Seattle's Highest Rated Underground Attraction!
Beneath the Streets offers boutique tours dedicated to providing authentic and unique guided explorations through the historic underground passageways of Seattle’s original neighborhood, Pioneer Square.
Our ONE HOUR walking tours are led by fun, professional, and seasoned tour guides who live and breathe Seattle history. We never use scripts and enhance the guest experience with insider tips and local favorites!
10:00am - 4:30pm
Seven Days a Week
Tours are ONE HOUR in length departing multiple times daily
_________________________
-- After Hours: Red Light District Tour
Adults only tour with a focus on the "underside" of underground history. Humorous discussion about prostitution, gambling, drinking and vice. 18 yrs +
6:30pm Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays
75 minutes in length
__________________________
* 15.35% tax added to all sales
Operating Hours
The Queer Underground History Tour
Celebrate Pride
Click here to see schedule.
Adults only. 75 minutes.
$28 pl us tax
A Cabaret Style Musical Celebrating Pioneer Square
8:00pm Thursday, Friday, Saturday beginning July 5th
$35 pl us tax
For parking information click here and enter 102 Cherry Street as your destination.
New! Prohibition Tour
Tour and Live Band! June 12th
Seattle’s Pioneer Square was the center of lucrative, dangerous “rum running” operations and vibrant “speakeasies” in the 1920s. Join veteran tour guide and jazz musician, Mike Daugherty, on a tour of the “underground” (both literal and figurative) mixed with fascinating stories of the old bootlegging days in Puget Sound. At the end of your tour, sneak in the backdoor of a dark club to hear a live, authentic 1920s-style HOT JAZZ band, and enjoy a “pick-me-up” of your choice.
Bill Speidel's Underground Tour
Review Highlights
“ Dean did an amazing job of giving us the history of Seattle while making poop and sewing *wink wink* jokes. ” in 126 reviews
“ Had an early morning Tour but Adam made it really interactive and funny even when our energy was kind of low. ” in 104 reviews
“ Our tour guide, Jacob , was amusing and informative and made the history of Seattle interesting to us. ” in 47 reviews
Show more review highlights
Location & Hours
Suggest an edit
614 1st Ave
Seattle, WA 98104
Cherry St & Yesler Way
Pioneer Square
Serving Seattle Area
You Might Also Consider
4.4 miles away from Bill Speidel's Underground Tour
Chelsea A. said "Went in to grab some luggage before a trip, and I didn't have a good carry on. Their POS System was down, so they took my card info and contact information down in order to process the payment. Oddly enough, that card was later…" read more
in Airlines, Luggage, Travel Services
Helicopters Northwest
5.5 miles away from Bill Speidel's Underground Tour
Eduardo L. said "The helicopter ride was amazing. My wife and I went for our anniversary and she loves it. Very smooth and the pilot Cameron made even more pleasant because he was giving us a tour so we knew where we were. We are definitely coming…" read more
in Aerial Tours
Ranger Reub Adventures
Take the path less traveled and find joy in an exploration on foot that offers more than just sightseeing - it's a look into Southern Utah's intriguing history! read more
in Walking Tours
Amenities and More
About the business.
Bill Speidel's Underground Tour is a leisurely, guided walking tour beneath Seattle's sidewalks and streets. As you roam the subterranean passages that once were the main roadways and first-floor storefronts of old downtown Seattle, our guides regale you with the stories our pioneers didn't want you to hear. It's history with a twist! Following a short intro, we'll walk through historic Pioneer Square to three different sections of Underground--about three blocks in all. The tour ends in Rogues Gallery, the Underground Tour gift shop. Here you will find a mix of historic displays and an array of contemporary gifts showcasing Seattle's quirky character. You can get a memento of your Underground Tour experience at Rogues Gallery, a copy of Sons of the Profits, the book by Bill Speidel upon which the tour is based, or a Seattle souvenir or two. …
Ask the Community
Ask a question
Has the Underworld tour resumed? There do not seem to be tickets available no longer how far out I look on the calendar.
It has. We went in 6/27/23. I called and left a voice mail and they returned my call in a few hours and rebooted the system. Call the number in the website for more help but I think it was (206) 682-4646.
Has the Underworld Adults Only Night tour been discontinued?
No, not at all. We're gradually resuming all of our offerings as the pandemic abates. Stay tuned and we'll let you know when the Underworld Tour returns.
Recommended Reviews
- 1 star rating Not good
- 2 star rating Could’ve been better
- 3 star rating OK
- 4 star rating Good
- 5 star rating Great
Select your rating
Overall rating
2184 reviews
If you like corny jokes and offbeat history, I highly recommend this tour. We had Adriane as our tour guide, and she was hilarious. There were 47 people on our tour, and we were worried we wouldn't be able to hear. But Adriane spoke clearly and loudly, so we were able to hear her wherever we were. The jokes aren't for everyone. I personally LOVE puns and "dad jokes", so I laughed a lot the whole time. Highly recommend for anybody looking for an offbeat tour of Seattle with offbeat comedy.
I heard there was an underground tour in Seattle, so I had to try. There are at least 2 tour companies that conduct the tour in Pioneer Square, the oldest part of Seattle, supposedly. This one was the one I did research into first and ended up being the least expensive option. They have a sign indicating a minimum of 4 people per tour, and I showed up with 2... they still let me book the next tour, which was at the top of the hour. I didn't know at the time, but there were several others in the tour even though the ticket counter was empty and looked like nobody was going on any tours. It ended up being around 35-40 in the group. At 11 a.m., my tour guide was Lisa. They have you staged in the back "bar area" 5 minutes before the hour to be present for the tour. However, the bar was not open. You could only play shuffleboard or games at each table like dominoes or cards. Once the tour starts, you are taken into the basement of this same building to do an introduction to the history of Seattle. This is about 15-20 minutes. The rest of the 75-minute tour is the tour guide taking you into 3 different underground areas. Each area you go down, then resurface....so there is some definite stair climbing. The first stop is at the building across the street, the 2nd stop is across the street from that building, then the 3rd stop right when you think the tour may be over is a quick plunge underground in the same building as the tour company itself. There, you have the museum and a small gift shop to buy souvenirs, and the opportunity to tip your guide before walking back up to street level to leave. The guide indicates that the tour company leases the space for use, but I can tell they must make a good amount of money doing these tours. Overall, this is a pretty interesting tour and a good way to learn about Seattle. It's not a ghost tour. It's really just a history tour. In fact, the word "ghost" was only brought up 1 time, and it had nothing to do with any of the spaces we entered on the tour itself.
Second time being on the tour (after 5 years); I am having a lovely lady as my tour guide this time, she is sooo funny and so knowledgeable; but her voice was very quiet so it was almost impossible to hear her if we r not super near her. The tour size was huge so it was impossible to hear her at all for about 30 % of the time. Thus taking one star off. If u see there r no spots online, don't be scared, call them! They always have some open spots and will reserve tix for u!! Sooo fun.
My second time checking out this tour and it felt like a totally different experience. It's family-friendly, full of jokes, and has a fascinating tale on the history of Seattle. The tour guide was funny, and though I'm sure he does this all the time, seemed to be enjoying giving us the tour. Also would crack jokes that were on a whim, so the cleverness was much appreciated which went beyond a script. It was the perfect length of a tour, and some areas were musty but that's to be expected if you're essentially going to an underground city. Would totally recommend this if you want a learning experience regarding Seattle, or just have some time to kill!
Go TJ, Go (applause)! This was a vacation favorite! We were so pleased with Bill Speidel's Underground Tour and I would say it's is a must do (local or tourist) when in Seattle. Such an amazing time and so happy we were able to get tickets on our last day. Tickets for two online plus taxes and fees were $48.96. This does not include the optional tour guide gratuities at the end and highly recommend a tip especially if they do an amazing job like TJ. The entrance is located at 614 1st Avenue (Howard Building), in the Pioneer Place Park at Pioneer Square. Our tour guide was TJ and he wears his signature all purple ensemble including a purple bath robe. Each tour guide customizes and highlights each tour so no two are exactly the same. He educated us all about the history of Seattle over the years, particularly focusing on those early year and the developments that lead to the city we know today. Especially loved hearing about Madam Lou Graham and her many contributions to the citizens, the city itself, and the public education system upon her death. You are lead through basements, walk above ground, and through the underground. It's fun to look and take everything in and imagine what it was like back in the day. We never left Pioneer's Square area which was fascinating when you think about it. Book in advance as they tend to sell out. Five stars and super thank you to TJ he really is the best with history, humor, and is an excellent guide. Go do it!
See all photos from Les R. for Bill Speidel's Underground Tour
After doing a bit of research about the underground tunnels, i read that this one was a little better than the other one. Boy was i glad i chose this. I've been on a lot of these tour thingies from all my travels and I've learned a few tricks to making your experience much better: show enthusiasm, light heckling, and stand close to the guide. Keon was an excellent guide. He was witty, charming, certainly knowledgeable, and we were also a pretty lively group. Someone even asked how long he has been a comedian because his delivery was on point. He had a lot of great puns, jokes, and was also able to work the crowd in a very family friendly way. It's about a 75 minute tour, but definitely doesn't feel like it. In total, we walked maybe 4 blocks? Popping in and out of different alleys when going up and down the stairs (yes, there are stairs, so if you're not very mobile, it might be challenging for you). I knocked a star off the review because the group was way too large. I think we had maybe 30-40 people in the group. There was no way everyone was getting the full experience when only one person can walk around the stairways at a time. I guess the price mitigates the experience. Worth the $22 for 75 minutes? Sure. It's a pretty fun thing to do.
