21 Best & Fun Things To Do In Leavenworth (Washington)
21 Best & Fun Things To Do In Leavenworth (Washington)
1. Autumn Leaf Festival
You won’t want to miss the Autumn Leaf Festival if you’re going to Washington in the fall.
A lot of people come every year to walk through the brightly colored leaves and drink warm cider at one of the state’s longest-running events.
That’s not the end of the fun, though.
This event lasts for several days and has music, food, drinks, and more.
Go to a car show, clap along to live music outside, or just relax and enjoy a parade with big floats and fireworks.
You can guess that most of the things at the event are related to fall. You will see a lot of apples and smell cinnamon and pumpkin spice all the time.
But, true to Leavenworth’s roots, there is also often Bavarian culture on show.
Folk dancers from Bavaria are often in the show.
One of the best things to do in Leavenworth is to go to the Autumn Leaf Festival.
It has beautiful scenery and lots of fall-themed fun that makes the most of both time and place to create an event that people will never forget.
Address: Leavenworth, WA, United States
2. Eagle Creek Ranch
Are you sick of riding your bike and hiking on nature paths all over the world?
Why not see them while riding a horse?
Eagle Creek Ranch, which is run by a family and has special permission to work in protected parts of the Wenatchee National Forest, offers a lot of different things to do.
Your trip will not only be fun, but also unique, since most people won’t be able to see the places you will.
Horseback riding is best in the summer.
You’ll switch to horse-drawn sleigh rides in the winter.
You can go on ranch trips all year long to see the grounds and learn about what life is like for the different stallions in Washington.
Eagle Creek Ranch is nice to look at even if you’re not good at horses.
You can enjoy the beauty of nature from either a sled or a horse. It’s one of the best things to do in Leavenworth.
Address: 7951 Eagle Creek Rd, Leavenworth, WA 98826, United States
3. Penstock Trail
When you go to a place as ruggedly beautiful as Washington, you have to spend some time outside.
Thanks to the Penstock Trail, people of all ages and levels can enjoy these places.
The Penstock Trail, which is also called the “Old Pipeline Trail,” used to be a huge water pipe that gave steam-powered trains their motion.
It has been turned into a pedestrian bridge that spans the Wenatchee River and gives beautiful views of the water and the pines and canyons that surround it.
The best times to go are in the summer and fall. In the spring, the path is often wet, and in the winter, it can get too icy to walk on.
But if the weather is nice, this is a simple, easy walk that will let you get some fresh air without having to work too hard.
Photos from your trip will look great too.
One of the most beautiful things to do in the USA is to take a walk along the Penstock Trail.
Address: Freund Canyon Rd, Leavenworth, WA 98826, United States
4. Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum
You have to see the Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum to believe it.
It is the biggest museum of its kind, with more than 6,000 nutcrackers stacked, lined, and stuffed inside. It honors nutcrackers of all styles from all over the world.
You may have seen the traditional wooden toys in ballets like “The Nutcracker.”
This is because the museum was started by a former ballet dancer, and these kings, knights, and soldiers are the most beautiful things inside.
But there are a lot more, from Victorian silver to Asian bezel to European ivory and china.
Some are figures that have been carefully carved, while others are rough, shapeless tools that were made in metal shops.
You can look around the halls and see nutcrackers of all sizes and shapes that are hundreds of years old.
One of the most interesting places in Leavenworth is the Nutcracker Museum.
A house full of thousands of nutcrackers is a great place to visit in Leavenworth that will make a great story when you get home.
Address: 735 Front St, Leavenworth, WA 98826, United States
5. Waterfront Park
Waterfront Park is one of the best places in Washington to see how beautiful the scenery is.
It has trails that go along the river and in and out of wooded areas with lots of shade. It has the best of land, water, and sky in Leavenworth.
Of course, hiking is the big draw, but there are other things to do outside as well.
On hot days, you can go to a beach entrance. On cool days, you can watch birds in the thickets.
Fishing, tubing, and picnics are some other popular things to do.
Waterfront Park is great because you can go there any time of the year.
Every season has something beautiful to offer, from the bright yellow leaves in the fall to the cracking, icy currents in the winter.
There are also fun things that happen at certain times of the year, like the salmon moving upstream in the late summer.
When you look at everything, Waterfront Park is one of the best things to do in Leavenworth.
You can enjoy a breath of fresh air here whenever you go to the Pacific Northwest.
Address: Leavenworth, WA 98826, United States
Why not check out some of the best things to do in Seattle?
