Pike Place Market in Seattle, Washington is one of the oldest continuously operated public markets in the United States. It’s home to hundreds of vendors selling fresh produce, fish, baked goods, crafts and more. The market is also known for its exciting events, street performers, and of course, the famous Pike Place Fish Market where employees toss fish to each other. Let’s explore this iconic landmark through 57 riddles!
Riddles about the History of Pike Place Market
Pike Place Market has a long and storied history since its founding over a century ago. Test your knowledge of its past with these riddles!
Riddle: I’m the year Pike Place Market opened to the public. Farmers sold their wares off the backs of wagons here before the Market building was constructed. What year am I?
Answer: 1907
Riddle: I’m the name of the public market legislation adopted in Washington State that enabled the founding of Pike Place Market. What am I?
Answer: The Crawford-Fassett Act
Riddle: We were a German-Russian family of eight who immigrated to Seattle and sold produce on a horse-drawn wagon. We became the first farmers at Pike Place Market in 1907. What’s our last name?
Answer: Desimone
Riddle: I’m an architect who designed the main Market building along with several additions such as the Soames-Dunn building and Sanitary Market building. Who am I?
Answer: Frank Goodwin
Riddle: I’m a stunt performer hired to do public relations for Pike Place Market in the 1970s. My wild motorcycle act helped raise awareness and save the Market from being torn down. Who am I?
Answer: FrankCriter
Riddles about Pike Place Market’s Location
Think you know where Pike Place Market is situated in Seattle? Try these location riddles!
Riddle: I’m the street that forms the eastern edge of Pike Place Market along the waterfront. What’s my name?
Answer: Alaskan Way
Riddle: I’m the avenue that intersects Pike Place and forms the market’s southern boundary. Named after a Seattle pioneer and doctor, what am I?
Answer: Pine Street
Riddle: I’m the street named after a Puget Sound explorer that runs parallel to Pike Place along the market’s western edge. What street am I?
Answer: Western Avenue
Riddle: I’m the major thoroughfare and shopping district that intersects Pike Place Market to the north. Named after a city in Washington, what am I?
Answer: First Avenue
Riddles about Pike Place Market Buildings
Pike Place Market is comprised of multiple buildings, each with their own unique history. Test your knowledge with these building brain teasers!
Riddle: I’m the oldest surviving building at Pike Place Market, built in 1907 as the Economy Market Building. What am I called today?
Answer: The Main Arcade
Riddle: I’m the long, curved embankment building added in 1936 that connects Pike Place to the waterfront below. What am I called?
Answer: The Down Under
Riddle: I’m the renovated building that re-opened in 2012 with new bathrooms, an elevator, and a breathe-taking 40-foot ceiling. What’s my name?
Answer: The Sanitary Market Building
Riddle: I’m the 12-story historic apartment building atop Pike Place Market, built in 1908. Who am I?
Answer: LaSalle Apartments
Riddle: I’m the triangular shaped building added in 1975, originally home to farmer’s stalls. Today you can find ethnic groceries and crafts within my walls. What do they call me?
Answer: The Triangle Building
Riddles about Pike Place Market’s Produce & Farms
From fresh fruits and vegetables to beautiful flowers, Pike Place Market is a mecca for incredible local produce. Try these farm-centric riddles!
Riddle: I’m a famous fruit stand at Pike Place Market where employees famously throw fruits and veggies to each other while customers watch. What am I?
Answer: Pike Place Fish Market
Riddle: Apples, cherries, peaches and pears – you’ll always find our fresh fare! Our family farm resides in warehouses right below. Who are we?
Answer: Piper Orchards
Riddle: Carrots, beets and potatoes galore, we harvest organic veggies right next door. Look for our name on Pike Place, who are we?
Answer: Frank’s Quality Produce
Riddle: We’re a farm founded in 1909, now run by fourth generation farmers. Look for our stall filled with seasonal delights! What’s our name?
Answer: Mauhash Farm
Riddle: Colorful bouquets at prices so nice, we’re a family florist founded in 1986. Seek our vibrant stand upon Pike Place! Who are we?
Answer: Pike Place Flowers
Riddles about Pike Place Market Food & Restaurants
From fresh seafood and ethnic eats to baked goods and specialty foods, Pike Place Market is a food lover’s paradise. Try these tasty riddles!
Riddle: I’m a Mexican restaurant that’s been serving handmade tortillas, mole, and more for over 30 years at Pike Place Market. What’s my name?
Answer: El Mercado
Riddle: Located below the Main Arcade, I’ve been whipping up old fashioned malts and burgers from my tiny stand since the 1950s. Who am I?
Answer: Three Girls Bakery
Riddle: Look for me in the Sanitary Market Building for authentic French crepes made to order with sweet and savory fillings. What’s my name?
Answer: Crepe de France
Riddle: Known as the “Scone Lady”, you can find me selling freshly baked cheese, fruit and savory scones daily at my little stand. What do they call me?
Answer: The Scone Lady
Riddle: I’m a Turkish cafe at Pike Place Market serving aromatic coffee, homemade baklava and Mediterranean breakfast plates. What’s my name?
Answer: Cafe Turko
Riddles about Pike Place Market Shops
From antique shops to bookstores and everything in between, Pike Place Market is filled with eclectic retailers. Can you solve these shopper stumpers?
Riddle: I’m a whimsical toy store that’s been delighting kids of all ages at Pike Place Market since the 1970s. What shop am I?
Answer: Market Magic
Riddle: Look upstairs in the Down Under for me, a comic book shop stocked floor to ceiling with rare collectibles and new reads alike. What’s my name?
