Bill Speidel's Underground Tour
Seattle, WA 98104-2210
Phone: (206) 682-4646
- Cross Street:
- James Street
- Hours:
- Tour times vary
Editorial Review for Bill Speidel's Underground Tour – by Jeff Zeunert
The Experience
In the mid-'60s, Bill Speidel wrote about the possible existence of "passageways beneath the city." The idea proved so popular that Speidel decided to provide tours of this mysterious underground. Wind through long-abandoned storefronts under Seattle's streets while getting a slice of history.
The Appeal
Though the tour itself requires a great deal of imagination to "see" the stores of the early 1900s as they might have been, the history lesson comes painlessly--the guides possess a good, if slapstick, sense of humor. You'll hear about the exploding-toilet-syndrome that forced the city and residents to raise the Pioneer Square area by as much as 14 feet, as well as the scandals and indecencies that gave Pioneer Square a reputation that eventually gave rise to the expression "skid row."
Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.
Insider Tips
The ExtrasSeveral tour attendees over the years have gotten strange feelings on this tour of old Seattle. One of the most prominently spooky spots is the area called "The Vault." Several people claim to have seen the shadowy figure of a male bank guard there.
Know Before You GoExpect stairs and uneven surfaces--dress your feet appropriately. Also, avoid hordes of tourists by skipping the mid-day tours.
User Reviews for Bill Speidel's Underground Tour
11/21/2006 Posted by kee22
I went with my family when my grandfather was in town. I thought the tour was good...it wasn't all that expected...it's kind of redundant in the sites that you see. But it is strill really a good opportunity to learn about Seattle's past...like the great fire...and see some of the remains of old buildings and other relics. The tour guides are very nice and the tour is very informative.
Pros: Good tour, learn about Seattle history
08/10/2004 Posted by lord_humongous
The Seattle Underground tour was very interesting. We learned a lot about Seattle's bizarre history and it was a lot of fun. If you live in Seattle or are visiting I would suggest taking this tour. You'll be amazed at the strange things you'll learn about Seattle. Warning, you do climb up and down stairs and walk through underground tunnels and end up in smelly alleys so wear appropriate shoes.
Pros: Friendly staff
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