Olympia, Washington: Nature, History & Arts

1. Visit Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge

Nisqually River Delta is one of the few major estuaries in Washington that has been protected for wildlife. It was established in 1974 as the Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge with the goal of protecting the delta, its wildlife habitats, and its fish diversity. The restoration of Nisqually estuary started in 2009 with the removal of all the dikes.

After, it was necessary to reconnect the estuary’s 762 acres with the Puget Sound and its tides. This is an important first step in the recovery of the entire Puget Sound. The Nisqually River Delta is located at the southernmost end of Puget Sound. It is a biologically diverse area that supports a range of habitats. The freshwater of the Nisqually River mixes with the saltwater off Puget Sound, forming an environment that is very rich in nutrients and organic matter and feeds a rich web of sea life.

Address: 100 Brown Farm Rd NE, Olympia, WA 98516, Phone: 360-753-9467

2. See vintage helicopters at the Olympic Flight Museum

The Olympic Flight Museum is a museum the kids will love. This fascinating place has over 20 vintage helicopters and planes on rotating display, from WWII aircraft to those that flew in Vietnam and Korea . Most of the aircraft are meticulously maintained and are in excellent flying condition.

The display includes a P-51 Mustang fighter plane, FG-1D Corsair, UH-1 Huey, H-43 Huskie helicopter, and many others. The museum hosts the annual Olympic Air Show, a popular event that attracts lots of attention. Besides featuring the museum historic aircraft, the show welcomes a world-class selection of well-maintained heritage aircraft from all over the world.

Address: Building A, Olympia Regional Airport, 7637 Old Hwy 99 SE, Tumwater, WA 98501, Phone: 360-705-3925

3. Take the kids to the Hands On Children's Museum

The Hands On Children's Museum was established in 1987 in order to stimulate kids’ curiosity, boost their creativity, and encourage learning through interactive, fun programs and exhibits. The exhibits and activities are designed for kids ages 0-11. They have a range of galleries that focus on nature, science, arts and much more. There are eight galleries, including Good For You! , About healthy life and nutrition, Our Puget Sound, Emergency!, Our Fabulous Forest, and Snug Harbor.

There is an Outdoor Discovery Center that offers a new and innovative way to connect kids with nature. It includes a Beach, Mud Pie Pit, Driftwood Forts, a Stickworks sculpture called Raccoon Run, and a Fire Pit – a Storytelling Ring. There is always something new and exciting going on, and the place is fun for kids and their parents.

Address: 414 Jefferson St NE, Olympia, WA 98501, Phone: 360-956-0818

4. Grab a snack at Olympia Farmers Market

Olympia Farmers Market is a popular community gathering place that promotes healthy eating, locally grown foods, small farmers and producers, and sustainable local agriculture. It is a great place for consumers to meet those who make their food, to exchange ideas and to get to know each other.

The Olympia Farmers Market has been around for 41 years. It is centrally located, making it easy for Olympia residents and visitors to enjoy local produce, baked goods, fresh fruit, crafts, meat and dairy and to spend a day with friends and neighbors listening to the live music and having a meal in one of seven restaurants.

Address: 700 Capitol Way N, Olympia, WA 98501, Phone: 360-352-9096

5. Take your teen to the WET Science Center

The WET Science Center, located in downtown Olympia, is an interactive, hands-on place that provides information about water, a precious resource, through fun and games. The center features interactive exhibits, weekend activities for the families, tours of water facilities, and environmental presentations on water issues. WET has a range of activities and games for kids of all ages, but most are designed for children older than ten and adults. Exhibits and video games cover a range of topics: the water cycle, water use, and conservation, wastewater treatment, why some things should not be flushed down the drain, reclaimed water, and the Puget Sound and its stewardship.

Address: 500 Adams Street Northeast, Olympia, WA 98501, Phone: 360-664-2333

6. Have a picnic at Percival Landing Park

Located in the heart of the city, on the Budd Bay on the tip of Puget Sound, Percival Landing Park is Olympia’s most popular waterfront park. It stretches over 3.38 acres of space and includes a playground, boat moorage, picnic areas, giant carved Orca, and a 0.9-mile boardwalk.

The park opened its doors in 1978 at the site of the historic old commercial steamship wharf, a well-known West Coast maritime landmark. There is always something going on in the park, and some of the most popular annual events are Sand in the City, Harbor Days, and Wooden Boat Festival.

Address: 217 Thurston Ave NW, Olympia, WA 98501, Phone: 360-753-8380

7. Washington Center for the Performing Arts

The Washington Center for the Performing Arts is the biggest performing arts facility in South Puget Sound's. Located in the heart of Olympia, the center is focused on providing a venue for unique regional performing arts and a variety of cultural and entertainment activities.

While the center presents its own season of international and national artists, its main goal is to support local performing art groups. The center opened its doors in 1985 as a successor of the old 1924 Liberty Theater, retaining much of the historic building’s architecture. The center’s lobby serves as a gallery space for the local artists.

Address: 512 Washington St SE, Olympia, WA 98501, Phone: 360-753-8585

8. Learn about sea life at the South Sound Estuarium

Marine life enthusiasts visiting the Olympia area will not want to miss a visit to the South Sound Estuarium. This unique facility is a marine education center featuring South Puget Sound marine creatures in two aquariums, interpretive exhibits, interactive activities, and a video room with a variety of marine related topics.

The association for the South Sound Estuary also offers numerous activities to educate visitors about the area, including the “Pier Peer” program, which includes night-time underwater viewing of marine life in south Puget Sound.

9. Step back in time at the Bigelow House Museum

The Bigelow House Museum is the oldest private residence in Olympia, Washington and is among the earliest buildings in the Pacific Northwest that are still standing. Built in 1850 for lawyer and legislator Daniel R. Bigelow and his wife, the house is a great example of the Carpenter Gothic style, which was popular in rural America in the mid-1800s.

The house is surrounded by over an acre of the original family’s land. Daniel Bigelow and his wife Ann Elizabeth, who was a schoolteacher, were important public figures in Washington, especially in the fight for women’s rights and education. The home is today a museum of early Olympia and Washington Territory history and contains displays of original furnishings, documents, and artifacts.

Address: 918 Glass Ave NE, Olympia, WA 98506

10. Visit the Evergreen Valley Lavender Farm

The Evergreen Valley Lavender Farm in Olympia is a serene, beautiful four-acre farm in the scenic Evergreen Valley. This small boutique facility specializes in lavender and its products: fresh and dried flowers, essential oils, hydrosols, bath products, and various lavender-inspired arts and crafts.

The farm is also a popular venue for local meetings and classes, and an inviting place to read a book, as there are many benches and seating areas found around the lavender fields. The farm grows and sells eleven varieties of lavenders, and visitors are invited to see the on-site distillation of oil.

Address: 9733 Evergreen Valley Rd SE, Olympia, WA 98513, Phone: 360-754-2002