permanent exhibits of jewelry, basketry and photography.

The Steilacoom Historical Museum focuses on the last half of the 1800s, with pioneer artifacts, photographs, and memorabilia.

Sumner is located just east of Tacoma. The town is small but its proximity to both Seattle and Tacoma provide all benefits of city life. The area offers a wealth of recreational opportunities and community is very active.

Visit the Sumner Ryan House Museum to see this late 19th Century cabin. The house has been restored and features historical displays.