Puyallup: Fair History, Culture and Nature

For a stay in Puyallup, you can focus on different interests: the history of the fair, historic architecture and museums, public art, or outdoor trails and parks. This lets you shape your plans around the places and activities that interest you most.

Fair History and Events

The first Puyallup Fair was held from October 4 to 6, 1900. The Fair History Experience offers interactive storytelling about the fair’s history, adding a narrative perspective to the story of this early date. The Daffodil Parade, Puyallup’s largest parade, is also held annually. It features more than 180 entries, including marching bands, dancers and a daffodil float. If you want to plan your trip around the parade, check the current event dates and details in advance; these may change.

Fair Scones celebrated their 100th anniversary; during the 2011 Puyallup Fair, they served their 100 millionth scone. These historic milestones also highlight the culinary side of the fair’s history.

Architecture and Remembrance

Meeker Mansion was built in 1890 by Ezra and Eliza Jane Meeker. The Victorian Italianate-style house has six original fireplaces. Anyone who wants a closer look at the architecture can start with the style description and the preserved fireplaces. The Meeker Mansion Museum offers self-guided tours Wednesday through Sunday from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. Check the opening hours before you arrive if you are planning a museum visit.

The Karshner Museum was founded in 1930 as a lasting memorial to Paul Karshner. The JACL Remembrance Gallery honors the legacy of the Puyallup Assembly Center. The two institutions thus focus on different aspects of historical remembrance. You can choose based on which of these stories you would like to learn more about.

Art, Trails and Parks

Puyallup’s Outdoor Art Gallery features more than 50 permanent and rotating sculptures on public display throughout downtown. If you want to include public art in your travel plans, the gallery offers a different focus from the historic homes and museums.

The Puyallup Riverwalk Trail is approximately five miles long and runs along the Puyallup River. Existing sidewalks make up part of the trail for about one mile. It also includes a paved bike path. Both the approximate length and the trail surface are relevant to your plans. The trail is open daily from 30 minutes before sunrise until 30 minutes after sunset; seasonal conditions may affect its use. Check current conditions before planning a walk or bike ride.

Wildwood Park covers 80 acres, including 55 naturally wooded acres; it also has fitness trails, several paths and a historic water reservoir. Downtown, the two-acre Pioneer Park has a playground and the Kiwanis Kids Spray Park. The parks offer different experiences: Wildwood has wooded areas and trails, while Pioneer Park centers on the playground and spray park. If you are choosing between them, consider the kind of visit you are planning.

Discover more destinations: South Hill, Tacoma, Fox Island, Ashford, Sumner, Lakebay, Gig Harbor, Dupont.

Go to the main travel overview: Pierce.