1. Ride the Magic at the Gesa Carousel of Dreams
One of the most historic landmarks in all of Kennewick, the Gesa Carousel of Dreams has been standing for over a century. Originally constructed at Silver Beach Amusement Park in St. Joseph, Michigan, the carousel was beloved by generations until being dismantled and moved all the way to Roswell, New Mexico. At the turn of the millennium, in 2002, the carousel was then bought to Kennewick. All of its intricate details have been preserved over the decades, making it one of the most beautiful and storied carousels still standing and running in the United States.
2901-F Southridge Boulevard, Kennewick, WA 99338, Phone: 509-378-3257
2. Relax, Walk, or Play Along the River at Columbia Park
Spread out across 400 acres along the banks of the Columbia River, this public park is one of the largest and most popular in the area. Columbia Park has some fascinating history, with the famed Lewis and Clark Expedition passing through, many years ago. Nowadays, locals and tourists alike are drawn to Columbia Park on a daily basis for all kinds of recreational activities like hiking and biking. The park features several boat launches for those looking to get out on the river itself, while also offering large grassy spaces, a fishing pond, a disc golf course for the entire family to enjoy, and a private golf course too.
If you are traveling with kids:
3. Bike or Stroll the Scenic Sacagawea Heritage Trail
Beloved by the locals, the Sacagawea Heritage Trail is a 23-mile multi-use trail running through the entire Tri-Cities area and linking the three cities of Kennewick, Pasco, and Richland.
Named in honor of Sacagawea, the route begins at Sacagawea State Park and passes by several landmarks like the Cable Bridge, the Blue Bridge, Chiawana Park, Batement Island, and Columbia Park. Both cyclists and walkers can enjoy the trail, with people of all ages walking and riding up and down it on a daily basis. It’s an excellent way to experience the full beauty of the Tri-Cities.
Pasco, WA 99301
4. Shop, Dine, and Explore at Columbia Center Mall
Situated in the north west part of the city, the Columbia Center Mall is the primary shopping destination for Kennewick.
Part of the Simon chain, this is the biggest mall in all of Southeast Washington, with over 120 stores in total. Shoppers can browse through a huge selection of clothing stores, as well as sporting goods, video games, footwear, and gifts. There's a large play area for children and over a dozen eateries including everything from coffee shop chains and snacks to full sit-down restaurants.
1321 N Columbia Center Boulevard, Kennewick, WA 99336, Phone: 509-783-2109
Activities and Attractions for Couples:
5. Discover Local Stories at the East Benton County Historical Society Museum
Opened back in the 1980s, the East Benton County Historical Society and Museum is a particularly interesting museum in downtown Kennewick.
All kinds of historical artifacts and exhibits are found here, with a key focus on ancient Indian petroglyphs that were found along the Columbia River back in 1939. Old-time farm tools are also on display, and the museum really paints a picture of the culture and heritage of Benton County. Various photographs from times gone by line the walls, and the museum staff are always looking out for new artifacts, photos, and other items to add to the museum's ever-growing collection.
205 W Keewaydin Drive, Kennewick, WA 99336, Phone: 509-582-7704
6. Catch a Concert or Game at the Toyota Center
One of the main event hubs for the city of Kennewick, the Toyota Center is a multi-purpose venue that was opened in 1988 as the Tri-Cities Coliseum. The Tri-City Americans hockey team plays here, and the center can seat an audience of around 6,000 people for hockey games.
The Toyota Center is also used for live music events and shows, having hosted major rock bands and artists over the years, including KISS, Alice Cooper, and Slipknot. For concerts, the venue is able to host over 7,700 people. Professional wrestling events, as well as chldren's events and religious events, are hosted here each year too.
7000 W Grandridge Boulevard, Kennewick, WA 99336
7. Sip Award-Winning Wines at Badger Mountain Vineyard
Washington State is well-known for its fine wines and charming vineyards, and Badger Mountain Vineyard is a perfect example in the city of Kennewick. Established in 1982, Badger Mountain Vineyard was the very first Certified Organic wine in the whole of Washington State.
The founder of Badger Mountain Vineyard, Bill Powers, was inducted into the Legends of Washington Hall of Fame for his incredible work, and the winery is now operated by his son. It features a tasting room and gift shop, perfect for sampling various wines, and the vineyard can also be used to host special events like weddings.
1106 N Jurupa Street, Kennewick, WA 99338, Phone: 609-627-4986
Where to Eat
8. Grab Gourmet Comfort Food at Bob’s Burgers and Brew
One of the top family eateries in Kennewick, Bob's Burgers and Brew is a friendly, welcoming location serving up a great menu of casual fare like steaks, nachos, and sandwiches.
Bob's Burgers and Brew is known in the community for its friendly service and excellent burgers, with over 20 different burger varieties in total. Those looking for a healthier option will find fresh gourmet salads on the menu, and food is served here from breakfast through to dinner each day. There's also a sports lounge area with a large TV for watching the game, as well as a bar serving cocktails and quality beers.
3609 Plaza Way, Kennewick, WA 99337, Phone: 509-987-1060
9. Savor Classic Italian Dishes at Casa Mia
A local Italian chain that has won awards for the quality of its pizzas, Casa Mia is one of the premium dining destinations for the city of Kennewick.
Both lunch and dinner are served at this charming restaurant, with the pizzas being the stars of the show. Sandwiches, soups, salads, pasta dishes, and traditional Italian entrées like Chicken Parmigiana and Veal Scallopini are also featured on the menu, along with a selection of fine wines. For dessert, a range of sweet treats are provided including both warm and cold options like Apple Crostata and White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake.
2541 W Kennewick Avenue, Kennewick, WA 99336, Phone: 509-582-0440
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