30 Best Things to do in Richland!

Richland in Washington, is a hidden gem in the Pacific Northwest. Located along the banks of the Columbia River, this charming city offers a blend of natural beauty, rich history, and modern amenities. Whether you’re visiting for outdoor adventures, exploring local wineries, or simply enjoying the scenic views, Richland has everything. In this guide, we’ll showcase the best things to do in Richland during your visit to Washington.

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1. Historic Attractions

Gold Coast Historic District

The Gold Coast Historic District is a neighborhood with deep ties to the Cold War era. The homes were part of the expansion of housing for workers at the Hanford nuclear site, which played a key role in plutonium production. The area was known as the “Gold Coast” because it housed professionals and featured larger homes compared to earlier government-built residences. It is roughly bounded by Willis Street, Davison Avenue, Hunt Avenue, and George Washington Way. The homes followed a modern architectural style, designed for quick construction to meet the growing demand for housing.

Franklin County Courthouse

The Franklin County Courthouse serves as the center for county government and legal proceedings, handling cases related to civil, criminal and family law. It houses the Franklin County Clerk’s Office, which manages court records, jury services, and passport applications. The Franklin County District Court and Benton-Franklin Superior Court operate within the building, overseeing various legal matters. It plays an important role in the community, providing services for residents and legal professionals. Visitors can find information about court schedules and legal resources through official website.

Manhattan Project National Historical Park – B Reactor

The Manhattan Project National Historical Park is home to the B Reactor, the world’s first full-scale plutonium production reactor. Built in 1943–44, the reactor was part of the Hanford Site, which played a key role in the development of nuclear weapons during World War II. The B Reactor produced plutonium for the atomic bomb which was dropped on Nagasaki in Japan, marking significant moment in history. Visitors can take guided tours to learn about the science, engineering, and people behind the Manhattan Project. Public tours last about 4 hours and include a 45 minutes bus ride to the reactor.

Prosser Historical Museum

The Prosser Historical Museum features exhibits on agriculture, transportation, and early settlement, giving visitors a chance to explore life in historic Prosser. It highlights the Yakama People, who lived in the area long before settlers arrived, and the impact of the Northern Pacific Railway, which helped shape the town. Displays include artifacts, photographs, and interactive exhibits. The museum has three exhibit spaces – The Front Room, which focuses on early life in Prosser, The Parlor, which showcases the town’s growth in 20th century, and The Shrub Steppe, which explores the local environment.

2. Outdoor Adventures

Tri-Cities Water Follies

The Tri-Cities Water Follies is a major summer event in the Tri-Cities area, bringing excitement to the Columbia River with hydroplane races and an air show. The event takes place at Highway 395 Bridge near Columbia Park, where spectators gather to watch high-speed boats race across the water, reaching speeds close to 200 miles per hour. The Apollo Columbia Cup is one of the main attractions, featuring Unlimited Hydroplanes, which create massive water sprays as they compete each other. The event includes STCU Over-the-River Air Show, where pilots perform aerial stunts in different aircraft.

Kayaking on the Columbia River

Kayaking on the Columbia River in Richland, is a great way to explore the area and enjoy the scenery. The river flows through Tri-Cities area, offering gentle currents that make paddling enjoyable for all skill levels. One of the best places to start is Howard Amon Park, where visitors can rent kayaks and paddleboards from Kayak Bateman or Oatis Outdoor Adventures. They offer guided tours to Bateman Island and Hanford Reach, giving paddlers a chance to see wildlife and learn about area’s history. Kayakers can explore small islands, inlets, and scenic shorelines, with plenty of spots to stop and rest.

Golfing Courses

Richland has several golf courses that offer great experiences for players of all skill levels. Columbia Point Golf Course is a public 18-hole course located near the Columbia River, featuring wide fairways, a driving range, and a pro shop. Horn Rapids Golf Course is another public course, known for its desert-style layout, scenic views and challenging terrain. Buckskin Golf Course provides a more relaxed setting with well-maintained greens and a welcoming atmosphere. West Richland Golf Course, located near Yakima River, has a challenging layout, chance to spot wildlife, and a historic clubhouse.

Columbia Park

Located along the Columbia River, Columbia Park is a large public park offering outdoor activities and scenic views. Covering 450 acres with 4.5 miles of shoreline, it is a great place for relaxing by the water. The Sacagawea Heritage Trail runs through the park, connecting different parts of the Tri-Cities area. The park has a disc golf course, fishing pond, and boat launches, providing options for recreation. One of the highlights is the Playground of Dreams, a large play structure rebuilt after a fire. The park has a Veterans Memorial, which is one of the freestanding granite structure in the United States.

