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Last update: 02/27/2012

Heritage Park

Heritage Park is a 24-acre state-owned park adjacent to the State Capitol Campus, Capitol Lake and downtown Olympia. It is the northern extension of the historic West Capitol Campus. For more information, see:  

 

Park hours:
Dawn to dusk. Security provided by the Washington State Patrol.

Parking:
Metered city parking can be found on Water Street, and free parking is available in the lot within the park, at 5th Avenue and Yashiro Street.

 

Walk/run the park

The park features walking/running paths that encircle the entire perimeter of the park and Capitol Lake, and connect to other pedestrian paths. The Heritage Park Trail, a switchback trail at the south end of the park, winds its way up to the historic Capitol Campus on the bluff above.

For more information, see Capitol Lake trails. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Plan an event

With its broad lawns and sweeping views of the Capitol, Heritage Park is a great place to hold festivals, performances, community activities, athletic events and more. A lawn amphitheater area is ideal for small performances and educational events. Ample parking and the amenities of downtown Olympia are right here.  For more information: 

 

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Tour park features and amenities

The design of Heritage Park reflects the state’s intent that the park’s physical features, as well as the installations and interpretive programs it hosts, should represent Washington’s diverse heritage and culture.

  • The Arc of Statehood
    The 2,500-foot-long pathway along the eastern shore of Capitol Lake is the most prominent architectural feature. It is a convenient place to sit and watch wildlife. “Bump-outs” along the arc provide beautiful views and mark its intersection with the historic northward view axis from the Capitol Campus to Puget Sound.
  • County markers
    Each of Washington’s 39 counties is honored by an individual bronze marker mounted on a sandstone block along the Arc of Statehood.
  • Environmental and Geologic Heritage
    Two prominent viewing points along the lake’s edge represent Washington’s natural diversity. At the southern end of the Arc of Statehood, the “Western Washington Inlet,” is a natural waterfowl habitat representative of much of Western Washington’s coastal and riverine ecosystems. At the northern end of the Arc is the “Eastern Washington Butte.” Still under development, this small hill of earth with its winding footpath will be landscaped as a rocky bluff representative of Eastern Washington’s arid environment.
  • Steps to Lake Edge
    Monumental steps at the eastern shore of Capitol Lake offer lake edge access as well as seating for viewing events on the water.
  • Outdoor Amphitheatre
    Though still under development, the park has been gently sculpted to include a lawn amphitheatre area. In its current form, it can support audience-style events for large or small groups.
  • Heritage Park Trail
    A switchback trail at the south edge of the park connects to the West Capitol Campus on the bluff above. This wheel-chair accessible, half-mile path tops out at the Law Enforcement Memorial, with a stunning view of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains.

 

Adjacent parks

  • Marathon Park
    Built in 1969, two-acre Marathon Park commemorates the first U.S. trials for the Women’s Olympic Marathon that began and ended at the park site. A trail through the park connects it to Heritage Park. Marathon Park is also a favorite for car shows, dances, family reunions, weddings and other outdoor events.
  • Capitol Lake Interpretive Center
    The Interpretive Center at the northern end of Capitol Lake marks the marks the start of a walking trail through wetlands.
  • Heritage Park Fountain
    Across 5th Avenue at the north east corner of Heritage Park, the Heritage Park Fountain is owned and operated by the City of Olympia.

Visit other state and local attractions:

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Park historyAn aerial artist's rendering of Heritage park

Construction of Heritage Park achieves the vision of architects Walter Wilder and Harry White, designers of the state capitol. Their 1911 master plan for the Capitol Campus called for a park that physically and visually connects the capitol buildings and grounds with the city of Olympia, Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains.

Heritage Park is managed by the Department of General Administration.

For more information, see A Brief History of Heritage Park.

 

 

 

 

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