What to do

What To Do

Eileen Barber has been fortunate enough to travel to many far-flung places around the world and yet she confesses that she still has not been able to do all the things available to her right here in Issaquah and our near-by surrounding communities.

Festivals and Events

Issaquah is home to many seasonal events. From our famous Salmon Days to Saturday afternoon Car Shows here are a few annual events.

  • Art Walks – May thru September
    Downtown Issaquah Association (DIA)
    135 E. Sunset Way
    Issaquah, WA 98027
    (425) 391-1112

    Held in downtown Issaquah the first Friday evening of every month from May through September, ArtWalk events feature all types of art, including visual, lyrical, musical and performance. The free events include live music around every corner, hands-on art projects and some special surprises.
  • Chocolate, Wine & All That Jazz - July
    Sponsored by the Issaquah Chamber of Commerce
    (425) 392-7024

    The annual Chocolate, Wine & All That Jazz event takes place in August. Always-popular, this event features a variety of foods from several different local restaurants as well as wines, beer, and refreshing non-alcoholic beverages.
  • Community Awards - May

    This once a year special event is the time we pause to recognize many of Issaquah's special people whose volunteerism and contributions make our community such a special place to live and work. The presenting organizations honor individuals who have dedicated their time and talent in various ways. Awards are presented each year at the May Chamber of Commerce luncheon meeting.
  • Concerts on the Green – July thru August
    Community Center Green
    301 Rainer Blvd., South
    Issaquah, WA  98027

    On Tuesday evenings starting at 7:00 pm, the Issaquah Parks & Recreation hosts this popular free concert series. Come early for picnicking or enjoy concessions available by the Kiwanis Club of Issaquah. The event is sponsored by the Issaquah Arts Commission and many of our generous local businesses.
  • Down Home 4th of July/Heritage Day

    Sponsored by the City of Issaquah and presented by the Issaquah Chamber of Commerce, Issaquah’s Down Home 4th of July celebration kicks off with an Independence Day Kids and Pets Parade. From Labradors to llamas, favorite pets accompany costumed children on decorated floats and bikes down Front Street and to Memorial Field, where families spend the day with old-fashioned games, music, food, the Sky High Rummage Sale, and the Annual Slug Beauty Pageant and Speed Contest. For details, call the Chamber at (425) 392-7024.
  • Fenders on Front Street – June
    Downtown Issaquah Association
    232 Front Street N.
    Issaquah, WA  98027
    (425) 391-1112

    In concert with the Greenway Days festival weekend, stroll down Front Street in downtown Issaquah and admire hundreds of vintage and classic cars, street vendors, a swap meet and live music.  Trophies are awarded in the afternoon at the Triple-X Drive-in followed by a cruise down Front Street.
  • Greenway Days Festival - June
    Mountains to Sound Greenway

    This two-day festival boasts more than 25 events in 10 communities spanning 100 miles along Interstate 90. The festival celebrates conservation and education efforts in the Mountains to Sound Greenway and the more than 4,000 annual volunteers who give their time to enhance the Greenway.
  • Issaquah Farmer’s Public Market – Mid-April thru Mid-October
    Pickering Farm
    1730 10th Avenue NW
    Issaquah, WA  98027

    Open Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, find nursery stock from seedlings to hanging baskets, produce, including fruit from Eastern Washington and flowers, flowers and more flowers in season. Special events are held every Saturday and there’s lots of parking!
  • Just For Fun Fair: The Hobby and Volunteer Expo
    Pickering Barn
    1730 – 10th Avenue NW
    Issaquah, WA  98027
    (425) 837-3321

    This is a wonderful opportunity for non-profits to come together and showcase their organization. Each year there is a terrific variety of groups that set up booths.  We have had powerboats, bunnies, puppies, Llamas, music groups, photography, MAAD, 55 Alive, and short wave radio. There is something for all ages.
  • Music on the Streets – Late June thru Late September
    Downtown Issaquah Association
    232 Front Street N.
    Issaquah, WA  98027
    (425) 391-1112

