Wenatchee is a city that offers up possibly the most ideal of outdoor activity destinations.
A major entity in Chelan County, Wenatchee serves as the county seat and has a population of over 35,000.
You can find this charming city at the Wenatchi River nestled in the heart of a valley.
And if, for some reason, you’re wondering where Wenatchee got its name, know that it came from the Native American word that translates to “robe of the rainbow” or “river whose origins come from canyons.”
As for the fun and exciting things to do in Wenatchee, you can go out on a fishing trip, hike through its breath-taking mountains and forests, or search for new botanical and wildflowers.
Wenatchee allows you to get close to nature without even leaving home.
You can’t get closer than that!
Also, surrounding Wenatchee are large apple orchards, so it’s no wonder that the title “Apple Capital of the World” went to this city.
And one of the best times to visit this charming place is late April and early May, during their annual Apple Blossom Festival.
If you’re looking for another fun-filled adventure to take up in Wenatchee, here are the 20 activities for your enjoyment:
There’s a lot of reasons why Wenatchee earns its nickname “The Apple Capital of the World,” but it goes well beyond the city’s plant life.
While the agricultural community is bountiful, such an honor also stems from flora and fauna teeming in this place and the friendly people who make up the thriving community.
The entire Wenatchee area, which includes the Apple Capital and AppleSox baseball team, sees a striking connection between the tree’s fruit and their identity as a community.
That is most evident at the Washington State Apple Blossom Festival held each year from late April to early May since it launched in 2019.
The culmination of this spirit takes place every year during the 10-day festival.
The festivities involve classic car shows, a festive parade, and live theater performances by the Music Theatre of Wenatchee.
Wenatchee’s Apple Blossom Festival is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the gorgeous and pristine surroundings of Central Washington.
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This urban bicycle and pedestrian trail located in Wenatchee is the perfect way to get out of the hustle and bustle of the cities and enjoy the great outdoors with your friends or family.
This delightful trail features lovely views of the Columbia River, so you’re sure to be in for a pleasant outdoor experience.
At 10 miles in length, you’ll find the Apple Capital Recreation Loop Trail.
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You can use this trail year-around as an extra exercise routine or simply utilize it when you’d like to take your mind off things without having to pay any admission fee; what more could you ask for?
Accessible parking spaces are located at the south end of the trailside parking lot and throughout the trail’s surface.
The accessible route begins as a hard surface long ramp long enough for most vans to ascend quickly.
The trail surface is smooth and paved and typically at least 6 feet wide for all to enjoy!
In the heart of the beautiful Wenatchee Valley is a local favorite for quality craft beer, catering to countless guests at two great locations, Pybus Public Market and the Wenatchee River.
The Wenatchee Valley Brewing Company provides beer and wine offerings tailored to events of all kinds, including parties, weddings, fundraisers, corporate events, or even mixers.
Their brewers take pride in their work and love sharing their passion with you.
The Wenatchee Valley Brewing Company is spacious and offers two big tents, where you can enjoy with your friends and family members under the warmth of nice heaters.
They have kid-friendly options in their menu, in addition to deep-dish pizza, pretzels, and much more!
The pristine mountain vistas are just a bonus to the overall fun this place offers.
Music, dog and kid-friendly seating, beer selection topped with Live music, and outdoor seating, and the star-filled night will mesmerize you.
The staff is friendly who serves with a huge smile, making you feel at home.
It’s going to be one of your favorite places to grab a bite on your next weekend in Wenatchee.
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Pybus Public Market is a hub of entertainment and community-oriented interaction, serving as a place where people from all walks of life can come together to celebrate their love for food and drink.
Featuring the finest selection of goods from independent producers, artisans, winemakers, growers, and culinary professionals from across Washington State, Pybus Market invites visitors to a feast for all senses.
The open, airy marketplace opened in 2013, two blocks east of historic downtown Wenatchee.
The Pybus Public Market is accessible seven days a week from 8 am to 9 pm, and it stays open until 10 pm on Fridays so that locals and tourists alike can take in fresh foods and live entertainment.
