About Sumner

Things to do in Sumner

• Explore the Links Trail for hiking or biking: The new Sumner Link Trail is a continuous trail that runs for approximately five and a half miles from Sumner’s north border to south border. New maps help show you different amenities along the Trail, and way-finding signs, educational kiosks and more are being installed. There is even a cross-fit section to help you round out your exercise along the trail.

• Music Off Main / Concerts in the Park: Sponsored by the Sumner Arts Commission, Music off Main is hosted in the Gazebo at Heritage Park located at Cherry and Main in downtown Sumner. The Concert series starts in July each year and sometimes includes a special concert performance at Rainier View Park located in east Sumner. Concerts are held on Fridays and start at 6:30pm. Bring the family and grab a bite at Dixie’s Home Cookin’ food booth in the park or make a night of it and walk to one of the downtown restaurants after the concert.

• Explore the Ryan House Located at 1228 Main Street in downtown Sumner, the historic Ryan House is a beautiful example of 19th century architecture. George Ryan was instrumental in establishing the town of Sumner and became its first mayor in 1891. He bought the original cabin in 1872 and enlarged it by adding a second story. The main section was added in 1885 with wood from the Ryan’s own sawmill. In 1926, Ryan heirs donated the house to the City to be used as Sumner’s Library until a new one was built in 1979. The house is now home to the Sumner Historical Society while the grounds are part of City of Sumner parks. Exhibits include Daffodil Festival memorabilia, historical documents, photographs, family histories, quilts, clothing, tools and other artifacts that have a place in Sumner’s history. Museum hours and a list of annual events such as Daffodil Royalty Tea, Ice Cream Socials, Tree Lighting a more can be found at their website, or call Curator, Vicki Connor, at (253) 863-2670.

• Downtown window shopping Spend a carefree day with friends or family wandering in and out of specialty stores, unique vintage shops and trendy boutiques in downtown Sumner. Start with a delicious cup of coffee and breakfast or brunch at one of the many local restaurants followed by a leisurely stroll down landscaped sidewalks as you check out all the wonderful window displays created to capture your interest. Enjoy a crepe or slice of rhubarb pie for an afternoon snack as you shop for the perfect gift or home accessory. Peruse the designer name consignment store, home décor stores, kitchen specialty shops, vintage finds, clothing boutiques for adults and a children’s store voted best in the region by Parent Magazine year after year. Once you experience a day shopping in downtown Sumner you’ll be back with friends. It’s a great place to spend some time relaxing and making new acquaintances with friendly and helpful business owners.

• Fudge, Trains and Talking Pigs: Bring the kids and follow the Visitor Information Center signs to The Old Cannery Furniture Store in downtown Sumner. Located on west side of the historic bridge in downtown Sumner, there’s always something going on at the Cannery. While shopping for that perfect furniture set or show piece, be sure to notice the miles of suspended train track inside The Old Cannery. And don’t be shocked when you see animals turn and talk to you as you walk by their pens. If you’d like a little something sweet as you peruse the furniture vignettes, stop by the Fudge Bar and get a piece of your favorite flavored fudge. Throughout the year the Old Cannery hosts BBQs, Charity events, sand sculptures, theater productions, a Bridge Lighting with fireworks and more. If you have visitors in town, don’t forget to check out the Visitor Center located inside the Old Cannery with a variety of brochures and maps to learn about what’s going on. For more information about events and specials, visit their website.

• Watch a Sounders U23 Soccer Game: Sumner’s Sunset Stadium is home to the Seattle Sounders FC U23 Soccer team. U23 is a premier development league consisting of boys U-15/16 and U-17/18 teams in the U.S. Soccer Development Academy. This league allows access to top local soccer talent as well as the best college players across the United States. If you like soccer, you’ll love the opportunity to watch this league in your hometown.

• Enjoy the Theater: Sumner boasts two local theater groups that utilize local talent to produce both well known musicals and little known comedy productions. Performances can be enjoyed at the Performing Arts Center near the High School, private stage venues, on Main Street for local events and individual business locations throughout the year.
  
  5814 152nd Ave. Ct. E #104, Sumner / (253)447-4139. With more than 50 combined years of regional and educational theatre experience under their belts, Christopher and Petra Karr officially launched ACT 1 Theatre Productions in 2008 when they rented a tiny office in downtown Sumner near Heritage Park. ACT 1 performed at the Puyallup Elks Lodge, the Old Cannery Furniture Warehouse, Main Street events and Heritage Park growing their production company until 2011 when they moved into a larger warehouse space. ManeStage Theatre Company.

• Sumner Reads and more: The Sumner Library is a great resource for residents of any age. Part of the Pierce County Library system, the Sumner Library offers an adult nonfiction book club, computer classes, ESL classes, youth story times including a “Read to a Dog” event with certified therapy dogs, like Maple, in attendance, writing workshops, genealogy resources, business technology classes, not to mention the ability to check out digital media, magazines, newspapers, and other resources. Check out the Sumner Library website and calendar of events to see what opportunities are available.

• Attend events throughout the year: Sumner is well known for its many downtown events. There are parades, wine walks, Rhubarb Pie Festival, a bridge lighting and fireworks event, Come Walk With Me breast cancer awareness event, a battle of the bands competition at Sunset Stadium featuring high schools bands from across the state, and local merchant events hosted in various boutiques, restaurants, and vintage shops that you won’t want to miss. For more information visit Sumner Downtown Promotion.

• Self-guided Downtown Historic Walking Tour: Grab a Historic Sumner Self-Guided Tour brochure for a fun and interesting drive / walk through town to learn about local historic landmarks. Founded at the confluence of the Stuck and Puyallup Rivers in 1891, Sumner is known as the original home of Whitworth College and the birthplace of the Daffodil Festival. This brochure will provide you with a remarkably detailed account of the history and growth of Sumner since it was founded. Brochures available at the Chamber Visitor Information Centers.