Yakima Valley Museums & History

You certainly don't need to study Yakima Valley's past to enjoy its present, but a visit to one of the many museums or cultural centers will make your visit to the Valley much richer. The variety of museums, interpretive centers and historic sites pay tribute to the hard-working settlers of the Yakima Valley, the proud history of the Yakama Nation, and the Valley’s definitive agricultural heritage, each one offering a flavorful and entertaining glimpse of our Valley’s past, present and future.

Yakima Valley Museum

Two full floors of exhibits on the natural and cultural history of South Central Washington including the largest collection of wooden wagons west of the Mississippi. Yakima Valley fruit industry, horse-drawn vehicles, Indian art & artifacts, natural history, Supreme Court Justice William O. Douglas, and special exhibitions. Gift and book shop, research library, and an operating 1930's Art Deco Soda Fountain. The Museum's Soda Fountain was recently voted one of the West Coast's Top Ten Old Fashioned Soda Fountains by Sunset Magazine readers.
Learn More Map It 3 miles from the Visitor Information Center
Northern Pacific Railway Museum

Museum, gift shop, and restored telegraph office. Enjoy a picnic in Railroad Park, adjacent to the museum. The Northern Pacific Railway Museum is open to the public from May through mid-October, every Tuesday through Saturday from 10am - 4pm and for special events like Toy Train Christmas. Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for children 12 and under.
Learn More Map It 20 miles from the Visitor Information Center
Yakama Nation Cultural Museum

The Yakama Nation Cultural Center is the best place to explore the important cultural influence of the Yakama Nation. The facility, which is open daily, is comprised of the Yakama Nation Museum, Cultural Center Gift Shop, the Heritage Inn Restaurant, the Heritage Theater and the Yakama Nation Library.
Learn More Map It 18.5 miles from the Visitor Information Center
Yakima Electric Railway Museum

Former Yakima Valley Transportation Co. 1910 shop facility. Offering vintage electric trolley rides between Selah and Yakima. Original powerhouse and electric rail equipment on display.
Learn More Map It 1.7 miles from the Visitor Information Center
Yakima Area Arboretum

A unique "tree museum" with both native and exotic plants from around the world. Enjoy one of the regions few Japanese Gardens. The Jewett Interpretive Center offers a great location for small meetings, a gift shop and library.
Learn More Map It 2.4 miles from the Visitor Information Center
American Hop Museum

The rich history of the hop industry since the 1500s. Fascinating murals, displays, photos, implements, and a colonial brewery exhibit. Enjoy a wonderful gift shop on site.
Learn More Map It 20 miles from the Visitor Information Center
McAllister Museum of Aviation

Originally opened in 1926 as a flight school by brothers Charlie and Alister McAllister, it was one of the longest running flight schools in the Northwest. After Charlie's death at age 95, the school was transformed into the museum it is today. We are located at the East end of the Yakima Airport at 2008 South 16th Avenue.
Learn More Map It 5 miles from the Visitor Information Center
Fort Simcoe State Park

Established in 1856 as a consequence of hostilities between the Natives and the white men. It was home to the infantry who watched over the area in the mid 1800s. It was built on an important tribal gathering place on the Yakama Nation Reservation. Later on the Fort served as a school for the Yakama Nation. Visitors can walk through the grounds and officers' quarters, which are furnished in historical likeness of their original state.
Learn More Map It 35.5 miles from the Visitor Information Center
Central Washington Ag Museum

Come see Washington State’s agricultural heritage at the Central Washington Agricultural Museum, the largest museum of its kind in the Pacific Northwest. Experience the power and emotion of Washington’s largest Civil War reenactment at the Old Town Days celebration every June, then come feel the power of antique farm equipment at the Pioneer Power Show every August.
Learn More Map It 5 miles from the Visitor Information Center
Benton County Historical Museum - Prosser

Prosser's Benton County Historical Museum is a non-profit historical museum in Prosser Washington. It was founded in 1968 in an effort to preserve some of the history of Prosser and the surrounding are. We have five rooms of items to explore. So come on in and take a look at ancient artifacts, photos, books, dresses, tools and many other items from our area's past.
Learn More Map It 49 miles from the Visitor Information Center
Ray E. Powell Museum - Grandview

The Ray E. Powell Museum offers an abundance of Grandview history display items. All types of cultural enrichment opportunities are on hand for your enjoyment. The Ray E. Powell Museum is open by appointment only. Tours can be arranged by calling the Grandview Parks and Recreation Department at 509-882-9219.
Learn More Map It 41.5 miles from the Visitor Information Center
Ahtanum Mission

Another highly recognized historical landmark, the Ahtanum Mission was built in the early 1850's. Chief Kamiakin requested of a Catholic Priest in Walla Walla that they come teach his tribe. As a result of Kamiakin's request, two Catholic Fathers arrived and built St. Joseph's Mission on the Ahtanum Creek.
Learn More Map It 18 miles from the Visitor Information Center
Olde Yakima Letterpress Museum

Teaching the ancient art of printing with moveable type in a hands-on shop experience. Open the 1st, 3rd and 5th Saturdays 9am-4pm. First Friday shop talk 10am-2pm. Other times by appointment.
Learn More Map It 3.8 miles from the Visitor Information Center
Sunnyside Historical Museum

A history museum dedicated to preserving the history of Sunnyside and the stories of its citizens.
Learn More Map It 35 miles from the Visitor Information Center

Museums

American Hop Museum

22 S. B Street
Toppenish, WA 98948
509-865-4677
McAllister Museum of Aviation

2008 South 16th Avenue
Yakima, WA 98908
509-457-4933
Northern Pacific Railway Museum

10 Asotin Avenue
Toppenish, WA 98948
509-865-1911
Yakama Nation Cultural Center

100 Spiel-yi Loop (Hwy 97 & Buster Road)
Toppenish, WA 98948
509-865-2800
Yakima Area Arboretum

1401 Arboretum Drive
Yakima, WA 98901
509-248-7337
Yakima Valley Museum

2105 Tieton Drive
Yakima, WA 98902
509-248-0747
Yakima Valley Trolleys

P.O. Box 796
Yakima, WA 98907
509-249-5962

Culture Related Businesses

Boxx Gallery

616 Maple Street
Tieton, WA 98947
509-673-2699
Northern Pacific Railway Museum

10 Asotin Avenue
Toppenish, WA 98948
509-865-1911
The Seasons Performance Hall

101 N. Naches Ave.
Yakima, WA 98901
509-453-1888 or 888-723-7660
Yakama Nation Cultural Center

100 Spiel-yi Loop (Hwy 97 & Buster Road)
Toppenish, WA 98948
509-865-2800
Yakima Valley Museum

2105 Tieton Drive
Yakima, WA 98902
509-248-0747