Klondike Gold Rush National Historic Park - Seattle Unit
A key attraction in the Pioneer Square area. It is the Seattle branch of the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, the remainder of which is in Alaska. Highlights the city's key role as the "Gateway to the Gold Fields" in supplying most of the Klondike stampeders of 1897 - 1898. National Park Service Rangers and volunteers staff the Seattle unit. They can provide information and perspective not only on the Gold Rush but also on Seattle's past and present. The Seattle unit contains many artifacts and historical photographs related to the Gold Rush. Movies about the Gold Rush 27 minutes, Seattle 15 minutes and the Chilkoot Pass 15 minutes are shown upon request except in summer when they're shown on a regular schedule. Rangers conduct free walking tours of the Pioneer Square area in the summer. They also demonstrate gold panning for school groups.
Wing Luke Asian Museum
The first Smithsonian affiliate in the Pacific Northwest, this museum features exhibits and programs related to pan-Asian American art, history, and culture as well as historic immersion and neighborhood walking tours.
Smith Tower
Built in 1914, the Smith Tower was Seattle's first skyscraper and is probably the only tall building left in Seattle where uniformed attendants operate the elevators. Instead of stepping into a metal box with no view, you'll observe the different floors and peer into offices as you ascend or descend. How many people under the age of, say, 20 or so have ever had that experience? An outdoor observation deck on the 35th floor wraps completely around the four sides of the tower, providing panoramic views of the Olympic and Cascade mountain ranges, including Mt. Rainier, as well as of Elliott Bay, downtown Seattle, and Pioneer Square. The interior of the 35th floor contains the Chinese Room, with an ornate carved ceiling and a number of decorative flourishes imported from China in the early 20th century.
Seattle Buddhist Church
In the summer the community hosts a Japanese bon odori festival on the street out front.
Parks
Hing Hay Park
A small park in the center of Chinatown. Though you're not too likely to see old folks doing tai chi or playing checkers, it still has character.
Waterfall Garden
This small, tranquil park features a 22-foot high waterfall cascading over natural granite boulders. The park occupies the site where two 19-year olds, James Casey and Claude Ryan, began a messenger service in 1907 in the basement of a tavern. That messenger service grew up to become United Parcel Service. The Annie E. Casey Foundation, started by James Casey and his siblings in honor of their mother, created the park and maintains it "in honor of the men and women of United Parcel Service."
Pioneer Square
Pioneer Square proper is just a small corner park that's often occupied by homeless folks, but generally safe during the day.
Occidental Park
This urban park is best known for its four totem poles carved by local artist Duane Pasco.