McKinley Park

A Slice of History in Tacoma

Located in Tacoma, Washington sits McKinley Park, one of the city's oldest green spaces dating back to 1901. Originally called East Park, it was renamed to honor President William McKinley after his assassination - a small tribute that's stood the test of time.

Spanning 26 acres, this green space offers a surprising escape from city life despite being just a stone's throw from the Tacoma Dome. It feels like you've left the city behind, even when you haven't gone far at all.

Nature's Little Sanctuary

What makes McKinley Park special is its surprisingly diverse ecosystem. The park houses four streams and four wetlands, with the largest wetland recognized as a wetland of local significance by the City of Tacoma.

These wetlands support specialized plants, provide homes for fish and birds, and naturally filter out pollutants from stormwater. Keep your eyes peeled while walking and you'll likely spot squirrels darting between trees or birds flitting through the branches overhead.

Trails Worth Exploring

The tree-lined trails that meander through McKinley Park provide a setting for a peaceful nature walk. The park doesn't keep things too flat and simple, however - its hilly terrain creates paths of varying difficulty, making it ideal if you're looking for a bit more challenge in your outdoor strolls.

Some areas of the park reward your uphill efforts with lovely views of the surrounding city and the Tacoma Dome. It's a pocket of nature despite being so close to Interstate 5.

Here's a fun historical tidbit: in the park's early days, the name "McKinley Park" was actually arranged in stones on the steep hillside, visible to passengers arriving by boat or train.

What You'll Find There

Thanks to a Park Improvement Bond program in 2005, McKinley Park has received some thoughtful upgrades over the years. There's a substantial playground area with climbing equipment that neighborhood families particularly enjoy, complemented by several picnic tables nearby - well-suited for an afternoon lunch outdoors.

If you're looking for more active options, head up the hill to find a small skatepark that's popular with older kids and teens. For grown-ups wanting to stay fit, the park also features adult workout equipment scattered throughout.

Good to Know Before You Go

You can bring your four-legged friends along - McKinley Park is dog-friendly, however your pups need to stay leashed in accordance with the McKinley Park Stewardship Plan and city ordinances. You'll come across waste bag stations and trash cans within the park, making clean-up easy.

Restrooms are available near the playground, however they have limited access during the winter months. The park welcomes visitors daily from 7AM to 7PM, giving you plenty of daylight hours to explore.

Yes, you might hear some traffic noise from Interstate 5 at certain points, but it's amazing how the dense trees and vegetation create pockets of surprising tranquility throughout the space.

Community Heart

One thing that makes McKinley Park shine is how much the local community cares for it. Dedicated volunteers help maintain the trails and facilities, and you'll notice creative touches and artwork placed thoughtfully throughout the grounds.

Over the decades, this historic park has become a space where Tacoma residents can connect with nature, get some exercise, and find a bit of peace within the city limits.