Introduction to Mercer Island, Washington
Mercer Island, Washington, in King county, is 2 miles S of Bellevue, Washington (center to center) and 5 miles SE of Seattle, Washington. The city is part of the Seattle - Bellevue - Everett metropolitan statistical area (MSA).
Mercer Island History
The first settlements were established in this region in the 1870s. According to some sources, the place was named in honor of the pioneer, Judge Thomas Mercer. The first large settlement was called East Seattle. This was on the northwest side of Mercer Island. The Lake Washington Floating Bridge, which was built in 1940, played a significant role in the development of the region. The city of Mercer Island was officially incorporated on July 5, 1960. The nearby business district was incorporated as a town a month later. However, ten years later both municipalities merged on May 19, 1970.
Mercer Island and nearby Attractions
- Eastside Heritage Center - McDowell House
- Bellevue Arts Museum
- Mercer Village
- Cougar Mountain Zoo
- Mercer Island Shopping Center
- Island Crest Park
Things To Do In Mercer Island
Being in King county, Mercer Island provides easy access to a large number of historic sites and museums. One can take a trip to the Eastside Heritage Center-McDowell House and Winters House and the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park. The Bellevue Arts Museum, Frye Art Museum, Museum of Flight, Rosalie Whyel Museum of Doll Art, Vintage Telephone Equipment Museum, and Wing Luke Asian Museum can all be reached easily from Mercer Island. The city has great shopping malls that offer a host of entertainment opportunities. Other popular tourist haunts include Cougar Mountain Zoo, Pike Place Market, Seattle Aquarium, and Space Needle.
Mercer Island Transportation
International flights are available from Boeing Field/King County International Airport.
Mercer Island Higher Education
Residents of Mercer Island can enroll at City University, Renton Technical College, or Seattle University.