Exciting artisan vendors fill the market concourse over the weekends throughout the year, showcasing their handmade products and adding to the buzz of this unique mini-mall.
Pybus Public Market is also home to many family-owned farms.
You will find a fun and lively outdoor shopping experience from May through October filled with endless inspiration.
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On the city’s edge, tucked into a forested hill above Wenatchee, sits Ohme Gardens.
The serene woodland garden overlooks the great Columbia River, where it meets the Wenatchee Valley.
Ohme Gardens is a lovely creation by a husband-and-wife team Herman and Eleanor Ohme, who dedicated over 41 years of their lives to the endeavor.
The result was beautiful scenery full of towering evergreens, natural stone borders, and some cool pools, especially towards the end facing some large rock formations.
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Ohme Gardens is a hidden gem that boasts panoramic views and weaves one mile of stone paths that wind beneath towering pines, firs, and lush plantings.
Rich mossy woodlands surround lakes, fountains, and serenity pools, while flowering meadows beckon you to come and play.
Sometimes it’s good to be lost in nature.
Make sure to visit Ohme Gardens on your next Wenatchee getaway trip.
Doug McDougall is the genius behind Horan Estates Winery, along with his wife Diana and close friends Ross and Kelly Riedinger, in 2003.
Horan Estates Winery is one of the most prominent destinations in the Wenatchee Valley for wine lovers.
The Horan Estates Winery has grown from humble beginnings to a spacious tasting room located in downtown Cashmere.
Tourists and locals can both come for an evening full of wine tastings and great food options.
They’re open Thursday through Friday from 3 pm – 7 pm, and Saturday from 12 pm – 6 pm.
You can find The Horan Estates Winery at 15 Second Street Wenatchee, WA 98801.
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Wenatchee offers a fantastic range of vistas over the river valley from the top of Saddle Rock.
Saddle Rock is a favorite local landmark where you can enjoy the mountain scenery from an easily accessible route within 10 minutes of downtown parking.
This hike takes full advantage of Wenatchee’s many trees and wildflowers.
Hiking for anywhere between two and three-and-a-half miles – this trail could make for a great family excursion or simply be perfect if you need some fresh air in this area.
It’s a gentle climb with 922 meters of elevation, but you can peak up to 2,000 feet in altitude.
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Hike up through lush forested surroundings, across meadow trails and rocky mountain gradients, until you reach the rock lookout where you can gaze out at the sparkling Wenatchee Valley below.
Because throughout most of the path, there will be a colorful display of wildflowers, making it an excellent place for flower watching.
Those who are looking for something more adventurous will have no problem trying out hiking during the months.
Snowshoeing is also another possibility in the winter when it snows, making this spot popular throughout all four seasons.
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Wenatchee Confluence State Park is a park where outdoor lovers come to enjoy the splendor of the great outdoors.
At 194 acres, you’re sure to enjoy this terrific, family-friendly zone surrounded by beautiful mountains.
Situated on the banks of the Columbia River, Wenatchee Confluence State Park offers easy access to both Leavenworth and Wenatchee.
The park has many wonderful features, including year-round camping.
There’s also the nearby Leavenworth village that offers Bavarian-themed fun just miles away.
Although aimed primarily towards cycling and water sport enthusiasts, the park offers a range of other activities for recreational enthusiasts, including basketball courts, volleyball nets, tennis courts, and baseball fields for sports lovers with many options in between.
The facilities here offer an ideal space for relaxation, whether you can spread out in your camping chair, read a book by the lake, or go hiking in the great outdoors.
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Located in downtown Wenatchee and situated at 127 South Mission Street, this cultural hub has various exhibits interpreting the lives of those who used to live in this valley back as far as the Ice Age.
Some pieces on display include 11,500-year-old Clovis points, which archaeologists discovered by digging up dirt in an East Wenatchee orchard.
Here, you’ll also find trade goods common between Native Americans centuries ago and domestic articles that would have been found inside a Wenatchee home back in 1900.
