Activities for Kids

8 Seattle Oddities You Gotta See to Believe

From a ginormous troll under a bridge to a pair of larger-than-life cowboy boots, here are eight tourist attractions you won’t necessarily find in the Seattle guide books.

By Helen Walker Green August 29, 2017

Weird, wonderful and wacky, Seattle has its share of oddities for your family to explore—each one guaranteed to put a smile on your face. Flip through the gallery for eight must-see tourist attractions you won’t necessarily find in the Seattle guide books.

Pike Place Market Gum Wall

There's a sticky situation under Pike Place Market. Awarded 2nd Germiest Tourist Spot in the World by TripAdvisor (runner-up only to Ireland’s famous Blarney Stone, and that's been around for 600 years), the Seattle Gum Wall has come a long way since its beginnings in 1993. It's practically attained landmark status. It may not be up to its former gummy glory (it was completely steam-cleaned in 2015) but fans soon set about re-gumming it. Yes, it’s gross and disgusting, but it's also kind of cool (and kids love it - of course they do!). You may not want a "hands-on" experience here, but if you're up for it you and the kiddos can bring your own gum to add to the masterpiece. Oh, and bring some hand sanitizer if you do!

Find It: Walk down through the tunnel next to First and Pike News (93 Pike St.), turn left and follow the trail of gum.

Seattle Gum Wall
1428 Post Alley
Seattle, Wa 98101
Online: Facebook or Map It

photo: Helen Walker Green

Do you have any odd or silly Seattle sights to add to our list? Tell us in the comments below.

— Helen Walker Green

Feature photo courtesy of Natalia Dotto Photography.