Wenatchee Tourist Attractions
|
|
Located in central Washington, the city of Wenatchee has become somewhat of an artists haven. The town displays sculptures from artists across the United States. There is also a Performing Arts Center that hosts a variety of events. Visitors can also check out the Bridge of Friendship, Cashmere Pioneer Village & Museum, and the Columbia Breaks Fire Interpretive Center while spending time in Wenatchee.
Ohme Gardens County Park
The Ohme Gardens County Park in Wenatchee offers visitors a chance to stroll through the gardens on walking trails. Nonetheless, the rolling and rugged landscape may be challenging to some and proper footwear is required. The Ohme Gardens is an ever changing place where there is always something in bloom.
Rocky Reach Dam
The Rocky Reach Dam in Wenatchee, like many of the others in Washington, offers glass fish viewing areas. On site is the Visitor Information Center, on site are picnic areas, and a play ground on well maintained grounds.
Wenatchee National Forest
Wenatchee National Forest covers a 2.2 million acre area offering all kinds of outdoor opportunities. Some of the options available include hiking, horseback riding, camping, and cross-country skiing.
Wenatchee Valley Museum and Cultural Center
The Wenatchee Valley Museum and Cultural Center features temporary exhibits in addition to the permanent collection. The focus of the museum is on the natural and cultural history of the Wenatchee Valley.
Surroundings
There are several small towns in the area around Wenatchee which can be easily visited on a day trip.
Cashmere
Located in the middle of Washington State in the Cashmere Valley, the small town of Cashmere is in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains. Orchards surround the town and with the distant snow capped mountains the entire area is very scenic.
Cashmere Museum (formerly Chelan County Museum and Pioneer Village)
The Chelan County Museum and Pioneer Village is an open air museum featuring 20 original 19th Century buildings. The museum provides wonderful insight into the pioneering days in Chelan County. In addition to the pioneer artifacts on display the Chelan County Museum also offers displays on Native American Indians and natural history.
Arrastra
The Arrastra is a late 19th Century device designed to extract gold from ore by grinding the ore. It was water powered and one of many used in the West during this time period.
Liberty Orchards Company
The Liberty Orchards Company in Cashmere, is a candy factory, offering guided tours of the facilities. Depending on the time of day there may or may not be much production taking place but there are always free samples.
Coulee City
The small town of Coulee City is a small community with lots of character. Nearby Banks Lake provides all kinds of recreational opportunities, including fishing. Coulee City is also well known for the annual Memorial Day, Last Stand Rodeo, which draws visitors from all over the area.
Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park
Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park is a camping and recreational park known for the cliff wall that was once a huge waterfalls. Today the waterfall is dried up, giving it the name "Dry Falls", but at the base are a number of lakes that are popular with boaters.
Ephrata
The town of Ephrata is located in the Columbia Basin in central Washington. Some of the main attractions worth looking into in Ephrata are the Grant County's Historical Museum & Village, as well as the numerous summer festivals. The Basin Summer Sounds festival draws crowds from all over the area.
Grant County Historical Museum and Village
The Grant County Historical Museum and Village in Ephrata consists of a number of historic pioneering buildings, restored and funished in period. The museum is entertaining for all ages and makes for a nice family outing.
Leavenworth
The town of Leavenworth proudly calls itself the Bavarian Village, and celebrates its heritage throughout the year. The town hosts a number of annual festivals, including the Winatchee River Salmon Festival held each fall. Check with the Leavenworth Chamber of Commerce for a list of upcoming events.
Red-Tail Canyon Farm
The Red-Tail Canyon Farm, just outside Leavenworth is a working ranch designed to mimic the pioneering days. Visitors can spend the night at the Red-Tail Canyon Farm or just come and enjoy some of the activities during the day. The facility offers sleigh ride and horse rides, and will host large scale events such as weddings.
Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery
If you are looking to kill some time while in Leavenworth, try visiting the Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery. Learn how the hatchery is working to restore the salmon population in the Columbia River.
Waterville
Waterville is a small town in central Washington surrounded by wheat fields. The name Waterville was given to the town because at the time it was established, much of the surrounding area had no water and attempts to dig wells came up dry. Waterville thrived due to its water resources.
Douglas County Historical Museum
The Douglas County Historical Museum displays a range of pioneering artifacts, a mineral collection, photographs, and information on the history of Waterville.
