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Kent is a city of about 135,000 people in the Green River Valley, about 20 miles south of Seattle in King County. Settlers farmed the rich valley soil from the 1850s, and the town, first called Titusville, was renamed Kent after the hop-growing county in England, since hops were the local cash crop. Later the valley was known for dairy farms and lettuce, earning Kent the title Lettuce Capital of the World.
After the Howard Hanson Dam tamed the Green River's floods in the 1960s, the valley filled with warehouses and factories, and Kent became one of the largest industrial and distribution centers on the West Coast. Today it has a diverse population and the revived Kent Station shopping district near its Sounder train stop.
Kent's best features are its green spaces. The Green River Trail follows the river through the city with views of Mount Rainier on clear days, the Green River Natural Resources Area protects wetlands full of birds, and Lake Meridian Park has swimming and boating. The Kent Lagoons, Old Fashioned downtown and Japanese-style Kherson Park gardens round out the city.
Kent's older downtown around First Avenue and Meeker Street has small restaurants, cafes, antique shops and a Saturday farmers market in season. It is next to the Kent Sounder train station. Combine it with a walk to Kent Station or the Mill Creek Canyon Earthworks.
An open-air shopping and entertainment center in downtown Kent with restaurants, stores, a movie theater and a central plaza that hosts summer events. It sits beside the Sounder commuter rail and bus transit center, so it is easy to reach without a car. Parking is free.
A seasonal Saturday market in Historic Downtown Kent where local farmers and vendors sell fresh produce, berries, flowers, baked goods, crafts and prepared food, often with live music. It runs from late spring into early fall. Come early for the best produce and bring small bills.
A city park on the east hill of Kent with a lake swimming beach and lifeguards in summer, a fishing dock, boat launch, playground and picnic shelters. It hosts the city's July 4th fireworks show. Arrive early on warm weekends, as parking fills fast.
A quiet natural park on Kent's east hill with trails and boardwalks around a small lake and wetlands, good for birdwatching and an easy nature walk. Ducks, herons and frogs are common. The trails are short and family-friendly; paths can be muddy in the rainy season.
A large stormwater wetland in the Kent valley that doubles as a wildlife refuge, with walking trails, a boardwalk and viewing towers for watching ducks, hawks, herons and eagles. It is free and popular with birders. Bring binoculars and visit early in the morning.
A land art park designed by Bauhaus artist Herbert Bayer in 1982 that doubles as a flood control basin, with sculpted grass mounds, rings and a pond. You can walk over and around the shapes. It is just east of downtown Kent and connects to forest trails in Mill Creek Canyon.
A museum in Kent dedicated to unlimited hydroplane racing, with restored race boats, engines, trophies and memorabilia from Seattle's Seafair races and beyond. Volunteers share stories about the boats. Opening hours are limited, so check before going; it is a must for racing fans.
A small local history museum in the restored Bereiter House, a 1907 home near downtown, with exhibits on Kent's farming past, its time as the Lettuce Capital, early settlers and Japanese American families. Admission is low or free; open days are limited.
A 6,000-seat arena next to downtown Kent that is home to the Seattle Thunderbirds junior hockey team and hosts concerts, family shows and other sports. Check the event calendar and buy tickets online. Parking is on site, and Kent Station restaurants are a short walk away.
A city-owned golf complex beside the Green River with an 18-hole course, a nine-hole par 3 course and a covered driving range. Green fees are moderate and it is welcoming to beginners. Book tee times online in summer, and the range is a good option on rainy days.
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Washington, United States
Washington, United States
Washington, United States
Washington, United States
Washington, United States
Washington, United States
Washington, United States
Washington, United States
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