Exploring Seattle’s Underground
Seattle’s underground has a rich history that dates back to the city’s founding in 1851. In the early days, Seattle was built on top of mudflats, which made it difficult to construct buildings and roads. To solve this problem, the city’s leaders decided to raise the streets by as much as 12 feet. This created a network of underground tunnels and storefronts that were used for various purposes, including as hotels, dens, and speakeasies during the Prohibition era.
Today, Seattle’s underground is a popular tourist attraction that offers a glimpse into the city’s colorful past. Visitors can take a guided tour of the underground tunnels and learn about Seattle’s history from expert guides.
The History of Seattle’s Underground
Seattle’s underground history is fascinating and complex. The city’s founders built the first buildings on the mudflats of Elliott Bay, which proved to be problematic. The buildings were often flooded during high tide and the streets were muddy and difficult to navigate. To solve this problem, the city decided to raise the streets by up to 12 feet, effectively creating a new level of the city.
This new level of the city was connected to the old level by a series of underground tunnels and storefronts. The underground was used for a variety of purposes, including as a red-light district, dens, and speakeasies during Prohibition. The underground was eventually abandoned in the early 20th century, but it was rediscovered in the 1960s and has since become a popular tourist attraction.
What to Expect on an Underground Tour
An underground tour is a guided tour of the tunnels and storefronts that make up Seattle’s underground. The tours are led by knowledgeable guides who will provide historical context and interesting anecdotes about the city’s past. Visitors will be able to see the remains of old storefronts, including signs and advertisements from the early 1900s.
The tours take approximately 90 minutes and cover a distance of about one mile. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to walk up and down stairs. It’s also a good idea to bring a jacket as the underground can be chilly.
Option 1: Bill Speidel’s Underground Tour
Bill Speidel’s Underground Tour is one of the most popular underground tours in Seattle. The tour is led by knowledgeable guides who will provide historical context and interesting anecdotes about the city’s past. Visitors will be able to see the remains of old storefronts, including signs and advertisements from the early 1900s.
The tour takes approximately 90 minutes and covers a distance of about one mile. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to walk up and down stairs. It’s also a good idea to bring a jacket as the underground can be chilly.
Option 2: Beneath the Streets Tour
The Beneath the Streets Tour is another popular underground tour in Seattle. The tour is led by knowledgeable guides who will provide historical context and interesting anecdotes about the city’s past. Visitors will be able to see the remains of old storefronts, including signs and advertisements from the early 1900s.
The tour takes approximately 90 minutes and covers a distance of about one mile. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to walk up and down stairs. It’s also a good idea to bring a jacket as the underground can be chilly.
Option 3: Pioneer Square Ghost Tour
The Pioneer Square Ghost Tour is a different type of underground tour that focuses on the paranormal. The tour is led by knowledgeable guides who will provide historical context and interesting anecdotes about the city’s past. Visitors will be able to see the remains of old storefronts, including signs and advertisements from the early 1900s.
The tour takes approximately 90 minutes and covers a distance of about one mile. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to walk up and down stairs. It’s also a good idea to bring a jacket as the underground can be chilly.
Option 4: Seattle’s Dark Side Tour
The Seattle’s Dark Side Tour is another different type of underground tour that focuses on the city’s seedy past. The tour is led by knowledgeable guides who will provide historical context and interesting anecdotes about the city’s past. Visitors will be able to see the remains of old storefronts, including signs and advertisements from the early 1900s.
The tour takes approximately 90 minutes and covers a distance of about one mile. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to walk up and down stairs. It’s also a good idea to bring a jacket as the underground can be chilly.
Comparison of Tour Prices and Lengths
The prices and lengths of the different underground tours vary. Bill Speidel’s Underground Tour costs $22 and takes approximately 90 minutes. The Beneath the Streets Tour costs $29 and takes approximately 90 minutes. The Pioneer Square Ghost Tour costs $22 and takes approximately 90 minutes. Seattle’s Dark Side Tour costs $35 and takes approximately 90 minutes.
Customer Reviews: Pros and Cons of Each Tour
Customer reviews of the different underground tours are generally positive. Visitors enjoy learning about Seattle’s history and appreciate the knowledgeable guides. Some visitors find the tours to be a bit crowded and wish that they were longer.
Safety Precautions and Accessibility Information
Visitors should be aware that the underground can be dark and sometimes wet. It’s important to wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to walk up and down stairs. The underground can be chilly, so it’s a good idea to bring a jacket.
The underground tours are not recommended for individuals with mobility issues as there are stairs and uneven surfaces. The tours are also not recommended for young children as they may find the underground to be scary.
Tourist Tips: Best Time and Day to Visit
The best time to visit the underground is during the summer months when the weather is mild. It’s also a good idea to visit during the week when the tours are less crowded.
Conclusion: Which Seattle Underground Tour to Choose?
Overall, all of the underground tours in Seattle offer a unique and interesting perspective on the city’s history. Visitors should choose the tour that best fits their interests, whether that be a traditional historical tour or a more paranormal-focused tour. All of the tours are reasonably priced and offer knowledgeable guides.