Surprisingly, the verbal portion of the tour is far more interesting than being "underground" and what you will see while you are underground. I mean, sure, you'll see a toilet or two on the tour but I'm assuming--and hoping--you've seen toilets before. But being underground is obviously important to the tour. The Underground is really a lot of dusty rooms and corridors and storage space. But you're going to learn a lot about the history and development of Seattle and why the underground exists. You'll also learn about the Crapper. It's a family-friendly tour and fine for all ages but there were a number of very young kids (5ish or younger) on our tour who were bored out of their minds. That is no fault of our tour guide or the tour itself. Very small kids are just not into history. It's a fun, informative tour. Be prepared to do a little bit of walking as you tour one underground space, exit above ground, and then head to other underground spaces. And watch your step.
Because you need another photo of the Crapper.
The view from underground.
Such a fun experience !! I was super sad to see they had sold out for the day online, but we went in person and were able to get in for 10:30am. They said they keep the half hour slots open for walk-ins and post the hour tours (10am, 11am, ect..) online for people to purchase in advance. So even if they are sold out online, don't be shy to go in person and see if they have any walk up times available. They said during the summer months- the walks up sell out really quickly- so just be aware. Our tour guide was Andie and she was so cute, quirky and full of funny little jokes and witty comments. It was so fun getting to learn about Seattle and all the hot mess they get themselves into. Overall it's highly worth it and I cannot recommend them enough! It's a must-do while in Seattle !!!
See all photos from Kelley H. for Bill Speidel's Underground Tour
Went with a Middle School tour group and Monica was our tour guide, and she was brilliant! Learned so much from her about Seattle history. Very school-appropriate how it handles Seattle's not school-appropriate history. Thoughtful tour, engaging guide, cannot recommend this highly enough for school groups and out-of-towners, but if you're from Seattle and you haven't been there you should absolutely learn about all of this! It has changed how I see Seattle. If Monica is reading this you did an awesome job, and if Monica's boss is reading this she deserves a raise.
I'm not a huge guided tour person but I really enjoyed this tour. Our guide was Lisa and she was very funny and informative throughout the tour. I felt like I learned a lot about the history of Seattle in a short period of time in a funny and informative way. I will say that if you are not into walking up and down stairs and going through small passages - this is probably not the best tour for you. It wasn't super athletic but enough of a walking around and going up and down. Also the tour groups are pretty large, so there was a bit of squeezing past people if they stood in the way. The tour is family friendly though I did wonder if the parents had to answer some questions for the kids afterwards about what "seamstress" does.
View from the underground
165 other reviews that are not currently recommended
Hawaii Geo Tours
Meredith G. said "If I could give more than five starts I would. I went on this tour two days ago, it was amazing. Our guide David was so much fun. He had a lot of knowledge to share about the island. His historic stories were great. Also so much…" read more
Alaska Saltwater Tours
Our full day Small Group Whale Watching, Wildlife, Natural History, and Glacier Tour ventures deep into Kenai Fjords National Park. With over 25 years experience, we will show you the Fjords' best kept secrets. This is a… read more
in Boat Tours, Fishing, Whale Watching Tours
Collections Including Bill Speidel's Underground Tour
Seattle Sights For Visitors
By Gustavo M.
Seattle Vacation List
By Arianna C.
Seattle Guidebook by @thegreenroomseattle
By Alicia E.
Seattle Locals’ favorites
Three Days in Seattle 2014
By Jennifer S.
My visit to the Emerald City
Tourism and What to Do
By Michael R.
Touristy stuff to do in Seattle and surounding area
By Natalie G.
Seattle, Washington //
Sleepless in Seattle...
By Florence H.
People Also Viewed
Beneath the Streets
Underground Tour
Spooked In Seattle Ghost Tours
Haunted History Ghost Tours of Seattle
Seattle Free Walking Tours
Seattle Bites Food Tours
Shutter Tours
Underground Donut Tour
SubSeattle Tour
Argosy Cruises - Seattle
Best of Seattle
Things to do in Seattle
People found Bill Speidel's Underground Tour by searching for…
Abandoned Buildings Seattle
Carriage Ride Seattle
Factory Tours Seattle
Haunted Tours Seattle
Military Discount Seattle
Seattle Underground Tour Seattle
Shanghai Tunnel Seattle
To Do Seattle
Tourist Attractions Seattle
Underground City Seattle
Underground Tunnel Seattle
Underworld Tour Seattle
Browse Nearby
Restaurants
Gold Panning
Arts & Entertainment
Other Places Nearby
Find more Historical Tours near Bill Speidel's Underground Tour
Find more Walking Tours near Bill Speidel's Underground Tour
Related Cost Guides
Town Car Service
- Skip to primary navigation
- Skip to main content
- Skip to primary sidebar
- Skip to footer
TravelAwaits
Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list.
5 Reasons To Go Underground For Seattle’s Most Unusual Tour
- Activities and Interests
- Destinations
- Guided Tours
- Sightseeing
- United States
Visitors with a curiosity about the other side of Seattle’s story need look no farther than a few feet below them, into the city’s notorious Underground.
Thanks to fascinating guided tours in the city’s historic Pioneer Square neighborhood, venturing beneath the streets is a fairly easy feat. For decades, Bill Speidel’s Underground Tour has been giving tourists a glimpse into Seattle’s colorful past — complete with stories of muddy streets, sinking buildings, non-existent sewage disposal, and ultimately, the devastating Great Seattle Fire of 1889.
As a frequent visitor to the Emerald City over the years, I was familiar with modern Seattle’s top attractions like the Space Needle , Pike Place Market , and Chihuly Garden and Glass . But as I was planning a recent return visit, I realized I had barely scratched the surface of Seattle’s early history as a logging town.
The Underground tour certainly helped to fill in the blanks, from Seattle’s start as a town built on a muddy tide flat, to the destruction wreaked by the Great Fire, and the development of the Underground as a fix for many of the early problems.
Here are 7 reasons to go underground for Seattle’s most unique tour.
1. Quirky History Of Seattle
Bill Speidel’s Seattle Underground Tour lasts about 75 minutes, and an enormous amount of information is packed into that time, all in an entertaining format. My tour guide threw in plenty of humorous stories about Seattle’s early history, including how the first steam-powered sawmill of the Pacific Northwest came to be located in Seattle, as well as the difficulties the pioneer city had disposing of its sewage.
Starting in a theater beneath Doc Maynard’s Public House in Pioneer Square , the tour also features a montage of early-Seattle personalities, including town founders David “Doc” Maynard, Arthur Denny, and Henry Yesler. Cardboard cutouts of the three men are arranged around the room, helping to bring their stories to life.
Tale Of The Great Seattle Fire
The Great Seattle Fire of 1889 was the impetus for the Underground, and the tour focuses considerable time on that devastating event. As relayed by my tour guide, at 2 p.m. on June 6, 1889, a 19-year-old carpenter-in-training burned the city down when he was melting glue in a pot. Halfway through the melting process, the young carpenter left the glue unattended for about 10–12 minutes. By the time he returned, the glue had come to a boil and began splattering onto the kindling that was lying all around.
Hours later, Seattle’s business district, which consisted mostly of wood buildings, was burned to the ground. Seattle opted to start over with stone and brick buildings, and the Underground was born.
Book Now on GetYourGuide
2. Walking Tour Through Historic Pioneer Square
Starting at Doc Maynard’s, the tour heads into Pioneer Square and under the neighborhood’s famous pergola archway. Known as the birthplace of Seattle, Pioneer Square offers a frozen-in-time look at the brick and stone buildings of downtown Seattle in the late 1800s and early 1900s.
The cast iron and glass Pioneer Square Pergola was originally built in 1909 and served as a shelter for cable car passengers on the James Street and Yesler Way lines.
3. Underground Passageways And Storefronts
The Bill Speidel tour is billed as a “stroll through intriguing subterranean storefronts and sidewalks entombed when the city rebuilt on top of itself after the Great Fire of 1889.”
The tour delivers on that claim, taking the participants (there were about 20 of us in my tour group) down a series of stairs and into an area of narrow wooden walkways bordered by brick walls bearing vintage signs that read, “South End Steam Baths” and “Northern Hotel.”
Along the way, my tour guide explained the origin of the Underground. He told the group that after fire wiped out about 33 blocks of Seattle’s main business district in 1889, the city came up with the idea of building high-stone-retaining walls around the city blocks and then dumping dirt between them.
The tour’s website adds that the plan involved building walls on either side of the old streets, filling in the spaces between the walls, and then paving over the fill “to effectively raise the streets, making them one story higher than the old sidewalks that still ran alongside them.” Eventually, hollow tunnels were left between the old and new sidewalks, “creating the passageways of today’s Underground.”
Book Now on GetYourGuide
4. Seattle Street Views
The Underground Tour includes several separate underground areas, as well as walks in between and along the above-ground city streets and alleys.
One of the highlights for me was walking amidst the vintage Seattle buildings, soaking in the history. I learned, for instance, that tour founder Bill Speidel spearheaded the preservation of the buildings of Pioneer Square , many of which had fallen into disrepair by the mid-1950s. Through letter-writing and petition campaigns, Speidel succeeded by 1970 in getting 25 blocks of brick and stone buildings in Seattle’s birthplace listed on the National Historic Register . Along the way, he founded tours to tell the story of Seattle’s Underground.
Pro Tip: One of the standout buildings in the area is the 38-story Smith Tower , an early Seattle skyscraper. Today, it offers tours and an elevator ride to its observation deck with sweeping views of the region.
5. Underground Museum
The tour concludes in the Underground Tour’s Rogues Gallery, which features photos of characters featured in the tour narrative, as well as Northwest memorabilia from Seattle’s early days.
The Underground Gift Shop offers souvenirs and books, including the Sons of the Profits , a book written by tour founder Bill Speidel, who died in 1988.
- Located on 1st Avenue in Pioneer Square, the Bill Speidel Underground Tour is just a few city blocks from the Seattle Light Rail Pioneer Square Station and is an easy 5-minute walk.
- As another option for underground guided tours in Pioneer Square, Beneath the Streets tours offers a choice of a family-friendly exploration of Seattle’s Underground; an adults-only exploration of the debauchery and vice of early Seattle; and a Queer History Tour.
Related Reading:
- 9 Amazing Things To Do In Seattle When It’s Raining
- My 6 Favorite Attractions To Visit With The Seattle CityPASS
- 14 Ways To Spend A Long Weekend In Washington’s Emerald City: Seattle
Cindy Barks is an Arizona-based newspaper reporter, freelance travel writer, and travel blogger. Her blog, NearandFarAZ gives readers an insider's view of the wonders of the U.S. Southwest, and a traveler's take on far-off locales from Panama to Hong Kong to the Czech Republic. Regardless of the destination, her goal is to find the perfect scenic hike, city walk, beach stroll, or road-trip jaunt, and bring it to life in her blog. Cindy's articles about outdoor adventures have appeared in numerous regional and national publications.
Underground Tour, Bill Speidel’s
Bill Speidel’s Underground Tour is Seattle’s most unusual attraction, a humorous stroll through intriguing subterranean storefronts and sidewalks entombed when the city rebuilt on top of itself after the Great Fire of 1889. The 75-minute guided walking tour begins beneath Doc Maynard’s Public House, then spills into historic Pioneer Square, Seattle’s birthplace, before plunging underground for an exclusive, time-capsule view of the buried city. It’s the only way to tour the interconnecting tunnels of the world-famous Seattle Underground—don’t be fooled by imposters. All the while, tour guides regale you with sidesplitting stories our pioneers didn’t want you to hear. It’s history with punch lines! Tickets available in advance, online at undergroundtour.com and by phone at (206) 682-4646, or at our ticket counter at 614 First Avenue, in Pioneer Place Park, Pioneer Square.
- Address 614 First Ave, Seattle, WA 98104
- Phone (206) 682-4646
SUBSCRIBE TO THE SEATTLE LOCALIST
Seattle’s best every month in your inbox.
- OPT-IN: By clicking the "Subscribe" button, I agree to receive emails from Visit Seattle and that I have read and agree to the Visit Seattle Privacy Policy .
- Name This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Book Your Trip
Partner Advertisements
Beneath the Streets
- See all photos
Beneath The Streets Underground History Tour
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Beneath the Streets - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)
The Underground Tour, Seattle – Bill Speidel’s Underground Tour
Home | Travel | North America | United States | Washington | Seattle | The Underground Tour, Seattle – Bill Speidel’s Underground Tour
Seattle is known for rainy weather and the Space Needle, but there is a lot more to this city than meets the eye. As a hub for Pacific-Northwest nature, urbanization, and counterculture, Seattle isn’t without its weird side. One of the best ways to experience the city is by taking Bill Speidel underground tour .
The underground tour in Seattle is one of the most popular activities today, but the history behind it goes back to 1889 when a great fire ravaged the city. After the destruction, the city had to undergo complete reconstruction, and, as a result, the former streets now sit beneath the modern downtown district.
When I first came to Seattle, I wanted to see the vast landscape and majestic mountains nearby. Yet, when I learned that there is a whole other side to this city, I was intrigued.
This Seattle underground ghost tour isn’t a typical haunted attraction. Lighthearted guides walk you through the tour of Pioneer Square’s subterranean depths, including old sidewalks, warehouses, and storefronts.
You’ll start at an 1890s saloon before embarking on a journey through the decrepit tunnels and passageways. Along the way, you’ll learn about the previous glory of old Seattle and visit the sites of former shops, houses, and pubs. The tour is equal parts eerie and entertaining, and something you don’t want to miss!
I’m glad I experienced this part of the city, and to help you plan your trip, I’ve this guide with everything you need to know about exploring underground Seattle .
The history of the Underground Tour in Seattle, WA
The passageways you’ll traverse during the Seattle underground tour were once at ground level back in the mid-1800s.
On June 6, 1889, a young man tripped over a glue pot in a carpentry shop, igniting the Great Seattle Fire, which burned through the entire central downtown district. In less than a day, the blaze destroyed 25 city blocks.
However, the Seattle residents were steadfast in their commitment to rebuild. Work began almost immediately to reconstruct the city center, right on top of the burnt remains. Today, the buildings in Pioneer Square sit 20 feet above the 1880s underground city of Seattle .
Of course, the former streets and alleyways fell into disuse and remained underground, nearly forgotten. In the 1960s, a Seattle Times columnist named Bill Speidel reignited interest in this area. After receiving a reader question about the underground ruins of Pioneer Square, Speidel began guiding people through the tunnels. From there, the tour grew and became one of the most unique attractions in Seattle. Now, anyone can take an underground tour of Seattle ‘s old ruins!
What will you see on Bill Speidel’s Underground City Tour?
The underground tour of Seattle starts in Pioneer Square. While today, the neighborhood makes up the southwest section of downtown Seattle, in the mid-1800s, it was the city center.
There are now several Seattle underground city tours , including the Bill Speidel underground tour , which begins on 1st Avenue, near Cherry Street.
Throughout the tour , you’ll travel beneath Doc Maynard’s Public House and wind through the eerie passageways under Pioneer Square. The tour covers several ruinous blocks full of abandoned storefronts and remnants from the past, like old furniture and cutlery.
The guide will take you above-ground a couple of times, stopping at some historic structures before descending back underground. For example, you’ll stop at the Howard Building, which was one of the first major buildings in Pioneer Square.
You’ll also learn about the Klondike Gold Rush, the indigenous Coast Salish population, and Skid Row, where the city’s working-class lived and congregated. While some people consider this to be a haunted Seattle underground tour , the ambiance is quite lighthearted and humorous.
As you continue your journey, you’ll see the ladders that residents used to traverse the underground and the new, elevated city streets, as well as the purple-glass pavement lights. You can also see restored artifacts that were salvaged from the 1889 wreckage, such as old machinery and public baths.
Bill Speidel’s Underground Tour times
The Seattle underground history tour lasts anywhere from 60 to 90 minutes.
The Bill Speidel Seattle WA underground city tours begin every hour, on the half. From April -September, the company operates from 9:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. From October – March, the hours are 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Also, the underground tour in Seattle will go on rain or shine, so dress accordingly!
Seattle Underground Tour Tickets
The Seattle underground tour tickets are affordable, yet the costs can add up for families. Kids under 6 are free, although they might not enjoy this type of tour.
I think the price is worth it, especially if you want to know more about Seattle’s underground tunnels . I really enjoy the tour we took, and our guide was super helpful and willing to share with us so many interesting facts about the underground Seattle.
Please consider that this is a very popular tour, so I recommend purchasing your Seattle underground history tour tickets in advance since your preferred time might sell out.
Who is Bill Speidel?
While you’re researching the best Seattle underground tours , you’re sure to come across the name Bill Speidel. So, I think it’s a good idea to give you some background history of this influential man.
Bill Speidel was a columnist for the Seattle Times . While he joined the paper in the late 1930s, his most notable work didn’t appear until the 1960s. In addition to his newspaper columns, he also wrote two books in 1967 and 1978. Most of his work focused on the history of Seattle’s early settlers.
Speidel was passionate about preserving the city’s history, especially Pioneer Square, which was quite rundown in his days. When a Seattle Times reader asked about the underground remnants of the square, it piqued Speidel’s interest. He investigated the area and then invited the reader to come and see what he found.
Well, that reader ended up bringing along 500 friends. Word spread about this unique walking tour of Seattle’s underground , and more residents followed Speidel into these previously unexplored depths of the city. He began collecting a $1 fee from each visitor, and the rest is history.
Today, the Bill Speidel Underground Tour is one of the weirdest and most popular ways to learn about Seattle’s history.
FAQS about the Seattle underground tunnels tour
Still not sure about exploring the underground in Seattle, WA ? Here is some more information to help you decide and plan your trip.
Is the Seattle Underground tour worth it?
Yes! This is a very different tour of Seattle that you won’t be able to experience anywhere else. Not only do you get to learn about the Seattle underground tunnels , but you can walk through some of the remains.
How much is the Underground Tour in Seattle?
While the cost depends on the tour company, most Seattle Washington underground city tours are $30. The Bill Speidel Underground Tour is about $30, but that doesn’t include tips.
Is it necessary to book the Underground Tour in Seattle?
You can have a great time here without doing a Seattle Underground City Tour . However, if you want to learn more about Seattle’s underground history , this tour is a must-do.
Where can I book the Underground Tour in Seattle?
You can book the Bill Speidel Underground Tour here.
Is there parking for people who are going to do the Bill Speidel Underground Tour?
There isn’t a designated parking lot for the Seattle underground tour . Instead, visitors should take public transportation since the bus and light rail stops at Pioneer Square LINK station.
Can you eat or drink during the Underground Tour in Seattle?
You can bring a covered drink with you, but food isn’t permitted during the Seattle underground history tour . The tours start near Doc Maynard’s Public House, and many visitors stop there before or after their tour.
How long is Bill Speidel’s Underground Tour?
The Speidel Underground Tour lasts 1 hour.
That’s everything you need to know about exploring the underground city in Seattle . If you have any other concerns, or you want to share your experience, leave me a comment below and I’ll get back to you!
Ascen Aynat
Leave a Reply Cancel reply
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
- Getting Here
- Map & Guide
- The Neighborhood
- Experiences
- Points Of Interest
- Bill Speidel’s Underground Tour
Bill Speidel's Underground Tour
600 1st Ave
(206) 682-4646
9:00am-7:00pm
A Little More About Us
BILL SPEIDEL'S UNDERGROUND TOUR is a leisurely, guided walking tour beneath Seattle’s sidewalks and streets. As you roam the subterranean passages that once were the main roadways and first-floor storefronts of old downtown Seattle, our guides regale you with the stories our pioneers didn’t want you to hear. It’s history with a twist!
The tour begins inside Doc Maynard’s Public House, a restored 1890s saloon. Following a short intro, we’ll walk through historic Pioneer Square to three different sections of Underground—about three blocks in all.
The tour ends in Rogues Gallery, the Underground Tour gift shop. Here you will find a mix of historic displays and an array of contemporary gifts showcasing Seattle’s quirky character.
You can get a memento of your Underground Tour experience at Rogues Gallery; a copy of Sons of the Profits, the book by Bill Speidel upon which the tour is based, or a Seattle souvenir or two.
After hearing the history of the invention of the flush toilet in England on the tour, you can check out our beautiful, original Crapper toilet imported from England.
A Comparison of Seattle Underground Tours
There’s another Seattle beneath your feet and it’s possible to explore it now on one of these fascinating underground tours.
(Photo: Getyourguide.com)
Seattle was given its first burst of life as a product of one of the many gold rushes that pulled prospectors and hopeful future millionaires west into the North American continent. A sleeping timber town before that, and previously Native American for 4,000 years before that, the city has undergone a rapid expansion in the last 120 years, with some elements of the older neighborhoods being covered over with newer developments. Tours exploring this oft-unseen side of the city are a great way to take a deeper dive into Seattle life.
Bill Speidel’s Underground Tour
In 1889, the Great Seattle Fire turned the entire downtown business district to ash and ruin. Rather than destroy everything entirely and start again, the new city was rebuilt on top of the old, and some of the remains are open to exploration on this intriguing and entertaining 75-minute walking tour. Underground highlights include Doc Maynard’s Public House, plus a look at the tunnels beneath Pioneer Square. This tour is regular, starting on the hour between 10am and 6pm daily, with extra tours in summer. From $22 per person.
Book at Undergroundtour.com
Beneath the Streets Underground History Tour
Another portal to the paved-over past of Seattle is this history-focused, hour-long tour. The underground portion of the tour takes you to explore three tunnels and four blocks of the city that once was, and still is to a certain degree, buried away beneath the current Pioneer Square. Learn all about how Seattle came to be, how it came to burn, and how it came to be rebuilt. This tour runs around seven times a day throughout the year. From $30 per person.
Book at Getyourguide.com
Seattle Underground Donut Tour
A very different underground to the above two tours is the Underground Donut Tour of Seattle, which is literally above ground and figuratively alternative, in that nobody else is running tours to sample delicious treats like this in Seattle. You’ll stop by four different, top-quality donut purveyors, with tasting samples at each stop. This two-hour tour also acts as a good exploration of Seattle’s best dining spots, including Pike Place Market. From $40 per person.
Latest Articles
- The Best Summer Festivals in Stockholm & Sweden June 7, 2024
- A Comparison of Red Rocks Amphitheatre Tours from Denver June 6, 2024
- Where to Book Transfer from Reykjavik Airport to Your Hotel June 6, 2024
- 5 of the Best Siena Wine Tastings & Tours June 5, 2024
- The Best Italian Language Schools in Milan June 5, 2024
Favorites Today
- Planning a Summer Vacation in Washington State
- Lynden Webcams & Weather
- Blaine Webcams & Weather
- Leavenworth Washington
Must see and do in Seattle
Seattle City Pass Savings
Washington State Tours
Providing travel ideas for visitors to washington state.
- Seattle Underground Tour
Visit The Seattle Underground Tour
The Seattle Underground Tour takes tourists into the forgotten world of Seattle as it was in 1900 – “Seattle Underground (3726665129)” by Rennett Stowe
Deep withing the city of Seattle Washington lies an unexpected story. It all began in 1954 when Bill Speidel started touring folks through the tunnels and underground walkways left when Seattle lifted itself out of the mud… It is the story of how Pioneer Square became a historic landmark, and how the history of Seattle was salvaged from the wrecking ball.
If you are interested in bringing a group tour (or private event) please connect with their sales representative at 206-682-4646 extension 118.
It’s one of more than “10 Things You Must See and Do in Seattle.”
What You See On The Seattle Underground Tour
The Bill Speidel’s World Famous Underground Tour is a guided walking tour beneath the streets and sidewalks of current day Seattle. You’ll wander along what was once the main street level along the “ground-floor” storefronts while learning about all kinds of interesting trivia about old Seattle. You start out inside Doc Maynard’s Public House which is a restored 1890’s saloon. It’s been converted into the Underground Café and reportedly offers one of the best Bloody Mary’s in town by one Yelper.
Check out this great story on Mashable about Building Seattle was re-built – leaving the Seattle Underground behind.
From “Building Seattle” – 1905-1930: Seattle regrades, Mashable, August 18, 2015. 1909 – Image: Seattle Municipal Archives
Seattle Underground Tour Location and Contact Information
608 First Ave, in Seattle’s Pioneer Square, between Cherry Street and Yesler Way.
Phone: 206-682 4646
- Information: www.undergroundtour.com
- Eating and Drinking: www.undergroundtour.com/about/dining.html
- Sub Seattle Tour – The folks from Seattle Underground Tour also offer a “Sub Seattle Tour” which they promote as a “Humorous bus tour of offbeat neighborhoods and sights”
NOTE: There are affiliate links on some pages. If you click one of the links and purchase products, we earn a very small commission on your purchase, at no extra cost to you. Thank you for making this blog possible!
- Discount Tickets for Seattle Shows and Events
- 10 Things You Must See and Do in Seattle
- Seattle Webcams & Weather
- 7 Fun “Outside-The-Box” Things For Couples to Do in Seattle
- Video Tour of Seattle Neighborhoods
- Space Needle
- Pike Place Market
- Seattle Central Library
- Seattle Great Wheel
- Wings Over Washington
- Seattle Aquarium
- Experience Music Project
- Seattle CityPASS
- Seattle Hot Air Balloon Ride
- Bellevue Washington
- Seattle Tours
- University Area
- Seattle Area Contacts
- Washington State Ferry
- Table Mountain With Mt Baker & Mt Shuksan
- Bellingham Webcams & Weather
- Blaine Webcams & Weather
- Semiahmoo Webcam Page with Resort and Marina
- Cashmere Washington
- Leavenworth Webcams & Weather
- Leavenworth Restaurant Guide
- Christmas Lighting Festival
- Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum
- Wenatchee Galleries and Studios
- Wenatchee Art on the Avenues
- North Cascades Tours
- Tour The Cascade Loop
- Tacoma Webcams & Weather
- Lewis County
- Volcano Country Tours
- Islands Tours
- A Paradise Called the Palouse
- Washington Wine Country
- Yakima Valley Wine Country
- Recipes From Columbia Cascade Wines And Wineries
- Chelan Wineries and Tasting Rooms
- Leavenworth Wineries and Tasting Rooms
- Wenatchee Wineries and Tasting Rooms
- Wine Country Tours
- Wine Glossary and Wine Terms
- Coastal Region Tours
- Kitsap Peninsula
- Peninsula Tours
- Portland Oregon
- Discount Tickets for Portland Shows and Events
- Vancouver B.C. Webcams & Weather
- Where to Stay at Mount Baker
- Where to Eat at Mount Baker
- High-Tech Hiking in Washington: 3 Must-Haves for Your Pack
- Stevens Pass Ski Resort, WA
- Crystal Mountain Ski Resort, WA
- Mount Hood Meadows Ski Resort, OR
- Whistler BC Winter Fun
- Big White Ski Resort, BC
- Tour Companies
- Books / Maps / Gifts
The Underground Tour in Seattle
Seattle Travel Guide › Underground Tours Updated: October 15, 2023 By Santorini Dave
- Where to Stay in Seattle
- Best Hotels in Seattle
- Best Seattle Tours & Things To Do
The Seattle Underground Tour
The Underground Tour is pretty much what it sounds like – a tour of the former city streets, alleys, signs, and storefronts now buried a level below the existing city.
Tours of Seattle’s “underground” take visitors down beneath Pioneer Square, and through the maze of buried alleys and storefronts that were once Seattle’s surface streets. They’re a great crash course (or refresher) on Seattle history, and kids and adults both find them fascinating. Bill Speidel’s Underground Tour is the original and most famous. Groups are large, and guides are friendly and knowledgeable – but lean heavily on the “schtick.” (You may find this super fun or supremely irritating, depending on your personality.) This popular daytime tour touches briefly on the city’s seedier side, in coded language so that the kids in the crowd are none the wiser. All bets are off, however, for the company’s after-hours Underworld Tour , which positively revels in this town’s bad and bawdy history of drugs, crime, and prostitution. All the same locations are visited as during the day, but the stories are raunchier at night and guests receive a free cocktail upon completion of the tour (Age 21+). You’ll want to buy your tickets in advance, as both tours routinely sell out.
Seattle Underground Tour Hours & Information The Underground Tour descending to the old city below. Tour Length : 75 minutes Schedule : Tours start hourly every day; 9am-7pm April to September, 10am-6pm October to March. Additional tours on the half hour June to August (box office only), limited hours December 24, and December 26-31. Closed Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Location : Tours depart from Doc Maynard’s Public House in Pioneer Square, 614 First Avenue . Website : undergroundtour.com Telephone : (206) 682-4646 Ticket Prices : $22 Adult (18-59 yrs); $20 Senior (60+ yrs) and Student (13-17 yrs or with valid college ID); $10 Youth (7-12 yrs); Kids 6 and under are admitted free, but may find the tour challenging. Parking : There are 3 parking garages within a block of the tour ( interactive parking map ). Limited street parking is also available, but hard to come by. Getting There : 3-minute walk from Pioneer Square light rail station, 7-minute walk from King Street Amtrak Station, and a 7-minute walk from the downtown ferry dock. Pioneer Square is served by Metro bus routes 120, 132, 18, 268, 303, 311, 40, 43, 550, and 62 ( route planning tool ). Nearby Restaurants : The surrounding area is one of Seattle’s best for dining and drinking. The best restaurants near the Underground Tour are Halal Guys (falafel & gyros takeaway, 1-minute walk ), Damn the Weather (cocktail bar/pub, 2-minute walk ), The London Plane (cafe and dining room, 4-minute walk ), Salumi (Italian deli, 6-minute walk ), and Taylor Shellfish (seafood, 6-minute walk ). Recommended Seattle Tours The Pike Place Market Chef-Guided Food Tour is our favorite tour in downtown Seattle. Pike Place Market Chef-Guided Food Tour – Awesome tour of the specialty shops and top restaurants in Pike Place Market and a few surrounding streets.
About Santorini Dave
CS Ginger Travel
A Complete Guide to the 2 Best Seattle Underground Tours in 2024
LOOKING FOR THE BEST SEATTLE UNDERGROUND TOURS?
You’ve landed on the right article! We’ve been traveling together since 2010 and have spent months exploring the Pacific Northwest. Seattle is one of our family’s favorite spots to visit in this region of the United States.
Did you know there’s more than the Space Needle and Pike Place Market when it comes to landmarks in Seattle? A Seattle underground tour opens up a whole new hidden part of The Emerald City!
We had a great time as we explored the underground city of Seattle. We had no idea Seattle had such an interesting history, and we were walking on top of it during all of our other trips to Seattle.
🏆 Best Seattle Underground Tour
Don’t have time to read the whole article? The hands-down best Seattle Underground Tour is Beneath the Streets Seattle Underground Tour .
Tag along as we share the most exciting and interesting parts of venturing beneath the streets in Seattle. As well as offer pointers on which tour to take and why!
Quick Guide: Seattle Underground Tour
Beneath the Streets Seattle Underground Tour ✔️ Unique and Memorable Underground City Tour in Seattle ✔️ Explore Historic Pioneer Square with Expert Guide
Seattle Underground Donut Tour ✔️ Includes Delicious Pastries ✔️ Local Guides Provide Fun and Historical Facts
Beneath the Streets Seattle Underground Tour
⭐️ RATING : 4.5 out of 5 Stars | 🕑 TOUR LENGTH : 1 hour | Check Rates & Availability
Beneath the Streets Underground History Tour is an amazing tour. We’ve visited Seattle a lot in the past, and this tour definitely stands out as a highlight. It was so fun to explore a new part of the city that we felt we already knew so well.
The tour begins when you purchase your Underground tour tickets and meet your tour guide at a predetermined spot in the city. The guides for this tour know so much about Seattle’s history and the many cultures that have influenced the place it is today.
After a short intro, the guide leads you into the underground portion of the tour. Throughout your walk of many city blocks in the Seattle Underground City, you will learn so much about Seattle Underground history. From Seattle’s birthplace and architecture to side stories about how the city was influenced by the Klondike Gold Rush and Skid Row.
The tour guide was very passionate and entertaining, made the whole experience wonderful. The tour itself was very cool, they did a great job at preserving the history that was left. – Frank (Read More Reviews )
This definitely isn’t a Seattle Underground haunted tour or a ghost tour in Seattle Underground, but walking through Pioneer Square and the attached passageways can feel a little eerie. It’s fascinating to see history right before your eyes while also seeing and hearing current-day happenings above your head through the skylights.
This tour’s underground landscape also makes for the best Instagram-worthy underground tour photos! If you’re interested in taking a journey back in time on a beneath-the-street underground history tour, you will love this tour.
▶️ BOOK Beneath the Streets Seattle Underground Tour
Seattle Underground Donut Tour
⭐️ RATING : 5 out of 5 Stars | 🕑 TOUR LENGTH : 2 hours | Check Rates & Availability
Seattle Underground Donut Tour isn’t a standard underground city tour in Seattle. This tour takes place along the city’s main roadways but is underground in a playful and hidden sense. Sort of like the pastries you will devour on this tour are so special and exclusive that they are hidden from the common traveler’s eye!
Unlike the underground tour discussed earlier, this tour is a bit more lighthearted and fun. There is a limited number of participants, so you don’t have to worry about a large group. Local guides will still offer some great insights about the city and fun facts along your journey, but this presentation has a far less historical tone than the underground walking tour in Seattle.
The tour begins at Top Pot Doughnuts, one of the city’s best donut shops. The tour admission covers donut tastings at each stop, but if you’re interested in choosing your own pastry, this spot offers all your favorite old-fashioned classic donuts, as well as a selection of fancier options.
The tour was great. It was a nice break and easy way to see the city, eat donuts and get a history lesson. The donuts were amazing. – Krista (Read More Reviews )
Depending on the time of year you visit, they may even have some of their seasonal creations on display. The Apple Cider Cake pairs so well with the crisp fall Seattle weather!
From there, you’ll wander over to Dahlia Bakery, where they boast made-to-order and oh-mochi donuts. As well as breakfast sandwiches, pies, tarts and more. Finally, you’ll reach Pike Place Market and end your donut journey at Daily Dozen Doughnuts, where mini-doughnuts are the name of the game.
We recommend this tour for first-time visitors to Seattle who would love a guided tour of the city’s highlights while enjoying a fun outdoor atmosphere. Also, families traveling with kids would really enjoy this environment. The walking aspect of it all allows everyone to feel free and able to move, and who doesn’t love a sugar rush? It’s the best thing about the whole tour!
▶️ BOOK Seattle Underground Donut Tour
Things to See and Learn During Your Seattle Underground Tour
History of seattle .
Underground tours offer visitors a specific look into Seattle’s history. From its tragedies like the 1889 Great Seattle fire to its triumphs in the beautiful city it is today. We find we always appreciate a city more when we know something about the city’s history and the journey it has taken to get to where it is today.
Historic Pioneer Square
There’s nothing quite like walking through actual history. The Seattle underground tours offer travelers the opportunity to witness the still intact world of the Historic Pioneer Square over 130 years after it was covered. It’s like taking in a time-capsule view of the buried city.
Underground Passageways
Pioneer Square isn’t the only highlight of an underground journey in Seattle. Exploring the connected subterranean passages and old sidewalks and visualizing the people who used to forge through them along the uneven terrain over a century ago is just as thrilling
Above-Ground Street Views
As you make your way through the underground neighborhood, you will sometimes notice grids above you. These are referred to as skylights. They offer a blurred peek of Seattle’s sidewalks at ground level from the underground neighborhood.
It’s a strange meeting of past and present time. Noticing the light or hearing a sound from the skylights can jolt you from your walk through the past in the historic subterranean neighborhood.
History: Why Is There An Underground City in Seattle?
Pioneer Square neighborhood, where everything takes place, is below ground today, but in the late 1800s, it was at street level. The historic great fire ravaged the city on June 6, 1889.
As the city put itself back together, city planners and city leaders decided to raise the city streets 1 to 2 stories to a higher level to eliminate flooding issues that plagued the neighborhood often. This left Pioneer Square beneath the present-day streets.
FAQ: Seattle Underground Tour
What is the Best Underground Tour in Seattle?
Beneath The Streets Underground History Tour is our top pick for best Underground tour in Seattle. It’s one of the best Pioneer Square underground tours and is such a unique and fun way to experience the city in a new light.
We also love that it’s an activity you can enjoy year-round. Whether you’re visiting Seattle in December or in the heat of the summer, an Underground Tour is always a great choice!
Can You Visit the Underground City in Seattle?
Visitors to the Emerald City are more than welcome to explore the Underground City, but a tour is required. Once you purchase tour tickets, the specific tour company will grant you access to the underground world.
Can You Walk Seattle Underground Without a Tour?
Tourists cannot walk through Seattle’s underground without a tour. A tour is the only way to gain access to the underground areas.
How Long is the Underground Tour in Seattle?
Beneath The Streets Underground History Tour is a relatively short tour, about 1 hour long. This includes a fascinating tour of Seattle beneath the streets of the city.
Is Seattle Underground Free?
Seattle underground tour tickets typically are not free. Ticket prices vary depending on which tour you choose. In some cases, kids six and under can be admitted for free.
Conclusion: Seattle Underground Tour
Seattle is a captivating city. It’s beautiful, and there’s so many fun things to do with kids in Seattle . But no matter how many times you visit Pike Place Market, gaze at the gum wall, enjoy a boat tour , or sit in the stands for a Mariners game, you’ll never really know Seattle’s full story.
Still not sure about the best Seattle Underground Tour? We recommend the Beneath the Streets Seattle Underground Tour .
Take the leap and enjoy the underground wonders and history of Seattle’s most unusual attraction. Don’t miss a fun and educational tour on your next visit to the Pacific Northwest. We had a great time on our tour and learned so much about the history of Seattle.
More Washington Adventures
Planning the Perfect Road Trip from Seattle to San Diego 12 Best Places for Orca Whale Watching in Washington 16 Best Things to Do in Forks, Washington 27 Fun Things to Do in Ocean Shores, Washington 23 Adventurous Things to Do in North Cascades National Park
Candice Steele is the owner of CS Ginger, a blog that helps travelers explore the United States in their RVs. Since 2017, she and her family have been providing valuable insider tips about travel experiences suitable for families. They love exploring the country in their RV and offer helpful insights to make RVing easy and family-friendly.
Leave a Reply Cancel reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.
City Tours in Seattle
Experience Seattle like never before with city tours and city tour packages. As you explore Seattle’s famous landmarks, hidden gems, and local hotspots, you’ll uncover the stories that bring the city to life.
- This weekend
Wine, Bread, Cheese and Chocolate
Spirits unleashed: ghost hunting and booze at pike place market, the seattle coffee tour, plant based food tour in pike place market, beneath the streets underground history tour, haunted seattle booze and boos ghost walking tour, savor the sea: guided seafood tasting at pike place ma, street food tour of south lake union, capitol hill neighborhood tour: indie shops, nightlife, history and attitude, tours at climate pledge arena, seattle scavenger hunt: seattle by the sound, bite-sized seattle history & food tour.
Sorry, JavaScript must be enabled to use this web app
- South Sound News
- North Sound News
- 7-Day Forecast
- Hour by Hour
- School Closings
- Pet Walk Forecast
- Weather 24/7 Stream
- Live Stream
- KIRO 24/7 News
- Weather 24/7
- KIRO 7 Live Studio (Opens in new window)
- The $pend $mart Stream
- Law & Crime
- Curiosity NOW
- KIRO 7 Investigates
- Seattle Seahawks
- Seattle Mariners
- Seattle Kraken
- Seattle Sounders
- Seattle Storm
- College Sports
- High School Football
- On Home Ice
- KIRO 7 Live Studio
- Discover Northwest
- Healthier Together
- Woodland Park Zoo (Opens in new window)
- Your Voices
- KIRO 7 CARES
- Washington Grown
- Back to School
- Seattle Pride 2023
- Share Your Pics!
- Steals and Deals
- Jesse Jones
- KIRO 7 Apps
- Newsletter Sign-ups (Opens in new window)
- KIRO 7 News Team
- Submit a news tip
- KIRO 7 TV Schedule
- Advertise With Us
- Closed Captioning
- KIRO 7 FCC EEO Report (Opens in new window)
- KIRO 7 Public File (Opens in new window)
- Visitor Agreement
- Privacy Policy
- Telemundo Seattle (Opens in new window)
- Jobs at KIRO 7 (Opens in new window)
- Disneyland Flyaway
Seattle’s gay history hiding in plain sight in Pioneer Square
SEATTLE — A story of Seattle’s oldest neighborhood that you’ve likely never heard. Turns out the much of that history is hiding in plain sight.
You can be forgiven if you don’t know the gay community’s rich history in Pioneer Square. Most of us think of Capitol Hill when we think of Seattle’s queer community.
It turns out Seattle’s first neighborhood was indeed it’s first ‘gay-borhood.’
The origins of Pioneer Square’s queer history are way down into the Seattle underground.
“The underground actually gave safe spaces to queer people to be themselves,” said Terrilyn Johnson.
Johnson is an owner of Beneath the Streets, a walking tour whose very location is part of that hidden queer history.
“This was Seattle’s first gay community center in 1971,” Johnson said, beginning the tour, “down here in the underground at 102 Cherry Street. Four men founded it. And their vision was to have a place, that wasn’t a bath house or a bar, which pretty much where a lot of the queer people were able to meet and socialize back then.”
Leaving the underground space is a metaphor, of sorts.
“Exactly, we’re now coming up and out,” said Johnson. “We don’t have to hide in the shadows anymore. We can be out and free in Seattle. In Pioneer Square, oldest part of town, birthplace of Seattle, the gayborhood, the whole bit.”
The tour turned to 2nd Avenue.
“Second (Avenue),” exclaimed Johnson. “It was the main drag, pun intended, I guess. I wanted (to) point out the spikes over here on the railing. This is very interesting.”
She walks to a blue railing at 2nd and Cherry.
“So, these spikes are put here by some officers in the Seattle Police department,” Johnson said. “They’re to prevent cruising. So, a young man, maybe older, might want to sit up here, and catcall at the other young boys going by. But the spikes were a preventative measure.”
Did they work? “Probably not to the degree they had hoped,” said Johnson, smiling. “Sometimes, I make a salacious comment. But we’re on TV. And I’m not going to do that right now. We’ll save that for the tour.”
Then to the Smith Tower.
“Yeah, there was a bar in the underground (in the basement of the Smith Tower) called the ‘Submarine Room,’” said Johnson. “In the early ‘70s, it was a gay bar. They did drag shows and performances, drinking and dancing and all of the things one would do at a bar.”
There was the Mocambo also known as “The Mo” in what is now the Frye Hotel apartments.
And there was Occidental Avenue.
“On the corner over here was the Dollhouse Tavern,” said Johnson, pointing to the storefronts that no longer exist. “You had the Trojan Shield, a gay bar, the Stagedoor, a gay bar. And at the end of this block was the Atlas Steam Baths. The bath house scenes were all over this neighborhood.”
So, it is fitting that the Emerald City’s very first Pride event was held here, too, exactly 50 years ago.
“Right now, there’s nothing to tell you this is a historical space,” said Patti Hearn.
Hearn is Seattle Pride’s new executive director.
“But we’re working right now with the Alliance for Pioneer Square to put in a historical marker as part of the trail-to-treasure program,” said Hearn. “So, when you walk through Pioneer Square or visitors come to Seattle, they can see a marker about that first day in 1974.”
A history soon to be out, for all to see.
Sky high rents largely drove members of Seattle’s gay community out of Pioneer Square in the 1970s. They relocated to what was then much-more-affordable Capitol Hill.
©2024 Cox Media Group
Apollo 8 astronaut killed in plane crash near Orcas Island
Victim in Garfield High School shooting identified
Parents honor their daughter’s memory as they continue to seek justice
‘I’m still in shock”: Woman who didn’t know she was pregnant gives birth at Golden Corral
Port Angeles woman’s disappearance tied to fiancé, toddler
MisterWives Rock Out With Charlotte Sands on ‘Other Side,’ Announces 20-Date Tour
By Tomás Mier
MisterWives ‘ album Nosebleeds is getting a second life! On Friday, the band released a reimagined, rockier version of the album’s track “Other Side,” featuring Charlotte Sands . They also celebrate the arrival of new music by announcing their fall Just For One Night tour.
Frontwoman Mandy Lee describes “Other Side” as a song about dealing with the “unhealthy side effects” of comparison and overcoming them to experience gratitude. “That’s exactly how we are feeling now,” she says. The track is set to be featured on Nosebleeds: Encore , which will hear the band reworking each song on the album with a new guest.
For her part, Sands says she’s always been a “huge fan” of the “Reflections” indie pop band and was honored to join Lee on the song. “Watching her energy on stage genuinely makes me a better performer. They have so much dynamic sonically and continue to make the best music of their careers, which they then somehow follow up with even better music,” Sands says. “I’m forever impressed and so incredibly lucky for the opportunity to work with them.”
