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Walla Walla, Washington is a treasure trove of activities. Festivals, athletic events, and an incredible park system complement and celebrate its rich agricultural heritage. Each season of the year offers great ways to appreciate and engage in the bounty of nature. Whether you live in or you’re visiting Walla Walla, there are always ways to explore more.
Jubilee Lake
Constructed in the 1960s, this human-made lake is over 90 acres. A dam was built on Motett Creek to form this incredible area intended for people to enjoy. Located in the Umatilla National Forest, Jubilee Lake is a perfect destination for day trippers, but it has an added feature of 53 camping sites for those looking to for a longer escape to the mountains.
Regardless of the length of your stay, be sure to enjoy its features. Bring your fishing pole since the lake is stocked with rainbow trout. Fishing is permitted from human or electric powered vessels that can be launched from Jubilee Lake’s boat launch. No boat? No problem! Grab a spot on the dock next to the launch and cast your line. Check the Umatilla National Forest’s website for the date of the annual Jubilee Lake Kids Fishing Derby!
With a National Recreation Trail designation, the 2.6-mile hike around the lake is another one of the best things to do in Walla Walla. Halfway through your hike, hop on the rope swing. Other water activities include kayaking and paddleboarding. While you glide along the lake, keep an eye out for the array of birds who live in the area.
Wineries, Breweries, Cideries, and Distilleries
Enjoying the great outdoors can certainly make you thirsty! Walla Walla has plenty of options. Utilizing the breadth and depth of the local harvest, passionate vintners, distillers, brewers, and cider makers capture the essence of the land in the beverages that they craft.
The Walla Walla region is home to over 120 vineyards. There are six districts of winemakers in Walla Walla: the Airport, Eastside, Southside, Westside, Downtown, and Oregon. Each has its own personality and is worth a visit, certainly a sip or two! Tours are available, so you can try various tasting rooms.
Not only do grapes grow in the area, but Walla Walla’s plentiful apple orchards provide the basis for its tasty cideries. Savor your cider as you overlook the trees that produced the fruits. Wheat, barley, rye, and more are the natural ingredients needed for distillers, and Walla Walla’s rich soil provides a harvest to craft those delectable cocktails and local brews!
Art in Walla Walla
Not only does Walla Walla have lakes, rivers, mountains, and craftspeople who create from its agricultural bounty, Walla Walla has the arts, music, and culture. Two unique aspects of its art scene include ArtWalla and the Whitman Campus Sculpture walk. ArtWalla acquires pieces of art that are displayed throughout the town. They support a Public Walking Tour that provides details about the works of art incorporated in and around Walla Walla. Information is easily accessible on your phone.
The Outdoor Sculpture Walk at Whitman College has twenty-one different and thought-provoking sculptures.
And there are many, many more best things to do in Walla Walla.