    Every Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening from late June to late September, enjoy music on the streets of downtown Issaquah. Music is a great mix from Blues to Rock to Pop to Country to Jazz to Folk to Blue Grass and so much more!
  • Reindeer Festival - December
    Cougar Mountain Zoo
    19525 SE 54th
    Issaquah, WA 98027
    (425) 391-5508

    Holiday fun for everyone during the month of December! Santa’s Reindeer Farm is located permanently on the grounds of the Cougar Mountain Zoo. Its north facing site was selected by Santa in 1989 for easy access from the North Pole as well as for its ideal climate and breathtaking scenic beauty. Come out to meet with Santa Claus and his reindeer team, have your face painted and hear a story from an Elf or wander through the Magic Forest. Enjoy hot drinks and snacks, stop by Santa’s post office, come aboard the Training Sleigh, admire breathtaking Art and Bronze Sculptures and discover the perfect holiday gift for yourself or anyone on your list at the Wild Treasure Gift Shop.
  • Salmon Days – First weekend in October
    Festival Office
    155 NW Gilman Blvd.
    Issaquah, WA  98027
    (425) 392-0661

    For more than 40 years, the Salmon Days Festival takes place in downtown Issaquah and includes over 400 craft and food booths, a giant children’s Field of Fun area, the Grande Parade, Foods of the World, and three stages of top entertainment, all surrounding the hatchery’s exhibits, displays, and tours.
  • Tastin’ & Racin Hydro Races – June
    Lake Sammamish State Park
    2000 NW Sammamish Road
    Issaquah, WA  98027

    This exciting weekend festival features hydroplane races, carnival rides, a custom car and hot rod show, arts and crafts from Northwest artisans, family fun area with inflatable children’s rides, face painters, pony rides, giant slide and huge park area, food booths, beer garden and entertainment. Over 2500 FREE parking spaces!
  • Triple XXX Drive-In Car Shows – March thru December
    98 NE Gilman Blvd
    Issaquah, WA   98027
    (425) 392-1266

    Don’t miss Sunday car shows and music (at most shows) at the last historical Triple X Rootbeer Drive-in in the USA!  Triple X and the car shows have been featured with Auto News, CNN, Evening Magazine, Food Channel, Travel Network, Drive Magazine, CruZin’ Magazine, Vintage Vehicle Show and My Classic Car Show.  Home of the messy juicy burger, enjoy great food, fun and entertainment for the entire family!

Back to top

Arts & Entertainment

  • Art Walks
    Downtown Issaquah Association (DIA)
    135 E. Sunset Way
    Issaquah, WA 98027
    (425) 391-1112

    Held in downtown Issaquah the first Friday evening of every month from May through September, ArtWalk events feature all types of art, including visual, lyrical, musical and performance. The free events include live music around every corner, hands-on art projects and some special surprises.
  • Kidstage Theatre
    303 Front Street North
    Issaquah, WA  98027
    (425) 392-1942

    Since 1987, KIDSTAGE has provided Puget Sound students and their families a year round "home" for theatre arts activities.  KIDSTAGE is uniquely designed to use theatre to build critical life skills in each participant. In KIDSTAGE, the classes and rehearsals encourage creativity, collaboration, problem solving, concentration, public speaking, and a strong work ethic. While some students are on a path to Broadway, all students are improving their futures and increasing self-confidence through involvement in KIDSTAGE or the Teen Access Program.
  • Village Theatre
    303 Front Street North
    Issaquah, WA 98027
    (425) 392-1942

    Founded in 1979, Village Theatre is a leading producer of musical theatre in the Pacific Northwest with four main programming components: Mainstage, Village originals and our Youth Education Program which includes both KIDSTAGE and Pied Piper.

Back to top

Public Art

Public Art photos courtesy of LeRoy LaCelle photography.

  • “100 Years of Recreation in Issaquah” - Photography
    Artist: Photos courtesy of the Issaquah Historical Society
    Location: Issaquah Community Center, second floor wall alongside running track
    Dedicated: The display began in December of 1999 and the collection was completed in 2001.
  • “A Century of Dairying in Issaquah” - Mural
    Artists: Larry Kangas, Nichole Parsons, and Evan Jones
    Location: Front Street on Issaquah Creamery Darigold plant wall
    Dedicated: 1995

    Description:  The dairy’s large wall was painted with the mural to commemorate “A Century of Dairying in Issaquah.” The mural prominently depicts the creamery as it originally appeared and the Pickering family’s dairy barn and farm
  • “The Dig” - Sculpture
    Artist: Brian Goldbloom
    Location: Centennial Park at Front and Dogwood Streets along the railroad track
    Dedicated: August 19, 1993

    Description:  “The Dig” was the first outdoor sculpture commissioned by the City of Issaquah. The model was chosen by the Issaquah Arts Commission to commemorate the centennial of the city’s incorporation as Gilman in 1892. The main piece of the sculpture resembles the entrance to a mine and is carved out of 15,000 pounds of gray granite taken from the Cascade Mountains. Symbolic imagery is carved into the stone, including a mine portal, salmon, railroad track, bits of riveted locomotive boilers and a railroad spike.
  • The Fathers of the Issaquah Valley - Sculpture
    Artist:  Boris Spivak
    Location:  In front of the Hilton Garden Inn at Hyla Crossing
    Dedicated:  2001

    Description:  "Fathers of the Issaquah Valley" is  a sculpture celebrating the connection between history, families and land while honoring the shift from an agriicultural area to what is now known as the suburban city we call Issaquah.  Issaquah developer and long time citizen George "Skip" Rowley Jr. commissioned this sculpture to honor his father, Issaquah developer George Rowley Sr., (seated left) and Issaquah residents Henry Bergsma (seated right) and his son Bill Bergsma Sr. (standing).   Henry owned and operated the Issaquah Valley Dairy from 1930 to 1962.  His son, Bill, was the town milkman.  When the dairy farm closed in 1962, George purchased the land and began slowly transforming it to serve the community in new ways.  Today, the Hyla Crossing development stands on the site of the former farm.  Drawing the three men together, the bench represents the land while the three men symbolize the past, present and future.  Henry sits passively as his agricultural era draws to a close.  Bill, standing in the middle, is engaged with the community and observing the continued changes while George ponders visions for the future of a sustainable and economically vital community.
     
  • "Forest Carvings" - Carving
    Artist:  Steve Jensen
    Location:  In the grassy area at the intersection of East Sunset Way and Rainier Ave S.
    Installed:  August 17, 2009

    Description:  The sculpture, which is comprised of three carved cedar poles, pays homage to the naturally felled wood. The artist, who comes from a long tradition of Norwegian fisherman and boat builders, uses chisels that were passed down from his grandfather. The craftsmanship of the work speaks to the universality and timelessness of carving. The sculpture will be on loan from the artist from summer 2009 - summer 2010.
  • “Issaquah Community”  - Quilt
    Artists:  The Issaquah Quilters
    Location:  The front lobby of the Community Center at 301 Rainier Blvd. South Description: Taking more than two years to complete, this brightly colored quilt depicts prominent elements of the town, including the Depot, State Salmon Hatchery, Issaquah Creek, the Village Theatre, and the Darigold Creamery.
  • “Issaquah History” - Mural
    Artist: Bill Haddon
    Location: Meeting Room (previously Public Library) 120 E. Sunset Way
    Originally installed in the Trolley Barn
    Dedicated: February 11, 1976
  • “Linda Ruehle” - Statue
    Artist: Richard Beyer
    Location: Corner of 1st Ave. SE and East Sunset Way
    Dedicated: October 5, 2001