6. Leavenworth Reindeer Farm
Leavenworth has a strong connection to Christmas because it is a cute, old-fashioned European town tucked into the foothills of the mountains.
A trip to the Reindeer Farm can help you get into the holiday mood.
The Reindeer Farm is run by a family and is fun for people of all ages.
There are dozens of reindeer living there, including baby reindeer when the time is right. People can pet and feed the animals.
You can also look around the stables and gardens to find out more about the farm and the work it does to protect wildlife.
When you’re done, don’t forget to check out the gift shop, which has lots of items with reindeer on them.
The Reindeer Farm is one of the coolest places to visit in the city, so you can go there even when it’s not Christmas. You can meet Santa’s best friends.
The fields are open all year.
Address: 10395 Chumstick Hwy, Leavenworth, WA 98826, United States
7. Smallwood’s Harvest
Even though Smallwood’s Harvest is in Peshastin, Washington, it’s only 20 minutes from Leavenworth.
What’s more, it’s a day trip that you should take!
Smallwood’s Harvest is like a cross between a country store and a small amusement park. It has lots of games, treats, and things to do for people of all ages.
The store is the main draw, and the shelves are full of things that could last for decades in a bunker, from fresh kettlecorn to jams and jellies in a can.
A lot of chaos can be found outside the store as well.
A duck pond and a dog zoo are there. A kids’ train with cows is there, and you can hunt for gold or get lost in a maze.
When you’re done shopping, you can go straight to Prey’s Fruit Barn, which is also very busy and is Washington’s biggest fruit stand.
Do everything in Leavenworth if you don’t know what to do.
Everyone who goes to Smallwood’s Harvest will have a great time, even if things get crazy.
Address: 10461 Stemm Rd Suite A, Peshastin, WA 98847, United States
8. Enchantment Park
Free things to do in and around Leavenworth are great for people who are tight on cash.
A trip to Enchantment Park is one of these things to do.
Locals worked hard for years to make a park and sports complex that would help the community. They were motivated by the movie Field of Dreams and one man’s goal to build a baseball field.
Because of what they did, Enchantment Park was made, which has playgrounds, sports areas, and many trails.
The trails are one of the best things about the park because they link to a whole system of nature trails and trailheads that run along the Wenatchee River.
The Enchantment Park Pond, which is also called the Blackbird Island Pond, is another cool place to visit. It’s a fishing hole that’s only open to kids, seniors, and people with disabilities.
It’s a safe place for them to enjoy their sport without all the other people who go to other fishing spots.
In general, Enchantment Park lives up to its name. It’s a magical place to visit that won’t cost you a thing.
There are much worse things to do with your kids in the afternoon.
Address: 300 Enchantment Park Way, Leavenworth, WA 98826, United States
9. Leavenworth ZipLines
A drive around a mountain can be done by anyone.
How many people can say they’ve flown through the trees and seen whole canyons and slopes from 190 feet up?
At Leavenworth ZipLines, you’ll have this kind of time.
With nine different ziplines to choose from, you can pretty much pick your own journey and buckle up.
With swinging bridges and double-decker platforms, you’ll have a lot of chances to have thrilling, heart-pounding fun.
You can also go shopping and see the sights in the area.
For food, you can go to the nearby Old Mill Cafe. The Texas-style country cooking will make you feel like you’re in the south instead of Washington, DC!
You should definitely stop by Leavenworth ZipLines while you’re in town. It has food, fun things to do, and amazing rides that will scare you to death.
Address: 19115 Chiwawa Loop Road, Leavenworth, WA 98826, United States
10. Rhein Haus
Having a hearty meal and a cold beer to wash it all down is the most German thing to do in Leavenworth. If you like the Bavarian theme of the town’s sights, you won’t want to miss it!
The Rhein Haus isn’t the only place in the city that serves authentic Bavarian food, but it’s a local favorite, so you know it’s real.
A warm and casual vibe permeates the space.
On the menu, you can find traditional dishes like bratwurst, kielbasa, and schnitzel. There are also fun extras like beer-cheese fondue served with huge pretzels.
There are also a lot of fun things to do.
This “house” has many bars, patios, and biergartens, so you can walk around it like a real tourist draw.
If you’re hungry in Leavenworth, make sure you have a great dinner.
In a traditional Bavarian setting, you can fill up on traditional Bavarian food.
How often will this kind of chance come up in your life?
Address: 707 US-2 unit f, Leavenworth, WA 98826, United States
11. Leavenworth Ski Hill
The Leavenworth Ski Hill is one of the most famous spots in town.
