Welcome to Downtown!

Renton History Museum – 235 Mill Ave S

Located in an historic Art Deco firehouse, the Renton History Museum offers changing exhibits, programs, publications, and events to share Renton’s stories, past and present. The Museum is situated in historic downtown Renton and is surrounded by local shops and restaurants, offers free parking, and is close to the library and Liberty Park.

Become a member for updates! Members get into the Museum for free, a 15% discount on books and gifts at the Museum shop, free admission to the Cultural Events & Speaker Programs, invitations to exhibit openings and the annual meeting, and a quarterly snail mail newsletter.

Walking Tours

The Renton History Museum offers two different self guided walking tours to explore the history of Renton. From long lost structures to historic buildings, these tours cover a lot of ground.

Download the Visit Renton Mobile App for Apple or Android or view in your browser to follow the tour in real time!

History Lives Here Walking Tour

"History Lives Here" is a self-guided tour of 22 markers highlighting historically significant places, people, and events in Renton. The Downtown Renton tour incorporates approximately one square mile and covers markers 2, 7, 9 through 14, 16, 17 and 19. A brief summary, along with historical photographs and pictures of related memorabilia, are included below to help illustrate history. The 12-inch by 24-inch black granite markers portray everything from the Duwamish Native Americans, and the Four Cow Wide Tunnel, to the Triple XXX Barrel Drive-In, and Boeing. The tour brochure is also available at the Renton History Museum.

Historical Tree Tour of Downtown Renton

In this collaboration between Renton Forestry, Renton GIS, and the Renton Museum, you will stroll streets in downtown Renton. Some of the trees are old enough to witness the historical legacy. Trees are an essential part of what helps make urban environments pleasant places. They also serve as living links to the vivid tapestry of the history of our town. At each location, information will populate in the story map providing details about the tree and the past – people, places, and activities that make up the vibrant history from the last century. In addition, reveal historical photos at each location by swiping left from the initial tree pictures. Enjoy!