    Description:  The sculpture is a life-size tribute to former City Clerk Linda Ruehle, who retired in 2001, after 30 years of service to the city and community. The artist, Richard Beyer, is best known as the creator of the beloved sculpture "Waiting for the Interurban" in Fremont.
  • “The Mill Street Logging Scene”  - Mural
    Artist: Larry Kangas
    Location: On Sunset Way just east of Front Street
    Dedicated: 1998

    Description:  This mural depicts the Issaquah logging industry from 1900-1940. At this time, old growth cedar and fir logs were being cut from the hills surrounding Issaquah and milled in the town’s many lumber mills. Prior to 1960, Sunset Way was known as Mill Street, referring to the mills that were located on either end of the street when the town was incorporated in 1892.
  • “Miracle Grow" - Sculpture
    Artist:  Leon White
    Location: Entrance to Issaquah Highlands near Issaquah Highlands Fire Station. Description:  “Miracle Grow” consists of 4 individual powdered coated steel sculptures, ranging in height from 8 feet to 14 feet. The artist was inspired to create “Miracle Grow” by observing the plants in his garden, especially the long leaves of the Iris.
  • “New Generation”
    Artist: Martin Oliver
    Location: Council Chambers of City Hall South, 135 E. Sunset Way
    Dedicated: May 14, 1990
  • "The Pillars" - Sculpture
    Artist:  Will Robinson
    Location:  Near the historic train depot.

    Description:  “The Pillars” consists of individually sculptured basalt monoliths. Bainbridge Island artist, Will Robinson chooses to work primarily with stone because of its solidity and ability to withstand the elements and time. Varying textures integrate smooth and rough surfaces, creating intriguing duality in the stone. He encourages viewers to touch his work; engaging with the stone creates a connection between the medium, the artist, and the viewer.
  • “Pinnacle" - Sculpture
    Artist:  Brandon Zebold
    Location: Near Rainier Blvd. and Bush St.

    Description:  The material is flame cut, painted steel. The artist has had a passion for drawing since childhood –and, of all the media he explored, he feels steel offers the most exciting range of shapes and surfaces on which to draw. In an effort to capture the organic free associative tapestry of his drawings, he began cutting them into and out of rugged, yet yielding, steel. The process of rendering the steel drawings became a natural springboard into sculpture.
  • “Reaching Home” - Sculpture
    Artist: Thomas E. Jay
    Location: Issaquah Salmon Hatchery, 125 W. Sunset Way
    Dedicated: September 13, 1996

    Description:  The bronze and cement, eight-foot-by-two-foot male Coho salmon named Finley is accompanied by a seven-foot long, bronze female Coho salmon named Gilda. The statues serve as artwork, an educational display and a donation receptacle for Friends of Issaquah Salmon Hatchery (F.I.S.H.).
  • “River Run" – Sculpture
    Artist:  Craig Breitbach
    Location: Near the Trails House on Rainier Boulevard.

    Description:  Material: basalt. Fall City artist Craig Breitbach was born and raised in Port Angeles, Washington. His sculptures are generally realistic images of salmon, combining his love of art with his passion for fishing and nature. He works in many different stone types, but prefers basalt for larger pieces because of its contrast in textures.
  • "Shadowmaker" - Sculpture
    Artist:  Michael Sweeney
    Location: Central Park, Issaquah Highlands

    Description: This kinetic sculpture is installed on the traffic island within Central Park, establishing a focal point for the park, which is visible from the entrance. As the viewer approaches the sculpture, the rectangular opening of the piece provides a framed vista drawing the eye through the sculpture to the view beyond. The sculpture is fabricated from quarter-inch steel plates and measures 9’ high 9’ wide x 18” deep. The base is designed in a circular format that bolts to an industrial-sized bearing system that functions as a “lazy Susan.”
  • “Tibbetts Creek Manor” - Photography Collection
    Artists: Mike Cambern, Issaquah District 10 Fireman; Adam Hosey, Costco employee Bob Rock, resident of Mt. Vernon, WA
    Location: Tibbetts Creek Manor, 750 17th Avenue Northwest
Dedicated: Artwork displayed since April 1999
  • “The Valiant Effort” - Statue
    Artist: Doug Eck
    Location: In the courtyard at west end of City Hall, 130 E. Sunset Way
    Dedicated: October 6, 2000

