A one-third-mile loop trail on the Whitman Mission’s Mission Trail passes the Whitmans’ two houses, a reconstructed mill pond and other buildings of the Presbyterian mission. The trail is mostly level and paved. On this compact loop, you can encounter several tangible landmarks of mission history rather than seeing the individual buildings only as names on a map.
Wine Country, the City and the Seasonal Harvest
The Walla Walla Valley wine region lies in Walla Walla County in Washington State and Umatilla County in Oregon. The Walla Walla Valley American Viticultural Area extends across southeastern Washington and northeastern Oregon. Wineries and tasting rooms are spread across six key districts in the valley. In the Southside district, winery visits can be combined with views of the Walla Walla Valley.
The city of Walla Walla also offers different ways to plan a visit. Downtown has more than 30 wine tasting rooms; restaurants, accommodations, shops and the historic Main Street are all within walking distance. Spring Release Weekend takes place each year on the first full weekend in May and combines new wine releases with special events. If you’re planning to attend, check the dates for your chosen year.
The Walla Walla Sweet Onion is another seasonal feature of the region. The onions are planted in September and hand-harvested the following summer. They are available from mid-June through July; some retailers offer them through August. As availability is seasonal, it’s worth checking before your trip.
Traces of Regional History
In the city, the Downtown Walla Walla Historic District was officially added to the National Register of Historic Places on September 3, 2021. The Frenchtown Historic Site offers a different historical perspective: it is located within the ancestral homeland of the Walla Walla and Cayuse. Beginning in the 1820s, French-Canadian voyageurs associated with the Hudson’s Bay Company settled there with their Métis families. The site is also located at the scene of the 1855 Battle of Walla Walla.
The Walla Walla Fair & Frontier Days also connects local history with agricultural life. Its history dates back to Walla Walla’s first county fair in 1866; it is described as the oldest fair in Washington State. The history of the Frontier Days Rodeo begins in 1913, with bulldogging, relay races, bronc riding, stagecoach races and performances by cowboys and cowgirls. The fair’s annual 4-H and FFA programs give the region’s younger agricultural community a platform to showcase their work.
The Fort Walla Walla Museum presents history on several scales. Its Pioneer Village includes 17 buildings from the Walla Walla Valley, furnished with artifacts; you can take an audio tour at your own pace. The museum also has five exhibit halls. Exhibits include wheat harvesting with a team of 33 mules and an old cell from the Washington State Penitentiary. The Whitman Mission Museum, meanwhile, displays Cayuse cultural items, archaeological artifacts and belongings of people who lived at the mission, including the Whitmans.
Explore Trails and Water
At Whitman Mission, additional trails complement the short Mission Trail: the grounds have about one mile of paved walking paths and two miles of unpaved, mowed trails. Seasonal mowing can affect access, so check trail conditions before your visit. From an elevated point, you can see the entire park. On clear days, the Blue Mountains of Washington and Oregon are visible on the horizon.
For a direct comparison of trail lengths, consider these two other options: the paved Mill Creek Recreation Trail is 2.5 miles long, follows Mill Creek and is designated for non-motorized use. Bennington Lake has more than 20 miles of multi-use trails for horseback riders, cyclists and hikers. Kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding are also possible at the lake; seasonal suitability may vary. Bennington Lake is stocked with rainbow trout in spring.
Whether you’re interested in wine country, local history, museum visits or outdoor trails, Walla Walla offers several specific themes to shape your trip around. Downtown, the historic sites and the trails each have a different focus; choose the experiences that suit your interests and plan around the seasonal offerings and their respective time frames.
Discover more destinations: Walla Walla, Touchet, Pierce, King, Cowlitz, Lincoln County, Lewis, Whatcom.
Go to the main travel overview: Washington.
