Tumwater Historical Park

Imagine a place where the rushing waters of the Deschutes River meet the echoes of the first American pioneers. Tumwater Historical Park is not just a green recreation area, but a living historical monument in the city of Olympia, located in the Northwest USA. Established in 1980, the park brought to life a long-held dream of preserving the unique heritage of the region's first settlers.

The central point of the park is the famous Crosby House, one of the oldest surviving buildings in the county, around which the protected area was formed. The park stretches along the banks of the Deschutes River, where the proximity to Capitol Lake has created a rich natural ecosystem with lush vegetation, becoming home to many species of river plants and birds.

Boasting a high rating among travelers, this place attracts those seeking tranquility away from the city bustle and wanting to touch the roots of the exploration of these lands. Here, the atmosphere of the past harmoniously blends with the natural beauty of Washington state, making the park a must-visit for history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts.

For those planning a visit and wanting to clarify event details or visiting rules, the park's main contact information is provided below.

A visit to the park offers guests a perfect balance between educational leisure and contemplative relaxation. Be sure to stop by the Crosby House — a charming wooden cottage in the Revival style, built in 1860 by Nathaniel Crosby. Its classic forms and well-kept appearance allow for magnificent photos and a glimpse into the lives of wealthy families a century and a half ago.

History buffs will find the Simmons Party monument interesting. This impressive granite monument with a bronze plaque, erected in 1916, is dedicated to the thirty-one brave souls who arrived here in 1845. Additionally, the park contains traces of old bridges and industrial sites, reminders of the former power of the local waterfalls.

For those who prefer active recreation, the park features well-maintained trails winding along the Deschutes River. Here you can watch the water flow, listen to birdsong, or enjoy a family picnic on one of the specially equipped lawns. This place is perfect for spending a quiet day enjoying nature and soaking in the atmosphere of one of the state's most significant historical sites.

Getting to this historic corner is easy, as it is located just 5–10 minutes by car from downtown Olympia. The main route for motorists is via I-5 or the scenic Deschutes Way. Convenient visitor parking is provided on the park grounds.

For those who prefer public transport, local bus routes stop in the historic district of Tumwater, from where you can walk to the park entrance in a few minutes. Taxi or ridesharing services are also popular ways to get around, and a trip from the city center is quite inexpensive.

If you enjoy walking or cycling, the park is integrated into the local trail system, allowing you to combine active recreation with learning about the state's history. The historic Pacific Highway (Highway 99) also passes nearby, serving as a reminder of the times when this route was the region's main transportation artery.

The site where Tumwater Historical Park stands today is of colossal significance for the development of the American West. It was here in 1845 that the first American settlement north of the Columbia River was established. The group of pioneers was led by Michael Simmons, and their new home was originally called New Market. It wasn't until 1863 that the town received its current name, which in the Chinook language means "waterfall."

The industrial development of the future Washington State also began in these parts. In 1846–1847, the first grist mill was built at the falls of the Deschutes River. It was a simple log structure with granite millstones, which nevertheless became the first industrial facility in the region. Shortly after, in 1848, the Puget Sound Milling Company sawmill began operating here.

Interestingly, the region's transportation connectivity was also established here: in 1853, the construction of a road and bridge across the river was completed, reliably connecting Tumwater with Olympia. Walking through the park today, you are effectively standing in the cradle of industry and civil society of the entire northwest of the modern United States.

To leisurely explore all the key sites of the park, a typical visitor will need 1 to 2 hours. This is quite enough time to get acquainted with the architecture of the historic house and study the memorial plaques.

About 45 minutes should be dedicated specifically to the historical component — exploring the Crosby House and the Simmons Party monument. The remaining time is perfect for a stroll along the banks of the Deschutes River and contemplating the waterfalls. If you plan to have a picnic on the grass, you should add an extra hour of outdoor relaxation to your schedule.

The park is welcomingly open to visitors daily. You can plan your visit for either the early morning or the pre-sunset hours to enjoy the best lighting for photos.

Opening hours: from Monday to Sunday, the park is open from 7:30 AM to 7:00 PM. Keep in mind that during the evening hours, staying in the park is most comfortable during the warmer months.

A visit to the historical park can be easily combined with a tour of other notable sites located just a few minutes' walk or a short drive away. This area of Olympia is literally steeped in the spirit of the past and offers many interesting locations.

Below are the sites in the immediate vicinity that deserve tourists' attention: