UEN AT FORT WORDEN
United Earth Networks is proud to be a Campus Partner, at the Fort Worden Historic State Park and Conference Center, in Port Townsend, WA
Every community has its own grit, its own gifts—tools to build tougher roots, greener futures, and real change. We at United Earth Networks swear by it—start close to home, and the ripples go global.
Here in Port Townsend, we’re digging in, teaming up with locals to make Fort Worden UEN’s hub for resilience and regeneration. It’s not just talk—it’s us acting right where we stand, building something solid alongside our neighbors.
How can you jump in? Lean into your own backyard—connect with your people, back projects that heal, and shore up what keeps your community ticking. We’re doing it here in Port Townsend, and we’d love for you to join us—right where you are, or with us at Fort Worden and beyond.
With 432 acres of forests and waterfront, 75 Historic structures, and event spaces for up to 400 people, Fort Worden State Park and Conference Center offers United Earth Networks an inspirational setting for hosting summits, conferences, and immersive gatherings.
Port Townsend’s natural biodiversity and indigenous wisdom traditions make this a powerful setting for meaningful, hands-on engagement.
A Unique Venue for Impactful Events
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Fort Worden is not just a venue—it’s a place where ideas take shape, movements are born, and transformation happens. With its historic architecture, panoramic views of the Salish Sea, and deep cultural roots, Fort Worden provides a unique atmosphere for mission-driven gatherings. Whether you're organizing a global summit, leadership retreat, or hands-on workshop, the environment itself fosters creativity, collaboration, and visionary thinking.
Why Fort Worden?
An historic past—originally built as a military fort, now reimagined as a place for peace, innovation, and education.
Breathtaking surroundings—inspiring views, open spaces, and a tranquil setting away from the distractions of city life.
Historic charm meets modern infrastructure—with event spaces, lodging, and outdoor gathering areas designed for both intimate and large-scale experiences.
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Port Townsend is more than just a beautiful coastal town—it’s a hub for forward-thinking individuals and organizations working toward a better world. Known for its deep-rooted commitment to sustainability, regenerative farming, and social innovation, this community thrives on collaboration, experimentation, and action.
Who You’ll Find Here:
Regenerative Farmers & Ecologists – Innovators redefining how we grow food and restore landscapes.
Social Architects & Systems Thinkers – Leaders reimagining governance, economies, and community structures.
Artists & Storytellers – Visionaries using film, music, and media to shift culture and inspire action.
Tech & Sustainability Entrepreneurs – Innovators at the intersection of technology and planetary well-being.
💡 Port Townsend is a magnet for changemakers—by hosting your event here, you’re instantly plugged into a network of action-oriented visionaries.
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Fort Worden is surrounded by one of the most ecologically rich and resilient landscapes in North America. The Olympic Peninsula offers a real-world case study for climate restoration, biodiversity preservation, and sustainable living.
Why This Matters for Your Event:
Ancient Ecosystems – Home to old-growth rainforests, glacial rivers, and thriving marine life, providing a living backdrop for environmental education.
Climate Resilience in Action – Port Townsend’s commitment to coastal restoration, regenerative agriculture, and bioregional economies makes it a model for sustainability.
Hands-On Learning Opportunities – Workshops, nature-based immersions, and field excursions connect attendees with working examples of ecosystem restoration.
🌿 Your event can go beyond discussion—Fort Worden provides a hands-on environment where learning meets real impact.
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Hosting an event at Fort Worden means access to immersive learning, cultural experiences, and unique outdoor adventures.
Enhance Your Gathering With:
Farm & Food Sovereignty Tours – Visit nearby regenerative farms to see firsthand how sustainable food systems are reshaping agriculture.
Indigenous Knowledge & Connection – Engage with the S’Klallam tribes, whose centuries of stewardship offer deep insights into Earth restoration.
Nature-Based Leadership Retreats – Leverage the surrounding forests and coastline for guided hikes, team-building activities, and silent retreats.
Maritime & Coastal Sustainability Programs – Learn from local marine conservationists and blue economy innovators leading efforts in ocean restoration.
⚡ At Fort Worden, events aren’t just conferences—they’re lived experiences.
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Fort Worden offers the ideal setting for deep work, high-level collaboration, and transformative learning—without being disconnected from the world.
Remote, Yet Accessible – Just 56 miles from Seattle, with ferry and road access from major transportation hubs.
Full Event Infrastructure – Accommodations, dining, and historic meeting spaces on-site, making multi-day events seamless.
A Space for Big Thinking – The serene, natural setting allows participants to disconnect from daily distractions and engage in meaningful dialogue.
The Future of Fort Worden: A New Kind of Global Hub
United Earth Networks is building an ecosystem of change at Fort Worden, creating a space where:
Conferences & Gatherings on regenerative design, bioregional economies, and planetary restoration can happen.
Educational Programs & Retreats can train, inspire, and mobilize the next generation of change makers.
Real-World Living-Labs can pilot new governance models, financial systems, and ecological restoration techniques.
Live Media & Streaming can broadcast ideas, workshops, and cultural experiences to a worldwide audience and interact and work together in real-time around the world.
Booking
United Earth Networks produces and plays host to a variety of special events at Fort Worden Historic State Park and Conference Center. Join us by bringing your next event to this remarkable location in the Pacific Northwest.
