Museums

Walla Walla [1] has a surprising number of historic places to explore. Step back in time with a visit to the Fort Walla Walla Museum Complex (Dalles Military & Myra Road, 509/525-7703, www.fortwallawallamuseum.org [2], 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Tues.–Sun. Apr.–Oct., $7 adults, $6 seniors and students, $3 ages 6–12, free for younger kids). This excellent museum features 15 original and re-created pioneer buildings. A 19th-century cemetery containing the bodies of both Native Americans and cavalry soldiers borders the property. A short nature trail and campground is nearby.

Visit the Kirkman House (214 N. Colville, 509/529-4373, www.kirkmanhousemuseum.org [3], 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Wed.–Sat., 1–4 p.m. Sun., $3 adults, $2 students and seniors), a redbrick mansion built in 1880 by entrepreneur William Kirkman. The ornate Italianate-style structure features a widow’s walk and figurehead keystones and is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Kids will be nearly overcome with wonder and delight at the Children’s Museum of Walla Walla (77 Wainwright Place, 509/526-7529, www.cmwallawalla.org [4], 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Thurs.–Sun., $4). The tykes can jump around on stage in costume along with life-size puppets at the Enchanted Theater. The Bug Patch Party Room is full of flowers and various kinds of insects. Kids can pretend to shop at the Wee Walla Walla Harvest Market, and visit a make-believe doctor’s office, Mexican restaurant, or Construction Junction. Check the website for special events planned throughout the year.