It’s been there since the early 1900s, so many locals remember going there as kids. If you want to experience winter in Leavenworth, everyone will tell you to go there.
At first, it was just a simple slope where kids would meet with their sleds.
After decades of growth, the “Leavenworth Ski Hill Historic District” now includes hills, paths, and lodges where you can stay the night.
The hill is a great place to have fun.
Even though the name says “skiing,” you can also snowboard, sled, tube, and fat bike.
You can even go in the summer to do mountain riding and running an alpine obstacle course while it’s warm outside.
You don’t have to go to a fancy ski resort to enjoy Washington’s powder-covered hills.
Stop by the Leavenworth Ski Hill, where people have fun for days on end.
Address: 10701 Ski Hill Dr, Leavenworth, WA 98826, United States
12. Lake Wenatchee State Park
Picture a pond with clear blue water and tall, snow-covered mountains all around it.
Lake Wenatchee State Park looks like this.
This park is a gem of the Pacific Northwest. It has lakes, cliffs, canyons, ponds, hills, and more.
The only thing better than its beautiful setting is the huge number of fun things you can do on a day trip.
You can enjoy the woods in ways you never thought of before, like dog sledding, sailboarding, and collecting shellfish.
The unique landscape makes it a very popular place for windsurfers to visit!
Lake Wenatchee State Park is one of the best places to visit in Leavenworth. It is full of beautiful nature sights.
There is a reason why a lot of people visit it every year.
Take a look!
Address: Leavenworth, WA 98826, United States
13. Mountain Springs Lodge
You won’t know where to begin having fun at the Mountain Springs Lodge.
There are many things to do at this resort that will get you out of your room and into nature, such as skiing, snowmobiling, kayaking, ziplining, fly fishing, and sleigh rides.
The resort is also very nice.
It looks like it was built in the country, which fits with the mountains and the open sky, but it’s actually a high-end hotel.
Honeymoon rooms with jacuzzis and wet bars can be reserved.
For weddings, business getaways, and other big events, you can rent out whole buildings.
Only the pools and lawns right in front of you will look better than the faraway mountain peaks.
You should stay at the Mountain Springs Lodge on your holiday if you want to spend a lot of money.
This and next weekend will be full of fun things to do inside and outside.
Address: 19115 Chiwawa Loop Road, Leavenworth, WA 98826, United States
14. Front Street Park
Front Street Park is right in the middle of downtown and a great place for couples, families, and solo tourists to relax and take pictures that look authentically German.
There is a gazebo in the middle of the park that is often used as a meeting place for concerts, folk shows, and Christmas lighting ceremonies.
The town’s Bavarian roots are shown by the maibaum, or maypole, which is used a lot at fairs and events.
A new feature in the area called “Art in the Park” shows off the skills of local craftsmen and artists.
The view outside is also lovely.
Its fields with trees are great for having a picnic and watching the stars.
In the winter, many people like to sled down its hills.
One of the coolest things to do in Leavenworth is to go to Front Street Park.
Not only that, but it’s perfectly located in downtown, so you can go from the busy restaurants and shops to the peaceful park in no time!
Address: 820 Front St, Leavenworth, WA 98826, United States
15. WooHoo Winery
Cheer for WooHoo Winery!
It’s a lovely, community-focused business that gets its grapes from vineyards in central Washington. It takes pride in having great flavors, high-quality ingredients, and a friendly setting that draws people from all over the country.
It’s proud of its sample room.
This cute and cozy spot is hidden in the basement, where you can stay warm on cold Washington nights.
The tables are made from old wood barrels and have different things on top of them, like cheese boards and little games you can play while you drink wine.
If you’re not sure what you want, you can get samples.
Once you find a favorite, you can buy bottles of it.
People who like good wine or people who are just interested in wine should visit the WooHoo Winery while they are in Leavenworth.
Going there is one of those things that you’ll remember long after you get back home.
Address: 725 Front St, Leavenworth, WA 98826, United States
16. Bavarian Icefest
There is a fun event called the Bavarian Icefest every January. It’s even more magical because it’s only there for a short time.
The festival takes place amidst 500,000 holiday lights strung between angels, icicles, reindeer, and other decorations that fit the theme of the festival. The town is changed for Christmas.
At the IceFest itself, you can see everything from live ice carving events to demonstrations of how to use snowshoes.
There are also games you can play, such as the Snowball Toss and the Ice Cube Scramble.
For those who like thrills, there are sled rides and lessons in skiing and snowboarding. For those who prefer peace and quiet, ice fishing or making a snow sculpture are great options.
