Unveiling History Beneath the Streets: A Guide to the Seattle Underground Tour

Seattle is a city brimming with modern attractions, but did you know there’s an entire hidden world beneath its streets? The Seattle Underground Tour offers a fascinating glimpse into the origins of the city, blending history, architecture, and urban exploration into an experience that’s equal parts intriguing and educational. Whether you’re a local looking to connect with the city’s roots, a history enthusiast eager to uncover secrets, or a tourist seeking a one-of-a-kind activity, the underground city of Seattle promises to captivate and inspire.

This guide dives deep into the Seattle Underground Tour, offering a thorough exploration of its history, architectural marvels, and what makes it a must-see destination in Pioneer Square.

The History Beneath the Surface

The Great Seattle Fire and the Birth of the Underground City

The story of Seattle’s underground begins with tragedy. On June 6, 1889, the Great Seattle Fire ravaged the city, destroying 25 blocks of its downtown area. While disastrous, this event set the stage for one of the city’s most unique architectural feats. Rather than simply rebuild, city planners decided to raise the streets by one to two stories to address long-standing drainage and tidal flooding issues.

During this reconstruction, the original ground-level streets and buildings were essentially buried, creating what is now known as the “underground city.” Businesses operated at the underground level until the new street levels were established, paving the way (quite literally!) for the dual-level city we see remnants of today.

Pioneer Square’s Role in Seattle’s Story

The Seattle Underground Tour begins in historic Pioneer Square, the city’s oldest neighborhood and a focal point of its early development. Before the fire, this bustling area was the heart of commerce and culture, home to saloons, shops, and hotels. Today, Pioneer Square stands as an iconic symbol of Seattle’s resilience, with beautifully restored brick buildings, ironwork facades, and countless stories waiting to be told.

The tour reveals how this neighborhood played a pivotal role in shaping Seattle into the city it is today, from its booming days during the Klondike Gold Rush to its modern revival as a vibrant cultural hub.

Exploring the Seattle Underground Tour

What to Expect on the Tour

The Seattle Underground Tour, founded by historian and preservation advocate Bill Speidel in 1965, takes visitors on a guided exploration of the buried city streets and storefronts that date back to the late 1800s. Your tour begins at Doc Maynard’s Public House, a historic saloon and one of the city’s oldest buildings.

Each tour weaves humor, historical anecdotes, and local legends to bring the underground spaces to life. Guides reveal insights about the Great Seattle Fire, the challenges of raising the city streets, and the figures who shaped this period of history.

Unique Features to Look Out For

• Original Sidewalk Skylights: Look up during the tour, and you’ll notice square glass tiles embedded in the pavement above. These “skylights” allowed natural light to filter into the underground spaces when they were actively used.
• Storefronts Frozen in Time: Pass by abandoned storefronts that once bustled with activity. Many still contain remnants of the past, offering a hauntingly beautiful glimpse into life during Seattle’s early days.
• Quirky Architectural Details: From uneven staircases connecting the underground and current street levels to ornate iron fixtures, the tour highlights the creativity and challenges involved in building the underground city.

Hear Local Stories and Secrets

One of the highlights of the Seattle Underground Tour is hearing the colorful stories that bring Seattle’s history to life. From tales of the city’s red-light district to the humorous anecdotes of early residents navigating elevated streets, these stories make the experience unforgettable.

The Underground’s Evolution Over Time

A Period of Neglect

While parts of the underground city were initially used for storage and illegal activities, such as speakeasies during Prohibition, much of it fell into disrepair by the early 20th century. Forgotten and neglected, these spaces became a relic of Seattle’s past until Bill Speidel began championing their preservation.

Rediscovery and Preservation

Speidel’s efforts brought the underground back into the spotlight, not only as a historical treasure but also as a major tourist attraction. Thanks to these efforts, the Seattle Underground Tour continues to enrich visitors’ understanding of the city’s history while ensuring the underground spaces remain protected for future generations.

Why Take the Seattle Underground Tour?

Pro Tips for a Memorable Experience

1. Book in Advance: Tours often sell out, especially during peak tourist seasons, so secure your spot early.
2. Dress Comfortably: The underground spaces can be cool and uneven, so wear sturdy shoes and a light jacket.
3. Plan for Photos: While photography is allowed, some areas may be dimly lit, so adjust your camera settings accordingly.
4. Explore Nearby Attractions: Don’t miss Pioneer Square’s Occidental Park, Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, and iconic bookstores like Elliott Bay Book Company.

Experience Seattle from a New Perspective

The Seattle Underground Tour is more than just a walk beneath the city—it’s a journey through time, ingenuity, and resilience. Whether you’re a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or simply curious, this tour offers something for everyone.

At Blog Time US, we celebrate unique experiences like the Seattle Underground Tour because they deepen our connection to the places we visit and the stories they hold. Looking for your next adventure? Start with a trip beneath the streets of Seattle and discover a city that’s as rich in character as it is in history.