Some of Tacoma’s most historic and normally private homes are about to open their doors to the public as the city’s longtime Historic Homes Tour returns this spring.
The Tacoma Historical Society is inviting the public to explore eight historic structures across North Tacoma during its 2026 Historic Homes Tour, a two-day event on May 2nd & 3rd offering a rare look inside some of the city’s most significant homes and buildings.
Now in its 26th year, the tour includes five homes and three churches. Locations will be revealed about a week before the event.
Over the course of the weekend, attendees will be able to step inside properties that are typically closed to the public, offering a close-up look at architectural details, design features, and the stories behind the people who once lived there.
This year’s theme, “Homes With Heart,” highlights homeowners who have personally taken on restoration efforts.
“All of these homes, the people who have been doing the renovations on them have been doing them themselves,” said Jessica Smith, managing director of the Tacoma Historical Society and Tacoma History Museum.
Smith said this is also the first year organizers opened the selection process to the public, inviting homeowners to apply to be part of the tour.
“We just opened it up and said, ‘Hey, do you have a historic home? Are you interested in putting it on the tour,’” Smith said.
Past tours have featured standout properties such as the William Ross Rust House, a historic North Tacoma residence built in 1905 for the president of the Tacoma Smelter and Refining Company.
The event runs over two days, with tickets granting access to all featured locations. Attendees will receive a souvenir booklet with a map, which also serves as their entry pass. Each location can be visited once and will be marked with a stamp upon entry.
Ticket pickup will take place at St. Patrick Catholic Church, which will also serve as a central hub with restrooms, refreshments, and parking. Visitors can travel between locations by car or on foot, though street parking near individual sites may be limited.
Early ticket pricing is available through May 1, with discounted rates for members, seniors, military personnel, and EBT cardholders.
Organizers note that due to the historic nature of the buildings, some spaces may not be fully ADA accessible, though photo booklets will be available for those unable to access certain areas.
Learn more on the Tacoma Historical Society website.
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