Educational & Interactive Activities

History and Museums

Gilman Town Hall Museum and Jail

Built in 1886, Gilman Town Hall is believed to be one of the oldest buildings still standing in downtown Issaquah. Tour the building and the former jail in the backyard.

165 SE Andrews St
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Gilman Village

Gilman Village began in the 1970s with Ralph and Ruth Mohl’s efforts to save unwanted buildings in and around Issaquah. They renovated these buildings and moved them into a park-like setting which has become a haven for independent business and one of the East Side’s most desirable shopping experiences. Brochures are available at the Chamber of Commerce and Visit Issaquah office.

317 NW Gilman Boulevard
Website

Issaquah Depot Museum

The Issaquah train depot played an important part in the city’s economic development and is now a museum with opportunities to interact with educational displays.

78 1st Avenue NE
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Issaquah Salmon Hatchery

The Issaquah Salmon Hatchery is the most visited hatchery in the state. The hatchery provides many opportunities to view salmon and learn about their importance and their challenges.

125 W Sunset Way
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Issaquah Valley Trolley

Take your family on a vintage electric streetcar ride from the Issaquah Depot Museum to Gilman Boulevard. Rides begin in May and run through the end of September. Trolley tickets can be purchased at the Depot for $10.

78 First Avenue NE
Website

Arts and Culture

Boehms Alpine Chalet and Chapel

Boehms Candies & Chocolates was founded by Julius Boehm, an Austrian chef and candymaker. The chocolate factory and retail shop are housed in the Edelweiss Chalet, recognized by the University of Washington School of Architecture as an authentic Alpine Chalet. Make sure you schedule time to peruse the assortment of truffles, toffees, caramels, and more. Learn more about the founder and candy making on self-guided tours, guided tours, and in classes.

255 NE Gilman Boulevard
Website

Issaquah International Film Festival

Held annually in September, the Issaquah International Film Festival is a collaboration between the City of Issaquah Arts Commission and Seattle International Film Festival (SIFF). From family favorites to recent arthouse successes, there is something for everyone. Free with RSVP.

1490 11th Ave NW

Issaquah Public Library

The 15,000 square foot Issaquah Public Library is part of the King County Library system. Facilities include computers, printers, wifi, and a meeting room.

10 W Sunset Way
Website

Murals and Public Art

Issaquah is committed to investing in arts and culture and you can view the evidence of this commitment in the murals and public art throughout the city.

Website

Nature

Cougar Mountain Zoo

The Cougar Mountain Zoo is a top-rated non-profit organization with an award-winning mountain lion exhibit and one of the top tiger exhibits in the country. They are dedicated to promoting the cause of the earth’s vanishing wildlife through the universal power of education.

19525 SE 54th Street
Website

Issaquah Alps Trails Club

The Issaquah Alps Trails Club is a mission-minded group dedicated to preserving and protecting the Issaquah Alps. Learn about their efforts and join them for hikes and events.

Website

Lake Sammamish State Park

Lake Sammamish State Park is a 500+ acre day use park that is part of the Washington State Park system and has been an important cultural region for local Native American tribes for centuries. Visit the heron rookery for opportunities to spot a Great Blue Heron.

2000 NW Sammamish Rd
Website

Mountains to Sound Greenway National Heritage Area

Issaquah is proud to be a part of the Mountains to Sound Greenway National Heritage Area. Stretching from Puget Sound to the eastern slope of the Cascades, the greenway is a connected green corridor with important cultural assets, dynamic communities and healthy ecosystems. After decades of effort by volunteers and the Greenway Trust, it was designated by Congress as a Greenway National Heritage Area on March 12, 2019.

Website

Issaquah Salmon Hatchery

The Issaquah Salmon Hatchery is the most visited hatchery in the state and offers interactive and self-guided tours daily.

Website

Tours

Issaquah Salmon Hatchery

The Issaquah Salmon Hatchery is the most visited hatchery in the state and offers interactive and self-guided tours daily.

Website

Edible Landscape Tour

Thanks to city council efforts in the 1980s, Gilman Boulevard is lined with an edible landscape including apple, pear, and plum trees and various berries. Help yourself to a snack! The city encourages residents and visitors to eat from the edible landscape but requests that only low-hanging fruit is picked. Tree climbing is not permitted.

Heritage Tree Tour

Issaquah has a beautiful urban canopy that includes a collection of Heritage Trees distinctive for their size or age, have regional or event specific historic significance or that provide a unique ecological benefit. Keep an eye out for these trees as you explore Issaquah.