Spread the love!

Richland, WA: Where Fun and Adventure Meet – The Ultimate Guide to the Best Things to Do and Places to Visit!

Richland divides cleanly into three. There is the atomic history, which is the reason the town exists and which the REACH Museum and the Manhattan Project National Historical Park cover properly. There is the river, which gives you Howard Amon Park, the trail, the boats and the fishing. And there is the wine, because the vineyards start more or less where the suburbs stop. Pick two.

Planning a trip to Richland, Washington and looking for the best of it? Richland sits in the heart of the Tri-Cities area, known for its parks, its outdoor activities and a history unlike anywhere else. History buff, food lover, wine drinker or outdoor enthusiast, all four are covered here.

Richland’s history is bound up with the Manhattan Project, which produced the first atomic bomb during World War II. You can visit the Hanford Site now and get the history of the project and what it meant. For sport, Richland runs everything from golf to water sports on the Columbia River. And for wine, this city sits among some of the best wineries in the Pacific Northwest.

Key Takeaways

• Richland offers a variety of activities for all types of travelers, from history buffs to outdoor enthusiasts.
• The city’s vibrant restaurant scene and wineries make it a great destination for foodies and wine lovers.
• The Hanford Site and Columbia River offer unique experiences for those interested in history and outdoor activities.

Richland’s History and the Manhattan Project

You may not know this, but Richland, Washington has a history tied to one of the most significant events of the 20th century, the Manhattan Project. Yes, that one. The project that ended World War II and started the nuclear age runs directly through this town.

During the Manhattan Project, Richland was one of the three cities producing plutonium for the atomic bomb. The other two were Oak Ridge, Tennessee, and Los Alamos, New Mexico. The Hanford Site, just outside Richland, is where the plutonium was made.

History buffs should visit the Manhattan Project National Historical Park, which has a visitor center in Richland. It covers the history of the project, the part Richland played in it, and what it meant for the rest of the world.

But there is more. For the history of Richland beyond the project, there are several history museums in the area. They cover the city from its early beginnings through to its role in the Manhattan Project.

The Hanford Site, where the plutonium was produced, is the other stop for history enthusiasts. There are several tours that get you into the production process and the people who worked there.

So for something both fun and educational in Richland, Washington, the history and the Manhattan Project are where to start.

Getting Sporty in Richland

Sports enthusiasts do well in Richland, Washington. The range of activities here is broader than the size of the city suggests, and something in it will get the adrenaline going.

Golf lovers are in luck. Richland holds several challenging courses, the Meadow Springs Country Club and the Columbia Point Golf Course among them. The views and the well-maintained greens make the round worth the money.

Prefer something faster? The basketball courts at the Richland Community Center. A pick-up game with friends or a competitive league, both run there, and the courts are rarely empty.

But there is more. Richland has plenty else for the sports-minded. Hike or mountain bike in the nearby Badger Mountain Centennial Preserve. Or head to the Richland Bowling Alley for a night of strikes and spares.

Whatever the sport, Richland has a version of it. So get out there and get your game on.

Exploring the Tri-Cities

So you have made it to Richland, Washington and you are ready to explore the Tri-Cities. Buckle up.

First, the Tri-Cities themselves. Richland, Kennewick and Pasco work like the Three Musketeers, all for one and one for all. You cannot visit one without ending up in the others.

Start the day at the REACH Museum in Richland. This museum covers the history and culture of the Tri-Cities and it is the best place to get the area’s past straight. And it is air-conditioned, which matters here.

Next, head over to Kennewick and the Columbia Park. This park has a playground, a swimming area, a boat launch and a miniature train that tours the grounds. And the views of the Columbia River do the rest.

For something more adventurous, head to Pasco and try water-skiing on the Columbia River. Or, if you would rather stay dry, the Pasco Farmers Market and some fresh produce for a picnic lunch.

After lunch, head back to Richland and take a tour of the Hanford Site. This former nuclear production facility shaped World War II and the Cold War, and the tour is the clearest look you get at the area’s history.

Finally, end the day at the Badger Mountain Vineyard and Winery. It sits in Richland with long views over the surrounding country. And the wine holds up.

Working through the Tri-Cities is the thing to do when visiting Richland, Washington. Each city has its own character, and together they make the trip.

Wine Tasting Adventures

Wine enthusiasts are in luck, because Richland, Washington sits among some of the best wineries in the state. Seasoned connoisseur or someone who simply likes a good glass, both are covered here.

First, the Richland Winery, where the list runs to a Private Reserve Malbec and a Sangiovese Rose. They also run wine tastings and tours of the vineyard.

