Have you been looking for the best and most fun things to do in Wenatchee? Here’s everything you need to know.
The city of Wenatchee is located right at the eastern foothills of the Cascade Mountains on the bank of the Columbia River in north-central Washington.
The agricultural town is surrounded by orchards and is popularly known as the ‘Apple Capital of the World.’
Wenatchee is also buzzing with amazing art and culture.
Here in Wenatchee, they host the Washington State Apple Blossom Festival, which takes place from the last week of the month of April to the first week of May, making it the best time to visit.
A favorite is the Apple Capital Recreation Loop Trail, which runs ten miles along the banks of the Columbia River and passes through four city parks.
It is a popular attraction for walkers, runners, cyclists, and skaters. There is more to see and experience in this beautiful city.
Let’s explore together the best things to do in Wenatchee.
Fun Things to Do in Wenatchee
1. Ski at Mission Ridge
If you’re in Wenatchee, you have to go far for world-class skiing because it’s right out the back door.
The Mission Ridge Ski & Board Resort is less than a 25-mile drive from downtown Pybus Market.
From late November to early April, this local mountain provides a snow-filled season, with advanced snowmaking capabilities and over 2,000 acres of land.
Thanks to the capacity of the lifts, you will not have to worry about lines and crowds of lifts – about 5,000 skiers per hour.
Although the main attraction is the slopes, the mountain offers other ways to keep warm.
You’ll love the hot food and cozy respites between runs that Hampton Lodge offers on-site.
Equipment rentals, childcare, and lessons are also available on the mountain.
2. Enjoy the Holiday Season in Leavenworth
Another thing to do in Wenatchee is to visit the Bavarian Village. Also known as Leavenworth, it is just 30 minutes west of Wenatchee and has some of the best tourist attractions.
Leavenworth attracts visitors for day trips year-round, as the city exudes winter temptations that you can’t miss.
The holiday season is a special one, with half a million lights decorating the already attractive Bavarian center.
In the winter, the city is painted with holiday cheer, even between Thanksgiving and Valentine’s Day.
If you want to immerse yourself in Leavenworth’s light display, take in one of the Christmas Lights Festivals held every weekend in December.
Other attractions include reindeer petting, a nutcracker museum, and carol choirs.
3. Pick Seasonal Fruit at Stutzman Ranch
Some of the best fun things to do in Wenatchee include a visit to the Stutzman Ranch; add it to your checklist of places to visit.
Stutzman Ranch is a fourth-generation orchard that has been offering seasonal fruit and vegetable picking since its opening in the year 1907.
Picking fruit in Wenatchee would be an unforgettable family adventure.
Unfortunately, weekends are often crowded, so visitors are encouraged to visit the ranch during the week for a more relaxed experience.
Picking dates can vary, but the season typically runs from late June through September, and the ranch is open from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.
Pets are not allowed on the premises and don’t forget to bring your collection buckets.
Things to Do in Wenatchee at Night
1. Eat Local Dishes at South
Located in the famous Pybus Public Market in South Wenatchee, it is a colorful, bright Latin restaurant that offers a warm atmosphere and sumptuous dishes from Argentina, Mexico, Brazil, Cuba, Jamaica, and other countries in the region.
They cook everything from scratch, mainly using local ingredients from farms. They get their beef from Painted Hills Farm and Certified Angus Beef.
Every day, they make five homemade salsas fresh and use cage-free eggs.
Of course, you’ll have all your favorites like tacos, nachos, burritos, and enchiladas, but for more hearty options, check out their Plato too.
The main center of the south is its bar, which offers fifty different tequilas and mezcals, and a large selection of chachacha, rum, and pisco.
2. Get a Taste of Good Wine at Jones of Washington
This is a family-owned winery that grows its own vines.
It is located in two American wine regions along the Columbia River – the Ancient Lakes and the Wahluke Slope in central Washington state.
It is one of the pioneering families that farm on these fertile, beautiful lands.
The Ancient Lakes grows mostly white grapes such as Pinot Gris and Riesling, while the Wahluke Slope is popular for red grapes Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah.
