Kennewick Tourist Attractions
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Kennewick is a small city in south central Washington. It was made famous by the discovery of a skull in 1996 which became known as Kennewick Man. The skull became controversial when it was determined that it had traits inconsistent with Native-Americans and more European characteristics, leading some to conclude that Europeans were in North America long before it is originally thought they arrived.
East Benton County Historical Society Museum
The East Benton County Historical Museum displays a range of artifacts related to the history of Kennewick and the surrounding area. The museum building itself is quite interesting, with a unique floor made of petrified wood.
Oasis Waterworks
Oasis Waterworks in Kennewick is a water based amusement park with pools and waterslides. The park draws kids from all over during the summer months.
Surroundings
Pasco
Pasco is located in southern Washington in the tri-cities area that encompasses Pasco, Kennewick, and Richland. The area is known for the recreational opportunities that present themselves with the surrounding Snake, Yakima and Columbia Rivers. However, the town also has some good cultural sights such as the Franklin County Historical Museum and the nearby Fort Walla Walla Museum.
Franklin County Historical Museum
The Franklin County Historical Museum describes life in Pasco in the early 1900s through creative displays that include a recreated schoolhouse, mechanical equipment, and artifacts from everyday life. The museum also deals with Lewis and Clark, and Native American Indian artifacts.
McNary National Wildlife Refuge
The McNary National Wildlife Refuge is located on east bank of the Columbia River. The refuge protects rare and endangered birds, and the areas along the shoreline serve developing salmon. Some of the McNary National Wildlife Refuge is farmland, planted with crops, and left in the fields for waterfowl the feed on.
Ice Harbor Dam
The Ice Harbor Dam is located on the lower Snake River. Visit the Ice Harbor Lock & Dam Visitor Center for more information on the dam and surrounding area.
Richland
Richland, along with Kennewick and Pasco, makes up the Tri-Cities Area. The city is known for being the site of the first nuclear reactor in the United States. The Hanford Site, as it is called, is still operational.Also nearby is the Hanford Reach National Monument, on the Columbia River.
Columbia River Exhibition of History, Science and Technology
The Columbia River Exhibition of History, Science and Technology in Richland focuses on the Columbia Basin. The center covers a wide range of topics with displays and interactive exhibits. In addition to the permament collection, the Columbia River Exhibition also hosts temporary exhibits.
Hanford Reach National Monument
The Hanford Reach National Monument is operated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Along the river here are old plutonium reactors from WWII and the Cold War. These stand in contrast the beautiful natural scenery and abundant wildlife found at Hanford Reach National Monument.
Three Rivers Children's Museum
The Three Rivers Children's Museum in Pasco offers a range of exhibits and activities for children. Displays are interactive and designed to be educational. Some of the exhibits include a performance stage, computer learning area, kitchen, workshop, tree house, and more.
Richland Light Opera Company
The Richland Light Opera Company produces large scale musicals and operas. The company has been in existence since 1948 and has a long and successful history of delivering performances. Check ahead to find out what's playing.
