eXplore Seattle

Ready to experience one of Seattle’s most breathtaking natural treasures? Discovery Park offers more than just stunning views—it’s a living museum of our region’s history and natural beauty. This summer, take advantage of expertly guided walking tours that showcase the park’s rich heritage while enjoying the spectacular landscape that makes this 534-acre urban space so special. Whether you’re a longtime resident or new to the area, these tours provide insights that will transform the way you see this beloved Seattle landmark.

Explore the Historical Legacy: Join members of FSOP and Friends of Discovery Park on a 2-mile walking tour through what was once Fort Lawton, discovering John Charles Olmsted’s original vision for this park as the northern anchor of Seattle’s interconnected park system.

Step back in time as knowledgeable guides from the Friends of Seattle’s Olmsted Parks (FSOP) and Friends of Discovery Park reveal the fascinating history behind this beloved Seattle landmark. What many locals simply enjoy as a beautiful green space today was once Fort Lawton, a military installation with a complex past. On this informative tour, you’ll learn how renowned landscape architect John Charles Olmsted—nephew of Frederick Law Olmsted, who designed New York’s Central Park—envisioned this remarkable space as the northern cornerstone of Seattle’s ambitious parks system over a century ago.

As you walk the paths of Discovery Park, your guides will illustrate Olmsted’s grand design that connected this northern site to Seward Park in the southeast through an intricate network of green spaces and boulevards. This innovative system was revolutionary urban planning for its time, creating a natural infrastructure that continues to enhance Seattle’s livability today. The tour brings to life how Olmsted’s vision from the early 1900s shaped the city we know and love, offering a deeper appreciation for this park that was officially renamed Discovery Park in the 1970s after serving as Fort Lawton for decades.

Essential Tour Information: Be prepared for a moderately challenging walk featuring slopes, stairs, and unpaved terrain; meet at the South Parking Lot (accessible from West Emerson Street across from 43rd Ave West), where convenient lot parking is available.

While accessible to most visitors, this two-mile journey does present some physical challenges worth noting before you arrive. The terrain varies throughout the park, with several slopes, staircases, and natural pathways that may be uneven or unpaved. Comfortable walking shoes are strongly recommended, and you might want to bring a walking stick if you typically use one for balance on varied terrain. The moderate difficulty level makes this tour an excellent way to enjoy some light exercise while soaking in both natural beauty and historical knowledge—just be sure to bring water and dress for the weather.

Finding the starting point is straightforward, even for first-time visitors. The tour begins at the South Parking Lot, which you can easily access by entering the park from West Emerson Street directly across from 43rd Avenue West. This convenient location features ample parking in the dedicated lot, so you won’t need to worry about finding street parking in the surrounding neighborhood. Plan to arrive about 10-15 minutes early to check in with your guides and get settled before starting this enriching two-hour exploration of one of Seattle’s most magnificent public spaces.