They have a tasting room in Wenatchee located in the large Pybus Public Market that is decorated with stone, velvet, mahogany, drapery, steel, and a vine design on the bar.
All of this makes it a refined wine tasting venue and creates an attractive place to sample Jones of Washington wines or acquire some of their merchandise.
3. The Igloo
Since 1944, the Igloo has been locally owned and operated. It is well known for our tow trucks, cold drinks, and friendly people.
We offer a full bar with cocktails, beer, and food! Stop by today to see a Wenatchee icon.
The Igloo Tavern is hard to miss, with its retro, illuminated sign, and white-painted exterior.
Just take a quick drive down Miller, and you’ll see it, sitting on the edge of a busy street, its gutters draped in red neon tubes.
Inside, a long bar with pub-style chairs and a pool table in an adjoining room feel like the typical staple of any tavern, but don’t be fooled.
Igloos are far from typical. It is a local landmark, thanks in part to the care and maintenance the property has received over its 70 years.
The pub’s legacy is evident to every customer who walks through the doors.
As the Igloo surpasses its 75th year, its legacy is secure. People know the Igloo Tavern, even outside of Wenatchee.
Things to Do in Wenatchee For Couples
1. Shop and Grab a Meal at Pybus Public Market
Pybus Public Market is a massive open-air farmers’ market featuring fresh produce, specialty shops, local farm goods, restaurants, artisan foods, and more.
Locals say it’s the best farmers’ market in the world.
It has a wide selection of fruits, vegetables, seafood, meats, cheeses, beers, local wines, sweets, nuts, and beautiful live music on stage every Friday night.
It’s about the size of a football field and has a fantastic location near the famous Apple Capital Loop Trail and the beautiful Columbia River.
You will see some of the best restaurants here in Pybus. It is open every day throughout the year.
2. Go Mountain Biking on Saddle Rock
Located close to town, Saddle Rock is Wenatchee’s iconic outdoor peak that offers a quick and easy taste of mountain biking adventure.
Mountain bikers and hikers alike enjoy this trail after work.
It has a gentle incline, with a view of the Wenatchee Valley that rewards the uphill effort.
Saddle Rock is just the pinnacle of great mountain biking in the immediate Wenatchee area.
Above Saddle Rock are the mountains, where the sprawling Sage Hills trail system will speed up the multi-day exploration.
Most of the best mountain bike trails in Wenatchee are a direct result of the efforts of the Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance.
Additionally, there are several local bike shops nearby to help visitors hit the trails.
3. Explore Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest
This is a four-million-acre distinct terrain located on the eastern slopes of Washington’s Cascade Range.
It stretches over 180 miles between the Goat Rocks Wilderness and the Canadian border.
Due to its wide geographical range, the forest is very diverse. It includes mountain ranges stretching eastward, high alpine peaks along the Cascade Crest, deep, lush old-growth forest, and dry, rugged scrub steppe on the eastern edge.
Its elevation from 1,000 feet to over 9,000 feet also helps in the diversity of ecosystems.
In the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, you’ll experience a variety of opportunities to relax and explore.
It boasts of hundred miles of hiking trails through the wilderness, great for rock climbing, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and downhill skiing in the winter.
The forest is suitable for fishing, hunting, horseback riding, mountain biking, off-roading, introspection, and relaxation.
There are also live campsites that allow for privacy, making it one of the best things to do in Wenatchee.
Things to Do in Wenatchee For Kids
1. Wenatchee Confluence State Park
Located just on the north side of Wenatchee, Washington, Wenatchee Confluence State Park are a 197-acre nature reserve and public recreation area.
The northern portion is recreational and suburban and is located in the Sunnyslope neighborhood of Wenatchee, while the southern portion contains a man-made wetland area called the Horan Natural Area and is located in West Wenatchee.
The park is ideal for so many fun activities ranging from boating to camping to fishing then, swimming, and other sporting games.
The Wenatchee Confluence State Park also has basketball and tennis courts, a boat, a children’s playground, a volleyball court, and a beautiful beach too.
