Tumwater Parks and Recreation
Tumwater is rich in history, abounds in natural beauty, and is paving the way to be a hub of local craft and culture.
Tumwater, WA
Where nature, history, and the future intersect. With a gushing waterfall as its centerpiece, Tumwater shines for its natural beauty, historic significance, and vibrant present.
The city just south of Olympia was the terminus for the Oregon Trail and became the first permanent European-American settlement in the Puget Sound region, where pioneers relied on energy from the churning Deschutes River. Originally named New Market by settlers, the Chinook jargon term Tumwater, meaning waterfall, ultimately made the cut as the city’s official brand.
The falls were instrumental to early industry—especially beer brewing—and they are now part of the 15-acre Brewery Park, arguably Tumwater’s most significant attraction. However, that reputation may soon be outpaced by Tumwater’s rising craft spirits scene. The Tumwater Craft District, once complete, will offer mixed-use spaces for restaurants, retail, produce, housing, and, of course, imbibing. The district, currently home to Heritage Distilling Company, has also partnered up with South Puget Sound Community College’s Brewing and Distilling Program, which trains students in the art of making beer, spirits, and cider, putting Tumwater in the running for yet another historical designation as a world leader in craft production.
Things to Do in Tumwater
Brewery Park at Tumwater Falls
The falls were undeniably instrumental in Tumwater's historical brew scene, but they do more than just produce great beer. The falls also exists for the enjoyment of visitors who like to take in the power of nature and the park’s accessible trails and bridges. If you're here in September and October, the Falls are the best place to spot the annual salmon run as they make their way back from the Pacific to the Deschutes River to spawn.
Olympic Flight Museum
Aviation enthusiasts won’t want to miss the Olympic Flight Museum - a tribute to flight at the Olympia Regional Airport. The small collection at this museum includes vintage aircraft and artifacts, and each year in June they host the annual Olympic Air Show.
Pioneer Park
If you can't get enough of the outdoors and fresh air, let the kids loose on the playscapes, spread out for a picnic, head out on a hike, explore the Deschutes River, or test your skills at the horseshoe pits or sand volleyball courts at Pioneer Park.
Discover the History of George Bush: Tumwater’s Trailblazing Pioneer
When visitors explore Tumwater today, they are stepping into a community shaped by remarkable pioneers. Among the most influential was George Bush, a free Black pioneer whose courage, generosity, and resilience left an enduring mark on Washington State history.
Schmidt House
Close by Brewery Park is the historical Schmidt House and Centennial Rose Garden, a Colonial Revival built in 1904 for brewery owner Leopold Schmidt. Admire it from the outside, as the house is closed to the public for the time being. You can still peruse the acclaimed and lovingly maintained rose garden on the property between April and October.
ASHHO Cultural Community Center Invites You to Connect!
Experience the ASHHO Cultural Community Center, a vibrant hub for the BIPOC community, with easy access to this welcoming space. Located in the heart of Tumwater, the center is conveniently reachable by car or public transportation. Check the center's website for upcoming events, gatherings, or soul food offerings at Ruina’s Soul Cafe. Interested in hosting events or utilizing the catering services? Contact the center directly to discuss facility rentals and catering options. Whether you're seeking cultural connection, delicious soul food, or a space to gather, the ASHHO Cultural Community Center offers a warm and inviting environment for all.
Events in Tumwater
Where to Eat in Tumwater
Tumwater is home to a burgeoning craft brewery scene but you'll also find stick-to-your-ribs culinary delights here at the end of the Oregon Trail. Trust us - there are enough things to see and do in Tumwater that will require you fuel-up ahead of time!
- Biscuit House - Breakfast restaurant inside the local Toyota dealership (we don't ask why, we just like to eat there).
- Briggs Taphouse - While located in Olympia, this dining spot is a quick drive to Tumwater and offers hand-tossed pizza and a variety of beers in a casual atmosphere.
- Farrelli's Pizza - Makes heaping portions of pizzas, calzones, pasta, and more.
- Jean Pierre's Three16 Restaurant - Specializes in mouthwatering European cuisine and is located next to popular spots such as the Schmidt Mansion and Olympia Brewery.
- Pellegrino's Italian Kitchen - Spacious dining spot that's less than two miles from Olympia, featuring outdoor seating and a variety of classic Italian meals.
- Ramirez Mexican Store & Restaurant - Features authentic burritos, tortas, and tacos in a dining area which is connected to a Mexican grocery store and butcher shop.
- River's Edge - Located less than three miles from Olympia, serving generous portions of huge pancakes and eggs benedict.
- Sweet Magnolia Coffee - Cozy spot with an assortment of beverages, pastries, and local goods.
- The Brick on Trosper - Specializes in a mammoths' selection of pizza, burgers, pastas, and microbrews.
- The Office Bar & Grill - Cabin-like restaurant with classic American grub and different T.V. viewing spots for sports games.
- Two Sister's Coffee Company - Serves specialty drink flights, locally roasted coffee, and sweet treats.
Where to Drink in Tumwater
Chapman Cider
Looking for a cider-filled ending to your outdoor adventure? Chapman Cider is just a six-minute drive from Pioneer Park. Dive into meticulously crafted cider and plan a night for thrilling rounds of bingo.
Heritage Distilling Company
Libationists will want to stop at the new Tumwater Craft District, home to Heritage Distilling Company - one of the top premier craft distilleries in the United States, making a variety of whiskeys, vodkas, gins, aquavit and rums from as many local ingredients as possible.
Hoh River Brewing
Make your way to rustic decor, top-rated drinks, and a laid-back setting. Whether you're looking to find a familiar IPA or seeking things to do with friends, Hoh-River Brewing offers a variety of beers for all palettes. This brewery is a six-minute drive to Olympia's downtown.
Matchless Brewing
Explore local craft beers and ciders at Matchless Brewing. Located in the Tumwater Warehouse District, this taproom offers a diverse range of rotating beers on tap. Settle into industrial chic interiors with a lively atmosphere, sipping the latest brewed creations.
Triceratops Brewing Company
Treat yourself to a lively ambience, refreshing beers, and a pet-friendly space. Discover a variety of different brews, ranging from IPA and stouts to ales and lagers. Why not make a day of it? Embark on an 11-minute adventure from this brewery to Olympia's Watershed Park.
Getting Around Tumwater and Thurston County
Where to Stay in Tumwater
Best Western Tumwater-Olympia Inn
5188 Capitol Blvd SE Tumwater, Washington 98501 (360) 956-1235 Find A Room
Extended Stay America Olympia — Tumwater
1675 Mottman Rd. SW Tumwater, Washington 98501 (360) 754-6063 Find A Room
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Tumwater — Olympia
1620 74th Ave SW Olympia, Washington 98501 (360) 352-0691 Find A Room
La Quinta Inn & Suites Tumwater
4600 Capitol Blvd SE Tumwater, Washington 98501 (360) 352-5433 Find A Room
Motel 6 Tumwater
400 Lee Street SW Tumwater, Washington 98501 (360) 754-7320 Find A Room
Spark by Hilton Tumwater
1600 74th Avenue SW Tumwater, Washington 98501 (360) 915-9941 Find A Room
Regional Trip Ideas
Where to View the Chinook Salmon Run in Olympia & Tumwater
Top 15 Fall Things to Do in Olympia & Beyond
Top 9 Spots to View Mount Rainier in Olympia, Tumwater, Lacey & Beyond
Taste the History, Legacy and Future of Craft Brewing
Take a Family Bike Ride Along the Yelm-Rainier-Tenino Trail
Washington Capitol Campus Tours: Plan the Perfect Visit
Tumwater Falls Fest
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