Foss Waterway Seaport in Tacoma, WA

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Telephone:	+1 253-272-2750
Website:	www.fosswaterwayseaport.org
Address:	705 Dock St, Tacoma, WA, 98402
Nearby public transportation stops & stations:	960 ftSouth 9th/Theater District 970 ftTheater District 0.3 miCommerce and 10th [nb]
Categories:	Museums Venues & Event Spaces

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Accepts Credit Cards	Yes
Accepts Bitcoin	No

Wheelchair Accessible	Yes
Good for Kids	Yes

Today

Today	–
Local time (Tacoma)	7:57 AM Wednesday, May 28, 2025

Business hours

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Description

Specialties

History of Tacoma’s waterfront

Maritime

Education

Events

History

Established in 1996.

Founded in 1996, the mission of the Foss Waterway Seaport is to celebrate Tacoma’s maritime heritage — past, present and future. The Seaport celebrates our connection to Puget Sound and our rich maritime history. We carry out our mission by working with community groups, schools and the general public to provide exhibits and programs that highlight the history, the present vitality and the future of Puget Sound and its connection to the people, the commerce, the environment and the ecology of the region.

The Seaport operates out of the 115 year-old historic Balfour Dock Building — the last remaining segment of what was known as the «mile-long wheat warehouse» and a tangible link to the unique «rails to sails» trading history of Washington state. Since 2003, the Seaport organization has been aggressively moving forward to implement a compelling adaptation of its venue for long-term community educational and recreational use.

Meet the Manager

Wesley W.

Manager

Wesley is the Executive Director of Foss Waterway Seaport.

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5 reviews of Foss Waterway Seaport

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Brady F.

Place rating: 5
Gig Harbor, WA

This is more than just a museum. Foss Waterway Seaport provides great educational programs and fun activities for all. I had a ton of fun attending events at the Seaport all summer long. They’re a fantastic community asset; can’t wait to see what’s in store next year!

Joel S.

Place rating: 4
Seattle, WA

Found out about this place in the Tacoma tourism pamphlet while taking the out-of-town people around.
Although still fairly small and getting established, the Foss museum gives a history of the local area. While geared more towards children, they have exhibits and boats to look at if you’re an adult.
The children’s area has a bunch of hands on things and even does a mini tour outside. They have not only history but also interactive displays for kids to learn about.
When we came in they were just setting up the railroad portion of the museum. He had a model train setup and was working at some other things about the local railroading industry. Though it was in its infancy I have a feeling there are great things in store.
This museum is a work in progress but I think there is great potential in its future.

Mike E.

Place rating: 4
Burnsville, MN

Newer museum that is a work in progress, several great exhibits with a lot of hands on items for the kids. Very informative exhibits and staff, plus on waterfront.

Kathleen C.

Place rating: 4
Issaquah, WA

Fantastic museum filled with beautiful boats, artful and engaging displays along with highly knowledgeable and friendly staff. Stopped in to see info about last week’s maritime festival «Quick and Dirty» boat building competition and found so much more. The current exhibit of beautifully restored classic power boats made us want to have our own classic for cruising around the sound. Bravo!

Amanda M.

Place rating: 3
Seattle, WA

We discovered the Maritime museum sort of by chance when it hosted a private party that we attended… I hadn’t even heard about the Foss Waterway Seaport renovations.
The space worked well for the event, with catered food and dining tables set up in the heart of the museum space surrounded by some very cool old boats of all shapes and sizes. I liked the exhibit of antique outboard motors, too. There were several interactive exhibits, geared more towards children but also fun for inquisitive adults, including one that demonstrates the concept behind a sextant by pairing Einstein’s head with Marilyn Monroe’s body… hmm.
The bulk of the space was unused and looked like it could house quite a large event. The museum exhibits aren’t very extensive at this point, but it’s a a solid start, anyway, and it was fun to have things to peruse during the party. The dock space is large and offers a great up-close view of the Thea Foss waterway and neighboring port businesses.

Foss Waterway Seaport

Tacoma, United States