Waterfront Park

In Pioneer Square, the Seattle totem pole, once known as the Chief-of-All-Women pole towers over the area and is considered to be of great cultural significance. The original, first carved in 1790, belonged to the Tlingit clan in Alaska. The pole honored the Chief-of-all-women. During a trade expedition, the pole was brought back to Seattle. Today, a replica stands and is designated as a National Historic Landmark.

The park was previously a series of piers that were primary spots for trade. In its very early years in the 1800s, the piers were known as the ”Gateway to Alaska”, for it facilitated many transactions between the two states and eventually allowed Seattle to prosper in the coming years. By 1960, the park started to take shape as the trading industry shifted to the Industrial District.

As the newest addition to the park, Pier 62 opened in September 2020 and is located north of the main park. On the pier, artist Stephen Vitiello’s Land Buoy Bells exhibit made from industrial materials responds to the rise and fall of water to encompass the floating docks. The pier also has various other artworks along with popular eateries and great views of the Puget Sound.

The park has many restaurants and eateries along the many piers. The walks are always filled with various attractions ranging from scheduled community events to entertaining live music performances. The Great Wheel and the aquarium are also located along the park.