Kim Porter’s Dad Breaks Silence After Sean Combs Attack Video: 'Despicable'
‘surviving r. kelly’ executive producer ‘begged’ diddy to confess to alleged assaults on cassie, see eminem debut 'houdini' and perform with jelly roll at detroit's michigan central concert, bad boy for life: sean combs’ history of violence.
MisterWives: Just For One Night! Tour Dates
Oct. 6 – Austin, TX @ Austin City Limits @ Zilker Park Oct. 9 – Nashville, TN @ Brooklyn Bowl Oct. 10 – Atlanta, GA @ Buckhead Theatre Oct. 12 – Oklahoma City, OK @ Diamond Ballroom Oct. 13 – Austin, TX @ Austin City Limits @ Zilker Park Oct. 15 – Santa Ana, CA @ The Observatory OC Oct. 16 – Los Angeles, CA @ The Bellwether Oct. 17 – Sacramento, CA @ Ace of Spades Oct. 19 – Portland, OR @ Roseland Theater Oct. 21 – Seattle, WA @ The Showbox Oct. 24 – Denver, CO @ Ogden Theatre Oct. 26 – Saint Louis, MO @ The Hawthorn Oct. 27 – Kansas City, MO @ The Truman Oct. 30 – Boston, MA @ House of Blues Oct. 31 – Brooklyn, NY @ Brooklyn Paramount Nov. 1 – Philadelphia, PA @ Union Transfer Nov. 3 – Baltimore, MD @ Rams Head Live! Nov. 4 – Charlotte, NC @ The Underground Nov. 7 – Orlando, FL @ The Plaza Live Nov. 8 – St Petersburg, FL @ Jannus Live
Howard University Rescinds Sean Combs' Honorary Doctorate: 'No Longer Worthy'
- By Nancy Dillon and Cheyenne Roundtree
The Young Thug Trial Just Went Off the Rails: Witness Arrested for Refusing to Testify
- By George Chidi
Kim Porter’s Dad Breaks Silence After Sean Combs Attack Video: 'Despicable'
- "Disgusted"
- By Mankaprr Conteh
Hear Robert Plant and Alison Krauss' New Rendition of 'When the Levee Breaks'
- it keeps on rainin'
- By Daniel Kreps
Most Popular
'you have a big mouth and a crazy mind': robert downey jr. and jodie foster reunite to discuss tv triumphs and being 'surprisingly' open to iron man return, george clooney called white house to defend wife helping bring war crimes case against israeli leaders (report), monet painting at the musée d’orsay vandalized by climate activist, insiders claim taylor swift is deeply ‘worried’ about this aspect of travis kelce’s new lifestyle, you might also like, how to get india vs. pakistan cricket world cup tickets: see latest prices, promo codes for icc t20 world cup, ‘fake heiress’ anna delvey talks about what’s next, the best yoga mats for any practice, according to instructors, indiewire honors 2024 reunites stars like carol burnett, quinta brunson, and john mulaney, ua’s plank has four years to double stock price—and $325m to gain.
Rolling Stone is a part of Penske Media Corporation. © 2024 Rolling Stone, LLC. All rights reserved.
Verify it's you
Please log in.
- tour schedule
- group sales
- School Groups
- ticket prices
- where to find us
- Eating & Drinking
- Who’s Bill Speidel?
- A Little History
- UNDERGROUND TOUR HOME
614 1st Avenue, in Pioneer Place Park, Pioneer Square, between Cherry and James Street. Take the James Street Exit from Interstate 5.
206-682-4646
The Underground Paranormal Experience gives you the expertise and equipment to do your own investigation. You experience what trained paranormal investigators face—in Seattle's notorious Underground! The Underground, created when the city rebuilt on top of itself after the Great Seattle Fire of 1889, is renowned for paranormal spirits thought to be the neighborhood’s notoriously murdered, unrequited souls. Hear their stories as you roam the exclusive passageways of the world-famous Underground Tour. Search for paranormal activity using the same sophisticated investigative equipment employed by trained professional paranormal investigators. The Underground Paranormal Experience may haunt you for the rest of your life.
A Hands-On, Lights-Off Attraction Brought to you by the Underground Tour
Tour Schedule
June-August 9 pm Daily September 9 pm Fridays & Saturdays October-March 8 pm Fridays & Saturdays April-May 9 pm Fridays & Saturdays Halloween 10 pm Closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Tickets: $33 Recommended for ages 13 years and over. Guests are responsible for the equipment issued to them for the investigation. A deposit is required in the form of a credit card. Items are returned at the end of the evening. The tour is 90 minutes. Please arrive 15 minutes early for paranormal equipment training. Guests who appear to be intoxicated will not be granted admission.
614 1st Avenue, in Pioneer Place Park, Pioneer Square, between Cherry and James Street. Take the James Street Exit from Interstate 5 [206] 682 4646
Multi-Platinum-Selling Band Marianas Trench Announce 2024 North American Tour
New Single “Lightning And Thunder” Out Now
Previously featured on billboard , alternative press , popcrush , atwood magazine , substream magazine + more.
Today, multi-platinum-selling Canadian pop-rock band Marianas Trench , is excited to announce their 2024 North American tour. The Force of Nature tour – produced by Live Nation – will kick off on September 12th and make stops across the US and Canada , including shows in Anaheim, Dallas, Orlando, Nashville, New York, Chicago, Denver , and more, culminating with the tour’s final stop in the band’s hometown, Vancouver, BC .
The Marianas Trench Fan Club presale for the tour will begin on Tuesday, May 28th at 12:00 pm local time and end on Thursday, May 30th at 10pm local time. VIP packages will also be available starting on Tuesday, May 28th at 12pm local time. Fans can register for the Fanclub here and find out more information on the VIP packages here . General onsale will start on Friday, May 31st at 10am local time.
“There is no greater feeling than the thunderous roar of thousands of Trenchers permeating our eardrums when we set foot on stage to perform,” said Matt Webb of Marianas Trench . “We have longed for this feeling, dearly, over the last few years, and are f&*king thrilled to be back with the Force of Nature tour, coming to a city near you soon!”
In addition to the tour, the band recently released their undeniably catchy new radio single “ Lightning and Thunder ,” available now via 604 Records / Warner Music Canada and all streaming platforms. The uplifting anthem showcases vocalist Josh Ramsay’s outstanding vocal range and the band’s signature theatrical pop-rock style that is guaranteed to leave a lasting mark on listeners.
Written and produced by Marianas Trench frontman Josh Ramsay , he shares the inspiration behind the single, “ Every story begins with a call to adventure. “Lightning and Thunder” is about finding out my partner and I were going to have our first child, which is probably the biggest call to adventure I’m ever going to experience.”
This track follows the band’s surprise DSP release of “ A Normal Life, ” a track about feeling like you don’t belong in your place in life and knowing you were meant for something more. The song was the band’s first new studio release since their acclaimed 2019 album, Phantoms . Both new tracks will appear on the band’s highly-anticipated forthcoming album, which is slated to be released later this summer.
Since their 2006 debut album, Fix Me , Marianas Trench have consistently raised the musical bar both in the studio and with their explosive live shows around the globe. Amongst their many accomplishments, the Vancouver-based four-piece band composed of Josh Ramsay, Matt Webb, Mike Ayley and Ian Casselman , has earned two certified double-platinum records, one platinum record, a certified gold-selling record and triple-platinum digital singles. They have also been awarded the 2013 JUNO Award for Group of the Year and achieved several chart-topping radio hits including “Stutter,” “Fallout,” and “Who Do You Love.”
Below is a complete list of Marianas Trench’s North American tour dates. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit www.marianastrench.net .
For More Information, please visit:
Website: https://marianastrench.net/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarianasTrench
Twitter: https://twitter.com/mtrench
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mtrenchofficial/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mtrenchofficial
Spotify: https://bit.ly/3UKh0f9
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Mtrench
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/marianas-trench/124943892
Marianas Trench US Tour Dates:
September 12 – Berkeley, CA – The UC Theatre Taube Family Music Hall ^
September 14 – Anaheim, CA – House of Blues ^
September 15 – Phoenix, AZ – The Van Buren ^
September 17 – Dallas, TX – House of Blues *
September 18 – Houston, TX – House of Blues *
September 20 – Orlando, FL – House of Blues *
September 21 – Atlanta, GA – Buckhead Theatre *
September 22 – Nashville, TN – Marathon Music Works *
September 24 – Silver Spring, MD – The Fillmore *
September 25 – Charlotte, NC – The Underground *
September 27 – New York, NY – Irving Plaza *
September 30 – Philadelphia, PA – The Fillmore *
October 1 – Boston, MA – Citizens House of Blues *
October 3 – Pittsburgh, PA – The Roxian Theatre *
October 4 – Cleveland, OH – Agora Ballroom %*
October 5 – Columbus, OH – The Bluestone *
October 7- Buffalo, NY – Electric City %*
October 8 – Grand Rapids, MI – GLC Live at 20 Monroe *
October 9 – Chicago, IL – House of Blues *
October 11 – Milwaukee, WI – The Rave %*
October 12 – Minneapolis, MN – The Fillmore *
October 13 – Omaha, NE – The Admiral %*
October 15 – Denver, CO – Summit *
October 16 – Salt Lake City, UT – The Depot *
October 18 – Seattle, WA – Moore Theatre #
October 19 – Portland, OR – McMenamins Crystal Ballroom #
Marianas Trench Canadian Tour Dates:
November 16 – Halifax, NS – Light House Arts Centre **
November 18 – Moncton, NB – Casino New Brunswick **
November 20 – Montreal, QC – MTELUS **
November 22 – Ottawa, ON – National Arts Centre, Southam Hall **
November 23 – Kitchener, ON – Centre In The Square **
November 25 – Hamilton, ON – FirstOntario Concert Hall **
November 26 – London, ON – Centennial Hall **
November 29 – Windsor, ON – Caesars Windsor Colosseum %**
November 30 – Toronto, ON – HISTORY **
December 3 – Thunder Bay, ON – Thunder Bay Community Auditorium %**
December 4 – Winnipeg, MB – Burton Cummings Theatre **
December 6 – Regina, SK – Conexus Arts Centre **
December 7 – Edmonton, AB – Midway Music Hall **
December 9 – Medicine Hat, AB – Co-op Place %**
December 10 – Calgary, AB – Grey Eagle Event Centre **
December 12 – Vancouver, BC – Orpheum **
^ – Grayscale and Piao
* – Cassadee Pope and Piao
# – Girlfriends and Piao
** – LØLØ
% – Not A Live Nation Date
Download hi-res press photo here . (credit Karolina Turek)
Download hi-res single art here .
