15 Things To Do In Wenatchee

Wenatchee is the largest city of Chelan County, Washington; it is also the county seat. It is located in north-central Washington and has an estimated population of a little bit more than 30,000 people as of 2022. This area is a great place for tourists and locals to enjoy. It is rich with history and offers a lot of amazing hiking trails that outdoor lovers can enjoy.

There is something for everyone in Wenatchee and here are 15 of the most popular and unique things to do.

1. Ohme Gardens

The Ohme Gardens are a popular activity for tourists and locals alike. It was founded in 1929 and just recently celebrated its 90th anniversary. If you like the outdoors, then you are sure to enjoy what they have to offer. It is a nine-acre wooden garden that is situated among the hilltops that are above Wenatchee.

The gardens are one of the most popular things to see when you are visiting this area. This stunning oasis offers unforgettable, panoramic views of the Wenatchee Valley and the famous Columbia River. You will also get to walk along a one-mile that is made out of native stone. While walking this path, you will get to saunter up massive fir and pine trees and unique plants. There are even waterfalls and serenity pools that you can enjoy.

The Ohme Gardens are open seven days a week from nine o’clock in the morning to seven o’clock at night from April 15th to October 15th. It costs eight dollars for adults, four dollars for children the are between six and seventeen years of age. Children five years old and younger get in for free with an adult. However, the use of walkers, strollers, and wheelchairs is prohibited. So make sure you have comfortable walking shoes!

2. Okanogan- Wenatchee National Forest

A lot of people have the goal to visit a certain amount of national parks on their bucket list. If you are one of these people, then make sure you don’t miss out on this national forest. It offers a large and diverse landscape that spans over four million acres. With this much land, there will be plenty that you can enjoy. You can enjoy lakes, wineries, camping and fishing around Lake Chelan. Stevens Pass will allow you to partake in one of the most popular winter sports, skiing. They even offer nighttime skiing. The Alpine Lakes Wilderness Area is one of the most popular places for backpackers to enjoy. This is because of how close to nature you are when you are enjoying this area.

3. Pybus Public Market

Farmers and Public Markets are a great way to get involved in the local community and agriculture. The Pybus Public Market is a massive farmers’ market that offers specialty shops, fresh produce, local farm goods, and artisanal foods and restaurants.

Many locals claim that it is the best farmers market in the entire world. It is huge, it is about the size of a football field. There is an expansive selection of meats, seafood, fruits, vegetables, sweets, nuts, and cheeses. There are also plenty of local wines and beers that you can try out. Every Friday evening, you will be able to enjoy live music. This market is open every single day, all year long.

4. River Recreation

If you are looking for a thrilling water experience that you won’t forget anytime soon, this is the activity for you. River Recreation was established in 1982. Over this time, they have been able to perfect their business and make it one of the most popular activities for people of all ages.

You will get to travel along seven of the most popular rivers in Washington state. The guides that will take you rafting are the best trained and most entertaining guides this state has to offer. Whether you are an adrenaline junkie or a more relaxed sort of person, there is a tour that you are bound to enjoy.

Every trip comes with a guide, shuttle, and all the gear you will need. After your exciting endeavor, you can enjoy a riverside lunch that is provided for you. This lunch isn’t just peanut butter and jelly sandwiches; it is a whole delicious meal with steak, burgers, drink salads, and so much more.

5. Stemilt Creek Winery

This area has a ton of different local wines and beers to offer. If you are looking to try some of the most popular wines out, then the Stemilt Creek Winery should be on your itinerary. Their hours will vary depending on the season, so make sure you call and check beforehand.

This winery was founded by Jan and Kyle Mathison. In 2001 is when the first vineyards were planted and in 2003 was when the Stemilt Winery was officially bonded. It is located at 1,600 feet elevation on steep northwest-facing slopes. The unique climate makes it perfect for growing wine grapes. This is because of the afternoon breezes on warm days and the cool nights help to ripen the grapes perfectly.

Stemilt Creek Winery specializes in medium to full-bodied red wines and keeps its production facility minimalistic by following their non-interventionist approach. All of the red wines are barrel-aged and will spend between 20 and 28 months in the barrel depending on the product.

6. Leavenworth Outdoor Center

Leavenworth is your one-stop for all of the outdoor activities you can imagine. You can explore the Bavarian village on cruiser style bicycles. Cruise down the river on numerous different pieces of equipment. They offer tubes, paddleboards, and kayaks all for a very reasonable price. The majority of people choose the tubes because they are very comfortable and you can also rent a cooler to attach to them.

