Leaves are falling and temperatures dropping, but there is still a ton of fun to be had in Lakewood and her surrounding areas. In fact, this may be one of the best times to visit and experience the changing of the seasons. Enjoy wildlife, history, local food, outdoor activities and scenic wonders during this season spanning September through November!
Highlights to Visit:
Northwest Trek Wildlife Park
Copper Creek Restaurant
Ex Nihilio Sculpture Park
Pioneer Farm Museum
Carr’s Restaurant
Nisqually Wildlife Refuge
Lakewood Shooting Range
Go Philly Cheesesteaks and Wings
Chambers Bay Golf Course
Fort Steilacoom Park
Elks in rutting season, a whimsical sculpture park, hands on farm museum with a tour through the seasons, historic mountain diner, world class golf, state of the art shooting range and scenic wonders all around. Just a few of the amazing activities, food and experiences waiting for you in Lakewood this autumn!
Day One: Saturday
Arrive in Lakewood, WA., and enjoy breakfast at Hops and Drops. Then head towards Mount Rainier to Northwest Trek Wildlife Park, your destination for a unique experience called Wild Drive!
Everyone gets a window seat on this trek where you’ll drive your own vehicle through the free roaming section of the park. You’ll have the chance to see fluffy mountain goats, Roosevelt Elk herds, bison and maybe even a moose! Be sure to get your tickets online prior to arrival to access the park!
After your Wild Drive, don’t miss the separate walking tour called the Wild Walk. A one-way trail will direct your walk around the park to view cougar, wolves, grizzlies, otters and bald eagles!
Hungry for lunch? Head up-mountain to Ashford and visit the historic Copper Creek Restaurant for a delicious lunch. They’re open every day and serve local favorites like salmon, trout, steaks, freshly baked breads and buns and of course, Miss Jennie’s famous blackberry pie! After lunch stop by the Ex-Nihilio Sculpture Park on your way back to town where artist Dan Klennert’s creations come to life. You’ll see dinosaurs, seahorses, giant spiders, a heavy-metal band (made of iron) and so much more. No admission fee is required, but if you’d like – feel free to donate a few dollars in either the Republican or Democratic donation urns. Dan’s quirky sense of humor is contagious and if you’re lucky — you may even catch him crafting his next piece of artwork.
The Pioneer Farm Museum offers incredible hands-on living history weekend tours. Their Native American Seasons Tour is 90 minutes and will explore season to season through the forest and the Ohop Indian Village. Journey back to the 1880’s and experience homesteading in Washington State.
For dinner visit Bruno’s European Restaurant. Enjoy Schnitzel, Roulade, Frikadelle, Pierogi, Latkes and more of your favorite German and Polish dishes from scratch. European Beer & Wine makes it feel like
Oktoberfest any time.
Check into the Best Western Lakewood for your overnight. It’s conveniently located in the heart of Lakewood, close to everything. For more lodging info visit the Lakewood Chamber.
Day Two: Sunday
Enjoy your complimentary full breakfast at the hotel this morning. Grab a few treats to take with you at the Original House of Donuts!
Your first stop today is a short drive southbound on Interstate 5, for an invigorating walk at the Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually Wildlife Refuge. A protected estuary on the Nisqually River Delta where the freshwater of the Nisqually River combines with the saltwater of Puget Sound. The estuary is protected and offers a rich diversity of fish and wildlife habitats. The Nisqually estuary was restored in 2009, by removing dikes and reconnecting 762 acres with the tides of Puget Sound.
Enjoy long walks along raised boardwalk trails to the water viewpoints and abundant wildlife.
Next visit Washington’s newest and most advanced indoor shooting range. At the Lakewood Shooting Range try out the latest and greatest, or just come shoot your all-time favorite!
With 16 lanes, each 25 yards long, and sporting state of the art touch screen controllers, you’ll have a blast honing your shooting skills in the comfort of an indoor location. Don’t have your own gun? Rentals are available for handguns like Glock and Smith & Wesson, or rifles like Ruger and Winchesters—there’s something for everyone here. Be sure to register online before you go arrive.
Hungry for lunch? Stop by Go Philly Cheesesteaks and Wings! They bring the authentic taste of Philadelphia to the Pacific Northwest. They use only the original products that made the Cheesesteak famous in Philly and around the world.
Ready to swing a few clubs at a world class golf resort that hosted the U.S. Open in 2015? This “walking only” course boasts tawny grasses, towering sand dunes, massive fairways, and breathtaking views of the Puget Sound and snow-capped Olympic Mountains. Chambers Bay brings the traditions of Scottish links to the Pacific Northwest. Once a depleted sand and gravel mine along the shores of Puget Sound, Robert Trent Jones Jr. created a masterpiece.
Then have dinner at the Grill at the golf course overlooking Chambers Bay! The Grill is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner with full bar service and an interesting list of Northwest wines. Enjoy the splendor of the Puget Sound, the majestic Olympic Mountains, and expansive golf course views. Reservations are strongly encouraged.
Need a little excitement for the evening? Stop by the Great American Casino for safe social distanced gambling and great drinks. Weekends may soon offer live music too! Enjoy your second night at your hotel.
Day Three:
After breakfast take a scenic one-mile stroll at Waughop Lake, located in Fort Steilacoom Park. This fully paved trail offers lake viewpoints, tiny beach areas and lovely vegetation native to the Pacific Northwest. Fort Steilacoom Park’s 342 acres offers a diversity of habitats from open meadows to coniferous woodland. Excellent access for birding includes 146 species identified within the park’s boundaries.
Heading home you’ll treasure the memories you’ve created during your Autumn in Lakewood getaway!
Resources:
Lakewood Chamber of Commerce
6310 Mt Tacoma Dr SW, Lakewood, WA 98499
(253) 582-9400