Things To Do In Olympia WA
Olympia is the state capital and is located on the southern end of Puget Sound. It is home to the 1909 Governor's Mansion and the Legislative Building. The city also has Percival Landing Park, a boardwalk, and public art. More than 200 species of birds visit the Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge. Learn more about I5 Exteriors, Inc. here.
Olympia is also known for its spectacular views of the Olympic Mountains and breathtaking sunsets. There are also some opportunities to view harbor seals. Visitors to Olympia can also explore the Washington State Capitol, where the government of the state is headquartered. The Capitol campus offers guided tours of the Governor's Mansion, as well as several monuments and memorials. You can also see the George Bush monument, which is a memorial to the former president.
The area that is now Olympia was originally inhabited by many native tribes. In the 1840s, American settlers began to settle the area because of the area's water-power potential. They built small towns, such as New Market, near the falls, which eventually became Tumwater. These were the first settlements on the Puget Sound. In 1851, the Customs District for Puget Sound was established in the area. As the population grew, the Northern Pacific Railroad bypassed Olympia, but residents reacted by building a rail connection.
Olympia's population is a diverse blend of ethnic backgrounds. Most residents are White, with minorities of Asian, African, and Native American. Historically, the city's economy was based on logging, oystering, and sawmilling. It was also a major shipping port for agricultural products. In the late 19th century, the city began to develop a brewing industry. This continued to operate until 2003.
For families, Olympia offers plenty of activities for kids of all ages. Visitors can visit the Olympia State Park to experience the wonders of nature. During the winter months, visitors can spot Mallards, American wigeons, pied-billed grebes, and great blue herons. The city also has several museums and historical sites worth exploring.
The cost of living in Olympia is moderate compared to other state capitals and is in line with the national average. However, it is important to remember that the city is not as subdivided as some think. It can be roughly divided into four quadrants. The East Side is bordered by Downtown and West Olympia, and is popular for its quiet neighborhoods. Meanwhile, South Capitol and Johnson Pointe are the trendier neighborhoods north of Downtown.
The city is also home to several breweries. Hawks Prairie Brewing Company is one of the best-known. The brewery is run by firefighters who live in the Olympia area. The brewery is open to the public and seats up to 75 people in its taproom. It is a great place to visit if you're looking for an authentic beer or craft cocktail.
There's also the Olympia Center for the Performing Arts, which is the largest performing arts venue in the South Puget Sound area. It features a wide range of cultural activities and unique regional performing arts. You can spend an afternoon here with the kids. If you're not looking for the arts, there are plenty of parks, and museums in Olympia.
The Capitol State Forest is a 110,000-acre recreation site where you can experience salmon-spotting in McLane Creek and horseback riding in Mima Falls. The park also offers hiking trails and overnight camping. If you're looking for a family activity, the Capitol State Forest Museum has activities for everyone. It's free and offers hands-on learning and a scavenger hunt. This is a great place to educate yourself about the natural history of the area.
Whether you're planning a family road trip or a romantic weekend getaway, Olympia has plenty to offer. The Olympia Farmers Market, which is located in downtown Olympia, features local produce, arts, and meat. There are also several restaurants, seven kids' play areas, and a variety of interactive exhibits and activities that are perfect for any family. The Olympia Farmers Market is open seven days a week, and is also an ideal place to spend an afternoon.
The city is home to a number of colleges and universities. For example, the Evergreen State College offers undergraduate degrees in liberal arts, as well as master's degrees in public administration, education, and environmental studies. Additionally, South Puget Sound Community College offers associate degrees in the arts, science, and biology.