Du-fun-t: The Best & Most Hilarious Things To Do + Places To Visit In Dupont, Washington
The Sequalitchew Creek Trail Head walks you right out to a view over the whole of Puget Sound out there. The Lewis Army Museum out there preserves the whole of the history of the United States Army. Deception Pass State Park runs over 38 whole miles of the hiking trail out there as well. Fort Steilacoom out there keeps the whole 1902 3-inch field gun. Free to walk.
Dupont, Washington is the quiet corner of the Pacific Northwest that most people drive past. Local or first-time visitor, the town holds more than the size of it suggests. Outdoor ground at one end and top-rated restaurants at the other.
For free things to do in Dupont, start with the Sequalitchew Creek Trail, a quiet walk that ends looking out over Puget Sound. For history, the Lewis Army Museum covers the military past of this area. And for a fright, Theatrical Nightmare is the haunted house attraction in town. Whatever the interest, Dupont has a version of it.
So pack the bags and work through Dupont. A day trip or a weekend, this town gives you enough to fill it. Start here.
Key Takeaways
- Dupont, Washington offers a variety of fun activities and places to visit for locals and visitors alike.
- From free and fun activities to historical sites and outdoor adventures, there’s something for everyone in Dupont.
- Whether you’re planning a day trip or a weekend getaway, Dupont is the perfect destination for your next adventure.
Dupont, Washington: A Hidden Gem
You know Washington, DC. Dupont, Washington is the other one, a small town in the northwest corner of the state. Natural country, a long history and attractions you will not find elsewhere make it worth the detour.
The natural country around Dupont is the first reason. Dupont sits inside forest, with lakes and mountain views around it. Outdoor people get hiking trails, fishing spots and camping sites. The Sequalitchew Creek Trail Head and the Puget Sound waterfront are the two most people name in Dupont.
Dupont is not only for outdoor people. The history here is worth the time. The Lewis Army Museum covers the military past of the area. The historic Fort Nisqually Living History Museum shows what life looked like in the 1800s. For architecture, the Victorian homes and historic buildings run through the town.
And the attractions are its own. The Dupont Powderworks Museum covers the explosive past this town is named for. The Dupont Fish Hatchery shows how the town is holding onto its natural resources. For golf, the Home Course Golf Course runs long views and holes that test you.
Dupont, Washington is the town people keep missing. Outdoor person, history person or somebody after something unusual, there is a version here. Plan the next trip around it and see what the place actually is.
Free and Fun Activities in Dupont
You do not need money for a good day in Dupont. These are the free things to do here.
Take a Morning Walk
Start the day walking. Dupont runs scenic trails and parks that suit a slow morning. The Sequalitchew Creek Trail Head is the popular one, with Puget Sound at the end of it. The Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge is the other, for the local wildlife.
Hit the Beach
A day at the beach works here too. Dupont has spots for the sand and the water. The area around Sequalitchew Creek Trail is the popular one and it costs nothing to get onto. Take a picnic lunch and stay for the afternoon.
Explore the Trails
Dupont runs hiking trails that cost nothing at all. The Sequalitchew Creek Trail is the one to walk, for the views and the quiet on it. For something harder, the trails at the Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge. Carry water and wear proper shoes.
Visit the Lewis Army Museum
Most attractions in Dupont are free and the Lewis Army Museum is the one military history people come for. The museum preserves the history of the United States Army and it costs nothing to enter. The exhibits cover the Army’s part in American history, with military vehicles and weapons among them.
Dupont has plenty that costs nothing. A morning walk, a day at the beach or an afternoon on the trails, all three are here. Take the sunscreen and the walking shoes.
Historical Sites Worth a Visit
You cannot be in Dupont without the history. These are the historical sites worth the stop.
Dupont’s Military History
Dupont carries a deep military history, with Joint Base Lewis-McChord right next door. The city’s military sites include the cannon standing in the center of town. That cannon marks Dupont’s part in the Pig War, a boundary dispute between the United States and Britain in the 19th century.
The Pig War and Other Stories
The Pig War was the only major war fought in Dupont. Despite the military history, this town has never been the site of a major war. That does not mean the stories are thin. The Dupont Historical Museum carries the Pig War and everything around it.
