Tucked away in our small island community, a quiet giant looks out over a wooded park. Pia the Peacekeeper is one of six trolls that make up the ambitious art exhibition “The Way of the Bird King” by Danish artist Thomas Dambo. The Bainbridge Island troll is located in Sakai Park, a one-mile walk from the ferry terminal. The other trolls are located in Ballard, Issaquah, West Seattle, Portland, and on Vashon Island. Following the trail of trolls through the Pacific Northwest is one of the most unique things to do in Washington State.
Bainbridge Island is located a 35-minute ferry ride from downtown Seattle. From the ferry, it’s a quick walk to Winslow, the heart of the island, home to charming boutiques, art galleries, bakeries, local wineries, and farm-to-table restaurants. Bainbridge Island is renowned for its natural beauty, rich history, and dedication to the arts and culture. Given that commitment, it’s no surprise our island was selected as home for Pia the Peacekeeper.
While you could take a return trip back on the Seattle-Bainbridge ferry on the same day, we know you won’t be ready to leave our peaceful island. Extend your stay at the best Bainbridge Island lodging property, Eagle Harbor Inn, for a relaxing getaway. Our petite hotel is conveniently located downtown, walkable to all the best things to do on Bainbridge Island. Reserve your room today!
Visit with Pia the Peacekeeper in Sakai Park
Taking the ferry from downtown Seattle is one of the most iconic things to do in Washington State. With views of Mt. Rainier on clear days, the Seattle skyline, the Olympic Mountains, and passing ships, it’s a beautiful 35-minute trip to Bainbridge Island. You can drive a car onto the ferries, but it’s an easy one-mile walk from the terminal in Winslow to Pia the Peacekeeper in Sakai Park.
From the ferry terminal, take the Sound to Olympics trail. Cross SR 305 at High School Road. From the corner, take the Sakai Trail through the forest and wetlands. In a copse of trees, you will find Pia the Peacekeeper, an 18-foot Thomas Dambo Troll. Her head was crafted by Dambo in Copenhagen and shipped to Bainbridge Island. The rest of her body was constructed on site from recycled wood by a team of volunteers led by Dambo.
The mission of the Way of the Bird King Art Exhibition is to promote environmental sustainability and support Danish-American relations. Scandanavian traditions are blended with Coast Salish heritage. One of the most notable features of Pia the Peacekeeper is her necklace crafted from local sea shells and driftwood. There is no fee to visit Pia or any of the Thomas Dambo Trolls in the Pacific Northwest, thanks for the generosity of the Paul Allen Foundation, Scan Designs, and site partners.
After visiting Pia the Peacekeeper, we suggest these other things to do in Winslow on Bainbridge Island, all within walking distance:
- Visit the Bainbridge Island Museum of Art, a vibrant collection of art from featuring works of sculpture, painting, printmaking, and glass. Admission to the museum is free of charge.
- Grab a glass of awarding winning wine at the Eleven Winery tasting room on Winslow Way.
- Grab a cup of coffee and pastry at the ivy covered Pegasus Coffee across the street from our Bainbridge Island petit hotel.
- Grab some picnic fixings from Town and Country Market to take to Hawley Cove or Waterfront Park.
- If you happen to be visiting on a Saturday, visit the Farmer’s Market for local produce, artisan foods, and handcrafted goods.
- Attend a performance at Bainbridge Performing Arts. Have a laugh during first Saturday Edge Improv, take in the Bainbridge Symphony Orchestra, or attend a musical.
- Blackbird Bakery is a local favorite for toast, coffee, and other delicious baked goods. There is plenty of outdoor seating on Madrone Lane.
- For those traveling with kids in tow, check out KiDiMu for creative play. It’s perfect for kids 6 months to 10 years.
Stay at the Best Bainbridge Island Lodging Option
Fans of these outdoor art installations want to see as many of the over 130 Thomas Dambo Trolls as possible. The Way of the Bird King is one of the best things to do in Washington State, and you can keep track of your troll hunt on the interactive Troll Map. There are six total in the Pacific Northwest, but given they are spread out over two states, seeing them all in one day isn’t possible. After a fun day on Bainbridge visiting Pia the Peacekeeper, consider extending your stay to discover what makes our community so special.
Our charming, quiet island offers stunning waterfront trails, award-winning restaurants, and inspiring museums. When you stay at the best Bainbridge Island lodging property, you’ll be in the perfect location to explore all the best things to do in Winslow. Our petit hotel offers elegant five guest rooms for a romantic getaway or two spacious townhouses with kitchens, ideal for couples of families traveling tobether.
Our downtown location is ideal for setting off on foot to dining, shopping, and attractions, including Pia the Peacekeeper. If you bring a car, everything on the island is within 15 minutes from our Bainbridge Island boutique hotel, and parking is included in your stay. Immerse yourself in the artistic and natural wonders that make Bainbridge Island special. Reserve your lodging today!
