Seattle, Washington / Landmarks
Oxbow Park / Hat 'n' Boots
A quirky, oversized own-your-own-adventure landmark in Seattle's historic Georgetown neighborhood, featuring the largest cowboy hat and boots in America.
What is Oxbow Park / Hat 'n' Boots known for?
It is known for the Hat 'n' Boots sculpture, which features a 44-foot-wide cowboy hat and 22-foot-high boots. It has been billed as the largest hat and cowboy boots in America.
What is the history of the Hat 'n' Boots?
Designed by artist Lewis Nasmyth and architect Albert Poe, the structures were built in 1954 as part of the Premium Tex western-style gas station. The station operated until 1988 and was once the biggest selling station in Washington state before the landmark was moved to Oxbow Park in December 2003 for preservation.
What are the hours?
Oxbow Park is open daily from dawn to dusk.
Is it free?
Yes, there is no fee to enter the park.
Is it good for kids?
Yes, the park includes a play area in addition to the Hat and Boots sculpture.
What should I check before going?
Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.
What to know
Oxbow Park serves as the home to the iconic Hat 'n' Boots sculpture, a whimsical oversized landmark that captures the mid-century Americanay style of the program. It is located in the heart of historic Georgetown, where it stands as a testament to the city's quirky architectural history. The structure consists of a 44-foot-wide cowboy hat and 22-foot-high boots, which are billed as the largest of their kind in America. Originally commissioned in seção 1953 by commercial artist Lewis Nasmyth and architect Albert Poe, the structures were built in 1954 as part of the Premium Tex service station. This western-themed gas station was so successful that it became the biggest selling station in Washington state for a time. The gas station operated until 1988, after which the landmark was preserved by the City of Seattle. To ensure its preservation, the City of Seattle moved the Hat 'n' Boots to the new Oxbow Park in December 2003. Today, the park includes a sculpture garden and a play area, making it a family-friendly stop. The park is ADA accessible, ensuring that all visitors can experience this unique piece of roadside attraction history.
Visitor tips
- Visit during the day as the park is open daily from dawn to dusk.
- The park is ADA accessible, making it easy for those with mobility issues to navigate.
- Since admission is free, it is a great low-cost stop for families with children who can use the play area.
Nearby context
Located in the heart of historic Georgetown, Oxbow Park provides a pocket of open space and public art in an industrial-leaning neighborhood known for its eclectic mix of shops and galleries.
Sources
Evidence and links
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Oxbow Park (combined official page evidence)
In 1953, Seattle artist Lewis Nasmyth was hired to "rustle up" a design for a western-style gas station in Georgetown.
seattle.gov -
Oxbow Park - Seattle.gov
Open daily dawn to dusk.
seattle.gov -
Hat 'n' Boots
To preserve this landmark, the City of Seattle moved the Hat 'n' Boots to the new Oxbow Park in December 2003.
en.wikipedia.org