    Description:  Issaquah artist Doug Eck created the one and a half life-sized eagle and salmon to illustrate the struggle for survival in the wild. The bronze sculpture also was designed to illustrate the Valiant Effort of the City of Issaquah’s Police force and is prominently displayed in front of city hall and the Issaquah Police facility.
  • “The Watershed Tower” - Painting
    Artist: Larry Kangas
    Location: Issaquah Salmon Hatchery, 125 W. Sunset Way
    Dedicated: 1998

    Description:  Larry Kangas designed this piece with suggestions from Friends of the Issaquah Salmon Hatchery. The mural depicts salmon at different life stages, creatures eaten by salmon and creatures that prey on salmon.
  • “And Mithra Danced" - Sculpture
    Artist:  James Kelsey
    Location: Cornick Park

    Description:  Material is stainless steel and bronze. The Artist chose the title of the work because it was completed on the winter solstice. In Mesopotamian Mythology Mithra was the sun god and was reborn on the first day of winter each year. Kelsey prefers to work in abstract forms because they have the ability to create images and stories that are unique to each individual viewer. Mr. Kelsey’s studio is located in Port Orchard, Washington.
  • “Copper Clad" - Sculpture
    Artist:  Jason Dillon
    Location: Front Street near the Hailstone Feed Store.

    Description:  The life-sized horse stands approximately seven feet tall, weighs one ton and is made entirely of old metal parts. Artist Jason Dillon lives in Redmond and is a 2002 graduate of Eastlake High School.

  • “The Zephyr" – Sculpture
    Artist:  Andrew Carson
    Location: Near Bush Street and Rainier Blvd.

    Description:  “The Zephyr” is a mixed metal and glass sculpture. The top is kinetic, moving with the wind and is #6 in a series of 10. The artist executes every step of the process, including design, engineering, prototyping, metal cutting, pounding and finishing as well as glass and cement casting. There are no “found parts” in Carson’s work. He designs and makes every piece, including the glass balls, the hubs and the transitions His inspiration includes a fascination with the wind machines near his childhood home and his time working in a bicycle shop, fiddling with gears and learning to weld.
  • “The Blue Door"
    Location: City Hall.
    Artist:  A gift of Issaquah’s sister city Chefchaouen, Morroco.
    Dedicated:  2008

    Description:  The door is designed to look like doors built 200 years ago in northern Morocco and symbolizes the friendship and hospitality between the two cities. The structure that supports and surrounds the door is approximately 11 feet tall and 9 feet wide and was constructed on the site to house the blue door.
  • Rainier Trail Park
    Location:  Front Street and Dogwood Street to Bush Street

    Description:  The Issaquah Arts Commission Issaquah Parks Board and Issaquah Parks & Recreation Department work together to bring new sculptures to the Rainier Trail Park. Each piece is borrowed and will remain in the city for one year.

Back to top

Activities and Attractions

On the one side of Issaquah we are backed up to the majestic Cascade Mountains with great day hikes, weekend back-packing trips and down-hill and cross country skiing. While on the other side of Issaquah is the gateway to Seattle and Bellevue with all of their metropolitan attractions including the Seattle Center, Space Needle, Seahawks Football, Mariners Baseball, Sounders Soccer, and world-class shopping at Bellevue Square.

