If you're visiting, check out these spots:

Fort Lewis

• The base -- Named after famed Army explorer Meriwether Lewis of the Lewis & Clark expedition that discovered the Pacific Northwest, the 83,000-acre military installation has played a prominent role in Army history since its founding in 1917. While the base is not open to the public without a specific invitation, it regularly hosts public events and open houses such as Armed Forces Day and July 4.

• Fort Lewis Military Museum -- More than 80 years of military history is on display at the museum, located in the old Fort Lewis Inn on the base's north fort section overlooking Interstate 5. The museum contains four major galleries depicting the history of the base and the Army units that have served there, and features a major collection of uniforms, decorations and other military memorabilia. Standing exhibits have included the role of the Army in the early Pacific Northwest, World War II and the Persian Gulf War. It includes a two-acre park with a large collection of military vehicles and weapons. The museum is free. Hours: Wednesday through Sunday, noon to 4 p.m. Visitors must obtain a base pass at the Fort Lewis pass and identification office at the Main Gate (driver's license, vehicle registration and proof of insurance must be presented). From I-5 take Exit 120 to the Main Gate; once a pass is issued, proceed west on 41st Division Drive under the overpass to the North Fort Lewis gate, then follow the signs to the museum.

• American Lake -- Take a country drive to the stunning vista of the lake, where you can enjoy a picnic and launch your boat at American Lake North Park. From I-5, take Exit 124/Gravelly Lake Drive, proceed north and west on Gravelly Lake Drive, turn left on Veterans Drive and follow the road west for about 1.5 miles to the park entrance.

• Lakewood Mall -- Shoppers can enjoy the city's retailing magnet located between Gravelly Lake Drive and Bridgeport Road in the heart of the city. The mall includes a central concourse and three outlying retail areas serviced by a free shuttle trolley that enables shoppers to connect with more than 160 retail stores, restaurants, public service and medical offices. From I-5 take the Lakewood/McChord exit, proceed north on Bridgeport Way Southwest to the mall.

• Lakewood Gardens -- Stroll through this 10-acre estate in Lakewood famed for its landscape gardens designed by noted landscape architect Thomas Church. Roses, ferns and alpines grace their own garden area, and the site features one of the Northwest's largest collections of rhododendrons and Japanese maples. Take Exit 124/Gravelly Lake Drive, follow the signs to the estate, located at 12317 Gravelly Lake Dr. S.W. Open through September, Thursday and Saturday through Monday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Friday, noon to 8 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for seniors/students and free for children under 12.