Tucked away near downtown Tacoma is one of the most magical parks I’ve ever visited.

It has history, festivals, fountains, a conservatory, statues and every tree imaginable.

To think when I first moved here I was told to avoid the area because of possible crime and homeless people.

I’m actually happy I was warned not to go there, since that means the warners likely won’t go and it’ll be less crowded!

Throughout the next 44 years more than 300 trees from North America and Europe were planted in the park, the lawn bowling (bocce ball!) court built in 1934, statues collected by Tacoma resident Col. Clinton P. Ferry were donated to the park – including the magnificent white lions on the 6th street entrance – and the Seymour Conservatory was opened (1908).

The park is our favorite location to visit in the fall, for the variety of color and windswept leaves adorning the grounds.

We’ve only visited the conservatory once, but it is really neat and worth a trip to Tacoma. The conservatory opened in 1908, and features a 12-sided glass dome. It has 250 plant species, more than 200 orchids, and between 300-500 blooming displays. It also features tropical plants from all over the world.

The Park does have lots of homeless people in it, but we’ve certainly never felt unsafe.

– Craig Craker

If you go
Location: Wright Park is located between Division Street and 6th Avenue near the Stadium District in Tacoma.
When: Year round, though our favorite time is in the fall when the 300 trees feature distinct color.
What: A 27-acre arboretum park with a conservatory, playground, a variety of trees, spray park, pond with fountains, and a lawn bowling court.
Fees: None, though the conservatory recommends a $3 donation.
Kid-friendly: Definitely.