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Dune Peninsula

A massive environmental project transformed this former smelter into a beautiful park.

Tacoma, Washington

Added By
arenfro
A giant smelter, which pays homage to both the novels and the site on which the park is built.   arenfro (Atlas Obscura User)
Easy views of Mt. Rainer from all sides of the park.   arenfro (Atlas Obscura User)
After a heavy rainfall, the top portion of the boulder fills up with water.   juli1357 (Atlas Obscura User)
Be prepared to appreciate what you meet!   Naturally Cherish (Atlas Obscura User)
Look closely- do you see them??   Naturally Cherish (Atlas Obscura User)
If you look very closely, you can just make out the ghost of Mt Rainer in the horizon.  
Dune Quotes are scattered throughout the park like hidden nuggets of knowledge  
Some of the beautiful winding walking paths.   arenfro (Atlas Obscura User)
Industrial steel sculptures.   arenfro (Atlas Obscura User)
A sculpture homage to the sand worms from Dune.   arenfro (Atlas Obscura User)
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About

The ASARCO lead-and-copper smelter spewed heavy metals and pollution into the city of Tacoma, Washington for nearly a century, making it one of the most polluted cities in the United States.

Thanks to a massive-scale environmental project, the 11 acres of ruins where this former smelter resided are now a beautiful public park. Opened in 2019, the Dune Peninsula is not only a feat of engineering and conservation, but also serves to pay tribute to one of Tacoma’s most famous residents, Frank Herbert, the author of Dune.

The Dune Peninsula at Point Defiance is a creatively landscaped park with stone staircases, metal sculptures, and a walking route that’s covered in quotes from the various Dune novels. From the shoreline, there are wonderful views of the surrounding mountains, such as Mt. Rainer. 

It’s a unique spot that’s great for relaxing or exploring. If you are a fan of environmental efforts, beautiful parks, or Frank Herbert’s classic novels.

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Environment Conservation Parks

Know Before You Go

The park is open during daylight hours every day and provides plenty of free parking.

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Added By

arenfro

Published

September 26, 2022

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