If you have traveled into or out of Tacoma, there’s a good chance you’ve seen the Thea Foss Waterway that runs under the 509 bridge just East of downtown.
This waterfront has had a central role in the history of Tacoma, with businesses cropping up along its banks for more than 100 years.
Foss Waterway Seaport – Preserving Stories
With the Northern Pacific Railroad and a deep water port nearby, industry boomed for decades as Tacoma grew rapidly. And as it grew, the stories of the people that lived there, the lives they led and the culture that was created started to form.
The Foss Waterway Seaport, located in the historic Balfour Dock Building, is dedicated to preserving and sharing those stories, from Tacoma’s rich maritime history to the people who made this region what it is today.
Maritime history is where the Foss Waterway Seaport truly shines. Each of these vessels has its own story, one that speaks of attention to detail, craftsmanship and character.
Their Heritage Wooden Boat Shop showcases traditional maritime crafts and construction skills by master boat builders who volunteer their time to restoring these craft and passing along what they know to future generations.
The Foss Waterway Seaport is telling stories… stories of builders and artists, tradesman and industry. Stories of Tacoma’s rich and unique history.
In our busy and often frantic modern times, these stories are timely reminders of the people who formed much of Tacoma through hard work, long hours and determination and who’s legacy lives on in what they built.
You can find out more information on visiting hours, events and more at fosswaterwayseaport.org.
Directions to Foss Waterway Seaport
705 Dock Street
Tacoma, WA 98402
[…] Tacoma’s Foss Waterway Seaport has free virtual education programs and field trips. Topics include plankton, sea stars, rain and watershed and even a virtual kayaking tour of the Thea Foss Waterway. […]