Step beneath the bustling streets of modern Seattle and unearth a city frozen in time with the Pioneer Square Underground Tour. This captivating 75-minute guided walking tour plunges you into the subterranean passages and storefronts of old Seattle, buried after the Great Fire of 1889. Located in the heart of Pioneer Square, Seattle’s birthplace, this unique experience offers a humorous and historical perspective on the city’s remarkable rebirth.
What to Expect on the Pioneer Square Underground Tour
The adventure begins at Doc Maynard’s Public House, a historical landmark in itself, before venturing into the depths of Pioneer Square. As you navigate the interconnected tunnels and forgotten streets, knowledgeable guides will regale you with fascinating tales and witty anecdotes about Seattle’s early days. Imagine walking along sidewalks and peering into storefronts that were once at street level, now preserved beneath the modern city. This isn’t just a history lesson; it’s an immersive journey through Seattle’s past, filled with intriguing stories and surprising sights.
Why Choose the Pioneer Square Underground Tour?
Unlike typical historical tours, the Pioneer Square Underground Tour injects humor and personality into its narrative. You’ll hear the stories that early Seattle pioneers might have preferred to keep quiet, adding a layer of intrigue and entertainment to the historical facts. This tour is celebrated as Seattle’s “most unusual attraction” for a reason. It’s an opportunity to witness firsthand the ingenuity and resilience of a city that literally rebuilt itself on top of its own ashes. Don’t settle for imitations – this is the original and world-famous Seattle Underground Tour experience.
Plan Your Underground Adventure in Pioneer Square
Ready to explore Seattle from a different perspective? Tickets for the Pioneer Square Underground Tour are readily available online and by phone, or you can purchase them directly at the ticket counter located at 614 First Avenue in Pioneer Place Park, Pioneer Square.
Tour Schedule:
April-September: Tours begin on the hour, from 9 am to 7 pm daily, with extra tours every half hour (June-August, Box Office only, 9:30 am-4:30 pm).
October-March: Tours run from 10 am to 6 pm daily. Special hours apply for Christmas Eve (10 am-1 pm) and December 26-31 (9 am-6 pm).
Tours operate year-round, except for Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Each tour lasts approximately 75 minutes. Children 6 and under are admitted free.
Before or after your tour, consider visiting Doc Maynard’s Public House for a family-friendly meal or snack. The Underground Gift Shop in Rogues Gallery offers a variety of souvenirs, including “Sons of the Profits,” the book by Bill Speidel that inspired the tour. For a complete Pioneer Square experience, the Underground Tour is an unmissable highlight.
