Mt. Rainier National Park is approximately an hour's drive northwest of Yakima and is most accessible in the summer months. Some areas, however, may be visited year round. There are activities for the whole family including camping, hiking, wildlife observation, boating, and skiing.
The Central Washington State Fair runs for 10 days each year in late September/early October. The fairgrounds are spacious and scenic, making it one of the most enjoyable fairs in the state.
The Yakima Valley Sundome, located on the fairgrounds, hosts many concerts and trade shows year round. Built in 1990, the Sundome is the largest dome of its kind in the world.
Yakima County Stadium
Yakima Stadium, adjacent to the Sundome, is home to the Yakima Bears, a Class 'A' Arizona Diamondbacks affiliated baseball team. In addition to baseball games, the stadium hosts concerts and other activities.
The historic Capitol Theatre was built in 1919 and is on the National Register of Historic Sites. It is home to the productions of local organizations such as the Yakima Symphony Orchestra and Community Concerts.
Yakima is also home to a thriving Farmer's market, which is open every Sunday from May to October. Local produce and hand crafted items are available at the market.
The city of Toppenish, a half hour drive southeast of Yakima, houses one of the Northwest's leading attractions with over 34 large outdoor murals depicting the area's history and culture.
Also near Toppenish is the Yakama Indian Nation Cultural Center. The Museum contains wonderful dioramas and exhibits that tell the story of the Yakama people. There is also a restaurant and gift shop, a library, a theatre, and an RV resort. The Yakama Nation Legends Casino is open Sunday thru Thursday 10 am - 4 am and Friday and Saturday 10 am - 5 am.
The Yakima Valley Museum, located in downtown Yakima, offers historical exhibits on the Yakima Valley's natural history, American Indian culture, pioneer life, early city life, and the development of the valley's fruit industry.
Wineries abound in the Yakima Valley, as do fresh fruits and vegetables. Fruit stands dot the local highways, and there are also plenty of opportunities to pick produce yourself at local farms. The Yakima Valley's outstanding agriculture draws people from all over the Northwest.
Recreational Rivers
The Naches and Yakima rivers offer excellent opportunities for fishing, rafting, and other outdoor sports. The Yakima River is one of the nation's most popular destinations for fly fishermen.
Nile Valley Days is a charming community fair held the thrid weekend in July every year in the mountain community of Cliffdell. Approximately a 45 minute drive from Yakima towards Chinook Pass, this two day fair features local crafters and artists, and is great fun for the whole family. Related information: visit the Nile Civic Betterment Association web site.
The Yakima Area Arboretum is open every day from dawn until dusk, and the Jewett Visitor Center is open to the public Tuesday through Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The arboretum harbors over 2,000 specimens of native and exotic species of woody plants on 46 acres of land adjoining the Yakima River.
The Greenway, which runs through the arboretum, is another facet of Yakima's outdoor activities. The Greenway stretches from Selah Gap to Union Gap, and west along the Naches River. It has over ten miles of paved pathways which connect parks, river access landings, nature trails, fishing lakes, and protected natural areas.
Mt. Rainier National Park