Fremont Things To Do
Things To Do in Fremont
Fremont is one of Seattle’s most vibrant and eclectic neighborhoods, known for its quirky charm, artistic spirit, and bohemian vibe. Located just north of downtown along the Lake Washington Ship Canal, Fremont is a must-visit for travelers looking to experience a more playful and creative side of the city. Fremont prides itself on being a little weird—in the best way possible. The neighborhood has a long history of counterculture, and that energy still thrives today with its mix of funky shops, artsy cafes, and offbeat attractions. It’s the kind of place where you’ll find a giant troll under a bridge, a statue of Lenin in the middle of a street, and locals celebrating the summer solstice with a naked bike ride. Fremont is the perfect neighborhood for those who love art, creativity, and a touch of the unexpected. Whether you’re strolling along the waterfront, browsing independent boutiques, or enjoying a craft beer at one of its many breweries, Fremont is guaranteed to be one of the most memorable stops on your Seattle trip. Don't forget to embrace the neighborhood motto: "De Libertas Quirkas"—Freedom to be Peculiar!"
things to do
Fremont Troll
The Fremont Troll is one of Seattle’s most quirky and beloved landmarks, located under the Aurora Bridge in the Fremont neighborhood. This massive, 18-foot-tall sculpture depicts a hulking troll gripping a real Volkswagen Beetle in one hand, as if it had just snatched it from the roadway above. Created in 1990 by a team of local artists, the troll was designed to reclaim the underpass from illegal dumping and crime, transforming it into a unique piece of public art. Visitors are encouraged to climb on the troll, snap photos, and take in the surrounding artistic and offbeat vibe of Fremont, known as Seattle’s "Center of the Universe." The sculpture is a must-see for anyone exploring the city's creative side!
Lenin Statue
One of the most unexpected sights in Seattle’s Fremont neighborhood is the statue of Vladimir Lenin, a towering 16-foot-tall bronze sculpture that stands on a street corner like an eccentric relic of history. Unlike typical monuments to Lenin, this statue depicts him in a dramatic, dynamic pose—striding forward with flames sculpted in the background, symbolizing revolution. Originally created by a Slovak artist in the 1980s, the statue was toppled after the fall of communism and later rescued from a scrapyard by an American teacher who brought it to Seattle. Today, it stands in Fremont as a privately owned art piece, often decorated with festive accessories or humorous additions. The statue sparks conversation about history, politics, and art—fitting for a neighborhood that prides itself on being a little offbeat and thought-provoking.
Fremont Sunday Street Market
If you're in Seattle on a Sunday, the Fremont Sunday Market is a must-visit destination! This lively, European-style street market takes over the heart of Fremont every week, rain or shine, offering a vibrant mix of artisan crafts, vintage treasures, handmade goods, and delicious street food. Wandering through the market, you'll find an eclectic selection of vendors selling everything from antique furniture and retro clothing to handcrafted jewelry and local art. It's the perfect place to hunt for one-of-a-kind souvenirs and unique Seattle-made gifts.
Fremont Vintage Mall
For those who love vintage finds, quirky collectibles, and unique antiques, the Fremont Vintage Mall is a must-visit spot in Seattle. Nestled in the heart of Fremont, this underground marketplace is packed with an eclectic mix of treasures from different eras—making it the perfect place to explore if you’re into retro fashion, mid-century furniture, vinyl records, or one-of-a-kind curiosities.
Fremont Rocket
In true Fremont fashion, the Fremont Rocket is an offbeat and eye-catching landmark that perfectly fits the neighborhood’s quirky, artistic vibe. Standing 53 feet tall and mounted on the side of a building, this silver, retro-style rocket looks like something straight out of a 1950s sci-fi movie. Originally a Cold War-era military artifact, the rocket was salvaged from a scrap heap and installed in Fremont in 1994 as a playful symbol of the neighborhood’s free-spirited creativity. It’s adorned with the motto “De Libertas Quirkas”—Fremont’s unofficial slogan, meaning “Freedom to be Peculiar.” The Fremont Rocket is a fun and unexpected photo op, especially for sci-fi fans and lovers of all things whimsical.
