If you are planning a trip to Defiance, Washington, you need to know what to see and do. From Point Defiance Park to the Fort Nisqually Living History Museum, this city is filled with attractions and experiences. If you are in the mood for a day trip or a weekend getaway, make your way to these locations.
Point Defiance Park
One of the best places to visit in Defiance, Washington, is Point Defiance Park. The park is home to a zoo, aquarium, beach, and marina. It also features a living history museum. While you’re there, check out the restored Hudson’s Bay Company fort and the Factor’s House. The fort was once a vital outpost for international trade, exporting both livestock and crops to Alta California.
Point Defiance Park contains a 760-acre park. It is located in the Puget Sound bays and contains beautiful forests. It also features wildlife like bald eagles, wolves, and deer. The zoo also has a daily show that will keep you entertained. The park is accessible by car, ferry, and bus. The park draws two million visitors each year.
In addition to the zoo, Point Defiance Park has numerous free public gardens. There are also guided tours of the botanical gardens. These tours are offered once a month, but the calendar may change. The Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium also offers free admission for Pierce County residents. The zoo also offers discounts to foster care and income assistance recipients.
Several trails are nearby. You can rent kayaks and can even take a tour of the park. The park also has a public fishing pier. You can also rent a fishing tackle and supplies from the park’s bait shop. The park is also home to a boat launch and an 8-lane boat launch. For fishing, you need a WDW fishing license.
Point Defiance Park is a beautiful park that is home to many recreational activities. It is an ideal place for families and for those who enjoy nature. It’s located on ancestral Coast Salish Tribal land. The area was once home to many fishing camps. The area was ceded to the United States in 1854 as a result of the Treaty of Medicine Creek. Despite this, the Puyallup people still claim their rights and continue to advocate for their traditional lands.
During your visit to Point Defiance Park, you should also visit the Fort Nisqually Site. It is located near the Fort Nisqually and is surrounded by old-growth forest. While the fort is no longer operational, it still offers plenty to see.
Fort Nisqually Living History Museum
Fort Nisqually was a fur trading and farming post that was a part of the Hudson’s Bay Company’s Columbia Department. This place is a great way to learn about the history of the area and its people. Fort Nisqually is located in DuPont, Washington.
Fort Nisqually is a historical site where you can learn about the earliest settlers of the area. The fort is located at Point Defiance Park and contains many historic buildings. It features volunteer interpreters dressed in period attire and a living history museum.
The museum also has a large aquarium and zoo that will delight all animal lovers. There are a variety of animals to view, including polar bears, tufted puffins, and beluga whales. Visitors can also enjoy the beautiful views of the Puget Sound from the aquarium.
The Fort Nisqually Living History Museum has excellent prices and a well-stocked gift shop. The Museum Store sells local crafts, artisan jewelry, and books about history of the Pacific Northwest. It also sells hard-to-find historical items, reenactment supplies, and Green River knives. Proceeds from the museum store help the museum maintain its educational programs. If you are a member of the Fort Nisqually Foundation, you can get a discount on all purchases made in the store.
The historic Lincoln High School and adjacent Lincoln Park are also a must-see in Defiance Washington. This city is also home to numerous gift shops, a local farm stand, and Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium, which is an unusual combination of an aquarium and zoo. Located on nearly 30 acres of zoological land, the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium features exotic animals and reconstructed habitats. There are also a playground and restrooms.
Whether you are traveling to Defiance Washington to experience the Puget Sound region or exploring the history of the region, Fort Nisqually is one of the best places to visit in this city. It is located in Point Defiance Park, and is only eight miles from Tacoma. You can tour the fort year-round to learn about the lives of early European settlers.
Mount Rainier National Park
Mount Rainier National Park is one of the nation’s first national parks and is located two hours south of Seattle. The park contains the highest peak in Washington State and features a wide array of natural wonders. You can hike and bike on more than 260 miles of well-maintained trails. There are also several opportunities to see wildlife.
If you’re interested in seeing a view of Mount Rainier, you can drive to Sunrise Pass. Sunrise Pass offers the best view of the park and offers excellent hiking trails. Another scenic spot is Paradise Overlook, which features beautiful wildflower meadows. Because the park is so large, there are a variety of things to do. You can spend about 48 hours exploring the park’s highlights.
Another great place to enjoy Mount Rainier is Point Defiance Park. It’s the largest park in Pierce County and features a number of hiking trails with amazing views. During the summer months, there is a picnic area with lawn seating that is popular with locals. A kiosk also sells refreshments.
The Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium is another fun place to visit. Founded in 1905, this zoo features a wide variety of animals. It’s home to more than 9,000 animals and 365 species. The park has an award-winning aquarium, which features different parts of the natural world. You can even see polar bears, sea otter, and a host of other wildlife.
The park is accessible through two different entrances: Ashford and Nisqually. The Mount Rainier scenic roads will offer you breathtaking views and easy access to the various hiking trails and attractions in the park. You can’t see everything in a single day, so take your time.
Another fun way to explore the park is to go for a walk through the famous Grove of the Patriarchs. It’s 1.5 miles long and has fun boardwalks and huge trees. Even kids will enjoy it! It is also a great place to take a picnic.