What To See in the Yakima Valley - Yakima Valley Culture & Heritage

Culture and Heritage

Each year thousands of tourists come to the Yakima Valley for the sunshine, scenery and recreation. From the Rattlesnake Hills to the Yakima Valley Mall, there's something for everyone. The Yakima Valley's culture and heritage ranges from the military crispness of restored Fort Simcoe and the proud history reflected by the Yakama Nation, to the historic Teapot Dome and an abundance of specialized museums featuring aspects of this region's past. The following museums and interpretive centers offer a flavorful and entertaining glimpse of our valley, today and yesterday.

Scenes From The Old West

Toppenish, the "City of Murals," has over 55 murals with more in the planning stage. The murals show scenes from the Old West, railroading, rodeos, farming, aviation events, and various historical events. Every mural painted is a historically correct depiction of the area's history. Murals can be viewed from Conestoga Wagons pulled by mules. Or you can take a walking or auto tour of these beautiful murals. These tours offer a narrated history of each mural with an opportunity to stop and photograph the murals of your choice. Enjoy the annual Mural in a Day program held the first Saturday of June, where you can watch several artists complete a large mural in one day.

Yakama Nation Cultural Center

Yakima's cultural diversity is represented well by the Yakama Tribe. The Yakama Nation Cultural Center represents and preserves the Native American culture and how Native Americans adapted to our current society. The Cultural Center has become a focal point of activity for the Yakama Tribe, and a major cultural event for thousands of visitors.

Chimpanzee and Human Communication Institute

400 E. University Way
Ellensburg, WA 98926
509-963-2244
CHCI@cwu.edu

Fort Simcoe State Park

5150 Fort Simcoe Rd.
White Swan, WA 98952
509-874-2372

LaKat Gallery

10201 Hwy. 12
Naches, WA 98937
509-653-1350
lakatgallery@nwinfo.net

Toppenish Mural Tours


Toppenish, WA 98948
509-697-8995
dukejj@charter.net

Yakama Nation Cultural Center

100 Spilyay Loop (Hwy 97 & Buster Road)
Toppenish, WA 98948
509-865-2800

Yakima Sportsman State Park

904 South 33rd St.
Yakima, WA 98901
509-575-2774 888-226-7688
yakima.sportsman@parks.wa.gov

Yakima Valley Museum

2105 Tieton Drive
Yakima, WA 98902
509-248-0747
info@yakimavalleymuseum.org