Hat 'n' Boots

Hat 'n' Boots is a roadside art installation in Seattle featuring a towering cowboy hat and two large boots that were originally built to serve as restrooms. The structures are made entirely of steel and designed with careful details to look realistic, with the hat spreading wide and the boots showing creases like worn leather.

The structure was built in 1954 as part of a gas station called Premium Tex and was a landmark for the automobile traffic of that era. After about 50 years, it was purchased in 2003 by residents for one dollar and relocated to a park where it stands today.

The oversized Western elements reflect the style of the 1950s, when gas stations used playful shapes to attract drivers passing by on the road. This kind of architecture showed the bold spirit of that era, when bigger and bolder design was seen as clever commercial appeal.

The site is easy to reach on foot and is located in a public park that is open throughout the day and offers free access. Visitors should expect varying light conditions since the structure stands completely outdoors and looks best during daylight hours.

The complex support structure beneath the hat is made of 24 steel beams arranged at unusual angles to carry the weight while maintaining the look of a natural shape. This engineering solution is not immediately visible to visitors but makes the balance and appearance of the structure possible.

Location: Washington

GPS coordinates: 47.54500,-122.32167

Latest update: December 8, 2025 21:00