Download hi-res tour admat here .
Download hi-res US only tour admat here .
US Press Contact for Marianas Trench:
Becky Kovach | Big Picture Media
212.675.3103 | [email protected]
About Live Nation Entertainment
Live Nation Entertainment (NYSE: LYV) is the world’s leading live entertainment company comprised of global market leaders: Ticketmaster, Live Nation Concerts, and Live Nation Sponsorship. For additional information, visit: www.livenationentertainment.com
Live Nation Concerts Contact Info:
Monique Sowinski | [email protected]
Navier Grimes | [email protected]
IMAGES
VIDEO
COMMENTS
Call 206-682-4646, ext. 118. BILL SPEIDEL'S UNDERGROUND TOUR. is Seattle's most unusual attraction, a humorous stroll through intriguing subterranean storefronts and sidewalks entombed when the city rebuilt on top of itself after the Great Fire of 1889. The 75-minute guided walking tour begins beneath Doc Maynard's Public House, then spills ...
Beneath the Streets offers boutique tours dedicated to providing authentic and unique guided explorations through the historic underground passageways of Seattle's original neighborhood, Pioneer Square. Our ONE HOUR walking tours are led by fun, professional, and seasoned tour guides who live and breathe Seattle history.
Certainly one of the most unusual tourist attractions in Seattle is the Bill Spiedel underground tour, which visits a subterranean city built under the Pioneer Square neighborhood after the Great Fire of 1889. A historic walk through these interconnecting tunnels will change your perception of Emerald City forever. meamea119.
Specialties: Bill Speidel's Underground Tour is a leisurely, guided walking tour beneath Seattle's sidewalks and streets. As you roam the subterranean passages that once were the main roadways and first-floor storefronts of old downtown Seattle, our guides regale you with the stories our pioneers didn't want you to hear. It's history with a twist! Following a short intro, we'll walk through ...
Photo credit: Cindy Barks. Along the way, my tour guide explained the origin of the Underground. He told the group that after fire wiped out about 33 blocks of Seattle's main business district in 1889, the city came up with the idea of building high-stone-retaining walls around the city blocks and then dumping dirt between them.
Explore the buried city of Seattle with a humorous and informative guide on a 75-minute walking tour. Learn about the history, stories and secrets of the Seattle Underground, the world-famous tunnels that were once the city's main streets.
Discover Seattle's original neighborhood, Pioneer Square, on this guided walking tour. Explore the underground pathways that were built in the southwest corner of the Emerald City more than 120 years ago. Learn about Seattle's history and the events that transformed this once-small Indigenous dwelling place into one of the most popular and thriving cities in the United States. Each small ...
Beneath The Streets Underground History Tour. 4.5. Beneath The Streets Underground History Tour provided by Beneath the Streets. Seattle. Hotels. Things to Do. Restaurants Flights Vacation Rentals Travel Stories Cruises Rental Cars. More.
Beneath The Streets Underground History Tour. 4,087. Historical Tours. 1 hour. Get to know Seattle's first established neighborhood, Pioneer Square, by walking its underground pathways as they existed…. Free cancellation. Recommended by 92% of travelers. from. $29.
Full description. Take a journey back in time on a guided tour below the streets of Seattle. Explore over 4 city blocks of historic Pioneer Square and wander through 3 underground passageways originally constructed in the 1890s. Learn the history of Seattle's construction and about the tragedy that befell the city and its habitants along the way.
The Seattle underground history tour lasts anywhere from 60 to 90 minutes. The Bill Speidel Seattle WA underground city tours begin every hour, on the half. From April -September, the company operates from 9:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. From October - March, the hours are 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
A Little More About Us. BILL SPEIDEL'S UNDERGROUND TOUR is a leisurely, guided walking tour beneath Seattle's sidewalks and streets. As you roam the subterranean passages that once were the main roadways and first-floor storefronts of old downtown Seattle, our guides regale you with the stories our pioneers didn't want you to hear.
From $22 per person. Book at Undergroundtour.com. Beneath the Streets Underground History Tour. Another portal to the paved-over past of Seattle is this history-focused, hour-long tour. The underground portion of the tour takes you to explore three tunnels and four blocks of the city that once was, and still is to a certain degree, buried away ...
Seattle Underground Tour Location and Contact Information. 608 First Ave, in Seattle's Pioneer Square, between Cherry Street and Yesler Way. Phone: 206-682 4646. Websites: The Seattle Underground Tour is one of the most unique attractions in Seattle. Learn the history of Seattle from down under the city!
Seattle Underground Tour Hours & Information. The Underground Tour descending to the old city below. Tour Length: 75 minutes. Schedule: Tours start hourly every day; 9am-7pm April to September, 10am-6pm October to March. Additional tours on the half hour June to August (box office only), limited hours December 24, and December 26-31.
1ST PICK. Beneath the Streets Seattle Underground Tour. ️ Unique and Memorable Underground City Tour in Seattle. ️ Explore Historic Pioneer Square with Expert Guide. Book It. 2ND PICK. Seattle Underground Donut Tour. ️ Includes Delicious Pastries. ️ Local Guides Provide Fun and Historical Facts.
The Seattle Underground. The facade seen here was at street level in the mid-1800s. The Seattle Underground is a network of underground passageways and basements in the Pioneer Square neighborhood of Seattle, Washington, United States.They were located at ground level when the city was built in the mid-19th century but fell into disuse after the streets were elevated.
Take a tour of the original city beneath Pioneer Square. The underground tour takes you beneath Seattle's streets 📍 Google Maps | Phone: (206) 682-4646 | Website | Hours: 10 am - 6 pm daily | Entrance: $22 adults, $20 student (13-17) & seniors (60+), $10 youth (7-12), free ages 6 and under | 👉 Beneath The Streets Underground History Tour
City Tours in Seattle. Experience Seattle like never before with city tours and city tour packages. As you explore Seattle's famous landmarks, hidden gems, and local hotspots, you'll uncover the stories that bring the city to life. ... Beneath The Streets Underground History Tour. 07 Jun - 20 Aug . From $30.00 . The Pike Brewing Company ...
"This was Seattle's first gay community center in 1971," Johnson said, beginning the tour, "down here in the underground at 102 Cherry Street. Four men founded it.
Zillow has 28 photos of this $1,050,000 2 beds, 2 baths, 1,579 Square Feet townhouse home located at 633 13th Avenue E, Seattle, WA 98102 built in 2024. MLS #2235629.
View Condo 405 for rent at Welcome Home Modern 1 bd/1ba - Luma Condom... Unit 405 in Seattle, WA from $3,095 plus find other available condos. ForRent.com has 3D tours, HD videos, reviews and more researched data than all other rental sites.
Oct. 21 - Seattle, WA @ The Showbox Oct. 24 - Denver, CO @ Ogden Theatre Oct. 26 - Saint Louis, MO @ The Hawthorn Oct. 27 - Kansas City, MO @ The Truman Oct. 30 - Boston, MA @ House of Blues
Take the James Street Exit from Interstate 5. 206-682-4646. The Underworld Tour is an adults-only stroll through the old red-light district of the abandoned, underground city that was Seattle's birthplace. A big-brother version of our world-famous Underground Tour, it's seamier, raunchier and laugh-out-loud lewd-icrous.
A Gilbert estate with a 6,000-square-foot man cave, go kart race track, underground shooting range and dance studio is listed for $20 million. Appraised at $5.2 million in 2017, here's why.
The Underground, created when the city rebuilt on top of itself after the Great Seattle Fire of 1889, is renowned for paranormal spirits thought to be the neighborhood's notoriously murdered, unrequited souls. Hear their stories as you roam the exclusive passageways of the world-famous Underground Tour.
New Single "Lightning And Thunder" Out Now Previously Featured On Billboard, Alternative Press, PopCrush, Atwood Magazine, Substream Magazine + more Today, multi-platinum-selling Canadian pop-rock band Marianas Trench, is excited to announce their 2024 North American tour. The Force of Nature tour - produced by Live Nation - will kick off on September 12th and make stops across the US ...