Kent offers several sites and activities you just won’t see or experience anywhere else, from whimsical sculptures and environmental art that literally rises from the ground, to one-of-a-kind spots dedicated to your favorite sports.
If you haven’t been to Kent, then it’s likely you’ve never seen:
1. A 10-foot penguin and his 4-foot son. Catch the one-of-a-kind metal sculptures in downtown Kent at the corner of West Meeker St. and 2nd South. The penguins, created by metal artist Greg Barto, are made from repurposed forks, spoons and rubber tubing. Fun fact: Before migrating to Kent, the birds were used by the Seattle Symphony as part of its March of the Penguins promotion. The sculptures are just one of several eclectic art installations scattered throughout downtown Kent.
2. The only powerboat racing museum in the U.S. If you want to know more about one of the Pacific Northwest’s most iconic sports, Kent is the place to be. The Hydroplane & Raceboat Museum features memorabilia, racing footage and an amazing collection of vintage hydroplanes spanning 70 years, including some of the sport’s most celebrated crafts.
3. UFO circles. Well, not exactly. But you might think that when you visit Millcreek Earthworks Park, home to Earthworks. This internationally renowned collection of landscape art features a series of cones, circles, lines and berms. Stroll the grounds or take a self-guided bike tour. Routes range from 12 to 23 miles.
4. A pickleball palace. Ok, it’s not a palace, but Pickleball Station is definitely a big deal. It’s the only indoor pickleball facility in the region, offering four courts, lessons and a pro shop packed with everything you need to play the game. Oh, and there’s something else here you’ll only find in Kent—the Pickleball Museum. Find out how the game was born in nearby Bainbridge Island, view original equipment and learn how pickleball has evolved into the fastest-growing sport in the U.S.
5. An authentic Louisiana grocery store. In Kent, Washington? Believe it. Altha’s Louisiana Cajun Seasonings & Spices in historic downtown Kent offers a bounty of Cajun and Creole products, including crawfish, catfish, boudin sausage, pickled okra and more than 1,000 seasonings and spices from New Orleans and the South. And they’re all offered up by a knowledgeable staff that really knows their etouffee.
Never been to Kent, Washington? It’s time to visit. Discover what makes Kent so unique. Find out find out about more things to do in Kent.