Next, the Goose Ridge Estate Vineyard & Winery, where you sample the award-winning wines with the vineyard in view. They also run a wine club with access to limited edition bottles.

For a genuinely unusual tasting, the Wine Tasting Cruises run by Water2Wine Cruises. You get a scenic cruise down the Columbia River with some of the best wine in the region in hand.

And last, the Bookwalter Winery, for the signature wines and the wine club. They also do private tastings for something more intimate.

Whichever winery you pick, the wine country around Richland, Washington will not disappoint. Cheers to that.

Richland’s Restaurant Scene

Food lovers do well in Richland, Washington. A fancy dinner or a casual lunch, both are covered, and there are more options than you expect.

Start the day at the Atomic Ale Brewpub & Eatery. They do some of the best breakfast in town, and the craft beer selection is there when you are ready for it.

For lunch, head to the Spudnut Shop and eat one of their famous potato flour donuts. Light, fluffy, and worth the wait.

For something more upscale, Drumheller’s Food & Drink. The charcuterie plate is the reason to book, loaded with cured meats, cheeses and everything that goes alongside them.

For dinner, Anthony’s HomePort Columbia Point. This waterfront restaurant gives you the river and some of the best seafood in town. Try the shrimp and crab pasta, which is the local order.

And for a drink, Porter’s Real Barbecue. They do some of the best BBQ in the area and the beer selection is a genuine reason to stay.

Whatever the mood, Richland’s restaurant scene will meet it. So come hungry.

Outdoor Activities in Richland

Richland is good ground for getting outside. Sitting on the banks of the Columbia River, it gives you boating, fishing and swimming. But that is not all, because there are parks and recreational areas for hiking, biking and everything in between.

Howard Amon Park

The most popular outdoor destination in Richland is Howard Amon Park. This expansive park runs tennis courts, playgrounds and picnic areas alongside a swimming beach and a boat launch. Take a stroll along the paved riverfront trail, or rent a paddleboard and get out onto the Columbia River.

Hiking and Biking

For a little more adventure, there are hiking and biking trails in and around Richland. Check out the Chamna Natural Preserve, a 276-acre park with miles of trail and long views over the river. Or head to the Badger Mountain Centennial Preserve, which runs over 20 miles of trails and works for hiking, mountain biking and wildlife viewing.

Boating and Sailing

For anyone who wants to be on the water, Richland is the right destination. Rent a boat and work the Columbia River, or take a sailing lesson from a local instructor. And the fishing is real, with salmon, steelhead and sturgeon all in the river.

Recreational Activities

For something more laid-back, Richland has recreational options too. Work through the city’s parks and playgrounds, or take one of the local golf courses for a round of 18 holes. Whatever the interest, the outdoors here covers it.

So get outside and use what Richland has.

The Vibrant Riverfront Park

Howard Amon is Richland’s primary riverfront park and you cannot miss it. It is well maintained with decent amenities. And the riverfront trail runs beyond the park itself, which makes it work for walkers, runners and bikers alike.

In the summer this park is where the town goes. Cookouts, swimmers and water sports. You can get into the Columbia River here, but watch for toxic algae, because the park officials post whether it is safe to swim and that notice is worth reading.

If swimming is not for you, there is still plenty at Riverfront Park. Take a stroll along the river for the views. Or eat a picnic with friends and family.

The park also runs playgrounds for kids of all ages. So the little ones have somewhere to go while you sit in the sun.

Howard Amon Park is where a day with people you like goes. Just bring sunscreen and plenty of water.

Unique Experiences in Richland

Richland, Washington is a good place for unusual experiences. Museums through to geological formations, the list runs long. These are the most unique things you can do in Richland:

Explore the REACH Museum

The REACH Museum is where you learn the history and culture of the Tri-Cities area. The exhibits run from the Ice Age through to the Manhattan Project. And you can take a tour of the Hanford Site, which is where the plutonium for the atomic bomb was produced during World War II.

Take a Tour Guide with You

For an unusual way to see Richland, consider hiring a tour guide. They take you to the good spots and give you the background that no sign provides. Some even run e-bike tours, which is a fun and low-impact way to cover the city.

Bring Your Dog to a Patio

Traveling with a dog? Plenty of restaurants in Richland run dog-friendly patios. You can eat or drink while the dog lies under the table. Bring a leash and some water for them.

Visit Speciality Museums

Richland has a few specialty museums worth checking out. The Hanford Reach Interpretive Center covers the natural history of the area. The Atomic Ale Brewpub and Eatery has a museum on the history of beer. And the Hanford History Project runs a museum on the history of the Hanford Site.

