City of Tumwater, WA
Home Sitemap Contact
Explore Tumwater
Explore Tumwater
Nestled into the base of Puget Sound, Tumwater is the southern gateway to the Seattle/Tacoma metropolitan area. It’s just a little over an hour from the Pacific Ocean beaches, the Olympic Peninsula, and Mount Rainier with beautiful landscapes of prairie, river, estuary, and lush green trees. With its central location, Tumwater is a picturesque Northwest community with convenient access to arts, cultural and outdoor recreation.
- Local Parks
- Tumwater Falls and Deschutes River
- Places to Eat, Shop, Play and Stay
- Arts & Entertainment
- Farmers Market
- Events in Tumwater
- Tumwater Museums
- Tumwater Valley Golf Course
- Outdoor Adventures
Local Parks
Find play equipment, sports fields, picnic shelters, river access, and trails in Tumwater city parks. From quiet neighborhood locations to bustling sporting competitions, explore Parks & Trails.
Tumwater Falls and Deschutes River
Or visit Tumwater Falls Park along the Deschutes River at the base of the falls, Tumwater’s namesake. A great place to watch the salmon run (late August through early October). Visit the Washington State Fish & Wildlife hatchery/catchment. The park is owned and operated by the Olympia Tumwater Foundation Take a walking tour of Tumwater’s Historic District.
Visit the Crosby House in Tumwater's Historic District.
Places to Eat, Shop, Play, and Stay
Visit the Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater Visitor & Convention Bureau’s website to find local restaurants, retail, entertainment and lodging options. Visit the Thurston County Chamber website for accommodations (lodging) and conference hosting options.
Arts & Entertainment
Looking for local arts and entertainment? Visit the Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater Visitor & Convention Bureau website for a calendar and list of arts and entertainment options. Explore arts and culture in the community or head north to Seattle or south to Portland for an urban experience.
Farmers Markets
Visit the Tumwater Farmers Market – June – October, Sundays, 11 a.m.-3:00 p.m., at Peter G. Schmidt Elementary School in Tumwater. Visit the Tumwater Farmers Market website for more information.
Back to top
Events in Tumwater
Visit the City Calendar for City-sponsored events or visit the Olympia Lacey Tumwater Visitor Convention Bureau website for a community calendar.
Earth Day
Easter Egg Dash
Olympia Air Show
Independence Day Parade – Artesian Family Festival Thunder Valley Fireworks
Artesian Brewfest
Screen on the Green
Pumpkin Painting
Christmas Tree Lighting Festival
Tumwater Museums
The Crosby House is owned by the City and operated by the Daughters of the Pioneers. Located on Grant Street in Tumwater’s Historic District, the museum is open Fridays and Sundays, 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m., March through November. Please call (360) 866-9627 for more information.
The Olympic Flight Museum was established in 1998 as a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and flying of vintage aircraft. The museum is located at the Olympia Regional Airport, 7637-A Old Highway 99 SE, Tumwater, WA 98501. Call (360) 705-3925 for museum programs and hours. Visit their website for more information or to watch the virtual tours.
The Schmidt House, is owned and operated by the Olympia Tumwater Foundation. The house is used for Tumwater’s historic programs and hosts private and public events. For hours of operation, rental information, and more, visit the Olympia Tumwater Foundation website.
Tumwater Valley Golf Course
Tumwater Valley, a premier municipal golf course, offers 20 holes of championship caliber golf the entire family will enjoy; multiple tee boxes for all skill levels; an expansive practice area with a 35,800 square foot putting green, a chipping/pitching green and a practice bunker with varying degrees of difficulty. The 10-acre driving range features a grass teeing ground where you can always find room to work on your swing or warm up in one of the 10 stalls protected from the elements.
- 20 holes of championship golf
- Tranquil setting within the Deschutes River Valley without houses lining the fairways
- Fully stocked PGA Professional Shop
- PGA and LPGA member teaching professionals
- Ability to customize your tournament outing with our event services
- Custom scorecards and scoreboards
- Large putting green (great location for pre or post event contests)
- Chipping, pitching and practice bunker
- Enormous driving range tee (enough for even the largest event field)
- GPS enabled electric golf cars
- Newly remodeled River’s Edge restaurant
Visit the Tumwater Valley Golf Course website to book a tee online or learn more.
Outdoor Adventures
Hiking, bicycling, fishing, boating, and many outdoor recreation opportunities are available. Take a leisurely stroll, rollerblade, get your aerobic exercise, or ride your bike.