Attractions and Places To See around Kennewick - Top 15

Kennewick is situated along the Columbia River, offering numerous outdoor opportunities. You can enjoy biking or walking along the Riverfront Trail, which provides scenic views. Columbia Park Lakeside View is a 400-acre park on the riverbank with bike trails, picnic areas, and a playground. The Sacagawea Heritage Trail is a 23-mile paved path perfect for walking and biking along the river, connecting Kennewick with Pasco and Richland.

Yes, Kennewick has several significant historical sites. The Confluence of the Snake and Columbia Rivers is a historic stop from the Lewis & Clark expedition. You can also explore the Historic Downtown and Waterfront district, which features the 1912 Kennewick Fruit & Produce Company Building. The Museum at Keewaydin (East Benton County Historical Society and Museum) preserves the history of East Benton County, including Native American artifacts and pioneer life. Additionally, the REACH Museum focuses on regional history, geology, and science.

Kennewick offers several family-friendly attractions. The Columbia Park Lakeside View features a playground and picnic areas. The Riverfront Trail and Sacagawea Heritage Trail are great for family walks or bike rides. The Gesa Carousel of Dreams, a meticulously restored 1910 Charles Carmel carousel, is a beloved attraction for all ages. Chamna Natural Preserve also offers family-friendly trails for exploring local flora and fauna.

For hiking enthusiasts, Kennewick offers several options. The Chamna Natural Preserve spans 276 acres with over 11 miles of trails. Badger Mountain Centennial Preserve and Candy Mountain Hike also provide hiking opportunities with panoramic views and interpretive loops about the region's geological history. You can find more detailed hiking routes in the Hiking around Kennewick guide.

Yes, the Sacagawea Heritage Trail is a 23-mile paved trail that runs along the Columbia River and is noted as wheelchair accessible, offering great views of the water.

Beyond the Columbia River, Kennewick is characterized by its unique shrub-steppe landscape, which consists of flat, dry, savanna-like plains. You can explore this environment at preserves like Badger Mountain Centennial Preserve and Candy Mountain Hike, which also offer insights into Ice Age floods and native plants. The Chamna Natural Preserve provides a glimpse into local flora and fauna within its 276 acres.

The Museum at Keewaydin, operated by the East Benton County Historical Society, is dedicated to preserving and sharing the history, heritage, and culture of East Benton County. It features exhibits on ancient Native American petroglyphs and pioneer life. You can find more information about the museum at visittri-cities.com.

Kennewick is excellent for cycling, especially along the Columbia River. The Sacagawea Heritage Trail is a popular 23-mile paved route. For mountain biking, Chamna Natural Preserve offers over 11 miles of trails. You can discover more cycling routes in the Cycling around Kennewick guide and specific road cycling options in the Road Cycling Routes around Kennewick guide.

Yes, Kennewick is home to several important memorials and landmarks. The 9/11 Memorial at the Southridge Sports and Events Complex features three steel beams from the World Trade Center. The Regional Veterans Memorial in Columbia Park is the tallest freestanding granite structure in the United States. The Clover Island Lighthouse, built in 2010, symbolizes the area's maritime history.

Kennewick enjoys over 300 days of sunshine annually, making it ideal for outdoor pursuits for much of the year. Spring and fall offer pleasant temperatures for hiking and cycling. Summers are generally warm and sunny, perfect for river activities. Even winter can offer opportunities for outdoor exploration on milder days.

Yes, Kennewick is centrally located in Washington State's wine country, with over 160 wineries within a 60-mile radius. Historic Downtown Kennewick's waterfront hosts the Columbia Gardens Urban Wine & Artisan Village, featuring various wineries and tasting rooms. Notable options include Badger Mountain Vineyard, Washington's first certified organic winery, and Bartholomew Winery.

Visitors frequently highlight the stunning views of the Columbia River from places like Columbia Park Lakeside View and the Riverfront Trail. The well-maintained trails, such as the Sacagawea Heritage Trail, are appreciated for their accessibility and scenic beauty. The blend of natural landscapes and historical significance, like at the Confluence of the Snake and Columbia Rivers, also receives positive feedback.