Please fill out the form below if you would like to inquire about working with UEN to bring your event to Fort Worden.
The Moment Is Now
The time’s ripe. If you or your crew want to host an event, share some know-how, or team up, we at United Earth Networks are ready to make it happen at Fort Worden in Port Townsend and around the world.
Reach out—we’ll help you turn your spark into something real.
HISTORY
Historic Fort Worden State Park and Conference Center has evolved from a Coast Salish indigenous people’s gathering place to a military fort (1897-1953), then a juvenile detention facility (1957-1971), and finally a Washington State Park since 1973.
Originally built as part of Puget Sound's coastal defense system, the fort never fired a shot in combat. Today it serves as a historic cultural and educational conference and event center, while preserving its military history and mission of life-long learning..
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Thousands of years ago: Coast Salish Indigenous peoples used the area 1855: Local tribes ceded ownership under the Treaty of Point No Point 1866: President Andrew Johnson withdrew 464 acres for military reservation 1880s-1925: Chinese immigrants established farming operations 1883/1886: Alexander's Castle built
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1897: Fort Worden construction began 1897-1900: Three years of excavation and concrete work for gun emplacements 1902: Fort Worden officially established as an active Army base 1903-1904: Initial barracks completed 1917: Expansion during World War I with six new buildings 1953: The base closed when the Harbor Defense Command was deactivated
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1956: Most of Fort Worden was purchased by the Port of Port Townsend Wikipedia
1957: The State of Washington purchased Fort Worden for $127,533 for use as a diagnostic and treatment center for troubled youths Wikipedia
1957-1971: Fort Worden operated as a Juvenile Diagnostic Center, run by the Department of Institutions and holding youth offenders Home
1971: Governor Daniel J. Evans closed the Juvenile Diagnostic Center, and later that year the remaining 358 acres were transferred to Washington State Parks
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1973: Fort Worden State Park officially opened to the public (August 18) 1973: Centrum founded as a non-profit arts and education organization 1974: Copper Canyon Press located permanently at Fort Worden 1990s: Port Townsend Marine Science Center programs began 2009-2011: Fort Worden Lifelong Learning Center Public Development Authority chartered
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Fort Worden is entering an exciting new chapter with the launch of a 10‑year master plan that will guide the campus into its next era as a hub for arts, culture, education, and regenerative innovation. As these plans unfold, United Earth Networks is poised to be a long-term partner in bringing this vision to life.
Through our media, education, and global convening initiatives, UEN is ready to help activate Fort Worden’s historic spaces with year‑round programs, immersive storytelling, and collaborative projects that serve both the local community and audiences worldwide. Our goal is to contribute to a vibrant, future‑ready Fort Worden—one that continues to inspire learning, creativity, and planetary stewardship for many years to come.
Getting Here
Historic Fort Worden State Park & Conference Center (Website)
202 Eisenhower, Port Townsend, WA 98368
Download Campus Map
Driving Directions:
From Olympia: Take US-101 N to WA-20 E. Follow WA-20 to Port Townsend. This route avoids ferry crossings and provides a scenic drive.
From Seattle: Use one of the ferry options detailed below or drive I-5 N to WA-104 W, crossing the Hood Canal Bridge.
Important Note on the Hood Canal Bridge:
The Hood Canal Bridge occasionally raises for large vessels, including submarines.
Download the WSDOT app to check real-time bridge status and plan your drive accordingly.
Air Travel
The closest major airport is Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), approximately 2.5 hours from Port Townsend.
Car Rentals: All major rental companies operate from SEA.
Shuttle Services: Options are detailed below.
Regional Option:Paine Field (Everett) offers flights closer to ferry terminals and is approximately 2 hours from Port Townsend.
Shuttle, Bus &
Car Services
Several companies offer services to Port Townsend:
Jefferson County Transit: Seattle to Port Townsend and back
Freedom Runners: Private, Door to Door Sea-Tac Transfers
Rocket Transportation: DOOR to DOOR Sea-Tac Airport shuttle serving Washington’s Beautiful Olympic Peninsula.
Check each provider for pricing, schedules, and availability.
Train Travel
Amtrak serves stations that provide good access to the Olympic Peninsula.
Olympia-Lacey Station (OLW): Convenient for those driving north on US-101, avoiding ferry crossings.
Seattle King Street Station: Ideal if connecting to ferry terminals or shuttle services.
Edmonds Station: Closer to ferry terminals for those heading to Kingston or Bainbridge Island.
Visit Amtrak's website for schedules and bookings.
Ferries
For travelers coming from Seattle or other Puget Sound locations, ferries provide scenic and practical access to the Olympic Peninsula.
Driving Ferries:
Bainbridge Island Ferry (Seattle to Bainbridge): A popular option for drivers, landing on Bainbridge Island. Drive approximately 1 hour to Port Townsend from the terminal.
Edmonds-Kingston Ferry: Offers a direct route to Kingston for drivers heading to the peninsula. Drive approximately 1 hour from Kingston to Port Townsend.
Passenger-Only Fast Ferry:
Kitsap Fast Ferry (Seattle to Kingston): Perfect for walking or biking travelers. Connect to free buses (see below) for travel to Port Townsend.
Visit Washington State Ferries and
Kitsap Transit for schedules and fares.

