Saving roadside-attraction Americana for visitors to Seattle’s Georgetown neighborhood

written by Joni Kabana | photography by Will Austin

Tucked into the quirky neighborhood of George-town in Seattle stands one of Washington’s most-beloved roadside icons: Hat ’n’ Boots. Bright, bold and unmistakably Western, this oversized cowboy hat and pair of boots have become a symbol of local nostalgia, artistic preservation and the region’s playful personality.

The structures were originally built in 1954 as part of a Western-themed gas station along High-way 99. At the time, roadside attractions were a popular way to catch the attention of passing motorists. The giant hat served as the station’s office, while the two enormous cowboy boots functioned as restrooms. Their whimsical design quickly made the stop memorable, especially for travelers making the long drive between Seattle and destinations to the south.

As decades passed and highways changed, the gas station eventually closed, and the iconic structures fell into disrepair. For years they stood weathered and fading, yet locals still felt a deep affection for the unusual landmark. In the early 2000s, a community effort helped rescue the pieces from demolition. The hat and boots were carefully restored and relocated to Oxbow Park in Georgetown where they remain today.

Now freshly painted in vibrant red, white and blue, the landmark feels both vintage and joyful. Visitors often stop for photos beneath the towering brim of the hat or beside the extra-large-size boots that stand nearly 22 feet tall. Families picnic nearby, artists sketch the structures and travelers stumble upon one of Seattle’s most unexpected sights.

In a city known for modern tech campuses and sleek skyline views, Hat ’n’ Boots offers something different: a reminder of Mid-century Americana and the power of community pride. It’s kitschy, colorful and a little bit strange, which might be exactly why people love it. For more information, see www.seattle.gov/parks/parks/oxbow-park.