A nonprofit organization maintains the museum with the support of other organizations, particularly other city governments.
Two former historical buildings once used for postal services by early Wenatchee residents houses the beautiful Wenatchee Valley Museum.
You can visit the museum every day from 10 am to 4 pm, except Mondays.
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The Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest is a big piece of property.
With 3.8 million acres, it’s almost as large as Connecticut – stretching from the Canadian border to Goats Rocks – and is spread along the east side of the Cascade Mountains.
This stunning forest encompasses a dramatic 180-mile axis and has a varied and diverse landscape.
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As you explore its vast expanse, you can see the stunning area of northwest America.
Elevation ranges from below 1,000 feet to over 9,000 feet.
There are also various opportunities for relaxation and exploration.
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Hiking trails welcome those who want to come and learn about contemplation.
Hunting, fishing, horseback riding, mountain biking, off-road driving, climbing, and in the winter, cross-country skiing or snowmobiling can also be done to enjoy nature at its finest.
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In 2001, Kyle and Jan Mathison planted the first of what would eventually become many rows of grapes along the foothills of the Cascade Mountains in Wenatchee, WA.
In 2003, they founded Stemilt Creek Winery and produced some of the best wine the region had ever seen.
Their vineyards are located at a 1,600 ft. elevation, making the place breezy, which helps moderate their warm days and cool nights – a climate ideally suited for perfect grape ripening.
With a focus on medium-bodied reds – both varietals traditionally cultivated in this part of Washington and new ideas from around the world – the Stemilt Creek Winery welcomes you to explore their range alongside their wines.
If you are passing through Leavenworth, it’d be a shame not to stop by Stemilt Creek Winery for a wine tasting.
It may be small and intimate, but there’s so much more than meets the eye with appealing and exceptionally great wine-bibbers hanging out here.
There may even be something more to this tasting room than just sampling their best wines!
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A rock standing in the middle of the forest that looks like Abraham Lincoln’s face is a sight to see.
Lincoln Rock State Park sits in an opening within these rich, purple mountains overlooking the Rocky Reach Dam.
The classic spot prides itself on providing shaded campsites, cabins, and a boat launch with lots of space for little boats to moore peacefully.
The 80-acre Lincoln Rock State Park is a testament to nature’s ability to sculpt with raw strength.
Although it’s technically a state park, this particular park is more of a vast open space.
It’s an undeveloped stretch of land that locals and tourists can utilize to do things like hiking, biking, golfing, boating, camping, and so on.
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The Chelan County Public Utility District is responsible for maintaining a park section, including a gymnasium, field for baseball or football, basketball, tennis courts, and a swimming pool.
With more than twenty miles of trails from Apple Capital Loop Trail to the Rocky Reach Trail, cycling and jogging are sure to become an obsession.
Both long and short trails are aesthetically stunning as you glide past the beautiful waters of the Wenatchee River, with its calm surface.
When combined with paved roads and off-road tracks along Wenatchee Confluence State Park, this area represents a mecca for those who love nature and outdoor sporting activities.
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Located in 1100 N Miller St, Wenatchee, Taqueria El Rinconsito is Washington state’s only Mexican restaurant chain that goes beyond your average burrito or quesadilla joint.
This local favorite serves well-known dishes, like tacos, nachos, burritos, gorditas, sopitos, mulitas, quesadillas and much more.
You’ll love this spacious, clean establishment that offers flexible hours to meet your schedule.
Taqueria El Rinconsito goes beyond what is expected in an effort to build loyal customers.
So if you’re looking for an authentic taste of Mexico without having to go distant places, why not try Taqueria El Rinconsito?
Your tastebuds will be happy if you do!
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Liberty Cinema is an ancient-looking cinema that shows countless foreign, independent, and art-house films.
The Liberty Cinema is history in the making; it opened its doors back in 1919 but has since expanded.
Today, eight different screens play new releases regularly to provide those who come here with a wide range of film choices.
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The historic property also serves various specialty snacks, including popcorn & soda.
It is a privilege for Tranquility Day Spa to have received many Wenatchee World “World’s Best Spa” awards.