Connecting the park to downtown Wenatchee is the Apple Capital Recreation Loop Trail, which is another interesting highlight of the park.
Consider adding to your list of fun things to do in Wenatchee.
2. Take a Visit to Wenatchee Valley Museum
The Wenatchee Valley Museum & Cultural Center displays the local and regional history and the city’s Native American heritage.
It features items and artifacts from history, including a huge propeller from the plane that made the first transpacific flight.
The museum was founded Known to occupy two ancient buildings in 1939 by the Columbia River Archaeological Society and
The floors at the museum display exhibits that describe life in Eastern Washington along the Columbia River.
You would see petroglyphs, Native American trading history; 11,000-year-old Clovis points discovered in 1987 in East Wenatchee; a working Wurlitzer pipe organ from 1919, a display of fruit trees with an apple packing line from the 1920s, and much more.
Propeller history came when a pilot had to skid land a plane named Miss Veedol in the hills of East Wenatchee.
This landing resulted in propeller damage, and she remained in Wenatchee.
3. Visit Lincoln Rock State Park
Located seven miles from Wenatchee and Entiat Lake is Lincoln Rock State Park. It is about a mile upstream from the Rocky Reach Dam on the east side of the Lake – created when the dam was built.
The park spans 86 acres covering a basalt cliff formation known as Lincoln Rock.
Right from the park, visitors can capture scenic views of Swakane Canyon and Turtle Rock Island (a 150-acre nature preserve) in Entiat Lake.
The Lincoln Rock State Park is a popular destination for boating, fishing, picnicking, swimming, camping, hiking, and various off-road sports.
At Entiat Lake, you will see a boat launch with mooring docks available. Located seven miles from Wenatchee and Entiat Lake is Lincoln Rock State Park.
It is about a mile upstream from the Rocky Reach Dam on the east side of the Lake – created when the dam was built.
The park spans 86 acres covering a basalt cliff formation known as Lincoln Rock.
Right from the park, visitors can capture scenic views of Swakane Canyon and Turtle Rock Island (a 150-acre nature preserve) in Entiat Lake.
The Lincoln Rock State Park is a popular destination for boating, fishing, picnicking, swimming, camping, hiking, and various off-road sports.
At Entiat Lake, you will see a boat launch with mooring docks available.
Indoor Activities to Do in Wenatchee For Adults (Indoor Activities)
1. Visit Wild Huckleberry
Located in downtown Wenatchee is Wild Huckleberry, a restaurant and boutique operating out of a classic 1917 home.
Originally built as a home for Dr. Cadman and has had several owners and many uses until it became the prime location for the Wild Huckleberry Restaurant and Boutique.
If you want to have breakfast or a hot home-cooked lunch, consider Wild Huckleberry.
Its coziness and Old World charm make it a popular destination among tourists.
On their menu are all American favorites like burgers, salads, chicken fried steak, eggs, etc.
After your meal, hit up their boutique downstairs for the best gifs, jewelry, clothing, baby items, and more.
2. Try Out Meals at Taqueria El Rinconsito
Taqueria El Rinconsito restaurant in Wenatchee is clean and spacious, with super fast service, and offers Mexican favorites, including burritos, nachos, tacos, sopitos, quesadillas, gorditas, mulitas, and much more.
They make fresh tortillas all day long – you’d see the lady at the edge of the counter turning them on the stove.
They also sell Mexican sodas to keep the atmosphere of originality.
Check the restaurant menu for daily specials; there are always pleasant surprises.
3. Check out Bob’s Classic Restaurant and Distillery
Bob’s Classic Restaurant and Distillery first opened in the year 2015 in East Wenatchee, and not long after, it ranked among the top restaurants in town.
Bob’s Classic Restaurant and Distillery have an extensive menu that covers a massive list of draft and bottled beers, any type of food, and a unique selection of wines and spirits.
In addition to plenty of flat-screen TVs and a wonderful quirky atmosphere, you get the perfect venue for a family dinner, a night out with friends, or a romantic date night.