Below is our list of just some of the area's activities and attractions:

Attractions

  • Boehm’s
    255 NE Gilman Blvd.
    Issaquah, WA 98027
    (425) 392-6652

    Boehm's Candies chocolate factory, known world-wide for its award-winning confections, has attracted thousands of visitors annually to Issaquah since 1956. The manicured grounds are graced with fountains, a replica of a 12th-century alpine chapel near Saint Moritz Switzerland, and the Edelweiss Swiss-style chalet which was the home of founder Julius Boehm. Escorted tours are available by appointment.
  • Cougar Mountain Zoological Park
    19525 SE 45th
    Issaquah, WA 98027
    (425) 391-5508

    Established in 1972, the Zoo is dedicated to increasing the understanding and appreciation of the earth's vanishing wildlife and the role of humanity in nature through education, research, captive breeding, conservation, recreation and exhibition.
  • Gilman Village
    317 NW Gilman Blvd.
    Issaquah, WA 98027
    (425) 392-6802

    It all began in 1972 when Marvin and Ruth Mohl started saving unwanted buildings from around the old farming and mining town of Issaquah. In saving the buildings, the idea was to honor the character and ambiance of the old community rather than to create a museum.   They moved, renovated and combined them into an attractive retail area in a park-like setting with the ultimate goal of creating a haven for independent shops and restaurants.  Over a quarter of century later, the 40-plus shops and restaurants that make up Gilman Village constitute one of Puget Sounds’ best known and most distinctive shopping destinations.
  • Issaquah Salmon Hatchery
    125 W. Sunset Way
    Issaquah, WA  98027
    (425) 427-0259

    In the heart of Issaquah’s old downtown, this facility is the most-visited hatchery in the state. About 300,000 people a year come to take the self-guided tour, or tours guided by docents on weekends. The Hatchery was originally constructed as a Works Project Administration (WPA) project during 1936-1937.

    The best time to visit is in September and October, when the salmon return, and Friends of the Issaquah Salmon Hatchery (F.I.S.H.) offer public tours. The fish start arriving in early September with the Chinook coming through late October. Coho arrive in mid-October through the first of December.
  • The Salish Lodge/Snoqualmie Falls
    P. O. Box 1109
    Snoqualmie, WA 98065
    (425) 888-2556

    Snoqualmie Falls is one of Washington’s most popular scenic attractions. More than 1.5 million visitors come to the Falls every year. At the Falls, you will find a two-acre park, observation deck, gift shop, the Salish Lodge, and the famous 270-foot waterfall.

Back to top

Recreation

  • Hiking Trails
    Trail information is available off the City of Issaquah Parks & Recreation website: www.ci.issaquah.wa.us/parkrec/center/trails.htm
    Another good source of trail information is the Issaquah Alps Trail Club website: www.issaquahalps.org
    The Visitor Information Center located at 155 NW Gilman Blvd. also has a selection of maps and information about local hiking trails.
  • Issaquah Salmon Hatchery Programs & Summer Camp
    125 W. Sunset Way
    Issaquah, WA  98027
    (425) 427-0259

    The Friends of the Issaquah Salmon Hatchery (F.I.S.H.) offers one-week day summer camps that are held at the Watershed Science Center at the Issaquah Salmon Hatchery. Camps will help kids learn about one of Issaquah’s greatest natural resources – the salmon! Participate in games, exercises, and experiments. Learn about: microscopes, animal tracks, Native American legends, pollution, the food chain, water quality, and the salmon life cycle.  Call for camp session dates by age group and cost per week.
  • Julius Boehm Pool
    50 E. Clark Street
    Issaquah, WA  98027
    (425) 837-3350

    Operated by the City of Issaquah, the pool is open to the public for lap swim, public swim and classes.  Children in the 5th grade and under must be accompanied by a responsible parent or guardian while using the Pool.  Children under the age of 6 must be accompanied in the water by an adult.  Open Monday thru Friday from 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM, Saturday 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.
  • Lake Sammamish State Park
    20606 SE 56th St.
    Issaquah, WA 98027
    (425) 455-7010

    The park is a 512-acre day-use park with 6,858 feet of waterfront on Lake Sammamish. The area around the lake was an important culture zone for local Indian tribes for centuries. The park provides deciduous forest and wetland vegetation for the enjoyment of visitors. A salmon-bearing creek and a great-blue heron rookery are additional features. The park has more than a mile of waterfront with public beaches and nine boat ramps.
  • Off-Leash Dog Park
    2702 Magnolia St 

