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Richland is a city of about 63,000 people in southeastern Washington, where the Yakima River meets the Columbia River. It is one of the Tri-Cities, along with Kennewick and Pasco. A small farming town until 1943, it was taken over by the federal government and rebuilt to house workers at the Hanford Site, where plutonium was produced for the Manhattan Project.
The REACH Museum on the Columbia River tells the story of the Hanford Site, the region's ice-age floods and its farming history, and the B Reactor, the world's first full-scale nuclear reactor, is open for tours as part of Manhattan Project National Historical Park. Many of the city's original "alphabet houses," built for Hanford workers, still line its streets.
Richland has a long riverfront with Howard Amon Park and the Columbia River trails, and Badger Mountain rises above the city with popular hiking trails and wide views. The surrounding area is known for its vineyards, with many wineries in Richland and nearby Red Mountain.
The Hanford Reach Interpretive Center on the Columbia River in Richland, with exhibits on the region's Ice Age floods, Native peoples, farming and irrigation, and the Hanford Site's role in the Manhattan Project. It is a good introduction before a B Reactor tour. Allow about two hours; admission is modest.
The world's first full-scale nuclear reactor, built in 1944 for the Manhattan Project and now part of Manhattan Project National Historical Park. Free bus tours run from Richland in season and visit the control room and the reactor face. Tours fill quickly, so register online early, and bring photo ID.
Government-built homes from the 1940s, when Richland was a federal town housing Hanford workers, named by letter for each house design, such as A, B, F and Q houses. Many still line the streets of central Richland. Drive or walk the older neighborhoods near downtown to spot them; they are private homes.
A large riverside park along the Columbia River in central Richland, with lawns, shade trees, a playground, a swimming pool, a boat launch and a paved riverside path. It hosts summer concerts and the Sunfest events. Sunset over the river is lovely, and the park links to the long Sacagawea Heritage Trail.
A riverfront park in north Richland named after the general who led the Manhattan Project, with a boat launch, a swimming beach, picnic areas and paved paths along the Columbia River. It is a quieter alternative to the busier parks downtown. Bring sun protection, as shade is limited along much of the river.
A waterfront park at the mouth of the Yakima River where it meets the Columbia, with a marina, lawns, a beach area, picnic shelters and paths, plus restaurants and hotels nearby. It is a pleasant place for a stroll and to watch boats. The Sacagawea Heritage Trail passes through the park.
A popular hiking preserve on the edge of Richland with trails climbing about 800 feet to the summit of Badger Mountain, with wide views over the Tri-Cities, the rivers and the vineyards. The Canyon Trail is the most used. There is no shade, so hike early or late in summer, and bring plenty of water.
A natural area along Amon Creek in south Richland with easy trails through wetlands, riparian woods and shrub-steppe, home to birds, deer and other wildlife. It is a quiet escape near busy shopping areas. Trails are flat and short, suitable for families; bring binoculars for birdwatching.
A retro shopping center built in the late 1940s in central Richland, with local shops, diners, a famous donut shop and the Atomic theme in some names and signs. It is a fun place to browse and eat, with plenty of free parking. Look for the historic signs and the community events held here in summer.
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Washington, United States
Washington, United States
Washington, United States
Washington, United States
Washington, United States
Washington, United States
Washington, United States
Washington, United States
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