Centralia, WA: A small-town escape packed with creativity, character, and fun

The Seminary Hill Natural Area is located just outside Centralia, where if provides ample opportunity to get back to nature and enjoy a bit of a hill climb along a 1.2 mile loop trail. You will find the trailhead at the end of Banner Drive, where there is also a map of the area to help you get your bearings.

The un-paved trail is perfect for everyone (although you need to expect a steep rise in elevation as you make your way up Seminary Hill) and children and leashed dogs are welcome. Most of the hike is shaded by cedars and Douglas firs and there is also an interesting understory to admire. Your efforts will be rewarded by sweeping views from the summit of the hill.

902 E. Locust St, Centralia, WA 98531

Borst Park is centrally situated within the city limits. Historical attractions include the old homestead and schoolhouse, and the Fort Borst Blockhouse. Of botanical interest are the arboretum and rhododendron gardens. Sports facilities abound, with a volleyball court, three softball, four baseball and seven soccer fields. An athletic field, indoor swimming pool and outdoor tennis courts are close by.

Trails criss-cross the park and picnic spots offer an opportunity to rest and replenish energy. The 121 acre park is at the confluence of the Chehalis and Skookumchuck Rivers. Visitors can enjoy walks along the riverfront or lakeside. For canine customers, there is a one acre area at the south end where they can run free.

Location: West of I-5, Off Exit 82

Rectangle Gallery and Creative Space is a cooperative venture, featuring artists from Southwest Washington. There is an ongoing recruitment drive to attract new artists to add to the rich variety of talent on display. Original artwork of all styles, mediums and prices are on sale.

Classrooms, studio space and a collaborative design area are rented out. Resident artists offer art classes and multi-day workshops in their chosen medium. Arts and craft classes for 'parties' of beginners are offered on demand. Every Third Thursday there is an evening event of live music, fine dining and shopping. Private functions are accommodated at the gallery which is housed in the former Lander's Hotel building, built in 1912.

The Fox Theater in downtown Centralia, originally the smallest in the Fox chain, was built in 1930. It ran Fox Movietone News films and hosted vaudeville acts. In 1982, it was revamped into three movie theaters which operated until 1998. The motto, “The Last Word in Talking Picture Entertainment” is still emblazoned on the wall.

The City authorities, recognizing its historic value, acquired the building in 2000. Of special interest are the brick design on the exterior walls and the three large murals. Inside the original carving, gold overlays and leather seats are intact. The starburst chandeliers and orchestra pit are still there but the pipe organ has been carefully stored away.

123 S Tower Ave, Centralia, WA 98531, Phone: 360-330-766

What to do if you are traveling with kids:

The Historic Borst Home Museum lies within the Borst Park. It was built in 1880, by Joseph Borst, for his wife Mary, to compensate for the 26 years she had spent living rough in the fort and the blockhouse. It was designed to last 80 years and to be the finest house from Fort Steilacoom to Vancouver. The city acquired the property from a Borst descendant. For decades it served as home for a succession of park officials, until it was restored in1984. Many original pieces of furniture and several family photographs are still in the house. The museum is on view to the public on scheduled Saturdays and by appointment for groups.

Pioneer Road, 98531 Centralia, Washington

The Hubbub art center was established in 2005 by Rebecca Staebler, in a renovated brown brick building that was built in 1910. The building houses a contemporary craft gallery and a gift boutique. The stock is sourced in the northwest and nationally.

On sale are clothes, home décor items and toys. In 2008, Rebecca acquired the vacant car park next door and turned it into a sculpture garden. Visitors can linger and even try their hand at chalk drawing on the asphalt walkways.

505 N Tower Ave, Centralia, WA 98531, Phone: 360-736-1517

Activities and Attractions for Couples and Singles:

Set in an historic big red building which was formerly a lumber yard warehouse, the King Agriculture Museum is the largest museum of its kind to be found between Seattle and Portland. The museum is home to an impressive collection of more than 70 vintage farm tractors as well as many items of antique agricultural implements.

In addition to the vintage equipment, the museum has also set up a number of interactive exhibits and there are some pedal-tractors that children can try out. There are also many eclectic antiques including model tractors, a model train and a vintage sewing machine.

213 E. Maple Street, Centralia, WA 98531,360 701 7525

McMenamins Olympic Club hotel was opened in 1908 and remodeled in 1913. It has remained unchanged since then, conjuring up images of the Wild West in its vintage décor and photos of the era. It has 27 rooms, all named after famous and infamous local characters of the area. The salon ladies are long gone but the bar remains and there is a restaurant and movie theater, offering patrons more family-oriented entertainment these days.

112 N Tower Ave, Centralia, WA 98531, Phone: 503-223-0109

Country Cousin Restaurant was established in 1973 and is still well known for its 'countri-fried' fare. It regularly attracts second generation customers who speak of when they visited as children with their parents. The restaurant is situated just off exit #82 on the I-5 corridor between Portland and Seattle and proves to be convenient for travelers. Special functions are catered for, either in the banquet room or at your home. A country store sells preserves, candy and toys, on the premises and online.

1054 Harrison Ave, Centralia, WA 98531, Phone: 360-736-2200

The Great Wolf Lodge Water Park Grand Mound, is located between Seattle and Portland, where it promises wonderful family vacations with year-round water fun and games. The water park was fully renovated in 2023. The indoor facility covers 56,000 square feet and is kept at a very pleasant temperature of 84 degrees all year round. Just a few of the fun activities you can enjoy include Fort Mackenzie, a 4-storey interactive water fort ideal for children, Slap Tail Pond wave pool, the River Canyon Tube run and several exciting open slides and tube slides for all ages. There is themed accommodation on site and water park entry is included in your rate.

20500 Old Hwy 99 SW, Centralia, WA 98531, Phone: 800 640 9653