Lincoln Park

A Walk Through Time

Since 1889, Lincoln Park has been a green space within Tacoma. Originally known as South Park, it was renamed in 1901 to honor President Abraham Lincoln. Stretching across 10.41 acres next to Lincoln High School, this space has grown up alongside the neighborhood it serves.

Nature's Gallery

Step into Lincoln Park and you'll immediately notice you're walking through what feels like an arboretum. The diverse collection of trees, some silent witnesses to over 100 years of Tacoma history, creates a natural canopy that dapples the ground with shifting patterns of light and shadow.

The landscape offers a mix of flat, open areas and more interesting rolling terrain, giving you different experiences as you explore. The magnificent tree cover is especially stunning, providing welcome shade during summer months and a kaleidoscope of colors in fall.

From Wilderness to Landmark

It's hard to imagine now, but this manicured park once featured a deep gulch described as a "jungle of timber, underbrush, vines, and ferns indigenous to the northwest." This wild area was eventually transformed into what locals now know as the Lincoln Bowl.

The early 1900s saw the park evolve into a picturesque space where winding paths, rustic bridges, and terraced flower gardens invited Tacoma residents to reconnect with nature.

Today's Offerings

Lincoln Park offers a variety of amenities for visitors. Kids 5 and older can enjoy the playground, but be aware that some equipment might show signs of its age.

For sports enthusiasts, there's a basketball court that regularly hosts pickup games. If you're looking for a gentler pace, the short walking trail offers an excellent circuit for your daily steps or a thoughtful stroll.

Hungry? The park features several picnic areas including a distinctive covered stone structure that resembles a gazebo. This charming brick building includes BBQ pits, making it ideal for family gatherings or celebrating special occasions.

Restrooms are available (though they may close seasonally), and you'll come across drinking water on-site. The generous open grassy areas provide plenty of space for frisbee, catch, or simply sprawling out with a good book.

Community Heartbeat

The park has a long history of community gatherings. In years past, weekly plays transformed the natural gulch into an outdoor theater, while children participated in everything from puppet shows and parades to art competitions and swimming.

Today, Lincoln Park continues to bring people together. You'll see locals walking their dogs (on leash, please), families spreading out picnic blankets, and individuals finding quiet moments under the shelter of century-old trees.

If you're planning to visit, note that parking can be tight during busy times. There's a small lot on-site, with additional street parking along Yakima Avenue where permitted.