Howard Amon Park

The Howard Amon Park is a 45.9 acres riverfront park along the Columbia River, offering a relaxing space for walking, biking, and enjoying the outdoors. A paved path runs through the park, connecting to the Sacagawea Heritage Trail, which links Richland to nearby Kennewick and Pasco. The park also features tennis courts, a basketball court, and a wading pool for more recreational activities. The Fingernail bandshell, built in 1982, hosts concerts and community events throughout the year. Originally named Riverside Park, later it was renamed to honor one of Richland’s early settler “Howard Amon“.

Leslie Groves Park

Covering 149 acres park along the Columbia River, Leslie Groves Park provides a mix of natural spaces and recreational facilities. Named after General Leslie R. Groves, who led the Manhattan Project, the park features hiking and biking trails, a boat ramp, volleyball courts, a playground, and picnic areas with covered pavilions. The Riverfront Trail runs through the park, connecting it to other scenic spots in Richland such as parks and neighborhoods. The park’s location by the river makes it a great place for boating, fishing, and relaxing by the water, with plenty of space for walking and cycling.

Two Rivers Park

Located near the meeting point of the Snake and Columbia Rivers, Two Rivers Park is a 273 acres park offering picnic tables, a playground, and a swim beach, making it a great spot for families. A nature trail runs along the east side of the park, passing through marshland that has slowly reclaimed old farmland. The park is known for birdwatching, with many resident and migratory birds spotted throughout the year. There are three sheltered lagoons connected to the Columbia River, and a 18-hole disc golf course adds to the recreational options, offering a fun challenge for players of all levels.

3. Iconic Landmarks

Hanford Reach National Monument

Covering 194,451 acres, Hanford Reach National Monument includes the last non-tidal, free-flowing section of the Columbia River. It was established in 2000 to preserve the land surrounding the Hanford Nuclear Reservation, which remained undeveloped since 1943. The area is home to rare plants and a chance to encounter diverse wildlife. The White Bluffs offer stunning views, with 300 foot sedimentary layers telling the story of ancient floods. Visitors can explore hiking trails, fishing spots, and boating areas, with jetboat and kayak tours providing a closer look at the river and its surroundings.

REACH Museum

Located at 1943 Columbia Park Trail, REACH Museum focuses on the Hanford Reach National Monument, Ice Age floods, and the Manhattan Project. Visitors can explore interactive exhibits, historical displays, and outdoor learning areas, making it a fun and educational experience. It highlights both human and natural history of the area, showcasing the impact of Hanford Site on the region. The outdoor space features sculptures, native plants and stunning views of the Columbia River. Special programs like guided tours, educational workshops, and community events, making it an engaging place.

Washington State University Tri-Cities

Established in 1989, Washington State University Tri-Cities is a public research university offering a range of programs. The university offers 20 bachelor’s degrees, 17 master’s programs, and 14 doctoral degrees, covering fields like engineering, business and viticulture. The Ste. Michelle Wine Estates WSU Wine Science Center, located on campus, supports research in winemaking and grape growing, making it a unique feature of the university. One of the highlights is the Bioproducts, Sciences, and Engineering Laboratory (BSEL) facility, focusing on environmental research and renewable energy.

Clover Island Lighthouse

Completed in 2010, Clover Island Lighthouse is the first lighthouse built in the U.S. since 1962. The lighthouse is 62 foot-tall and located on Clover Island, a 16 acres area near the Blue Bridge, offering scenic views of the river and surrounding landscape. The structure is made of concrete and steel, with a solar-powered beacon that flashes every four seconds. The lighthouse is serving as a Private Aid to Navigation (PATON), helping boaters along the river, which is approved by the U.S. Coast Guard. The Lighthouse Plaza provides a fantastic spot for sunset views, wildlife watching, and special events.

Gesa Carousel of Dreams

The Gesa Carousel of Dreams is a beautifully restored 108 year-old wooden carousel, designed by Charles Carmel. It is part of the Southridge Sports and Events Complex, making it a fun stop for families. Featuring 44 hand carved horses, carefully restored over 10 years, bringing back their original charm. The facility offers rides, events, and a concession stand, serving classic snacks like burgers, hotdogs, and pretzels. The carousel operates Friday through Sunday, with tickets available for purchase. It hosts birthday parties, community events, and seasonal celebrations, making it a lively attraction.