Exploring Fort Steilacoom
Fort Steilacoom was an important coastal defense during major wars, World War II among them. It is now where history people go. The collection runs tanks, self-propelled guns and towed guns, alongside ambulances and jeeps and utility trucks. Experimental vehicles, troop carriers and scout cars turn up on display as well.
For the technical end of military history, the M51 Skysweeper missiles and rockets are here, alongside the Spanish cannons and the 1902 3-inch field gun.
Dupont’s historical sites cover the exploration and frontier period alongside the town’s part in major wars and coastal defense. It is how the place becomes legible. Do not skip it.
The Great Outdoors: Puget Sound and More
You are in Dupont, Washington and you want to be outside. The Puget Sound is right there. It is a serious body of water, with long views and plenty to do on it.
For hiking, there are trails all through the Puget Sound area. Deception Pass State Park runs over 38 miles of hiking trail. The Olympic National Park is the other, running old-growth forest and coastline views.
For a beach, the Puget Sound has plenty. Alki Beach in West Seattle takes a day of sun and sand and watching people. Golden Gardens Park is the other, for a picnic or a swim in the Sound.
The Puget Sound is not the only outdoor ground in Dupont. There are parks and trails through the area. The Sequalitchew Creek Trail is the quiet walk through the woods. The Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge is where Washington’s native wildlife turns up.
Whatever the outdoor plan, Dupont and the country around it will hold it. Pack the bags and the sunscreen and go.
You would assume a town this quiet has no military history at all behind it. Joint Base Lewis-McChord sits right next door and the cannon stands in the middle of town. That cannon marks the whole of Dupont’s part in the Pig War of the 19th century. The name comes from a powder works.
Golfing in Dupont: More Than Just a Game
Golfers do well in Dupont. With six courses, Chambers Bay Golf Course and The Home Course among them, this is the home of golf in the Pacific Northwest. And golf here is not only the round. It is the whole day.
Challenging Bunkers and Greens
The courses in Dupont are known for their bunkers and greens. Both will test what you can actually do. The bunkers sit where they hurt most, and the greens are kept smooth and fast.
Golf Canada and Youth on Course Memberships
Golf Canada or Youth on Course members are well placed here. The Home Course in Dupont takes both memberships. Golf Canada members get discounted rates, and Youth on Course members play for 5 dollars.
Without a Golf Canada or a Youth on Course membership, golf in Dupont is still cheap. The rates are reasonable, and the practice facilities include a chipping green and a driving range, so you can warm up before the round.
Fort Lewis Clubhouse
After the round, take the Fort Lewis Clubhouse for food and drinks. The kitchen runs burgers through to salads, with beers and cocktails alongside. You sit with the course in front of you while you drink.
Golf in Dupont is worth the trip. The bunkers and greens, the affordable rates and the food and drinks at the Fort Lewis Clubhouse make the whole day work. Pack the clubs.
Dupont Circle: The Heart of the City
Dupont Circle is the heart of Washington DC. The neighborhood runs lively, with a long history and a mixed culture in it. Local or visitor, there is plenty here. These are the attractions to make time for.
Exploring the Phillips Collection
Art people should take the Phillips Collection. This museum holds a serious collection of modern art, with Renoir and Degas and Van Gogh among the names. It sits in a historic house, which changes how the work reads.
A Stroll Down Embassy Row
Embassy Row in Dupont Circle is the other one to walk. This stretch of Massachusetts Avenue holds many of the city’s embassies and the architecture down it is the reason to go. Walk it slowly, or take a guided tour for the history and culture behind each building.
The Tunnel and Other Surprises
There is a secret tunnel in Dupont Circle. It was built in the early 1900s to connect the Dupont Circle streetcar station to the buildings around it. The tunnel is now open to the public and people photograph it constantly.
The other surprise in Dupont Circle is the public parking lot sitting in the middle of the traffic circle. It is convenient if you are driving into the city, and it makes an odd photograph.
And no visit to Dupont Circle finishes without Kramerbooks. This bookstore and cafe has been a favorite for locals and visitors for over 40 years. Take a coffee and work the shelves for something to read.
Art, history or a plain walk through the city, Dupont Circle carries all three. Get out into it.
Where to Eat: Top-Rated Restaurants and More
After all that, you will be hungry. Dupont, Washington has restaurants worth the table. A quick lunch or a proper dinner, both are covered.
