A narrow, forested gorge leads down to Puget Sound—and on the Sequalitchew Creek Trail, you’ll also encounter traces of industrial history. Dupont can be discovered through contrasts like these: trails open up different landscapes, while the museum, Historic Village and park present local history from different perspectives.
Trails Through Landscape and History
The Sequalitchew Creek Trail leads through the gorge to Puget Sound. Its historic route follows the path of the Dynamite Train to a former landing on the Sound. Landscape and the past are part of the same trail description here: the descent through the forest is as much a part of the picture as the former connection to the landing.
Other trails have their own focus. The CC Historic Village Trail loops around the western end of DuPont Historic Village; signs along the trail describe tree species commonly found in the village and in Washington State. The GG Fort Nisqually Trail runs along the eastern side of the 1843 Fort Nisqually site. From there, you can enjoy expansive views of Edmond Marsh. If you choose trails by theme, trees, historic sites and landscape offer different points of interest.
Cycling is also part of getting around locally: Dupont has 12 miles of bike lanes and trails. The Home Course is a public golf course in DuPont; its views include Puget Sound, the Olympic Mountains and Mount Rainier. The view from the golf course and the view of Edmond Marsh highlight different geographic features. For your plans, you can choose between trail themes, bike routes, golf and views without combining these offerings into a single outing.
Local History at the Museum and in Historic Village
The DuPont Historical Museum presents exhibits from four eras of DuPont history. Historic archival photographs are displayed alongside tools used to make dynamite. Under the Train Canopy, you’ll also find a 12-ton Plymouth locomotive built in 1941 and five additional railcars. Photographs, tools and vehicles offer different insights into local history—from archived views to objects related to dynamite production and rail travel. The museum is located at 207 Barksdale Avenue, DuPont, Washington 98327.
Historic connections can also be found at specific locations in DuPont Historic Village. The district is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. DuPont Community Church was built in 1917, still stands and remains in use. The first school in DuPont was built in 1866 at the site of today’s Iafrati Park; the park is next to the historic entrance gate to the Village. From Iafrati Park, you can see private homes that were once the residences of the manager and assistant manager of the DuPont Explosives PowderWorks plant. They are private homes, and their former function is part of local history.
Another historic site is the Nisqually Station: in 1843, it was moved to a location on the south bank of Sequalitchew Creek, one mile farther inland. Together with the church, school site and former residences, it offers a look at different chapters of history, though they do not all belong to the same period.
Traditions and Events
DuPont’s Canoe Journey is part of a long-standing intertribal tradition and an annual gathering of Indigenous nations in the Pacific Northwest. On July 31, 2026, ceremonial Canoe Journey landings took place on the beaches along the Sequalitchew Creek Trail. The specific event date is relevant to your plans; the annual tradition and this documented date are two distinct time references.
When choosing Dupont, you can plan your stay around the focus that interests you most: historic trails, the museum and local history, scenic views, or the connection between tradition and events. Each topic offers its own way to experience the place.
Discover more destinations: Puyallup, Sumner, Lake Tapps, Ashford, Fox Island, Lakebay, Eatonville, Fife.
For the broader travel guide: Pierce.