The party will end with a fireworks show.
The Bavarian IceFest is a must-see if you’re in Leavenworth at the beginning of the year.
Kids and adults of all ages will enjoy this beautiful spot that’s safe and fun for the whole family.
Address: Leavenworth, WA, United States
17. Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery
The Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery is a big building that used to be even bigger.
It was the world’s biggest fish aquarium when it was first built in the 1940s.
Since then, other hatcheries have gotten better, but it’s still a great place: Every year, more than 1.2 million Chinook fish go through it.
You can visit the farm and learn more about this process and why it’s so important to the local economy if you’re interested.
If not, you are welcome to check out the other things the complex has to offer, such as the nature walks, picnic areas, fishing spots, and public boat launches.
If you’re in town in September, you can also go to the Wenatchee River Salmon Festival, which is one of the best places in the area to see fish.
Think about going to the Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery if you’re looking for fun things to do in central Washington.
It’s hard not to be amazed by everything here, even if you’re not a fisherman.
Address: 12790 Fish Hatchery Rd, Leavenworth, WA 98826, United States
18. Icicle Gorge Trail
It’s not really called the Icicle Gorge Trail because it’s in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest.
It’s not cold or dangerous; in fact, it’s very pretty.
People who lived in Washington State gave it the name Nasikelt, which was later mistaken for the word “icicle.”
The Icicle Gorge Trail is a pretty easy 4.5-mile hike through the mountains that people can enjoy today.
The road is rough but well taken care of, and there are signs at every turn.
You can see rivers, rocks, hills, forests, and many kinds of plants and animals.
A lot of people from nearby towns like to come here to enjoy the beauty of nature and get some fresh air.
Check out the Icicle Gorge Trail if you’re in Washington and need something to do this weekend.
It’s a beautiful place to visit near Leavenworth, and you can also use it as a starting point to explore the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest if you want to go even further.
Address: Leavenworth, WA 98826, United States
19. Downtown Leavenworth
Downtown Leavenworth is different from other downtowns you’ve been to because of its unique culture charm.
Leavenworth is not like other cities with their shiny towers. Instead, it has cute alpine-style buildings surrounded by misty mountains, making it look like a mix between a ski village and an old German town.
Roofs made of thatch, shutters made of wood, and wide staircases are what the buildings have.
Mom-and-pop shops, such as pubs, candy shops, and old-fashioned inns, line the town center.
All foot traffic goes down Front Street, which is a pedestrian-friendly street where you can see people walking around at all times of the day. From dawn until dusk, you can eat, drink, shop, and explore.
Don’t forget to try some classic German foods like bratwurst and beer while you’re there!
The first thing that comes to mind when you hear about the Bavarian-style village in Washington State is downtown Leavenworth.
Stop here first and let your dreams come true.
Address: 800 Front Street, Leavenworth, WA 98826, United States
20. Oktoberfest
Leavenworth’s Oktoberfest is one of the biggest in the country. It takes place over three weekends, not just one.
Aside from beer, it also honors German culture in other ways.
Everything about Bavaria is cultural, from the music to the clothes. People, both tourists and staff, often dress up in their best trachten.
There are also food stands, art tables, demo booths, and other places with different kinds of culture.
But let’s be honest.
You go to Oktoberfest for the beer.
As for the good news, the taps never stop running, and every beer garden has real, foreign beers.
For food and to keep you going, there are also lots of brats.
You can look at the calendar to find things to do in Washington.
Oktoberfest is always the answer when it’s October.
Address: Leavenworth, WA, United States
21. Greater Leavenworth Museum
There are many interesting things to see in Leavenworth. Visit the Greater Leavenworth Museum to make sure you don’t miss any of them.
This museum not only tells you about interesting places in the area, but it also gives free walking tours of the town.
You can add things to your dream list as you go!
This museum’s main goal is to keep Leavenworth’s past alive and show how it helped Washington’s economy grow.
As you might expect, there is a lot of focus on Bavarian culture and the Germans who brought it to the town and made it what it is today.
After you’re done with the shows and galleries, go on one of the guided walks.
There are two tours. The Railroad and Mill Tour goes along the Wenatchee River and shows you how early residents used water power for steam-engine trains.
A different tour, the Town Walking Tour, will show you around downtown Leavenworth’s shops, restaurants, movie houses, and government buildings.
Because there are so many things to see in Leavenworth, it helps to have locals show you the way.
Make the most of your time in town by going to the Greater Leavenworth Museum.
Address: 735 Front St 2nd Floor, Leavenworth, WA 98826, United States