Puyallup, WA
Puyallup, Washington
The city of Puyallup is in East Pierce County and is part of the entrance to Mount Rainier National Park. Puyallup is located within the Seattle-Tacoma metropolitan area with close access to the many cultural attractions of the region. Founded in 1890, Puyallup has a historic downtown with many older buildings surrounded by traditional neighborhoods of vintage homes.
With nearly 60% of the city’s land devoted to residential areas, Puyallup contains various neighborhoods with an array of house choices. Approximately 30% of houses within the city limits were constructed over 50 years ago. The majority of these are smaller homes which offer low-cost housing and allows the older section of the community to display its distinctive character.
The entire city is within the Puyallup School District which has an excellent reputation for its K-12 schools, as well as the local community college, Pierce College. Good Samaritan Hospital, part of the MultiCare system, is the largest medical facility in East Pierce County. There are nearly 1,500 businesses currently established in Puyallup.
Meeker Mansion
Puyallup’s most famous historical building stands at the heart of downtown. The Meeker Mansion was home to an early pioneer named Ezra Meeker and his wife, Eliza. Both Ezra and Eliza made significant contributions to Puyallup; Ezra was responsible for naming the city after the local Native American tribe known as the “generous people”. He served as the first mayor of Puyallup while bringing wealth to the city from hop farming, and Eliza founded the Puyallup Public Library.
The Meeker Mansion continues to serve as a historical symbol that represents the time of our cherished city’s early citizens. Meeker Mansion is also a venue where residents hold events such as weddings, memorials, psychic fairs, tea parties, antique sales, mansion tours, and private parties.
Washington State Fair
The Washington State Fair, also known as the Puyallup Fair, is the largest attraction held every year in Washington state. The fair continues to rank within the top ten largest fairs in America. The fairgrounds cover approximately 160 acres with the buildings and land valued at over $54 million.
The Puyallup Fair has a multitude of events and activities for people of all ages to enjoy, including but not limited to concerts from well-known music artists, rollercoasters, giant slides, a huge Ferris Wheel, firework shows, art exhibits, a museum, petting zoos, face-painting, and even a rodeo! Any local will tell you that you can’t leave the fair without trying an elephant ear or a fisher scone with jam.
Puyallup Farmer’s Market
The Puyallup Farmers' Market is one of the biggest markets in the South Sound. The market opens every year in April and runs through October, and each year local farmers bring their best baskets of veggies, fruits, and flowers to sell to the community. You can also find little shops selling homemade crafts, specialty food vendors, free entertainment for the whole family, educational tours, kids events, concerts, and contests. The Puyallup Farmer’s Market has been a Puyallup tradition for over 30 years.
Bradley Lake Park
Located in the center of the city, this ADA accessible 59-acre park features a paved walking path that circles around the 12-acre lake, two baseball fields, a grassy area for games, a large playground, restrooms, and free parking. The picnic tables can be used to simply eat lunch with your friends and family, or you can rent the entire covered picnic shelter for your own personal event. The park also hosts concerts, outdoor movies, community campouts, and even pet adoptions.
South Hill Mall
The South Hill Mall is the only mall within Puyallup, and it has more than enough stores to satisfy your needs. This super-regional shopping mall has a food court and movie theater, as well as over 100 stores including JCPenney, Macy’s, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Old Navy, and Target. The Mall also holds many events throughout the year as well as sweepstakes and contests to win all kinds of cool stuff!