4. Family-Friendly Activities

Riverfront Trail

Starting at Columbia Point Marina Park and ending at the USS Triton Submarine Memorial Park, Riverfront Trail is a 7 miles paved path that passes through Howard Amon Park and Leslie Groves Park, both of which have picnic areas, playgrounds, and places to sit and enjoy the views. While mostly open, there is little shade, so bringing sunscreen and water is important, especially in the summer. People use the trail for walking, running, biking, and even birdwatching, as different species can be spotted near the river. It also connects to the Sacagawea Heritage Trail, which allows for longer exploration.

Clover Island Marina

The Clover Island Marina has 150 boat slips, and can accommodate yachts that are up to 60 feet in length, with both covered and open anchoring spots available. Visitors came on their boats can use the guest dock for short daytime or choose overnight stay options, with a limit of 14 days and use fuel service at the docking station. Once docked, visitors can explore Clover Island Riverwalk, a scenic pathway with views of the Columbia River and public art installations. The island has restaurants, a hotel, and access to the Sacagawea Heritage Trail, a 23 miles paved path perfect for walking or biking.

Vineyards and Winery

Richland has several vineyards and wineries that offer a relaxed atmosphere for wine lovers to explore local flavors. Market Vineyards is a boutique winery that focuses on handcrafted wines made from Columbia Valley and Red Mountain grapes. Goose Ridge Estate Vineyard and Winery is a family-owned estate with a large vineyard producing a variety of wines. Most of the wineries have tasting rooms where visitors can sample different wines and guided tours provide insights about winemaking process.

Taverna Tagaris allow visitors to sample their wines mixed with Mediterranean-style dining, offering over 30 estate wines to try. Longship Cellars specializes in most aged barrel-style red wines like Syrah, Tempranillo and Malbec. Some also host events and live music, adding to the experience. The region’s climate and soil make it ideal for growing quality grapes, contributing to Richland’s reputation for winemaking.

Toyota Center

The Toyota Center is a multi-purpose venue that hosts concerts, sports games, trade shows, and community events. Originally known as the Tri-Cities Coliseum, it has been a key entertainment hub in the region for years. The Tri-City Americans, a local hockey team, play their home games here, making it a popular destination for sports fans. The arena also welcomes touring musicians, comedians, live concerts and family-friendly performances, providing a variety of entertainment options. The facility hosts annual trade shows, conventions, and expos, attracting people from across the Tri-Cities.

Tri-City Raceway

The Tri-City Raceway is a 0.5 mile asphalt oval track known for its role in regional motorsports. Originally built to represent the three nearby cities, the track has hosted various racing events over the years. It is currently featured in the ARCA Menards Series West, bringing competitive racing to the area. The track is unique because it is the only paved tri-oval of its size in North America. Spectators can enjoy high-speed action, with races featuring skilled drivers competing on the oval track. Events at the track include stock car races, touring series, and local competitions, making it a popular destination.

5. Natural Attractions

Badger Mountain Centennial Preserve

The Badger Mountain Centennial Preserve is a popular outdoor destination with 8 miles of trails offering scenic views of the Columbia Basin. The preserve covers several hundred acres, protecting the natural shrub-steppe landscape. The Canyon Trail is a well-known route, climbing 984 feet to the summit, where hikers can see the Tri-Cities area from above. Other trails, like Skyline and Sagebrush, provide different paths to explore the mountain. Managed by Friends of Badger Mountain, it connects to Candy Mountain, another hiking spot nearby, creating more options for outdoor exploration.

Sacajawea Historical State Park

The Sacajawea Historical State Park is a 267 acres site where the Snake and Columbia Rivers meet, known for its connection to the Lewis and Clark Expedition and has picnic areas, a boat launch and a small beach. Visitors can explore the Sacajawea Interpretive Center, which has exhibits about Sacajawea, the Corps of Discovery, and the local Native American tribes. The park features outdoor displays and art installations, including the Story Circle by artist Maya Lin. The Sacagawea Heritage Trail, a paved path connecting different parts of the Tri-Cities, making it easy for walkers and bikers to explore.

Chamna Natural Preserve

Covering 276 acres, Chamna Natural Preserve offering more than 11 miles of trails for biking, and horseback riding. It includes shrub-steppe, riparian, and wetland habitats, providing a home for wildlife and various bird species. Some trails, like the River and Peninsula Loop, may experience seasonal flooding, especially in late winter and early spring. The landscape varies from shaded areas near the river to open fields with sagebrush, giving visitors a mix of scenery along the trails. Remnants of old farming, including grape and asparagus crops, can still be seen alongside past irrigation systems.

