Arlington Art Walk Itinerary
With over 35 public art works within 10 blocks, Arlington is a Northwest beacon for admirers of all things aesthetic.
Artistic banners hang from light posts in downtown. Mosaics color retaining walls and murals adorn the sides of buildings. Walk down Olympic Avenue with a friend and take a selfie in front of one of these incredible public offerings.
![](https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/archive/DSC04043.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=62ef09a98912f8b83ca5191178a873e1 320w, https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/archive/DSC04043.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=cb9f44e6ac2ffaa9e3a04282a4f63bf0 540w, https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/archive/DSC04043.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=403cdbc28c0fbebb3829864ac51faabc 768w, https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/archive/DSC04043.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=51ae6c95e8420800ebd38176e214e6cc 1024w, https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/archive/DSC04043.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=df85f8778d154d7133c928ae563ec34a 1200w, https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/archive/DSC04043.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1440&s=46c16f9ac43bccde373a537dab56e383 1440w, https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/archive/DSC04043.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1920&s=503de62a9e2d22c857dbd2e786a64d3b 1920w, https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/archive/DSC04043.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=2560&s=acfe5a04b094faf1de74fd8e5f760614 2048w)
Here are some of the highlights that you can expect when you visit the artsy riverside town of Arlington, Washington.
Murals
Several murals adorn public spaces – depictions range from cows on the side of the farming co-op to salmon, mills, and kayakers at the park. Arlington artist Harry Engstrom’s iconic work is a photorealistic peek into the local culture of farmland, plants, and river life.
Sculptures
Enjoy viewing sculptures by prominent local artists. James Madison, Tulalip master carver, contributes two memorable pieces – “Grandfather” and “Raven Captures the Sun” – to the local art experience. Madison’s pieces pay tribute to the Stillaguamish people who have traditionally fished and ferried across the local river.
![](https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/archive/DSC04126-2.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=eeb0d08af6aaabd23b6dd921fe938df5 320w, https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/archive/DSC04126-2.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=40b6a52be38f120fda15772a42eedae1 540w, https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/archive/DSC04126-2.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=565a25bcf11ca07cb4c9c17eef88936d 768w, https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/archive/DSC04126-2.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=05a4d9c8f15b7bd6ac0abfd3f7a3b33d 1024w, https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/archive/DSC04126-2.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=ca5c3031cf0d2665f6d8174a99d8f565 1200w, https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/archive/DSC04126-2.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1440&s=2cdd0cae013555ef75fb5a82d680c24f 1440w, https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/archive/DSC04126-2.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1920&s=0e609de6b5af5aae826acd369f452e47 1920w, https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/archive/DSC04126-2.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=2560&s=d826b2131460df72f3970abfa634cd1b 2048w)
The Centennial Trail
The best way to experience art is to combine it with a brisk walk or a bike ride along the Centennial Trail. The route follows an old railroad bed and cuts through downtown Arlington. From a statue of an osprey on the Haller Bridge you walk past murals and sculptures on your way through town. Outdoor recreation and art are perfectly married in the Centennial Trail art walk.
“Drive-by” art
Several artist-made welcome signs are posted at the entrances to Arlington. The five signs at different locations include images of a horse, a deer, a heron, salmon, and a bird of prey. These animals are emblematic of the city itself and the diversity of wildlife that it attracts and sustains.
![](https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/archive/DSC04157-large.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=25ce7647524f8baaa6a4175b142dfbf8 320w, https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/archive/DSC04157-large.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=2cf23a212666ac6a79c680fcd1a7b06f 540w, https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/archive/DSC04157-large.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=c2c3f43d0847861193e70fde96c15706 768w, https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/archive/DSC04157-large.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=285f6f535334f2beafeb74acf48e56a0 1024w, https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/archive/DSC04157-large.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=ed67ed9b09e644b390dea9011596ad37 1200w, https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/archive/DSC04157-large.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1440&s=a5489579cc390c3263a32006ed96aa3f 1440w, https://snohomish.imgix.net/images/archive/DSC04157-large.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1920&s=adcbe576be27ea8cbce216765614b838 1920w)
Fun For the Whole Family
There are many fun stops along the way for kids, including Lebanon Park, featuring a walkable Labyrinth and Sound Garden with interactive, outdoor musical instruments for kids to play. Download and print the Kids Art Walk Discovery Guide for a fun, interactive activity.
See For Yourself
Feel free to take a self-guided tour of all Arlington art with this downloadable pdf map, or click the map image below to view an interactive map of the Arlington Art Walk, as well as the Centennial Trail. Enjoy!