    Issaquah, WA 98029
    (425) 507-1107

    Bark Park is in Issaquah Highlands is about 2 acres of land enclosed with a fence so you can  let your dog run wild. There are large rocks to sit on, a water fountain and poop bags are provided.  It’s a great place to take your dog to burn off energy!
  • Paragliding and Hand Gliding – Poo Poo Point

    Located at the west end of Tiger Mountain, the point got its name from logging signals using a whistle that made a "poo poo" sound. The trailhead from the hang-glider area is the steeper of two routes to Poo Poo point. The trail climbs steeply and steadily all the way to the top where you’ll find panoramic views of Squak Mountain, Lake Samammish and Issaquah. There is also a clearing on the back side of the point with an amazing view of Mount Rainier.
  • Parks & Recreation Activities
    Issaquah Community Center
    301 Rainier Blvd. South
    Issaquah, WA 98027
    (425) 837-3300

    The Issaquah Parks & Recreation Department offers a wide range of activities for children of all ages, as well as teens, and adults.  Classes include aquatics, cultural arts, education programs, Kinder Kamp, Day Camps, Adventure Camps, Adventure Pursuit Expeditions, Mighty Mite Camps, health & fitness classes, preschool classes, special events, sports activities, youth center and teen activities.
  • Skate Park
    Next to the Issaquah Community Center
    301 Rainier Blvd. South
    Issaquah, WA 98027

    Open daily from 8:00 a.m. to dusk, the Skate Park provides skateboarders and rollerbladers recreation opportunities. The Park is adjacent to and on the southeast side of the Issaquah Community Center and although it is unsupervised, safety rules are posted.
  • Vasa Park
    Resort, Ballroom, Camping
    3560 W. Lake Sammamish Pkwy. SE
    Bellevue, WA 98008
    (425) 764-3260

    Offering tent camping and trailer parking with water and electricity, the expansive grounds and beach area are also available to rent for family reunions, company parties, birthday parties and picnic reservations.  Fee is dependent upon the number of people.  A lifeguard is on duty.

Back to top

Historical Attractions

  • David J. Horrocks Research Center
    Issaquah Historical Museum
    165 SE Andrews Street
    Issaquah, WA 98027
    425/392-3500

    In addition to our exhibits, the Museum provides a place for historical research in the David J. Horrocks Research Center. Visitors may look through the Historical Society's extensive photo collection which includes images of early Issaquah families at work and play, downtown scenes of dusty streets and tall wooden storefronts, and the milling, mining, farming and railroad activities of old Gilman. They also have access to our web site, research files, and a number of other references from the Research Center.
  • Gilman Town Hall Museum & Jail
    165 SE Andrews Street
    (425) 392-3500

    The original town hall of Issaquah was in use from 1898 until 1930.  Now a museum, this fascinating exhibit tells the story of Issaquah's past through hundreds of photographs and artifacts (many never before on display) and a variety of interactive elements. Come see one of Issaquah's original water pipes, a rare Native American fur trade knife, and graffiti hidden for 75 years inside the walls of the fish hatchery. Set off an imaginary charge with an authentic dynamite blaster, ring a logging camp bell, listen to the music of the Squak Valley Hot Shots -- and much more!

    From the museum's back door you can go directly to jail - the old two-cell town jail, which was constructed in 1914 of solid eight inch concrete walls and still has the original iron bars in the windows. The forged iron lock bar weighs at least 80 pounds, and effectively cut the escape count to zero.  Call for visiting hours.
  • Gingko Tree
    90 Front Street South
    Issaquah, WA 98027

    Planted by Dr. W.E. Gibson (a physician) at the start of the twentieth century. Dr. Gibson became Issaquah's mayor in 1900 and served several additional terms as mayor and in the state legislature over the next 25 years. His family home was located on this site until it was torn down in 1970. Fortunately, through the efforts of Issaquah High School Students, a petition was drawn up and the tree was saved.

