Located midway between Seattle and Tacoma, Kent is one of the oldest cities in King County. It centres around a lively commercial district that boasts a fascinating history museum and encompasses picturesque recreational spaces along the Green River.
Things to do in Kent
Occupying an early 20th-century house in the heart of the city is the Kent Historical Museum, which showcases life in years gone by. In addition to period furnishings and artefacts, the collection includes vintage musical instruments and Kent high school annuals dating back to 1911. In the garden is an artwork commemorating the local Japanese community and a Blue Star Memorial By-Way in honour of American Veterans.
Stretching south-east from the city centre is Mill Creek Canyon Earthworks Park, a public recreational space designed to reflect the area’s cycles of flood and drought. It was established in 1982 and features an impressive landscape sculpture by Bauhaus artist Herbert Bayer that integrates art, ecology and landscape design. Stretch your legs along one of the flowing pathways or just kick back on the grassy lawns with a good book.
Kent is home to the only museum in the United States dedicated solely to powerboat racing. At the Hydroplane & Race Boat Museum, you can get up close to vintage hydroplanes and learn about some of the industry’s most famous drivers, such as Ron Musson and “Wild” Bill Cantrell. The museum is also equipped with a boat restoration workshop where you can see Gold Cup vessels being brought back to life.
Getting around Kent
Kent is around 25 minutes’ drive from the centre of both Seattle and Tacoma while Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is just 15 minutes away. Trains connect from both cities to the Kent railway station and buses travel throughout the area.