Explore the River Trail

The River Trail is where you get at the natural side of Richland. Bike, walk or jog along it with the Columbia River beside you the whole way. Wear a helmet and bring water. And for anyone who wants music or calls while riding, a Bluetooth-enabled helmet solves it.

Rent an E-Bike

For an unusual way to see Richland, rent an e-bike. The pedal-assist makes hills and long distances easy, and some have a throttle so you can ride without pedaling at all. Wear a helmet and follow the rules of the road.

Richland sits at the confluence of the Columbia, the Yakima and the Snake rivers, in high desert country that gets very little rain. Summers run hot and dry. The wildflowers come in spring. The town was built by the federal government in the 1940s to house the workers who made plutonium at Hanford, and the street grid still shows it. Everything else in the town traces back to that one decision.

The Fun Side of Science

Who says science cannot be fun? In Richland, Washington you get the lighter side of it, with activities for all ages. Power plant enthusiast or someone simply after an unusual day, both are covered.

The most popular science attraction in Richland is the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. It is home to some of the brightest minds in the industry, and the staff are friendly and happy to answer questions. Take a tour and see how the work actually gets done.

If physics is more your thing, the Columbia Basin College Planetarium. This facility runs shows and presentations that take you out through the cosmos. The solar system, black holes, and everything between.

For something genuinely unusual, head to Solar Spirits Distillery. This local distillery runs on solar power to make its award-winning spirits. Take a tour to see how the renewable side works, and sample the products while you are there.

Drinkers will enjoy White Bluffs Brewing. This local brewery runs a range of craft beers that will suit most palates. Take a tour of the facility, and try the signature IPA.

Richland, Washington offers a genuinely unusual take on science. Power plants through to distilleries, and every stop teaches you something. So what are you waiting for?

Covid-19 and Traveling to Richland

Covid-19 changed the way everybody lives and travels. But Richland, Washington is open and ready to welcome you, from a safe social distance.

First things first, make sure to check the latest travel guidelines and restrictions before you hit the road. You don’t want to get turned away at the border, do you? You can find updated information on the TripAdvisor website.

Once you arrive in Richland you will notice that many tours and attractions have new safety measures in place. Increased cleaning protocols through to reduced capacity, all of it aimed at keeping visitors safe.

But you can do your part too. Wear a mask, wash your hands frequently, and keep your distance. And if you are feeling sick, stay home rather than spreading it around town.

Traveling during Covid-19 takes more planning and more caution, and it does not stop a trip to Richland being a good one. Follow the guidelines, stay safe, and come back again.

Hanford Site: A Look Into the Past

For something genuinely unique in Richland, Washington, do not miss the Hanford Site. It is a fascinating look into the past and the clearest way to understand the history of the area.

The Hanford Site was home to the Manhattan Project, which developed the first atomic bombs. It is now undergoing cleanup and preservation work to keep it safe and open to visitors.

On a visit to the Hanford Site you watch introduction videos covering the site’s history and the current cleanup. And you get to see some of the preserved buildings and equipment used during the Manhattan Project.

One of the more interesting things about the Hanford Site is that visitors are required to wear bib overalls on the tour. It sounds odd, and it is a safety measure to keep contaminants out of the site.

The Hanford Site is the stop for anyone interested in the history of Richland and the Manhattan Project. History buff or not, the way this piece of history is presented will hold you.

Exploring the Snake River

For a good day out from Richland, Washington, the Snake River. This river runs a genuine spread of activities, pleasure boating through to fishing.

The best way to experience the Snake River is from a pleasure boat. A relaxing cruise or an adrenaline-pumping ride, both are available. Rent a boat and go on your own, or join a guided tour and get the history with it.

Cruising the Snake River, the landscape opens up on both sides. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife, eagles and ospreys and other birds of prey among it. And with luck, a beaver or a river otter.

The Snake River is also known for its fishing. Experienced angler or complete beginner, there are plenty of places to cast a line. The river holds trout, bass and steelhead.

So for a good day out from Richland, do not miss the Snake River. Cruising in a pleasure boat or casting for a big one, both work on this river.

The Goose Ridge Winery

You cannot visit Richland without stopping at the Goose Ridge Winery. It sits in the heart of a 2500-acre vineyard, which is the reason wine lovers make the trip.

The winery runs a broad list of white and red wines, plus ciders and vodka tastings, inside and out on the patio. Make a reservation to be sure of a spot.

