The Tower in Seattle's Volunteer Park was built as a water reservoir in 1906. We climbed the 180 steps (!) to the observation deck which put us at the highest point on the City's beautiful Capitol Hill.
Placards on the brick walls tell the history of Volunteer Park. (We learned that it was named as a tribute to Seattle's volunteers in the Spanish-American War, which was not at all what we'd first assumed.) Other signs pay tribute to the Olmstead Brothers who designed the Park's Gardens and lawns. (They designed Central Park and the Biltmore Mansion among other places.)
A walk around the circular deck gave us a 360 degree view of beautiful Seattle.
From one window we saw the Space Needle and Puget Sound beyond it.
Of course you could see the whole City from the top of the Space Needle too. But it would cost you -- at the very least an expensive meal. The Water Tower is free and not as touristy.
We felt like locals because I think everybody else up there was. There was even a small group of four-year-old girls celebrating a Princess birthday in the magic tower! And of course their mothers (also in costume) were even having more fun.
We were lucky to have a very knowledgeable local guide in our brother-in-law, otherwise we'd never have known about this great spot.
The window fences are quite an elegant way to keep people safe. And of course looking through them is the actual way our eyes saw the views. Sometimes I shot what we saw.
And sometimes I poked the camera lens through the big spaces above the window fences and just shot away.
Below a couple of views of Emerald City green:
There is a lot to see in beautiful Volunteer Park and I hope we can go back on our next visit to Seattle. (The Arboretum where we saw the beautiful orchids and the stinky corpse plant (HERE) is also in this park.)
Sharing these views of beautiful Seattle with OUR WORLD TUESDAY and GOOD FENCES.
Thanks to Lady Fi, Arija, Sandy, Sylvia, Gattina, and Jenn for hosting OWT and to Theresa for GF.
Seattle Park's page about the tower is HERE.
I love Seattle but have never seen it from here before. Must go there next time. Loved the photos!
Posted by: DeniseinVA | November 01, 2014 at 03:54 AM
A really interesting post with great pics esp the window fences.
Posted by: Melody | November 01, 2014 at 12:39 AM
The views from within and without are fantastic, all!
Posted by: Penny | October 31, 2014 at 09:43 PM
what a great place for image making and the fences are wonderful.
Posted by: Felicia | October 31, 2014 at 11:20 AM
What a wonderful tower and good it if free for the public to go up in. The views are breath taking and I love the railings.
Posted by: Margaret | October 30, 2014 at 10:27 PM
Hey-- best pictures of the best place ever... that tour guide of yours made some difference, I'm sure! Hope you'll return soon, we have more secret spots to show you.
Posted by: Pat & Mary Jo | October 30, 2014 at 09:11 PM
This is one place I've not been in Seattle but I wouldn't mind going there since it does have those nice safety fences. I have a bit of fear of heights but I like the views you captured.
Posted by: Ida P. Krause | October 30, 2014 at 08:06 PM
Lovely shots - especially that first one!
Posted by: Lady Fi | October 30, 2014 at 01:37 AM
We never knew about this place, in spite of all the years we lived in Washington. You are such a good tour guide!
Posted by: Clair Harris Zarges | October 29, 2014 at 09:42 PM
That is a lot of steps, but the views are worth it... Michelle
Posted by: Ramblingwoods | October 29, 2014 at 07:04 PM
Oh, I love to go up the tower and enjoy the view; the Tower in Seattle's Volunteer Park is gorgeous, Sallie♡♡♡ Love the first picture of the observation deck as well♪ I wish I could visit Tokyo tower and Tokyo Sky Tree some day p:-) The window fences truly is ELEGANT♪♪♪
Sending Lots of Love and Hugs from Japan to my Dear friend in America, xoxo Miyako*
Posted by: orchid | October 29, 2014 at 04:37 AM
Looks like a great place to visit and the price is right! That's A LOT of steps, however!
Posted by: Lindy | October 28, 2014 at 09:44 PM
More lovely views and excellent, detailed info. You really make the most of every moment!
Posted by: Hazel | October 28, 2014 at 07:46 AM
Thanks for sharing this. I know about the Space Needle but have never heard of this water tower. Great shots, too.
Posted by: Lowell | October 28, 2014 at 06:13 AM
My hat is off to the mother who went the extra mile for the Princess party how cool! Im sure you enjoyed your tower much more than the Space Needle tour with all the crowds.
Posted by: Sondra-SC | October 28, 2014 at 05:39 AM
Interesting looking building. Big public parks are such a gift from the past.
Cheers - Stewart M - Melbourne
Posted by: Stewart M | October 28, 2014 at 03:26 AM
I can only say that the 180 steps were worthwhile !
Posted by: Gattina | October 28, 2014 at 12:34 AM
Surprising how beautiful it is inside with the windows and even the protective grating.The views are great too but am still mesmerised by the viewing space and your perseverance with those 180 steps.
Posted by: Arija | October 27, 2014 at 09:53 PM
I lived a summer within sight of this park and never went into the tower. Plus didn't know this is one of the Olmsted parks. The view is superb, and I like the ornate fences. Something else to add to my 'to see' list.
Posted by: Gaelyn | October 27, 2014 at 09:41 PM
Loved these photos! I lived in Seattle for awhile and never knew about this water tower. Love the window fences!
Blessings,
Aimee
Posted by: Aimee | October 27, 2014 at 09:31 PM
What a great tower, I've never even heard of it. I'll have to add it to my list if I'm in Seattle again!
Posted by: Al | October 27, 2014 at 06:16 PM
What a find. It seems like every city has those great low cost or no cost places to go.
Posted by: Yogi | October 27, 2014 at 06:00 PM
Wonderful pictures. I will have to remember this place when I finally get to Seattle!
Posted by: Lois | October 27, 2014 at 05:44 PM
Yes … the history behind the name is a bit surprising. What a unique place to have a birthday party and to see the beautiful green of Seattle’s landscape.
Posted by: Penelope Puddle | October 27, 2014 at 02:32 PM
Sallie, you had wonderful views of the city.. The window fences are pretty. Great post, thanks for sharing.. Have a happy week!
Posted by: Eileen | October 27, 2014 at 02:09 PM
All Very creative photarography ~ love the wrought iron look ~ another wonderful post!
artmusedog and carol (A Creative Harbor)
Posted by: artmusedog and carol | October 27, 2014 at 01:44 PM
What an interesting place and great photos from the top of the tower. A very interesting view of the Space Needle too! Hmmm! Not sure about those 180 steps to get up there :-(
Posted by: Mick | October 27, 2014 at 01:37 PM
i like the window fences! and now i want a princess party! :)
Posted by: TexWisGirl | October 27, 2014 at 12:51 PM
How great is that to be able to view a city all 360 deg.
Posted by: fun60 | October 27, 2014 at 12:29 PM
What beautiful captures/views of Seattle and what a great place to view it from!! Thanks for sharing! Hope you have a great new week!
Posted by: sylviakirk | October 27, 2014 at 12:22 PM
You make a water tower look like art. And I love that fenced view!
Posted by: colleenVA | October 27, 2014 at 12:22 PM
Great shots and interesting post.
Posted by: Carver | October 27, 2014 at 12:07 PM