Romantic Things to Do in Wenatchee
1. Explore Ohme Gardens Together
One of the best attractions in Wenatchee is the Ohme Gardens.
Perfectly overlooking the snow-capped Cascade Mountains and the Columbia River Valley is a wild, beautiful garden on a jagged, dry, rocky bluff called Ohme Gardens.
The garden was created by the Herman Ohme couple, who labored for over 41 years on their property near Wenatchee.
They hauled huge natural stones for roads and borders, transplanted small evergreens from the Cascade Mountains, built deep ponds between substantial natural rock formations, and planted low-growing flowering soil.
Watering the garden, among many other chores, was done by hand until the irrigation system was introduced.
The garden has been transformed into a private luxury oasis for family getaways.
2. Support the Home Team
Many hometown sports teams go out of their way to make their local Wenatchee fans proud each time.
Wenatchee city has a junior hockey club and a football arena that has its stands filled almost every month of the year.
The Wenatchee Wild, for example, is part of the British Columbia Hockey League, with a season that runs from September to February.
Attending these games is exciting because of the crowd at Toyota Town Center.
At other times of the year, the newly recruited Wenatchee Valley Skyhawks redefine the Toyota Town Center as a football arena.
The first season the Skyhawks played was in 2009. It was a huge success, from March to June.
If you’re looking for more athletic fun, Wenatchee also has a varsity summer baseball team.
Wenatchee Applesox games are held at Paul Thomas Sr. Stadium throughout the summer on the Wenatchee Valley College campus.
3. Taste Sweet Wine at Stemilt Creek Winery
Stemilt Creek Winery was founded in 2003 and planted its first vineyard in 2001 in the Wenatchee foothills.
Both warm days and cool nights, afternoon breezes, rich, world-renowned compost, and high-density vines all guarantee the high yields and intense flavors of their distinctive collections.
Stemilt Creek Winery specializes in medium and full-bodied red wines and produces a wide selection of delicious white wines and rosés.
Each vintage is created in its minimalist production facility.
The grapes are fermented in 200-gallon vats before being pressed for extraction.
The wines remain in barrels for about 28 months before bottling. Visitors can visit any of their tasting rooms either in Wenatchee or in Leavenworth.
Free Things to Do in Wenatchee
1. Attend the Washington State Apple Blossom Festival
Fertile soils, abundant valley sunshine, and several irrigation sources make Wenatchee a wonderful place for apples to grow.
Not just because of the abundance of produce is the city nicknamed the “Apple Capital of the World,” but the community has embraced the title and showcased the fact well throughout the city.
From the AppleSox local college baseball team to the Apple Capital proclamation on Wenatchee Avenue, Wenatchee is synonymous with fruit.
This celebratory spirit takes place every late May at Washington State’s Apple Blossom Festival.
It’s a 10-day event that includes classic car shows, the live theater produced by the Music Theater of Wenatchee, a parade among family entertainment, and free activities.
The festival usually takes place from late April to May and has been going on for over a hundred years.
2. Take a Walk on Apple Capital Loop Trail
Circling the Columbia River is a 22-mile urban loop in Wenatchee, the Apple Capital Recreation Loop Trail.
The trail starts in north Wenatchee at Lincoln Rock State Park and runs south along the river to downtown.
It appears in four parks on the banks of the Wenatchee River: Walla Walla Point Park with its swimming lagoon and sports area, Wenatchee Riverfront Park with its boat launch, docks, sculpture garden, and narrow gauge railway.
Over the bridge in East Wenatchee, the trail follows the bluffs and crosses the river.
You’ll see two trails: on 27th Street and 19th Street at Porter’s Pond Natural Area.
It continues again to Jude’s Oasis and a marked bike, pedestrian, and utility bridge that takes the trail back to Riverfront Park.
3. Go Rock Climbing at the Frenchmen Coulee
Located sixty minutes southwest of Wenatchee is the Frenchmen Coulee, right between George and Vantage. It offers some of the best rock climbing experiences around.
Vantage, also called the climbing mecca, comprises tall basalt spires, which are relics of passing glaciers.
