Explore Like A Local in Walla Walla

Walla Walla has an incredible array of activities for all ages and interests. Shopping in its historic downtown district, cultural arts with museums and music, outdoor pastimes with its mountains and lake, and certainly wineries and breweries as a great way to relax are all readily available in Walla Walla. With so much to choose from, let’s look at ideas of how to explore our town like the locals.

Pioneer Park

Offering a fabulous selection of fifteen public parks, Walla Walla’s park and recreation system provides many ways to enjoy the great outdoors. Parks open at 5:00 am for you to begin your adventure and remain available until 11:00 pm.

The oldest of the fifteen parks in Walla Walla is Pioneer Park. Designed by the well-known Frederick Olmsted, architect for New York City’s Central Park, and his brother, the duo renovated a run-down farm into a sanctuary for Walla Walla. Following Olmsted’s design aesthetics, the park is a blend of formal gardens and naturalistic elements. Components of the original botanical garden remain today.

Located near the historic downtown area of Walla Walla, Pioneer Park is a short walk to a shady respite. Tree-covered canopies provide pathways for visitors to stroll through the park. From the original plantings of over 6,000 trees and bushes, there remains more than ten, which are now the biggest trees in the state. On your walk, be sure to stop by the streams and waterfalls to enjoy the full natural ambiance of the park.

Other features of the park include an aviary, rose garden, and playgrounds. This is a great place to explore our town like a local.

Veterans Memorial Golf Course

Another one of the fifteen incredible parks in Walla Walla, the Veterans Memorial Golf Course is a great course for all levels of golfers. Francis L. James designed the regulation 18-hole 72-par course. Every hole has options from which you can drive your ball. This helps level the playing field between inexperienced and experienced golfers. While it does not have water challenges, the course includes sand traps to add to the complexity of the game.

In addition to an enjoyable round of golf, the course is located at the base of the scenic Blue Mountains. Each hole on the course creates a unique challenge for golfers along with a continually changing vista. Its level topography makes it an enjoyable walk. Enjoy a round of golf at Veterans Memorial Golf Course and explore our town like a local.

Fort Walla Walla Park

The largest of the fifteen parks in Walla Walla with a 70-acre wildlife preserve, this park is definitely one that lets you explore our town like a local. Capturing a diverse set of interests, Fort Walla Walla has something for everyone, including your dog! Hiking, motocross, and skateboarding are just a few of the options for you to participate in. Bring your remote-controlled cars and airplanes with you, a track and airfield are available. Horseshoe pits, volleyball courts, and a playground area are other amenities for your enjoyment.