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Wheat fields, sweet onions and more than a hundred wineries surround Walla Walla, a valley town in southeast Washington tucked against the foothills of the Blue Mountains. Its name comes from a Native American phrase often translated as many waters, a nod to the creeks that braid through the valley.
The Whitman Mission of the 1830s and the Army post of Fort Walla Walla shaped the early town, and by the late 1800s it was one of the largest communities in Washington Territory. That prosperity shows in the brick blocks of the downtown historic district, the 1928 Marcus Whitman Hotel and the leafy campus of Whitman College, along with a park laid out by the Olmsted Brothers.
Today most visitors come for wine, tasting in downtown rooms, in old military buildings at the airport and among vineyards south of town. Add the farmers market, the Fort Walla Walla Museum and a walk around Bennington Lake, and a long weekend fills itself. The Blue Mountains and the Palouse are easy day trips.
The site of the mission founded in 1836 by Marcus and Narcissa Whitman, about seven miles west of town. A visitor center tells the story of the mission and the Cayuse people, and trails lead past building outlines, the Great Grave and a hilltop memorial obelisk. Climb the short hill for valley views.
A museum on the grounds of the old fort with a pioneer village of historic cabins, a schoolhouse and a train depot, plus exhibit halls on farming and regional history. The life-size mule team pulling a combine harvester is a highlight. Check the calendar for living history days in summer.
A restored Italianate brick house built in 1880 for cattle dealer William Kirkman, furnished in period style. Guided tours cover family life and early Walla Walla, and the museum hosts talks and seasonal events. It sits a short walk from downtown, so combine it with lunch on Main Street.
A walkable historic district of brick commercial buildings along Main Street, filled with tasting rooms, cafes, bookshops and galleries. Bronze sculptures dot the sidewalks, and evenings stay lively in summer. Park once and wander; many tasting rooms open around noon and close by early evening.
A private liberal arts college founded in 1882 with a shaded campus of brick halls, lawns and a creek running through it. Visitors can stroll the grounds, see public art and catch concerts or lectures during the school year. Memorial Building, with its clock tower, makes a good starting point.
The tallest building in town, a 1928 brick hotel whose rooftop sign is visible across the valley. The restored lobby with its wood paneling and the hotel restaurant are open to non-guests. Step inside for a look at the old ballroom era, then head out on foot to the downtown tasting rooms.
A classic city park laid out by the Olmsted Brothers, with huge old trees, a bandstand, a duck pond and a free aviary home to pheasants, peafowl and other birds. Families come for the playground and summer concerts. Bring a picnic and look for the Japanese-style garden near the south side.
A reservoir on the east edge of town built for Mill Creek flood control, ringed by about 20 miles of trails for walking, running, biking and horseback riding. Water levels change with the season, and the shoreline draws birds and deer. Go early on summer mornings, before the heat.
A cluster of small wineries in former World War II army air base buildings beside the regional airport. Many young winemakers start here, so the mood is casual and tastings are often poured by the owners. Check hours before going, as several rooms open only on Fridays and weekends.
A downtown market held on weekend mornings from spring through autumn, with local fruit, vegetables, baked goods, flowers and crafts. In early summer look for the famous Walla Walla sweet onions, mild enough to eat like an apple. Arrive early for the best choice and easier parking.
A summer festival celebrating the valley's best-known crop, with onion-themed food, an onion eating contest, live music, crafts and children's games. It usually takes place in July, around harvest time. Pick up a bag of fresh sweet onions to take home, as they are sold by the box at the event.
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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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