There are more than 700 known routes at Vantage to accommodate beginners and old pros alike also, but unfortunately, many beginner-friendly routes are locked, while the tougher routes always require additional climbing gears.
The Frenchmen Coulee is even more popular because of its off-season accessibility; isn’t that just awesome!
In addition to all of these, the Frenchmen Coulee also attracts climbers all through the colder months as well, thanks to plenty of sunshine and its high-desert location; what an intriguing place to spend time!
Many tourists visit here for camping, hiking, and nature photography purposes.
Cheap Things to Do in Wenatchee
1. Make a Visit to Peshastin Pinnacles State Park
This is a 34-acre public recreation area located just about three miles from Cashmere in Chelan County; it surely makes our list of the best things to do in Wenatchee.
The park features towers and sandstone slabs in the desert with beautiful views of the surrounding orchards, the Enchantment Range, and the Wenatchee Valley.
Visitors to the park can enjoy bird watching, rock climbing, wildlife viewing, and hiking, among other activities.
Its main features are jagged sandstone peaks.
Peshastin Pinnacles State Park has a network of water slides that offer sweeping views of the Cascades, the Wenatchee River, and the sagebrush area.
The park also attracts many photographers, climbers, and families who enjoy a picnic while watching the climbers at the top.
2. Explore Squilchuck State Park
Located eight miles south of Wenatchee, Washington, below Mission Ridge, Squilchuck State Park is a 249-acre state park nestled deep in the mountains at an elevation of 3,200 feet and is mostly covered in pine and fir forests.
This park is a popular destination for cross-country skiing, hiking, snowshoeing, mountain biking, group camping, wildlife viewing, and bird watching.
Squilchuck State Park has over ten miles of mountain bike trails that start at the campground.
The Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance also uses the trails for training.
Squilchuck Lodge has high ceilings, a wall of windows, and a two-story fireplace for group gatherings. It is a popular wedding destination.
3. Check Out The Outdoor Art Scene
Art is everywhere in Wenatchee, and it’s free to see!
If you’re looking for an outdoor/remote activity for kids, check out Art on the Avenues.
On the Apple Capital Loop Trail, this display features over 90 sculptures.
Most of these pieces are outdoors in the historic downtown, also along the Columbia River, and with a few pieces indoors.
Cool Places to Visit in Wenatchee
1. Get Outdoors — Summer or Winter
With fantastic year-round weather, Wenatchee is perfect for the outdoors. There are trails if you want to bike or hike.
If you want to cruise the river, there are boats, kayaks, and canoes. Mission Ridge Ski & Board Resort is 30 minutes away for winter fun.
No matter the season, there are numerous adventures to be had regardless.
Won’t you rather drink a Peppermint Patty and watch the skiers and snowboarders come down the mountain?
Or hike and bike, so my ideal time to visit Wenatchee is spring and fall.
April, May, September, and October have temperatures in the 60s and 70s, making them very pleasant.
2. Warm Springs Inn & Winery
Should you prefer to have breakfast in bed and are not traveling with children, Warm Springs Inn & Winery is located along the Wenatchee River.
The rooms are elegantly furnished, and the property has several shared living spaces, a tasting room, a large terrace, and a lawn that touches the banks of the river.
In the morning, you will be served an amazing breakfast prepared by an experienced chef.
3. Coast Wenatchee Center Hotel
For a premium experience, you should be close to the action as much as possible and feel the pulse of downtown Wenatchee; stay at the Coast Wenatchee Center Hotel!
Located just steps from restaurants, shopping, Pybus Market, and Wenatchee Waterfront Park.
Every room at the hotel has a view of the Wenatchee Valley, and if you have kids with you, they’ll love the indoor/outdoor pool.
Conclusion
The Wenatchee community is very welcoming and promises excitement.
The friendly forecast supports local agriculture and provides an environment for a variety of outdoor adventures.
This city attracts families and visitors who want to enjoy the sunny weather. So start planning your trip to Wenatchee.
To find the best places to visit, use this list of the best things to do in Wenatchee.
Have a fun-filled holiday!
