• What makes Yakima, Washington a popular destination?
    • Yakima is a popular destination for wine enthusiasts.
    • It is situated within the Yakima Valley, one of the Pacific Northwest’s most fertile growing areas.
  • What family-friendly attractions are there in Yakima?
    • Yakima offers museums, performance venues, and outdoor natural attractions.
  • What events can visitors enjoy in Yakima?

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1. Yakima Area Arboretum and Botanical Garden


Walk through peaceful gardens and admire native plants on a relaxing spring outing.

Yakima Area Arboretum and Botanical Garden

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  • What is the Yakima Area Arboretum and Botanical Garden?
  • What was the original purpose of the site?
    • The area was originally developed in the 20th century as a chicken and vegetable farm site.
  • When was the arboretum officially established?
    • The arboretum was officially established in 1967 by the Washington State Federation of Garden Clubs and has been in continual development since.
  • How many plant species are showcased?
    • The arboretum showcases more than 1,000 native and exotic plant species throughout its landscaped gardens.
  • What are some notable gardens in the arboretum?
    • Notable gardens include the Joyful Japanese Garden, Carlson Butterfly Garden, and Xeric Garden Demonstration Site.
  • What facilities are available at the Jewett Interpretive Center?
    • Opened in 1992, the center features a carillon bell tower, reference library, herbarium and solarium, and a public gift shop.
  • Are tours available?
    • Yes, self-guided and guided tours are available seven days a week, including school field trips and private group tours.

1401 Arboretum Dr, Yakima, WA 98901, Phone: 509-248-7337

2. Yakima Valley Visitors Center


Pick up maps and explore local attractions on a quick, easy trip.

Yakima Valley Visitors Center

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  • What is the Yakima Valley Visitors Center?
  • When is the Yakima Valley Visitors Center open?
    • The center is open to the public on Saturdays and Sundays throughout the year.
  • What type of information does the center provide?
    • Visitors can find information on Washington's wine country region, nationally-recognized breweries, outdoor adventure sites, and family-friendly attractions.
  • Are travel consultants available?
    • Yes, travel consultants are on-site to help visitors plan their Washington tourist itineraries.
  • What kind of products are available at the center?
    • A wide variety of Yakima-produced artisan goods and souvenirs are offered.
  • Does the center offer regional wines and beers?
    • Yes, a rotating selection of regional wines and beers is available, including varieties for sampling.
  • Are gift baskets available for purchase?
    • Yes, Yakima Valley-themed gift baskets are available, showcasing locally-produced gifts and food and beverage items.

101 N Fair Ave, Yakima, WA 98901, Phone: 509-573-3388

3. Yakima Valley Museum


Discover regional history and see vintage displays on an affordable educational visit.

Yakima Valley Museum

© Yakima Valley Museum

  • What is the Yakima Valley Museum?
    • The Yakima Valley Museum is a 65,000-square-foot museum showcasing exhibits related to the region’s natural and cultural history, with a focus on indigenous populations, pioneer life, and early economic development.
  • What permanent exhibits are featured at the museum?
    • The museum offers several permanent exhibits, including:
      • Making a Home 1869 – A pioneer cabin exhibit.
      • Making a Mark Beyond the Valley – Honoring notable area residents of the past and present.
  • What is the Children's Underground educational center?
    • The 2,500-square-foot Children’s Underground offers a variety of exhibits and programming geared at children ages five to 15.
  • What is the Yakima Memory collection?
    • The Yakima Memory collection features a digitized exhibit of more than 9,000 relevant cultural photographs.
  • What unique artifacts are on display?
    • The museum displays a 1930s-era replica Art Deco soda fountain, a large collection of horse-drawn vehicles, and petrified Miocene-era trees.
  • What public events are hosted at the museum?
    • A variety of public event programming is offered at the museum’s great hall, including concerts, TED talks, and classic movie presentations.

2105 Tieton Dr, Yakima, WA 98902, Phone: 509-248-0747

4. State Fair Park and Yakima Valley SunDome


Attend seasonal events and enjoy family fun during an exciting weekend adventure.

State Fair Park and Yakima Valley SunDome

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  • What is State Fair Park and Yakima Valley SunDome?
  • How large is the facility?
    • The facility spans 85,500 square feet.
  • What types of events are hosted at State Fair Park?
    • The park hosts a wide variety of public special events throughout the year, including:
      • Sporting events
      • Concerts
      • Boxing matches
      • Circuses
      • Major symposiums and conventions
  • What is the Yakima Valley SunDome?
    • The 6,195-seat Yakima Valley SunDome is a multipurpose arena constructed in 1990, making it the second dome arena in the world to feature a concrete sectional roof design.
  • What notable sporting events are held at the SunDome?
    • The SunDome is nationally known as the host of several major annual high school sporting events, including:
      • WIAA high school basketball state tournaments
      • Dance and drill competitions

1301 S Fair Ave, Yakima, WA 98901, Phone: 509-248-7160

5. Yakima Sportsman State Park


Fish the river and hike wooded trails on a quiet retirement outing.