Gas Works Park
A visit to Gas Works Park is a must if you are in the Fremont neighborhood. You'll have splendid views of the Seattle skyline, and maybe even get to see a hot tub boat motoring by or a float plane landing in Lake Union. The park has a number of paved paths to walk on, including the ability to walk through the old gasification plant, and features a great playground for children. Gas Works Park is right off the Burke Gilman trail, and a walkable distance from the Fremont Troll, as well as all the restaurants and shops in Fremont.
Burke-Gilman Trail
The Burke-Gilman Trail is one of Seattle’s most scenic multi-use paths, and the stretch that runs through Fremont is especially vibrant. Whether you're biking, jogging, or taking a leisurely stroll, this section of the trail offers stunning waterfront views, public art, and easy access to some of Fremont’s best attractions. Watch boats pass through the canal as you enjoy beautiful water views and, if you're lucky, catch a drawbridge opening. Pass by the dinosaur topiary, a giant dinosaur "statue" created by plants and be sure to swing by Gas Works Park for amazing views of the Seattle skyline.
Fremont Brewery
If you love craft beer, a visit to Fremont Brewing is a must while exploring Seattle. Located in the heart of Fremont, this beloved, family-owned brewery is known for its high-quality, locally inspired beers and its laid-back, community-focused atmosphere. Beyond great beer, Fremont Brewing is a fantastic place to soak in the neighborhood’s creative energy. With a casual, dog-friendly vibe and complimentary pretzels and apples, it’s a perfect spot to unwind after exploring Fremont’s many attractions. Whether you're a craft beer enthusiast or just looking for a fun local hangout, Fremont Brewing is a must-stop for a true taste of Seattle’s thriving beer scene!
Dinosaur Topiary
One of Fremont’s most charming and unexpected sights is the Dinosaur Topiary, a pair of giant, leafy dinosaurs nestled near the Burke-Gilman Trail. These life-sized, ivy-covered Apatosaurus sculptures seem to roam the greenery, adding a playful touch to the already quirky neighborhood. Originally installed as part of a landscaping project in the 1990s, these living sculptures have since become a beloved local landmark. The dinos are regularly maintained and trimmed to keep their prehistoric shapes intact, making them a fun and unique photo op for visitors.
Mischief Distillery
For those who appreciate expertly crafted spirits, Mischief Distillery in Fremont is a must-visit. This small-batch, organic distillery produces high-quality whiskey, gin, and vodka using sustainable practices and locally sourced ingredients. Located in the heart of Fremont, it offers a cozy yet stylish tasting room where visitors can sip and savor handcrafted spirits with a Pacific Northwest twist. At Mischief Distillery, you can sample a variety of spirits, including whiskey, gin and vodka.
Brooks Trailhead Store
Located in the heart of Fremont, the Brooks Trailhead Store is the perfect stop for outdoor enthusiasts. As the flagship store for the renowned Brooks Running brand, it offers high-quality gear for runners, hikers, and outdoor adventurers alike. The store features treadmills and the expert staff can perform run gait analysis, allowing them to determine your unique stride and the appropriate running shoe.
Fremont Bridge
The Fremont Bridge, completed in 1917, is not just a vital transportation route, but also one of the most iconic landmarks in the Fremont neighborhood. Spanning the Lake Washington Ship Canal, it offers visitors panoramic views of the Lake Washington Ship Canal, which is a bustling waterway connecting Lake Washington to Puget Sound as well as Lake Union. It was designed as a bascule drawbridge, meaning the central span pivots upward to allow ship traffic, and provides a chance to witness a working drawbridge in action, making it a must-see for anyone exploring the area.
