Dune Peninsula – Tacoma, Washington - Atlas Obscura
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Dune Peninsula

Tacoma, Washington

A massive environmental project transformed this former smelter into a beautiful park.  

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A giant smelter, which pays homage to both the novels and the site on which the park is built. arenfro (Atlas Obscura User)
A giant smelter, which pays homage to both the novels and the site on which the park is built. arenfro (Atlas Obscura User)
Easy views of Mt. Rainer from all sides of the park. arenfro (Atlas Obscura User)
After a heavy rainfall, the top portion of the boulder fills up with water. juli1357 (Atlas Obscura User)
Be prepared to appreciate what you meet! Naturally Cherish (Atlas Obscura User)
Look closely- do you see them?? Naturally Cherish (Atlas Obscura User)
If you look very closely, you can just make out the ghost of Mt Rainer in the horizon.
Dune Quotes are scattered throughout the park like hidden nuggets of knowledge
Some of the beautiful winding walking paths. arenfro (Atlas Obscura User)
Industrial steel sculptures. arenfro (Atlas Obscura User)
A sculpture homage to the sand worms from Dune. arenfro (Atlas Obscura User)
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The ASARCO lead-and-copper smelter spewed heavy metals and pollution into the city of Tacoma, Washington for nearly a century, making it one of the most polluted cities in the United States.

Thanks to a massive-scale environmental project, the 11 acres of ruins where this former smelter resided are now a beautiful public park. Opened in 2019, the Dune Peninsula is not only a feat of engineering and conservation, but also serves to pay tribute to one of Tacoma’s most famous residents, Frank Herbert, the author of Dune.

The Dune Peninsula at Point Defiance is a creatively landscaped park with stone staircases, metal sculptures, and a walking route that’s covered in quotes from the various Dune novels. From the shoreline, there are wonderful views of the surrounding mountains, such as Mt. Rainer. 

It’s a unique spot that’s great for relaxing or exploring. If you are a fan of environmental efforts, beautiful parks, or Frank Herbert’s classic novels.

Know Before You Go

The park is open during daylight hours every day and provides plenty of free parking.

environment conservation parks
Community Contributors
arenfro
Added by
arenfro
j
Naturally Cherish
Edited by
juli1357, Naturally Cherish
Published
September 26, 2022
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Nearby
Point Defiance Slides
0.54 miles
Fireboat No. 1
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Near This Place
Tacoma, Washington

Point Defiance Slides

Slip in a slide while waiting for the ferry.
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Fireboat No. 1

This landmark vessel dry-berthed in Tacoma's harbor served in emergencies and ceremonies for more than 50 years.
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'Top of the Ocean' Monument

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Tacoma, Washington

Job Carr Cabin Museum

This Old Town cabin tells the story of Tacoma's settlement through a replica of its first non-Native building.
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Plans for this peninsula included houses, the United Nations Headquarters, and a nuclear power plant. When none of them worked out, it became an expansive park.
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