Yakima Sportsman State Park

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  • What is Yakima Sportsman State Park?
    • Yakima Sportsman State Park is a state-managed public recreation facility located in Yakima County, spanning 247 acres along the path of the Yakima River’s floodplain.
  • When was the park established?
    • The park was originally opened in 1940 as a private facility overseen by the Yakima Sportsman’s Association and was converted into a state park facility in 1956.
  • What outdoor activities are available at the park?
    • The park offers a wide variety of seasonal outdoor activities, including areas for hunting, fishing, and camping at the park’s 266-acre campground park.
  • What wildlife can be seen in the park?
    • The park is home to more than 140 bird species throughout its marsh, grassland, and pond habitats, including herons, hawks, and red-winged blackbirds.
  • Are there hiking trails at Yakima Sportsman State Park?
    • Yes, the park features more than two miles of hiking trails for visitors to explore.
  • What additional amenities does the park offer?
    • The park includes picnic and kitchen shelters, volleyball courts, and children’s playgrounds.
  • What ADA-accessible facilities are available?
    • An ADA-accessible trail and pier are available within the Juan A. Alvarez Outdoor Living Classroom facility.

904 University Pkwy, Yakima, WA 98907, Phone: 509-575-2774

6. Cowiche Canyon Trails


Explore desert landscapes and walk scenic paths on an unusual nature trip.

Cowiche Canyon Trails

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  • What are the Cowiche Canyon Trails?
    • Cowiche Canyon Trails are operated by the Cowiche Canyon Conservancy, a land trust that oversees more than 5,000 acres throughout the Yakima region.
  • How many miles of trails are accessible to visitors?
    • The conservancy manages 30 miles of visitor-accessible nature trails.
  • What types of ecosystems can be found along the trails?
    • The region spans a variety of natural ecosystems, including:
      • Sage and grassland areas
      • Oak-lined woodland regions
      • Basalt cliffs
      • Meadows blooming with native wildflowers
  • What wildlife can be found in the area?
    • Wildlife present in the area includes beavers, great blue herons, and populations of salmon and crayfish within the region’s rivers.
  • What trails are part of the Cowiche Canyon Trail system?
    • The trail system includes the main Cowiche Canyon Trail, along with a number of secondary loop and summit view trails.
  • Are there trails for horseback riders?
    • Yes, Snow Mountain Ranch trails offer access for horseback riders, accessible via Rocky Top.

8006 Cowiche Canyon Rd, Yakima, WA 98908, Phone: 509-248-5065

7. Bale Breaker Brewing Company


Sip fresh craft beer and enjoy the hops field view on a fun weekend.

Bale Breaker Brewing Company

© Bale Breaker Brewing Company

  • What is Bale Breaker Brewing Company?
  • Who owns and operates the brewery?
    • The brewery is owned and operated by siblings Meghann Quinn and Kevin and Patrick Smith.
  • What brewing facilities does Bale Breaker have?
    • The brewery operates a 30-barrel brewhouse within its 27,000-square-foot production facility and taproom, which offers a seasonal outdoor patio.
  • What are the core brews available at Bale Breaker?
    • Core brews include:
      • Field 41 Pale Ale
      • Topcutter IPA
      • Leota Mae IPA
      • Bottomcutter Imperial IPA
  • Are seasonal brews available?
    • Yes, seasonal brews are tapped regularly at the public taproom facility.
  • What events and amenities are available at the taproom?
    • The taproom hosts rotating food truck pop-ups and a variety of public special events.
  • Are brewery tours available?
    • Yes, brewery tours are offered by appointment, showcasing the company’s history and production process.

1801 Birchfield Rd, Yakima, WA 98901, Phone: 509-424-4000

8. Kana Winery


Savor local wines and relax downtown during a romantic couples afternoon.

Kana Winery

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  • What is Kana Winery?
    • Kana Winery is owned and managed by certified otolaryngologist and plastic surgeon Palmer Wright, who turned his winemaking hobby into a commercial venture.
  • Where is Kana Winery located?
    • The winery is housed within Yakima’s Art Deco-style 1931 Larson Building.
  • What vineyards does Kana Winery operate?
    • Kana Winery operates several vineyards throughout the Yakima and Columbia Valleys, including:
      • Coyote Canyon
      • Elephant Mountain
      • Stone Tree
      • Boushey
      • Champoux Vineyards
  • What types of wines are available?
    • A variety of white and red fine and table wines are offered for sale and tasting.
  • Where can visitors taste Kana Winery’s wines?
    • The winery’s Tasting Room and Hospitality Center features a bistro-style seating area for tastings.
  • Does Kana Winery offer happy hour pricing?
    • Yes, happy hour pricing is offered Mondays through Thursdays.
  • What special events does Kana Winery host?
    • A variety of public special events are presented throughout the year, including:
      • Open mic nights
      • Live music performances

10 S 2nd St, Yakima, WA 98901, Phone: 509-453-6611

9. Johnson's Orchards


Pick fresh fruit and enjoy homemade goods on a fun family fall outing.

Johnson's Orchards

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  • What is Johnson's Orchards?
    • Johnson's Orchards is a historic seasonal orchard and fruit packing warehouse dating back to 1904, established by Swedish immigrant Alfred Johnson.
  • Who operates Johnson's Orchards today?
    • The orchard is operated today by fourth-generation Johnson family members.
  • What types of fruit are available at Johnson's Orchards?
    • The orchard offers seasonal varieties of fruit, including:
      • Signature cherries
      • Apples
      • Apricots
      • Peaches
      • Pears
      • Nectarines
  • Where is the fruit processed?
    • Fruits are processed within the facility’s historic 1916 fruit-packing warehouse.
  • What products are made in the orchard's commercial kitchen?
    • The facility opened a commercial kitchen in 2011 that produces:
      • Copper Pot Caramels
      • Little Bake Shop pastries
      • Pies available throughout the year
  • Are wines available at Johnson's Orchards?
    • Yes, Purple Star Wines are available on site, crafted and bottled by family member Kyle Johnson.

4906 Summitview Ave, Yakima, WA 98908, Phone: 509-966-7479

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