Lunch first. For sandwiches, the Dupont General Store. This cozy spot has been a local favorite for years and the reason is obvious. The sandwiches are made with fresh, high-quality ingredients and the portions are generous. The prices are reasonable too.
For something more upscale, The Social Bar and Grill. The kitchen runs American cuisine, with burgers and steaks and seafood on it. The room is classy and relaxed at once, which suits lunch with friends or colleagues.
Now dinner. Farrelli’s Wood Fire Pizza is the one you cannot skip. The pizza here is among the strongest in the state. The wood-fired oven puts smoke into the crust and the toppings are fresh. There is a good beer selection to go with it.
For something fancier, the Bistro at Russell’s. This room is known for upscale American cuisine and service that does not slip. The menu changes seasonally, so there is always something new on it. The prices are higher and it earns them on an occasion.
Those are a few of the restaurants in Dupont. Check traveler favorites and reviews on sites like TripAdvisor for more. Eat well.
Planning a Day Trip to Seattle
You are in Dupont, Washington and you want a day in Seattle. Seattle will hold you. Eater, adventurer or somebody after the culture, the city covers all three.
First, how to get there. You could rent a car. The better answer is the Sounder Train, a comfortable and scenic ride that puts you in Seattle quickly. No parking to worry about either.
Once you are in Seattle, start walking. These are the sights and activities to build the day around.
- Visit the iconic Space Needle and take in the breathtaking views of the city from the top.
- Check out Pike Place Market and grab some fresh seafood or a cup of coffee from the original Starbucks.
- Take a stroll through the Olympic Sculpture Park and admire the unique artwork.
- If you’re a music lover, head to the Museum of Pop Culture and learn about the history of popular music.
- For a more adventurous activity, take a ferry to Bainbridge Island and explore the charming town and beautiful scenery.
There is more in Seattle than that and those are the highlights. Wear comfortable shoes and take a jacket, because the weather there does what it wants.
A day trip to Seattle out of Dupont is worth doing. You get a serious city at the end of a short train ride. Pack the bag, take the Sounder Train and go.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top sights to see in Dupont, Washington?
You cannot be in Dupont without the Sequalitchew Creek Trail Head. It is a hiking trail that ends looking out over Puget Sound. The Lewis Army Museum is the other one, for the history of the area and the military in it.
What’s the best way to spend a day in Dupont, Washington?
Start with a hike on the Sequalitchew Creek Trail Head. Then the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium in Tacoma, which is a short drive and worth it. Finish with dinner at Farrelli’s Pizza.
Are there any unique activities to do in Dupont, Washington?
Take Theatrical Nightmare for the spooky version. It is a haunted house attraction and it does the job. For something quieter, Board Room and an evening of board games.
What are some must-try restaurants in Dupont, Washington?
Farrelli’s Pizza is the one to book. The pizza there is genuinely good. For something different, the Dupont Cafe and its sandwiches and salads.
Where can I find the best views in Dupont, Washington?
The Sequalitchew Creek Trail Head looks out over Puget Sound and it is worth the hike. The Columbia Center Sky View Observatory in Seattle is the other one for a view.
Are there any hidden gems in Dupont, Washington that tourists often miss?
Yes. The Dupont Fish Market carries some of the freshest seafood around here. And for coffee, Forza Coffee Company, which is the local favorite.
Frequently asked questions about Dupont, Washington
What is waiting at the end of the Sequalitchew Creek Trail in Dupont, Washington?
The Sequalitchew Creek Trail Head is the walk that ends up looking right out over the whole of Puget Sound. It costs nothing at all to get onto it out there and the whole of the trail stays quiet. The Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge out there is the other one that is worth the walk. Water.
What exactly can you see inside the Lewis Army Museum in Dupont, Washington?
The Lewis Army Museum out there preserves the whole of the history of the United States Army in it. The exhibits in there run the military vehicles and the weapons and plenty else besides them. Getting into the whole of the museum out there costs nothing at all to do. History.
Which of the golf courses near Dupont, Washington are actually worth playing?
Chambers Bay Golf Course and The Home Course are the two out there that people name first of all. The bunkers and the greens on them are the whole reason that the round out there is hard. Youth on Course members can play the Home Course out there for just 5 dollars. Range.
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