How Much Do You Know About The Lakewood-JBLM Area?

Lakewood-JBLM is a place like no other. And whether you grew up here, recently moved to the area or you’re just an occasional visitor, you know that Lakewood-JBLM has its own special traditions and history that make it so unique.

A few things to know:

• Though modern Lakewood, formerly called “The Prairie,” was established as a British fur trading post in 1833, it didn’t officially become its own city until 1996. Today, it is the seventh-largest city in Washington and the second-largest in Pierce County.
• Joint Base Lewis-McChord has a rich military history dating back to World War I, when the 91st Infantry Division was trained at the former Camp Lewis. About a decade later, Fort Lewis became a permanent military post until its consolidation with McChord Air Force Base in 2010. Today, you can visit the Fort Lewis Military Museum to learn about the base's history and see interesting artifacts.
• Lakewood is home to Fort Steilacoom Park, which sits on 340 acres of land and sees over 1 million visitors a year. This park has plenty of space for outdoor activities like hiking, biking and picnicking and includes an expansive trail system, a permanent orienteering course, off-leash dog parks and more.
• Are you a fan of craft beer? Lakewood boasts some amazing breweries, like the RAM Restaurant and Brewery and the veteran-owned Task Force Brewing. Whether you're looking for a classic IPA or a seasonal sour, you're sure to find something you love at these local breweries.
• If you're looking for a unique shopping experience, head to the South Tacoma Antique Mall. This massive indoor market features 55,000 square feet of floor space, featuring antiques and collectibles of all sorts. You never know what treasures you might find here!
• Lakewood is home to Western State Hospital, which was established in 1871 as the first mental health institution in Washington State. Today, the hospital provides comprehensive inpatient care to adults with complex psychiatric conditions.
• The Lakewood Towne Center is a popular local shopping destination, featuring a variety of retailers, restaurants and a movie theater. The center hosts several community events throughout the year, including a farmers market, outdoor concerts and holiday celebrations.
• Founded in 1938, Lakewood Playhouse is a beloved community theater that produces a variety of plays and musicals throughout the year. Though it almost shut down after the COVID-19 pandemic hit, a generous endowment by Grace and William Meikle allowed the theater to continue on.
• One of the best places to grab a bite to eat in the Lakewood-JBLM area is Tacoma Boys. This local chain of 24-hour gourmet markets offers a wide variety of local and organic produce, specialty foods and prepared meals. Stop into the Lakewood location to enjoy fresh, delicious food in a relaxed atmosphere.
• Lakewood and JBLM are located near the beautiful Puget Sound, which offers a variety of water-based activities like boating, kayaking and whale watching. Take a leisurely cruise around the sound or head out on a fishing excursion for a chance to catch salmon, halibut and other local fish.
• Fort Steilacoom is a historic military base located in Lakewood that dates back to the mid-1800s. The base was used during the Civil War and the Puget Sound Indian Wars and is now a state park. Visitors can take a self-guided tour of the historic buildings and enjoy the park's walking trails and picnic areas.
• Joint Base Lewis-McChord is the only Army power-projection platform west of the Rocky Mountains. It began operation as a Joint Base in January 2010, when Fort Lewis and McChord Air Force base were consolidated and now functions as a training and mobilization center for all military services.

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