Lacey, WA

An urban oasis surrounded by outdoor paradise. With lakes, parks, golf courses, and a vast nature preserve in proximity to the state capital and Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Lacey finds a balance between outdoors attractions and the amenities of a city with a young and active workforce, not to mention the student body at St. Martin’s University and South Puget Sound Community College.

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An Urban Oasis Surrounded by Outdoor Paradise

Originally called Woodland, after the Wood family who settled here in 1853, Lacey became a logging center and a pioneer of beer. The founding family started the first brewery in what became Washington state, which reportedly served an expensive gourmet cream lager.

Staying true to its past, today Lacey’s burgeoning Producer’s District has locally created beer and wine on tap. Pair that with an exciting food scene, namely, the growing Depot District, a designated food truck space that has proven popular with Lacey’s locals.

If you’re up for an epicurean adventure, hop in the car—or on a bike—and set off on the Thurston Bountiful Byway, a 60-mile journey of eats and sips around Thurston County.

But before you hit up Lacey’s food and drink scene, work up an appetite exploring Lacey’s great outdoors!

Endless Outdoor Opportunities

Of all the communities in Thurston County, Lacey leads the way in providing residents and visitors to the area one of the finest municipal park systems in the state. Take your pick among the 1,200 acres of parkland, walking and biking trails, a waterfront state park, a national wildlife refuge, and a premier regional athletic complex – needless to say, there are endless outdoor opportunities just waiting to be explored in Lacey.

A Few of Our Favorite Parks

Depot Park

The Lacey Depot Building, City of Lacey’s 50th Anniversary Landmark Project, is a near replica of the original depot, which opened in 1891 in the same area. The Lacey Depot Site includes: - A Train-themed play structure, open year ’round to park visitors from 7:00 a.m. – dark, daily. - Two Restrooms (accessible from the outside of the building) - Drinking Fountain - Two Historic Markers (Lacey Depot and Lacey Plywood Plant, both formerly located on this site) - The Lacey Depot Building has indoor picnic tables for public use from May – September, each year.

Depot Park

Lacey-Thurston County Regional Athletic Complex (RAC)

Regarded as one of the finest outdoor sporting venues in the state, this 100-acre facility features spectacular views of Mt. Rainier, five softball / baseball / fast pitch fields and six regulation-size soccer / football / rugby fields, as well as picnic and outdoor event facilities, playgrounds, concession stands, two miles of walking trails, family restrooms and much more.

The RAC

Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge

Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge is located where the freshwater of the Nisqually River meets the saltwater of south Puget Sound, creating the Nisqually River Delta. The delta is a biologically-rich and diverse area that supports a variety of habitats including the estuary, freshwater wetlands and riparian woodlands. It is considered the last unspoiled major estuary in Puget Sound. The Nisqually Delta has been designated as a National Natural Landmark because of its national significance as one of the best examples of this kind of coastal salt marsh system remaining in the North Pacific.

Rainier Vista Community Park

This 46-acre park owned by the City of Lacey is a high-activity site with soccer fields, baseball/softball fields, tennis courts, sand volleyball, basketball, walkways, picnic facilities, restrooms, and a local access skate park for the beginner and intermediate participant.

Rainier Vista Community Park

Where to Eat and Drink in Lacey

There is no shortage of culinary delights in Lacey, but what sets it apart from its surrounding communities is the breadth of cuisines it offers. Folks seeking a quick breakfast can pop into a number of Lacey's famous donut shops, like the iconic Original House of Donuts or Heavenly Donuts. An impressive selection of Asian Cuisine provides diners with dishes covering Korean, Thai, Vietnamese, Japanese, and Chinese. Drop in to New Gangnam Korean BBQ for traditional Korean dishes and sizzling meat cooked tableside, or enjoy Vietnamese bun and phở at Fresh Phở on Sleater Kinney. For a one-stop location featuring a fusion of Asian dishes, make your way to Lemongrass handily located right off of I-5

Lacey is home to several exceptional Indian restaurants, including Curry Corner tucked away at the end of Martin Rd. It might look like a sleeper but the food is authentic and they have one of the broadest menus in the area. If European cuisine is more to your taste, don't miss Lacey favorites like the German Diner serving authentic German fare like schnitzel and doner (and a killer chocolate-banana cake) as well as the highly rated Bacco Tratoria Italiana whose chef hails from Gaeta, Italy. In the mood for an amazing steak with a side of fresh sushi? Look no further than Lacey's veteran steakhouse, Ricardo's.

Lacey is a rising star on the craft drinks map. Take in a flight of wine at Stottle Winery, then hop on over to Top Rung, a brewery started by two former firefighters, for a stein of Lacey Lager.

Unique Experiences in Lacey

Tearing yourself away from the beautiful outdoor experiences can be tough, but when you've tired of exploring Lacey's parks, trails, and nature opportunities, there are plenty of amazing experiences you won't want to miss on your visit here.

  • Lacey Depot District - a product of the Lacey 50th Anniversary Landmark Project, Lacey Depot District comprises a replica of the original train station that put Lacey on the map. The Depot District is the beginning of a larger site that will contain an expanded Lacey Museum and Cultural Center, and, city leaders hope, musical and entertainment events. The Depot is open May–September. 5555 Pacific Avenue SE
  • Lacey Museum - While it has plans to move into a larger space at the Depot, this museum of Lacey history is currently a little gem. Located in a historic home, the museum is best known for its Bigfoot exhibit and its ability to assist with local genealogical research. 829 Lacey Street SE
  • Lacey Maker Space - Have an idea? Bring it to life at this innovator’s workshop, designed to assist people with building or growing their businesses and open to anyone over 12. Tools here allow for prototyping, metalworking, woodworking, sewing, and electronics; mentoring services and classes are available, too. Zaverl Hall at St. Martin’s University Campus, Building 5, Baran Drive SE
  • The Golf Club at Hawks Prairie - Two courses, The Links and The Woodlands, provide unique 18-hole golf experiences. For a classic Northwest feel, putt among the pines and marshes at The Woodlands. The Links, by contrast, offers a Scottish style with views of Mount Rainier and Puget Sound. Replenish with a meal from the Talon Grill, located on The Links fairway, when you’re done. 8383 Vicwood Lane. On the east side of Lacey you'll find Indian Summer Golf and Country Club the Peter L. H. Thompson designed golf course is built to rigid, tournament caliber specifications with magnificent old-growth forest and abundant water features. 5900 Troon Lane SE
  • Laser Fun Zone - This laser tag and arcade hotspot is the perfect place to bring kids of all ages, friends, or a group for a team-building and entertaining night out. Book it for a party or just to burn off steam. 1225 Ruddell Road SE

Lacey Parks, Culture and Recreation

Lacey embodies the very best of living, working, and playing in the Pacific Northwest. Known for its natural environment, nearly 20 percent of the City has been set aside for parks, natural…

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