Agricultural history, gardens, and trails give Union Gap several distinct themes to consider when planning a trip. The Central Washington Agricultural Museum is a cultural focal point. Gardens, hiking trails, and a seasonal fall attraction offer other highlights. You can choose between historic exhibits, time outdoors, and seasonal activities.

Agricultural History at the Museum

The Central Washington Agricultural Museum is the largest museum of its kind in the Pacific Northwest. It is located in Fullbright Park at the foot of Ahtanum Ridge. Admission to the museum is free; donations are accepted.

The Keys Homestead is a replica furnished with many items from Margaret Keys’ original home. The farmstead includes a children’s train, a train depot, a windmill, a corn crib, and numerous artifacts related to turn-of-the-century agriculture. Together, these areas offer insight into different aspects of agricultural history.

The museum also includes a working sawmill from the 1930s. It is demonstrated at special events. If you specifically want to see a demonstration, check the dates of these events in advance.

Gardens, Trails, and Parks

Numerous hiking trails lead from the Agricultural Museum grounds. Next to the museum, there are covered picnic areas by the creek. Union Gap’s park system includes Loudon, Cahalan, and Fullbright parks, as well as Youth Activities Park, 1.5 miles of walking paths, and several connected green spaces throughout the city.

At Ahtanum Youth Activities Park, the WSU Yakima County Master Gardeners operate the Demonstration Garden and the Heirloom Garden. Classes are held there in spring, summer, and fall. The garden classes are therefore a seasonal option for trip planning, while the trails and green spaces offer a different way to spend time outdoors.

Seasonal Highlights in Fall

Union Gap Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch is a seasonal October attraction. Its offerings include a 12-acre corn maze, hayrides, apple cannons, a pumpkin launcher, a children’s corn maze, a straw maze, straw slides, and games. Pumpkins can be picked in the pumpkin patch or from the barn. Dates and activities may change, so check what is planned for your travel dates before your visit.

The seasonal timing varies: garden classes are held in spring, summer, and fall; the corn maze is an October attraction; and the sawmill is demonstrated at special events. These differences can help you choose when to travel, as the offerings do not all follow the same seasonal schedule.

Getting to the Museum

The recommended exit for reaching the Central Washington Agricultural Museum depends on your direction of travel on I-82. When traveling east, take Exit 37B to Main Street Union Gap; when traveling west, Exit 38 to Main Street is recommended.

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For the main travel overview: Yakima.