McNary National Wildlife Refuge

The McNary National Wildlife Refuge is a large protected area along the east bank of the Columbia River, stretching from the confluence of the Snake River to the mouth of the Walla Walla River. Covering 15,000 acres, the refuge is home to wetlands, sloughs, streams, and islands, creating a habitat for migratory birds and wildlife. Established in 1956, it was created to replace wildlife habitat, which was lost due to the construction of McNary Dam. Visitors can explore the area through viewing platforms, and Environmental Education Center, which provides information about refuge’s ecosystem.

6. Day Trips & Excursions

Palouse Falls State Park

Planning a day trip to Palouse Falls State Park takes about 2 hours drive from Richland, is a great way to see one of Washington’s natural landmarks. Palouse Falls, the official state waterfall, drops about 200 feet into a deep canyon, creating a scenic view. The park has three main viewpoints, which includes Fryxell Overlook, offering a panoramic view of the falls and the surrounding landscape. There are picnic tables and restrooms, but no food or water available. Hiking down to the base of the falls is restricted for visitors due to safety concerns, but viewpoints provide excellent photo opportunities.

Mount Hood National Forest

From Richland, a day trip to Mount Hood National Forest in Oregon takes about 3.5 hours drive, offering a great way to experience Oregon’s natural beauty. Mount Hood, Oregon’s highest peak at 11,249 feet, is surrounded by forests, rivers, and hiking trails. Timberline Lodge, a historic site known for its year-round skiing and mountain views. The Mirror Lake Trail leads to a peaceful lake with clear reflections of Mount Hood, making it a favorite for hikers. Trillium Lake is another scenic spot, ideal for kayaking and picnicking. The forest has several campgrounds for those wanting an extended visit.

Umatilla National Forest

From Richland, drive about 2 hours to reach Umatilla National Forest to experience the diverse landscapes of the Blue Mountains. The forest covers 1.4 million acres, offering a mix of rugged mountains, deep valleys, and open grasslands. Visitors can explore over 700 miles of trails, with options for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Popular spots include Jubilee Lake, a peaceful area with a scenic loop trail, and Tollgate, which provides access to several outdoor activities. Campgrounds are available for those wanting to extend their stay, but day visitors can enjoy picnic areas and scenic viewpoints.

Saint Joe National Forest

A day trip to Saint Joe National Forest in Idaho takes about 3.5 hours drive from Richland, is a great way to explore the western Idaho. The forest is part of the Idaho Panhandle National Forests, covering 867,882 acres of wilderness. Visitors can enjoy hiking and fishing in the area, with well-marked trails offering scenic views. Popular hikes include Sand Mountain Lookout Trail, which provides stunning views from higher elevations, and White Pine National Recreation Trail, a shorter loop with easier terrain. The forest has rivers and streams that are great for fishing, with trout being a common catch.

How to Reach Richland

If you’re driving, major highways like Interstate 82 and Highway 240 connect Richland to nearby cities, with the trip from Seattle taking about 3.5 to 4 hours and Portland about 3 hours. These roads offering scenic views of the Columbia River and surrounding area’s landscape. If traveling by bus, companies like Greyhound and FlixBus provide routes to the Tri-Cities area, stopping in Kennewick and Pasco, which are just a short distance away. For those flying, Tri-Cities Airport (PSC) in Pasco is the closest option, located about 10 miles from Richland.

The airport has direct flights from cities like Denver, Salt Lake City, and Phoenix, making it a convenient choice. Once you land, Richland is just a 15 minutes drive, with rental cars, taxis, and rideshare services available for easy transportation. Ben Franklin Transit provides local bus service around the Tri-Cities for those relying on public transit. Train travel is another option, with Amtrak’s Empire Builder route stopping in Pasco, allowing passengers to relax and enjoy the scenery without the hassle of driving.

Local Transportation

Richland, Washington, has several transportation options that make it easy to get around the city and nearby areas. Ben Franklin Transit provides public bus service throughout the Tri-Cities, including Richland, Kennewick, and Pasco. The buses run on fixed routes, and there is also a Dial-A-Ride service for riders who need more flexible transportation. For those looking for private transportation, RAD Cab and TC Black offer taxi and shuttle services, including airport transfers.

Eastern Washington Transportation provides chartered transport for small and medium-sized groups, making it a perfect option for wine tours, special events, and corporate outings. Charter Party Bus of Richland is another choice for group travel, offering rentals for special occasions. Cast Transportation operates in the area, providing additional transport services. Many visitors and locals also rely on rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft, which are available throughout Richland.

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FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions)

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