Seattle Underground Tour -

It's the quirky side of Seattle history!

The Seattle Underground Tour starts in a restored 1890's saloon - Doc Maynard's Public House in Pioneer Square.

Seattle history books probably give a glowing account of the upstanding pioneers who came across the fruited plains in search of land, gold, and prosperity. You'll read about the Great Fire of 1889 and how the city was rebuilt.

But they probably don't give the whole story! There are some things the city fathers would rather not talk about, and you'll hear all about it on this fun tour under the city sidewalks.

Entrance to Underground Tour in Pioneer Square

Doc Maynard's

Back in the 1960's, a man named Bill Speidel did some digging and unearthed some of the seedier, steamier side of the history of the city. His investigative efforts led to the preservation of the historic Pioneer Square district, downtown's oldest neighborhood and Seattle's birthplace. He also began the Seattle Underground Tour which is a leisurely 90-minute walking tour through the underground parts of the city that used to be the main roadways of Seattle.

Tour Tips:

• Don't wear open-toed shoes - hey, it's the underground, and it's not super clean!
• Bring a sweater or jacket - hey, it's the underground, and it can be a little cool!
• Stay close to the guide - they don't wear microphones, and you don't want to miss a funny story!

What to look and listen for:

• The Crapper?
• New-fangled indoor toilets erupting with the incoming tide!
• The sewing ladies and their "sewing circles"
• The ghosts?
• One of the first espresso machines in Seattle

The tour guides keep the narrative family friendly and funny! I've done the Seattle Underground Tour twice and enjoyed it both times. It is entirely appropriate for kids of all ages although it might be a little challenging for those less than 6 years of age. Kids love climbing down the stairs into the underground tunnels and seeing all the stuff down there.

There is an adult-oriented version of the tour, called the Underworld Tour, for those 21 yrs of age and older. Ticket prices include a cocktail and all the sordid, hilarious details of Seattle's old Red Light district.

Museum and Gift Shop

The tour ends in a tiny, one-room museum and, of course, a gift shop! This one has some quirky, even bawdy, items that you won't see at other gift shops. They also have books on Seattle history including the witty, irreverant "Sons of the Profits" written by Bill Speidel. There are some books full of old Seattle photos as well. The tour guides make themselves available in the gift shop to answer any questions you might have about just about anything to do with Seattle - including where to eat lunch!

For more information about the Seattle Underground Tour in Pioneer Square:
608 First Ave.
206-682-4646
www.underground.com