Answer: Golden Age Collectibles
Riddle: Your one stop for unique handcrafted jewelry, incense, pipes and more – I’m a Pike Place icon over 50 years old! What shop am I?
Answer: Tenzing Momo
Riddle: Records, CDs, DVDs and other musical treasures, I’ve been selling tunes at Pike Place Market since the early 70s. Come find me! Who am I?
Answer:Singles Going Steady
Riddle: Need a good read? Mystery and sci-fi are what I’ve got. Find me on First Avenue for new, used, rare books and more. What’s my name?
Answer: Lamplight Books
Riddles about Pike Place Market Sights & Attractions
Beyond shops and eats, Pike Place Market has plenty of unique sights and attractions to offer. Test your knowledge with these riddles!
Riddle: Bronze pigs that fly when you give them a coin – we’re two public art pieces installed in the late 80s. What are we called?
Answer: Rachel the Market Pig and Russell the Market Pig
Riddle: I’m the world-famous neon sign that’s marked Pike Place Market for over 50 years. I even have my own viewing balcony now! What do I spell out?
Answer: Public Market Center
Riddle: Look for me on the sidewalks for informative plaques detailing Pike Place Market’s history and significance. What am I?
Answer: Heritage House Museum
Riddle: Come find me tucked below Post Alley – I’m a one room museum filled with exhibits and artifacts detailing the Market’s past. What am I called?
Answer: The Market Heritage Center
Riddle: Look up when you pass underneath me, I’m the beautifully painted tiles covering the large archway over Pike Street. What do they call me?
Answer: The Pike Street Hillclimb
Riddles about Pike Place Market Events & Traditions
Pike Place Market is home to many beloved annual events and traditions over its long history. Test your knowledge with these eventful riddles!
Riddle: I’m the longest-running farmers market in the country, first held in 1907 even before Pike Place Market opened. You’ll find me on Pike Street on weekends during summer. What am I called?
Answer: Pike Place Farmers Market
Riddle: Artisans, performers and crafts fill me up every weekend at Pike Place Market throughout summer. Seattleites love this annual tradition! What event am I?
Answer: Pike Place Market Summer Arts & Crafts Festival
Riddle: Cookie decorating, scavenger hunts and magical characters – kids love me! I’m a Pike Place holiday tradition since 1977. What’s my name?
Answer: Magic in the Market
Riddle: Flowers, produce and street entertainment, you’ll find them all at me! I’m a huge spring tradition for over 50 years. What am I called?
Answer: Pike Place Market Opening Day
Riddle: Singers, concerts and celebrations, I welcome winter and the holidays each year at Pike Place Market. What am I?
Answer: Pike Place Market Holiday Festival
Riddles about Pike Place Market Characters & Personalities
No place has more character than Pike Place Market! Try these riddles about some of its famous figures over the years.
Riddle: They call me “The Coffee Guy”. For over 20 years, you’ll find me percolating cups of coffee at my stand below the Main Arcade. Who am I?
Answer: Ben Davis
Riddle: Flowers are my passion! Look for me, “The Flower Lady” creating beautiful bouquets in the Main Arcade every day. What’s my real name?
Answer: Christine Gregory
Riddle: I’m known as “The Button Man” and have been collecting buttons and selling them at Pike Place Market for over 40 years. What’s my first name?
Answer: Johnny
Riddle: They call me “The Sock Lady” and my vibrant stand is filled floor to ceiling with colorful, eclectic socks near the Main Arcade. My first name is Carol but what’s my last name?
Answer: Ross
Riddle: The charismatic owner of Pike Place Fish Market, you’ll find me entertaining crowds with flying fish! I’m known as the “Fish Guy”. What’s my real name?
Answer: John Yokoyama
Riddles about Other Pike Place Market Facts & Trivia
Think you know all there is to know about Seattle’s Pike Place Market? Try your hand at these extra credit riddles!
Riddle: Stretching for over 3 football fields in length, how many acres does Pike Place Market cover today?
Answer: 9 acres
Riddle: As of 2023, how many years has Pike Place Market been in operation?
Answer: 116 years
Riddle: True or false – Pike Place Market is the most-visited tourist attraction in Washington state.
Answer: True
Riddle: Roughly how many shops, restaurants and vendors does Pike Place Market host today?
Answer: Over 500
Riddle: In what decade did the city first propose demolishing Pike Place Market before public outcry helped save it?
Answer: 1960s
Riddle: True or false – Pike Place Market is owned and governed by the City of Seattle.
Answer: False. It is publicly owned by the Pike Place Public Development Authority chartered by the City.
Riddle: During which war did the Pike Place Market promote “Liberty Cabbage” instead of “sauerkraut” and “freedom fries” instead of “French fries”?
Answer: World War I
Riddle: What is the name of Pike Place Market’s official mascot that appears on merchandise and in the logo?
Answer: Rachel the Market Pig
Riddle: Which state is Pike Place Market named after?
Answer: Pike Place Market gets its name from Pike Place, which was named for John Pike, an explorer and trader from this west coast state.
Conclusion
How did you do with these riddles? Pike Place Market is such a historic and fascinating place, with so many facts and stories to discover within its walls, halls, shops and stands. Wandering through the market feels like stepping back in time, while also experiencing everything dynamic and current about Seattle. Hopefully these riddles revealed some new tidbits and gave you a mental escape to one of the city’s most beloved landmarks. Come walk the lively market floors yourself next time you’re in downtown Seattle!
