Recreation

Chimpanzee and Human Communication Institute

Founded by Roger and Deborah Fouts, the institute offers Chimposiums - one-hour educational workshops involving the world renowned chimpanzees who have acquired extensive American Sign Language vocabularies. For schedule and admission information, call 509-963-2244.
http://www.cwu.edu/~cwuchci/

Gallery One

Featuring contemporary arts and crafts, this gallery is a rewarding attraction to the city located at 408 N. Pearl.

Sarah Spurgeon Gallery

Randall Hall houses Central's premier art gallery that features contemporary art exhibits throughout the year, as well as graduate art students' theses and Corrine Farrell Scholarship students' exhibits. Gallery hours are Monday - Friday, 8:30 am - 4:30 pm, and Saturday - Sunday, noon - 3 pm. For specific exhibit information, call the Art Department at 509-963-2665.
http://www.cwu.edu/~art/

Children's Activity Museum

Located at 400 N. Main, it gives children "hands-on" opportunities.

Japanese Gardens

Central's Japanese Garden, designed by renowned landscape architect Masa Muzano (Lake Oswego, Oregon), combines the natural beauty of the Kittitas Valley with a traditional Japanese flavor. Open daily 6 am - 6 pm. Closed during winter season.
http://www.cwu.edu/tour/garden.html

Dick and Jane's Spot

This unique and reflective work of art located at 101 N. Pearl has received national attention.

Kittitas County Historical Museum

Experience our rich heritage through the local museum located at 114 E. 3rd.

Ellensburg Chamber of Commerce

On the corner of 7th and Main, inside the historical Driver House, this is the place to find the information you need about Ellensburg and Kittitas County.

Clymer Museum of Art

As a tribute to the late John Ford Clymer (Ellensburg's native son), the Clymer Museum of western art is located at 416 N. Pearl.
http://www.clymermuseum.com/

Olmstead Place State Park

Travel east on Mountain View, which turns into the Kittitas Highway, and turn south on North Ferguson Road. At the end of the road, you'll find one of the first homesteads in the valley with the original log cabin, barns and authentic materials from the 1875 - 1890 era. It's open daily 8 am - 5 pm. For tours, please call ahead if possible, 925-1943.
http://www.parks.wa.gov

Kachess

Nestled in the forest, this crystal-clear lake serves as a reservoir for the Kittitas Valley. It provides boat launch, camping and hiking.

The Yakima River

This beautiful river meanders from Lake Keechelus through Cle Elum and Ellensburg to Yakima. Handy sites are available for picnicking or floating the river with tubes or rafts. If you plan to float, check with the Rill Adventure Raft & Gear Rental at (509) 964-2520 for equipment and/or safety information.

Lake Easton State Park

One mile west of Easton, off I-90. 158 acres, 145 campsites, boat launch (Lake Easton), picnic tables and hot showers.

Thorp Mill

Built in 1883, the Thorp Grist Mill is one of the few mills left in the state and the oldest industrial artifact in Kittitas County. Take I-90 to the Thorp exit (Exit #101), turn right and follow the road to the mill. (509) 964-9640

Wish Poosh and Salmon La Sac

"Official" camping and picnic grounds located along Lake Cle Elum and the Cle Elum River. Huge rock formations and forest along the Cle Elum River make fantastic locations for hiking and picnicking or just sitting and taking in the wonder of it all.

Taneum Road

This is another road that eventually ends up in the same foothills that the Manastash Road winds through. Take I-90 to the Thorp exit (Exit #101), turn left and travel to the Thorp Cemetery Road, turn right and you will eventually come to the Taneum Road. A campground is located on Taneum Creek for Camping or just picnicking.

Roslyn

This historic coal-mining town boasts of a log cabin built in the 1880s (2nd & Utah St.), 25 old ethnic cemeteries and the quaint Roslyn Museum. Roslyn was also the site of the TV show "Northern Exposure."

Manastash Ridge

Take Main Street south to McDonald's and turn right onto Umptanum Road. After about two miles, Umptanum intersects with Manastash Road. Follow Manastash Road west to Cove Road, then left to the parking area. The Manastash Observatory is located high on the south ridge. Buck Meadows is located high on the south ridge. Buck Meadows is located further on up Manastash Road. Enjoy Manastash Creek and the surrounding forest on this adventure.

Cle Elum Telephone Museum

The history of telephone communication is told here (1st & Wright St), noon - 4 pm, 7 days a week, Memorial Day - Labor Day. Pioneer Days are held each year during the 4th of July holiday.

The Old Umptanum Stagecoach Road

Take Main Street south to McDonald's and turn right on Umptanum Road. Follow this road up onto the foothills surrounding the southern boundary of the valley. This scenic sagebrush route to Yakima is the same road pioneers used long ago.

Canyon Road

Simply follow Main Street south out of town and into the Yakima Canyon. There are numerous scenic views and picnic areas located next to the Yakima River. This road eventually leads to Yakima.

Whisky Dick Mountain

This is the high point between Ellensburg and areas to the east. On a clear day, you can see to Moses Lake. Take the Vantage Highway east of Ellensburg for about 17 miles until you reach the highest elevation. Take the dirt road to the left, up the mountain.

Liberty

This well-preserved old gold-mining town is listed in the National Historic Register. Take 8th Avenue west to exit Highway 97 (the Blewett Highway) - watch for signs.

Ginkgo Petrified Forest State Park

Located just before you reach Vantage (traveling east on the Vantage Highway) this beautiful state park includes a museum with excellent displays, including petrified wood and petroglyphs.
http://www.parks.wa.gov

Lion Rock

From this scenic viewpoint, you can see Mt. Rainier, Mt. Adams and the Stuart Range. It's great for picnicking, hiking, and photography. Follow Reecer Creek Road and watch for signs along the way. Eventually this road leads to Liberty.

Wanapum State Park and Columbia River

Two miles south of Vantage, the park's grassy, tree filled area features picnicking, swimming, boat ramp, trailer park and camping. Popular area for water skiing and soaking in the sun.
http://www.parks.wa.gov

Reed Park

Follow Chestnut off 8th Avenue to East 3rd Avenue and turn left. Turn left again onto Maple to Craig Avenue. Follow Craig Avenue northeast. You'll discover a great birds-eye view of Ellensburg, the Ellensburg Rodeo Arena, Kittitas County Fairgrounds, Central Washington's University's campus, Kittitas Valley and the Stuart Mountain Range. It's a great picnic area.

Wanapum Dam and Tourist Center, Grant County

Artifacts, photos and art provide an interesting and educational insight into the lives of Native Americans, fur traders, soldiers, miners and ranchers. Public viewing of the dam's powerhouse, generator gallery and fish-viewing room is available. Arrange group visits in advance. Take I-90 east to Vantage (Exit #136), cross the Columbia River and turn south onto Highway 243 - watch for signs. (754-3541 or 764-0500, extension 2571

Ellensburg Memorial Park & City Pool

Located at Chestnut and 6th, Memorial Park provides picnic shelters and tables, a barbeque grill, children's playground, horseshow pits and more. The pool is equipped with a weight room, sauna, Jacuzzi, Olympic-size pool and wading pool. (962-7211).
http://www.ci.ellensburg.wa.us/recreation/pool.cfm

For other City of Ellensburg Parks and Recreation Departments, please see:

• Ellensburg Youth Center
• Ellensburg Senior Center
• Ellensburg Racquet Center

Ellensburg Chamber of Commerce
609 North Main Street
Ellensburg WA 98926
(888) 925-2204, (509) 925-3138, info@ellensburg-chamber.com

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