Leland and Steven Meitzler from Orting, Wash. sold their private collection of genealogy books and records in 1982, which became the basis of the Heritage Quest Research Library in Sumner. The library became a nonprofit organization in 1996 and is run completely by volunteers as an independent research facility. Volunteers can teach Saturday classes and share their knowledge or work a shift as a librarian. The library also participates in quarterly and annual heritage events throughout the Pacific Northwest. There are magazines and other heritage research items available for purchase; the library staff can also research heritage or genealogy questions for customers and will respond within two weeks with as much information as they can find.
The Seattle Aquarium is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. This iconic waterfront landmark is a must-see, particularly for families with children, although it's a great place to visit for anyone who wants to get a fascinating look at the area's spectacular underwater world. With its wide array of colorful marine creatures in award-winning exhibits and touch pools, guests of all ages and tastes are sure to find something to enjoy. One of the best ways to enhance your visit is to check out the host of sea life that can be found in the Pacific Northwest at the aquarium, and then head out on an adventure to see what you can find in the Puget Sound waters or in the tide pools along the state's breathtaking, rugged coastline.
Parking and public transportation
The aquarium is easy to get to by car or public transportation, located on Pier 50 on the downtown central waterfront. Inexpensive metered parking is available right across the street below the Alaskan Way viaduct. Metro Transit offers many bus routes that will bring you within a short walk of the aquarium, including Route 99, which stops directly in front of the building.
Best and worst time to go to the Seattle Aquarium
The Seattle Aquarium is open every day of the year except Christmas Day at 9:30 a.m., with the last entry accepted at 5 p.m. and exhibits closing up at 6 p.m. The best time to get here is just after 2 p.m., when the crowds typically begin to thin out whether it's on the weekend or a weekday. Most visitors tend to arrive shortly after the aquarium opens, making it more difficult to get good views of the exhibits without having to bump elbows with others, particularly during the months of June, July and August.
Admission to the Seattle Aquarium
Admission to the aquarium ranges from about $15 to $22 depending on age with children three years old and under admitted free. Discounts are available for seniors, persons with disabilities and active military.
Must-Dos at Seattle Aquarium
Touching some of the fascinating creatures that live in the tide pools on the state's outer coast and the inland sea of the Puget Sound is a must. Visitors can feel the prickly spines of a sea urchin and discover the rough texture of a colorful starfish. The Underwater Dome provides the opportunity to be surrounded by fish and other creatures by heading down a short tunnel and stepping into a 360-degree tank filled with a variety of species, including sharks, sturgeon, vibrantly-colored rockfish, lingcod and more. The aquarium is also home to marine mammals, like playful sea otters and harbor seals that provide practically endless entertainment with their antics.
Other places to visit near Seattle Aquarium
With some of the city's best restaurants located just steps away from the aquarium, you might want to plan lunch or dinner around your visit to the aquarium. If you like fresh oysters, Elliott's Oyster House offers some of the freshest oysters around, while Ivar's Pier 54 Fish Bar serves up Seattle's famous bread bowl clam chowder as well as amazing fish 'n' chips. Argosy Cruises is located right next door to the aquarium, offering a variety of tours, including a narrated one-hour sightseeing tour that allows visitors to view many of Seattle's iconic landmarks like the Space Needle and Mt. Rainier from the glistening waters of Elliott Bay.
Insider tips for visitors to Seattle Aquarium
There are several indoor/outdoor open air areas of the aquarium that allow visitors to watch the seals and sea otters swim in the waters of the Puget Sound. If you're here on a nice day, walk out onto the dock and enjoy the fresh air, spectacular views and see these entertaining creatures in a less crowded environment.
Author's bio: K.C. Dermody is a travel writer living in the Seattle area with hundreds of travel articles both online and in print. She has traveled the world and is the author of 'Best Travel Guide for First Time Visitors to Ireland,' but especially loves showing off the beautiful region she resides in.
The museum, operated by the Woodinville Heritage Society, is open to the public on Sundays, and some Saturday's for special events. Admission is free, though the Heritage Society will gladly accept donations.
The 100-member Heritage Society is also looking for volunteers who want to help work at the museum when it’s open, as well as work on other projects, such as cataloging its collection of items. Anyone interested in participating can contact Marilyn Fullmer at [email protected], or 425-788-9862.