They have done their homework and only bought the best, most recent goods to provide everyone with a special, soothing experience.
Visit the spa to learn more about the calming relaxation and genuinely pampering experiences they provide to all visitors.
They include facial rooms, massage suites, and couples massages.
Two luxury leather chair pedicure stations and manicure stations are available for nails.
For all of your wholesome, restorative spa requirements, turn to Tranquility Day Spa.
Are you looking to purchase wholesome products for your family?
Sample and enjoy over 36 Ultra-Premium Olive Oils, 44 Authentic Aged Balsamic Vinegar, and other wonderful culinary goods.
Italian gluten-free, egg-free, and handmade pasta prepared with healthy ingredients are available at D’Olivo.
They make prize-winning Jimmy Luv’s Bloody Mary Mix, exquisite Spanish table olives, Cha Fine Teas, Steamer Port Coffee, and other products by hand in their neighborhood.
Browse the enormous assortment of lovely Fair Trade African Baskets, gorgeous olive wood kitchen utensils, and various choices for unique gift baskets.
Allow their educated team to guide you through a unique tasting experience!
Tap and Putt decided to create their 9-hole mini-golf course since they are such avid gamers.
Shuffleboard, darts, and several of their arcade games are fun to play.
Tap and Putt offer various services, including mobile courses, building leases, and loft rentals.
They always have a wide selection of flavors, so you can always find one that suits you, including wonderful non-alcoholic root beer on tap, ales, lagers, sours, cider, and seltzer!
Schedule your upcoming corporate events, birthday celebration, wedding, and other events at Tap and Putt.
Check out choices like renting out the entire building, a loft with a view of the entire pub, or even a mini-golf facility transported to your backyard.
Enjoy your downtime with friends and family to the fullest!
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The objective of McGlinn’s Public House goes beyond merely creating delicious meals.
To give you the finest ingredients possible, they engage through building relationships with individuals and neighborhood businesses.
They recreate the comfortable setting of enjoying burgers on the barbecue with close companions while drinking a nice beer.
On a breezy summer night, indulge in burnt marshmallow s’mores that you baked over the campfire.
They provide you with the nutrition you seek so that you may go out and explore, make friends, and spend some time appreciating life.
The Numerica Performing Arts Center, a 550-seat compact theatre, is situated in the center of uptown Wenatchee at the Stanley Civic Center.
The Numerica, a non-profit, depends on corporate sponsorship to offer its community top-notch artistic programs and services.
They aim to create a world-class, easily accessible arts facility that will inspire, empower, and enlighten the local population.
They bring high-caliber entertainment to their local neighborhood with worldwide events, national touring shows, and top-tier performances.
Explore a hidden gem in North Central Washington and experience the wonderful productions at The Numerica Performing Arts Center.
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About 12 miles from Wenatchee is a beautiful 2,000-acre ski resort that offers some of the best skiing in the whole country.
Located at the eastern slopes of the Cascade mountains, Mission Ridge Ski & Board Resort tackles four chair lifts and 36 designated runs.
This simple yet certain way to enjoy your time immersed in nature’s winter glory should be enjoyed by all those who have visited Mission Ridge Ski & Board Resort.
Whether you’re snowshoeing, snowboarding, skiing, or just relaxing with a glass of wine in their awesomely well-appointed lodges, Mission Ridge Ski & Board Resort offers top-notch service to winter enthusiasts.
They have the best snow on the dry side of the Cascades and 300 sunny days a year; you can ride a lift up one side and down another or relax by their awesome fireplaces in their fabulous lodges.
The cozy bar and restaurant in the heart of Mission Ridge, called “The Chair 5 Pub,” offers a variety of handmade dishes served with local wines and craft beers.
The Pub is also a fun place to watch sports events on their large screens.
Whether you’re planning on spending your day sightseeing or simply taking some time to relax and recharge, you certainly will come across some adorable features that make Wenatchee such a charming place for tourists.
Wenatchee caters to everyone’s needs, so you definitely won’t regret your stay here!
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