Heritage Park is a 24-acre state-owned park bordered by the Capitol Campus, Capitol Lake and downtown Olympia. It is the northern extension of the historic West Capitol Campus and serves as a symbol of our state’s commitment to community development and environmental stewardship.

The design of Heritage Park reflects the state’s intent that the park’s physical features, as well as its installations and interpretive programs, represent Washington's diverse heritage and culture.

Trails

The park features two trails that loop around Capitol Lake and connect to other pedestrian paths. The Heritage Park Trail, a switchback trail at the south end of the park, winds its way up to the historic West Capitol Campus. This wheel-chair accessible, half-mile path leads to the Law Enforcement Memorial with a stunning view of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains.

Amphitheater and seating

With its broad lawns and sweeping views of the Capitol, Heritage Park is a great place for festivals, performances, community activities, athletic events, and more. A gently sculpted lawn amphitheater area is ideal for small performances and educational events. Wide steps at the eastern shore of the lake provide a place to sit and view the water and wildlife.

Arc of Statehood

The Arc of Statehood is a 2,500-foot-long pathway along the eastern shore of Capitol Lake that represent our state's natural diversity. The Western Washington Inlet, a natural waterfowl habitat representative of much of Western Washington’s coastal and river ecosystems, sits at the southern end of the Arc of Statehood.

At the northern end of the Arc is the Eastern Washington Butte. Still under development, this small hill with a winding footpath will be landscaped as a rocky bluff representative of Eastern Washington’s arid environment. Each of Washington’s 39 counties is honored by an individual bronze marker mounted on a sandstone block along the Arc of Statehood.

Location

Heritage Park is located between 5th Ave. SW, Water St. SW, and Deschutes Parkway SE.

Views

Heritage Park borders Capitol Lake, so you'll have ample views of the water. You'll also be able to take in views of the Legislative Building dome, the Campus Powerhouse, downtown Olympia, Puget Sound, and the Olympic Mountains.

Parking

Free parking is available from 7 a.m. to dusk in a parking lot off of 5th Avenue Southwest with 15 stalls and two ADA stalls. City of Olympia metered parking is available on Water Street Southwest and at 701 Water Street Southwest.

Metered parking costs $0.75 per hour with a three-hour limit on weekdays but is free after 5 p.m. and on weekends and holidays.