    Ginkgo trees belong to one of the oldest tree species on earth (Ginkgo biloba), dating back 150 million years. They were once native to Washington but later became extinct in North America. Specimens cultivated in Chinese ornamental gardens were later reintroduced around the world. This rare and unusual tree is visible at the corner of Andrews Street and Front Street South.
  • Hailstone Feed Store and Shell Gasoline Station – Museum and Meeting Space Rental
    232 Front Street North
    Issaquah, WA  98027
    (425) 391-1112

    There is speculation that the building may have been constructed as a residence in the late 1890’s and over the years records show that it was also used as a warehouse, grocery store, feed store and gasoline station.  In 2003, the Downtown Issaquah Association with assistance from the City of Issaquah, private party donations and volunteers began the process of restoring the building to its 1944 appearance as the Hailstone Feed Store and Shell Gasoline Station. In the restoration process, one of the most exciting discoveries the group has made is an Owl Cigar sign painted on the back of the building. The advertisement would have been easily visible to passengers taking the train in or out of Issaquah, the chief mode of transportation at that time.   The space is available to lease on an hourly basis and will accommodate up to 49 people.  Inquire at –  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
  • Historical Issaquah Walking Tour
    Issaquah Visitors Center
    155 NW Gilman Blvd
    Issaquah, WA  98027
    (425) 392-7024

    In addition to the Issaquah Visitor’s Center, walking tour brochures are available at the Issaquah Historic Railroad Depot and Museum, and the Gilman Town Hall Museum.
  • Historic Railroad Depot and Museum
    50 Rainier Boulevard N
    Issaquah, WA 98027
    425/392-3500

    Originally incorporated as the town of Gilman in 1892, Issaquah was a center of coal mining activity in the late 19th century.  The Seattle, Lake Shore and Eastern Railway constructed a modest Queen Anne-style depot building in 1889.  Now operated by the Issaquah Historical Society, the depot has been restored to its original grandeur. A steam engine in front of the depot showcases the history of logging in the area.  Open Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm.
  • Issaquah Visitors Center
    155 NW Gilman Blvd.
    Issaquah, WA 98027
    (425) 392-7024

    Once a familiar landmark on the east shore of Lake Sammamish, this house was built by Thomas and Caroline Alexander in 1902 on land which was known for most of the century as Alexander's Resort. Thomas Alexander had earlier been the "walking boss" (traveling construction supervisor) for the Seattle, Lakeshore and Eastern Railway.

    When the future of this historic home became endangered by construction of a housing development in 1986, the Issaquah Historical Society worked to move it to its current location. Restoration by local volunteers was completed in 1989, creating the new headquarters for the Issaquah Chamber of Commerce, and the Issaquah Visitors Center.

    The Visitors Center features maps, brochures and information about activities, recreation, entertainment and shopping in Issaquah and around the region. The center also provides information about lodging, restaurants, and services such as schools and daycares.
  • Pickering Barn
    1730 – 10th Avenue NW
    Issaquah, WA  98027
    (425) 837-3321

    The Pickering barn is the only surviving dairy barn in Issaquah, a community once dominated by dairy farming. The historic site dates from the 1800’s when it was the home of Territorial Governor, William Pickering. The restored barn has been equipped with modern day conveniences to make it a state of the art facility while preserving its historic character. Today, the Pickering Barn is divided into two separate barns connected with a centralized entrance hall. The Barn is especially suited for receptions, auctions, company parties, and formal weddings. For appointments to tour the Barn, additional information and/or availability, contact the City of Issaquah Parks & Recreation Dept. at (425) 837-3321, Monday through Friday.
  • Pickering Place Amphitheater
    Formerly the historic Pickering farm, this area is now the upscale Pickering Place shopping center where you'll find a hidden pond, with a fountain, bridge and amphitheater. Huge stone tablets near the amphitheater provide details of the farm's history.

Back to top