Walk along the world famous Columbia River at the Richland Riverfront Park. This river’s edge pathway and beautiful park, stretching from The Red Lion Hanford House on George Washington Blvd., to the Marriott, is a delightful walk along the magnificent Columbia River during any season., The park in front of the Richland hotels is large, but not too large, and elegant in a casual way – a great place to hang out any time of year.
Visit the wineries. The Tri-Cities is in the heart of Washington’s famous”Wine Country”. In fact many travelers use the Tri-Cities as a base to visit the 150+ wineries that dot the countryside from Yakima to Walla Walla. The wineries have many barrel tasting and other special events during the year. If you are short of time, we suggest a visit to the famous wineries that are right in or very near Richland.
A real gem is Gamache Vintners that is only a few minutes from most hotels. They’ve been growing the finest grapes in the region for the past quarter-century as one of the first producers for such prestige wines as Northstar Merlot, Eroica riesling and Columbia Crest reserve cabernets. Abeja, Long Shadows and Tamarack are also customers. They found their grapes in such high demand for high-quality wineries, the Gamache brothers founded a winery of their own with a world-class winemaker, Charlie Hoppes. The temporary winery-tasting room isn’t much to look at, but the highly acclaimed wines are “to die for”.
Visit a great museum! The Columbia River Exhibition of History, Science & Technology (CREHST) is a great place for people of all ages. This facility features a variety of two- and three-dimensional exhibits and displays including interactive, hands-on displays and activities. From prime time irrigation systems to the development and use of robotics, you will enjoy a fascinating journey through the unique Columbia Basin region. Travel the years from prehistoric time through the nuclear age; discover the unique history and geology of the Columbia River; encounter the vast agricultural fields of the Columbia Basin Explore hydroelectric power and Hanford Reach history. The museum’s permanent exhibits feature geology, Native American history, and nuclear science, hydro power, and Columbia River fish.
Take a boat trip to Hanford Reach! Designated as a National Monument in June 2000, the Hanford Reach is the only free-flowing, non-tidal stretch of the Columbia River remaining in the United States. Just north of Richland, a 51-mile stretch of unbridled river flows through a spectacular landscape of white bluffs, dunes and desert plateaus. Along with the river, rare birds and animals find refuge in this protected tract of wilderness. Visitors to the Hanford Reach National Monument are often rewarded with views of American white pelicans, osprey, bald eagles, black crowned night herons, great egrets, cormorants, Caspian terns, blue heron, prairie falcons, red-tailed hawks, elk, mule deer, coyote, river otter and many other spectacular animals which inhabit this natural sanctuary.
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