Self-Guided Tours of Renton

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Renton History Museum created these four self-guided walking tours to help visitors and residents explore the history of Renton. From long lost structures to trees to historic buildings, these tours are a unique first-hand way to learn our history. We encourage you to try them on your own — click on one of the accordion tabs below to see directions and information to get you started.

"History Lives Here" Walking Tour

History Lives Here

"History Lives Here" is a self-guided tour of 22 markers highlighting historically significant places, people, and events in Renton. The 12-inch by 24-inch black granite markers portray everything from the Duwamish Native Americans, and the Four Cow Wide Tunnel, to the Triple XXX Barrel Drive-In, and Boeing. A brief summary, along with historical photographs and pictures of related memorabilia, are included in our guide to help illustrate history.

 

History Lives Here Brochure(PDF, 2MB)

 

About the Project:

Renton's rich history and strong spirit were in the spotlight in 2001 as the city celebrated its Centennial - 100 years as a city.

A year-long program of special activities, exhibitions, performances, and festivities encouraged citizens to honor the past, celebrate the present, and imagine the future. This milestone celebration featured a full-scale historical theater production, a 100-year birthday celebration, a parade float, collectible memorabilia, and several legacy projects.

Marking special places and events in the city's history was just one of the legacy projects designed to educate citizens and visitors.

The historical text was drafted by Barbara Nilson and then edited by Sara Garner, Steve Anderson, and Stan Greene.

Historic District Podcast Audio Tour

Every year the RenTeens take on a project of their choosing. In 2017, they created a walking tour of downtown Renton. This walking tour highlights the buildings which contribute to a potential downtown historic district that could be eligible for the National Register of Historic Places.

Listen to the introduction here:

Each number on the map corresponds to an address and a part of the audio tour, listed below.

A map with yellow dots showing seven tour locations

 

1. Renton Library, 100 Mill Ave S

2. Renton Theater, 507 South 3rd St

3. Roxy Theater, 504 South 3rd St

4. JC Penney, 700 South 3rd St

5. Woolworth, 710 South 3rd St

6. Nannie Evans Building, 911-915 South 3rd St

7. Renton History Museum

 

 

Historical Tree Tour

Enjoy this walking tour of downtown Renton, encompassing 14 sites and taking 1-1.5 hours.

Click to view the tour

In this collaboration between Renton Forestry, Renton GIS, and the Renton Museum, you will stroll streets in downtown Renton. You can start at any point on the route.

Some of the trees are old enough to witness the historical legacy. Trees are an essential part of what helps make urban environments pleasant places. They also serve as living links to the vivid tapestry of the history of our town.

Existing significant trees are identified. At each location, information will populate in the story map providing details about the tree and the past – people, places, and activities that make up the vibrant history from the last century. In addition, reveal historical photos at each location by swiping left from the initial tree pictures. Enjoy!

A map of Renton's historic tree tour.

Virtual African American History Tour

Life-long Renton residents John Huston and Benita R. Horn use interactive dialogue to take you on a virtual tour of the remarkable history of Renton’s African American residents and their contributions to the community. Discover the center of their community, the effects of development, local dignitaries, and more. Videotaped at the Renton History Museum on Feb. 7, 2020, as part of the city’s celebration of Black History Month. Video Production by: Umbrella Productions LLC

 

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