Location: Walla Walla
Top Things to do in Walla Walla
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Top 10 Things to do in Walla Walla, United States
Wineries are beginning to rival the sweet-tasting Walla Walla onion as the hallmark of this lovely town at the foot of the Blue Mountains. In fact, the combination of excellent wineries and appealing scenery has put Walla Walla on the map as one of the country's hottest new wine-touring regions. The town's rich history, starting with the Indian tribes who first settled here followed by the early pioneers, the establishment and subsequent tragic demise of a famous mission and then a gold rush, is also a tourist draw. Fascinating museums and historic attractions bring this past to life. Music and the arts are a vital part of this culturally conscious college town, which boasts one of the oldest symphony orchestras west of the Mississippi, frequent summertime blues and jazz concerts, arts festivals and at least 15 art galleries. A revitalized downtown features restored 19th-century buildings, restaurants, galleries and wine-tasting rooms. If you're itching for outdoor fun, head east for hiking, mountain biking and fishing in the Blue Mountains or take the relatively easy Stateline Loop bike trail to Oregon and back.
Restaurants in Walla Walla
1. Fort Walla Walla Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 241 reviews
Fort Walla Walla Museum is a walking museum located on 17 acres, and is a must-see for visitors. As the primary caretaker of the cultural and historical heritage of the Walla Walla Valley, the Museum features four large exhibit halls housing thousands of artifacts, a pioneer village, a 33-mule team hitched to a wooden combine, and more. The Entrance Building features several galleries, including one for rotating special exhibits, and an admission-free Museum Store filled with books and heritage gifts. On the lower level of the grounds is a Pioneer Village with 17 buildings, many of them furnished, for guests to explore. There are more than 40 living history performances every year that take place in the village. The Museum also hosts additional activities, classes, and events—like the free Museum After Hours presentation series, which features thought-provoking topics on everything from history to conservation. The Fort Walla Walla Museum provides a memorable experience for the whole family, and you’re sure to learn something new during every visit. Come see what’s new at the old fort today!
Reviewed By ccmccall - Port Townsend, Washington
This is a small museum with a limited scope but when they offer is interesting and well-scaled to the casual visitor. The doctrinaire text info re First Peoples does not stand up to the rigors of historical scholarship, but the implements and artifacts of early life in the region are very compelling and provocative.
2. Whitman Mission
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 238 reviews
This National Historic Site marks the location of the Waiilatpu Mission, a Presbyterian mission ministering to the Cayuse Indians from 1836 to 1847. The mission, a way station for Oregon Trail pioneers, ended tragically with the killing of missionaries by the Cayuse.
Reviewed By HugoHobbs - Vancouver, Washington
On your way to Walla Walla stop by the mission to get some early history and to take a nice walk around the site. You will be able to watch a short video that gives you information on the little known history of the Walla Walla and the native Americans who were first here. There isn't any thing left of the mission so you just walk around a field reading plackes indication where building use to be. But then you can walk on part of the Oregon trail up to a memorial to the Whitman s On a nice day this is a pleasant walk. This site is small so it won't take you long to explore. It is for the history buff and the person who loves NHS
3. Walla Walla Vintners
Overall Ratings
5 based on 75 reviews
Walla Walla Vintners has been making premium red wines since 1995. We're open Thursday-Saturday 10am - 5pm and by appointment Mon-Wed, and closed on Sunday.
Reviewed By Jackie K - Walla Walla, Washington, United States
Walla Walla Vinters is a first class winery with exceptional wines. This winery has a long history in Walla Walla with years of experience in wine making. The wines they produce reveal that history as they continue to uncork better and better wines each release. Gordy is a wonderful host and makes visiting his winery a real treat! Thank you to Gordy and all who helped make my last visit so very enjoyable.
4. Pioneer Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 59 reviews
Reviewed By 467larrym
I use the park frequently to watch ducks on a pond that might be defined as a mini-lake. Restrooms are maintained by the parks department. Some of the state's oldest trees, covered areas and a controversial sculptor of a pioneering wagon add to ambience. When I was first approached to come to WW, I wandered the town, including Pioneer Park and called my wife, saying, "this is a nice town."
5. Whitman College
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 63 reviews
Reviewed By A_Saunterer - Missoula, Montana
Not able to arrive at the visitor center downtown by the time they closed, we instead downloaded a pdf of their brochure called Outdoor Sculpture Walk and used it as our guide for several hours as we meandered the Whitman College campus. The self-guided tour takes a shady route to visit landmarks like Lakum Duckum (currently drained), a part of campus called Narnia, and art work worth long pauses to consider. We found the art walk pdf under "Things to Do" in the menu at wallawalla.org.
6. Dunham Cellars
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 61 reviews
Established in 1995, this family-owned winery produces ultra-premium, handcrafted wines from our own estate vineyards.
Reviewed By Ride A H - Sturgis, South Dakota
The airport area has many different wineries. Dunham is a great stop, nice inside seating area and great outdoor areas. Very dog friendly, outside. The wines are above average.
7. Bella Fortuna Events and Tours
Overall Ratings
5 based on 51 reviews
Contact Bella Fortuna to reserve a memorable and relaxing tour for your wine tasting experience. Bella Fortuna partners with some of the finest wineries in Walla Walla to create custom wine tours or if you prefer you can create your own itinerary.
Reviewed By BBTravelMom - Walla Walla, WA
I've had the privilege of relying on Sharon Martin of Bella Fortuna to cater all of my events and meetings, both large and small, for the past three years. She consistently has high-quality food over which my participants rave. A huge plus for me is...MoreLucky and blessed to have worked with you for the last three years - you were the first company to give me a shot when I first started my business and that will never be forgotten. Thanks so much for your kind words.
8. Kirkman House Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 47 reviews
Visit one of Walla Walla's oldest mansions and learn how a young textile salesman from England made his fortune in Americas Wild West. William Kirkman became a pillar of the community and completed this grand home in 1880. Today it is a place to tell his story and that of early Walla Walla through permanent and temporary exhibits and events. The home is populated with family heirlooms and period pieces to illustrate daily Victorian life.Visit the museum web site for all the latest news on exhibits and events. We are also open by appointment so if you know you will be here on an off day let us know at least a week ahead and we will be happy to show you around. It's best to use email.
Reviewed By cvmackey - Walla Walla, Washington
The exhibits are changing with the season and special historical
dates. The house is interesting as visitors can view a home
of a century ago.
9. Amavi Cellars
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 77 reviews
A small, estate winery featuring Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Semmillon, and Cabernet Franc Rose. We specialize in 100% estate wines for under $30.
Reviewed By jdjay - Little Rock, Arkansas
We stopped here because we have Amavi wines in the past and thoroughly enjoyed them. The Cabernet and Syrah we definitely our favorites. The staff is extremely accommodating, friendly, and knowledgeable which made the tasting enjoyable. We were hoping to see the great view from...MoreSorry about the view -- next time we'll try to have it ready for you, haha. So glad you enjoyed our wines and our staff. Please come again.
10. Northstar Winery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 48 reviews
Reviewed By TravelingMan491 - Fayetteville, Arkansas
We blended, bottled, corked, and labeled our own bottle of wine in Walla Walla Washington! Can't wait to drink it with friends! The blending experience included four Merlots, a Cabernet Sauvignon, and a Petit Verdot. The Merlots highlight four different wine regions in Washington. Seven participated in our group. The host conducted an educational tour, guided us through the blending experience, and finished with a tasting. For $85 this 90 minute experience is a must do for real Merlot lovers! The wine, the facility, and the views are beautiful! (If you have a child in a stroller or have bad knees, be aware some stairs are involved.)
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