Goose Ridge Winery is more than a tasting room. The facility itself is worth looking at and the staff are genuinely welcoming. And you drink with the vineyards in view the whole time.

For something to take home, the 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon, the apple cider and the reserved Malbec all come recommended.

So grab your friends and head over to Goose Ridge Winery. It is a good afternoon.

The Unique Offerings of Richland’s Bars

You may not expect it, but Richland runs a lively bar scene with things you will not find elsewhere. A classic cocktail or something stranger, both are covered.

Vodka fans are in luck. Richland’s bars carry a long list of vodka, classic brands through to small-batch craft bottles. Some even make their own infusions, lemon or rose petal among them.

And it is not only the vodka. The bartenders in Richland are their own breed. They are not there simply to pour drinks, they are there to put on a show, juggling bottles and building elaborate garnishes and occasionally doing magic tricks.

The most popular drink in Richland’s bars is the lemon vodka slushy. It is built for a hot summer day and it is a local specialty. You will not find it anywhere else.

And it is not only the drinks. The atmosphere in Richland runs the whole range, from dive bars with pool tables and dart boards to upscale rooms with live music and a dress code.

A classic cocktail or something more adventurous, Richland’s bars cover both. Pull up a stool and order something.

The Beauty of Richland

You have arrived in Richland, Washington and you want to see what the place actually looks like. Nature lover, walker, biker, or someone with an afternoon to fill. All four are covered.

The wildflowers are among the better things about Richland. Visit in spring or summer and the display is genuinely worth planning around. Lupines through to Indian paintbrush, and the desert turns over completely.

For a more structured garden, Dan’s Dahlias is the stop for anyone who loves flowers. With over 400 varieties of dahlia, the colors and shapes and sizes run further than you would think possible. And you might meet Dan himself.

For walking or biking, Richland has plenty. The Columbia Riverfront Trail runs along the Columbia River with views of the water and the hills beyond it. And for something more adventurous, rent a kayak or a paddleboard and get onto the river itself.

And for free time, Richland covers that too. Concerts in the park through to outdoor movies, something is always on. And with this many parks and green spaces, there is always a quiet corner.

Nature lover, walker, biker, or someone simply filling an afternoon, Richland has something for all four. Come and see why.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some hidden gems in Richland that tourists often overlook?

For something away from the obvious, check out the Hanford Reach National Monument. It is a beautiful and genuinely unusual desert landscape holding a range of wildlife, bald eagles and bighorn sheep among them. The Richland Farmers Market is the other one, with fresh produce and handmade crafts from local vendors.

What’s the most unusual activity to do in Richland?

For something adventurous, try the Tri-Cities Escape Game. It is an interactive puzzle game where you and your friends solve clues to get out of a locked room. It tests the problem-solving and it is genuinely fun.

What are the top-rated family-friendly activities in Richland?

There are plenty of family-friendly activities in Richland. The Playground of Dreams is where kids run around properly, while the Columbia River Exhibition of History, Science, and Technology is the educational one the whole family can use. And the Richland Aquatic Center runs pools and water slides for all ages.

Where can I find the best local cuisine in Richland?

For local food, check out The Bradley, which does farm-to-table dishes built on fresh local ingredients. Ethos Bakery and Cafe is the other one, with baked goods and sandwiches made from locally sourced produce.

What are some outdoor activities to do in Richland during the summer?

In summer there is plenty outdoors in Richland. Hike in the Badger Mountain Centennial Preserve, which gives you the long view over the surrounding country. Or rent a paddleboard or kayak and work the Columbia River. And for something more adventurous, windsurfing or kiteboarding.

Frequently asked questions about Richland, Washington

How hard is the Badger Mountain trail?

Steep but short. The Badger Mountain Centennial Preserve runs over 20 miles of trail and the summit route climbs steadily the whole way, which in the summer heat is the real difficulty rather than the gradient. Go at dawn if you can manage it. The long view out over the Tri-Cities and the river is the payment for it.

Can you swim in the Columbia River at Richland?

People do, off the swimming beach at Howard Amon Park. The current runs stronger than it looks and toxic algae is a real seasonal problem, so read the posted advisories before anybody gets into the water. The paddleboards and the boat launch are the safer version of the same afternoon out. Rent them from the park instead.

Is the REACH Museum worth an hour in Richland?

Yes, and it is the one indoor stop that explains the rest of the town to you. The exhibits run from the Ice Age floods that shaped this whole landscape through to the Manhattan Project and everything that came after it. It sits flat, air-conditioned and close to the river trail. Go before the walking rather than after it, because it reframes everything else.

Spread the love!