You will be shuttled from the office directly to the river, where you will be able to float down the river with ease. They do run specials that include beer or a free lunch if you would like to include those. This center was established in 2002 and as continued to be a great activity for children and adults alike to enjoy.

7. Smallwood’s Harvest

Whenever you are traveling, it is always fun to find local spots that you won’t experience anywhere else. This place offers fresh fruit and unique groceries that you won’t be able to find anywhere else. You will be able to sample some of the most popular items such as wine, popcorn, and hot sauce.

There are locally made products like ice cream, jellies, jams, syrups, sauces, and so much more. If you have kids, then they will definitely enjoy the petting zoo that is offered. There is a small fee that you have to pay to enjoy the petting zoo, plus you do have to pay for the feed if you want to feed these friendly farm animals.

8. The Enchantments

This trail is one of the most popular and trafficked ones in Wenatchee National Forest. However, it is not for new backpackers or hikers. It is 23.6 miles long and has an elevation gain of a little over 5,000 feet. It features a lake but is only recommended for very experienced backpackers.

This trail is mostly used for hiking, camping, backpacking, and rock climbing. Most people enjoy this stunning trail between July and October.

9. Escape Room Wenatchee

If you aren’t really a fan of all the outdoor activities that Wenatchee is known for, then you may want to check out the Escape room. Adults and teenagers will love this activity. It isn’t ideal for younger children because it can be a bit difficult.

The props and decor and very nice and add to the overall experience. It is challenging enough to make it fun but not too difficult to where you can’t complete it. The staff is extremely professional and friendly. There is a fun surprise that will be very unexpected while you are trying to escape!

10. Wenatchee Valley Museum

Another great indoor activity that you can visit the Wenatchee Valley Museum and Cultural Center. Here, you will get to learn about the rich history that this area has to offer. You will learn about local history, as well as regional history.

Plus, the city’s Native American heritage. This museum was found in 1939 by the Columbia River Archaeological Society. It takes up two of the most historic building is this city and has three floors of displays that describe life in the Eastern Washington area. Some of the most notable exhibits would be petroglyphs, 11,000-year-old Clovis points, and a working 1919 Wurlitzer pipe organ.

They are opened Tuesday through Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm. There are also numerous classes and activities that are offered for adults, as well as children.

11. Mission Ridge Ski And Board Resort

Skiing is a fun activity that a lot of people love. This place is one of the most popular places to ski in this area. They offer lessons, as well as childcare to allow you to enjoy your trip. There are numerous different package deals that you can purchase to make the trip more affordable.

If you don’t have skiing equipment, there is no need to go out and purchase a bunch of brand new stuff for one trip. They offer rentals at a very reasonable price.

12. Apple Capital Loop Trail

This 10-mile long loop is great for walking, cycling, or jogging. There are lights along this trail so if you are traveling alone or at night, you don’t need to worry as much about your safety. You will get a beautiful view of the Columbia River throughout your whole walk. This trail was completed in 1995 and has been well maintained since then. There are some rolling hills but nothing too steep.

13. Wild Huckleberry

Wild Huckleberry is one of the best restaurants overall in Wenatchee. It is an American style restaurant that gets rave reviews from nearly everyone that goes. They serve breakfast, lunch, and brunch. It is a bit pricy, but that is only because they serve high-quality, generous portions of food.

If you have dietary restrictions, they do offer gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian options. It is a pretty cozy building, so on the weekends when it is more crowded, you can expect it to get loud. They are opened from 7 am to 3 pm every day of the week. This small town diner is a must whenever you are visiting the area.

14. McGlinn’s Public House

After enjoying a tasty breakfast and spending a day exploring the beautiful landscape of Wenatchee, you will need to refuel. The best place to do that would be at McGlinn’s Public house. This pub offers a variety of different foods from tasty sandwiches to decadent seafood. They have an extensive dessert menu, so make sure you save room! There is something here that everyone will enjoy. It is one of the locals’ favorite spots to get dinner and start off the night.

15. Mela Roasting Co.

This small coffee shop offers healthy and affordable breakfast and lunch options that everyone is bound to enjoy. It is known a Wenatchee’s premier coffee house. They offer world-class coffees, grab-n-go lunches, an in-house bakery, and free wi-fi. You can also enjoy some popular, local beers and wines as well. It is very affordable with a price range of just five to fifteen dollars. Students and business professionals love to come here to get work done.

There is ample room for meetings but it is still small enough that it feels cozy and comforting. You can also enjoy outdoor seating and live music, depending on the time of year. They have been in business since 2007 and have become a well-known spot for locals, but still encourage visitors to stop by. The french toast is one of their most popular items, especially when it is paired with the amazing fruit.