Vancouver WA Attractions and Activities

Attractions

Shopping

Dining

Wineries

Attractions

The following list is a sampling of the many exciting attractions you will find in Vancouver and the surrounding area. For regional information, click here. For information and assistance on group tours to these locations, please contact us.

Main Attractions
Museums
Performing Arts
Galleries
River Cruises

Main Attractions
Fort Vancouver 615 E Reserve Street, Vancouver, WA Headquarters for the British Hudson’s Bay Company, the bustling fort was once the center of political, cultural and commercial activities in the Pacific Northwest. Today, the mid-19th century fur trading outpost comes alive at the reconstructed fort where interpreters in period clothing re-enact daily fort life. Group tours available. Special events are scheduled throughout the year. Open daily. 360-816-6200
Officers Row 750 Anderson Street, Vancouver, WA Where else in the Northwest can you stroll past 22 preserved Victorian homes on the National Historic Register? Built in the mid-to-late 1800s, these beautifully restored homes were built to house U.S. Army officers and their families stationed at Vancouver Barracks. The O.O. Howard House is open to the public. The Grant House features a restaurant and the Commanders Whiskey and Wine Bar. The Marshall House offers tours and an exhibit on General George C. Marshall, its most famous resident. Group tours available. 360-992-1800
Pearson Air Museum 1115 E 5th Street, Vancouver, WA Aviation history is on display at Pearson Air Museum. Exhibition areas offer a stunning collection of vintage airplanes, interpretive displays, an interactive children’s center, theater presentations and a gift shop. Located at the one of the oldest continually operating airfields in the U.S., the main exhibition area hosts special events and dances Group tours and special event facilities available. 360-694-7026
Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge 1071 S Hillhurst Road, Ridgefield, WA The Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge offers over 5,000 acres of vital migration and wintering habitat for spring and fall migrating birds. The mild winter climate and wetlands along the Columbia River create ideal resting and feeding areas for 180 species of birds such as Canada Geese, Sandhill Cranes, Great Blue Herons, swans, shore and song birds, and a variety of waterfowl. Visitors can see these and other magnificent wildlife while driving the four-mile auto tour or hiking along the two-mile Oaks to Wetlands Wildlife Trail year-round. 360-887-4106
Pendleton Woolen Mills 2 17th Street, Washougal, WA Visitors can tour the mill and see first-hand 100 percent virgin wool go through the state-of-the-art dye house, spinning and weaving, and finishing of Pendleton’s distinctive Indian blankets. After the tour, shop the Mill Outlet Store and select from Pendleton’s array of quality menswear, womenswear, blankets and fabrics. Group tours available. 360-835-1118
Vancouver Farmers Market Esther Short Park, Downtown Vancouver, WA The Farmers Market is an eclectic mixture of food, high-end crafts, farm-direct produce and thriving nursery stock. From April through October each year, the street adjacent to Esther Short Park comes alive with 150+ vendors offering local produce, plants, arts and crafts. Food booths with local and international specialties keep the crowd well-fed while entertainers provide live music. Esther Short Park between 6th and 8th streets. 360-737-8298
Cedar Creek Grist Mill 43907 NE Grist Mill Road, Woodland, WA The picturesque Cedar Creek Grist Mill is the only grain-grinding mill in Washington that has maintained its original structural integrity, grinds with stones, and is water-powered. Built in 1876, the mill has been fully restored as a working museum and is registered as a National Historic Site. The covered bridge spanning Cedar Creek adjacent to the mill was rebuilt in 1994, and adds a scenic backdrop to this popular site drawing visitors from all over the world. Summer and fall events at the mill provide excellent opportunities for visitors to take a scenic drive and see the inner workings of this historic mill. Open weekends and available for scheduled tours and demonstrations during the week. 360-225-5832
Cathlapotle Plankhouse 1071 S Hillhurst Road, Ridgefield, WA This full-scale replica of a Chinookan-style cedar plankhouse is located at the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge at the location of Cathlapotle, one of the largest Chinookan villages in the area. This Lewis & Clark historical site is where the Corp of Discovery camped in November 1805 and again in March 1806. Visitors to the Plankhouse can learn about the culture and habitat of this area’s original inhabitants. Call ahead for hours of operation. 360-887-4106
Pomeroy Living History Farm 20902 NE Lucia Falls Road, Yacolt, WA Experience 1920s farm life at the Pomeroy Living History Farm. Period-dressed interpreters help visitors participate in farm activities such as grinding grain, washing clothes, feeding livestock and making rope at this farmstead registered on the National Register for Historic Properties. Take a tour through the six-bedroom log home. Open the first full weekend of the month, June through September, and special event weekends. 360-686-3537
Chelatchie Prairie Railroad NE Railroad Avenue, Yacolt, WA In the logging boom days, this railroad line transported logs to Columbia River ports. Pulled by a 1929 ALCO 2-8-2T steam locomotive, the train transports passengers through scenic northern Clark County from Yacolt to Mouton Falls and Chelatchie Prairie and back. Special events include casino nights, murder mysteries, staged hold-ups and barbecue trips. 360-686-3559
Water Resources Education Center 4600 SE Columbia Way, Vancouver, WA The Water Resources Education Center teaches people of all ages about water resources and includes hands-on activities in the Exhibit Hall, art work in the White Sturgeon Art Gallery, live sturgeon in a 350-gallon aquarium and a panoramic view of the Columbia River. The center is a “must-see” for anyone concerned about the future of a safe and healthy water supply for people and wildlife. 360-696-8478
Esther Short Park 6th & Columbia Street, Downtown Vancouver, WA Esther Short Park is a hub of activity during the summer with free concerts and movie nights, various festivals and events, and the adjacent Vancouver Farmers Market on weekends. On one corner of the park is a water feature for the children to play in and the Salmon Run Bell Tower and Glockenspiel. The bells were cast in the Netherlands and shipped in for this magnificent public artwork. There are four five-foot bronze jumping salmon on the tower and several jets that spray water down the column. A Chinook Indian story is inscribed in the basalt column around the base of the tower and a fully animated, three-scene glockenspiel depicts the Chinook Indian legend daily just after the bells ring at noon, then every 2 hours until 8 p.m. For a list of upcoming events in the park, go to our Events Calendar.
Ilchee Monument & Waterfront Renaissance Trail Waterfront Renaissance Trail, Columbia River Drive, Vancouver, WA This seven-foot tall statue, overlooking the Columbia River, honors the daughter of Comcomly, a 19th century Chinook chief. According to Native American lore, Ilchee had the power of a shaman, and she paddled her own canoe, the sign of a chief. Visitors can view the statue of Illchee while taking a stroll along the five-mile Waterfront Renaissance Trail, which connects downtown Vancouver with the retail shops and restaurants along the Columbia River waterfront.
Hulda Klager Lilac Gardens 115 S Pekin Rd., Woodland, WA Step back in time to discover the 1880s Victorian farmhouse and country garden at this national historic site. Visitors can enjoy over 150 varieties of lilacs and some rare and unusual plants and trees in the 19th-century Victorian garden. The 1889 Farmhouse, open only during the annual Lilac Days Festival occurring in April and May, contains many of the original furnishings as well as featured displays of handmade quilts, artwork, antiques and collectibles. The gardens, open year round, also offers a quaint gift shop in the old carriage barn which has many handcrafted gifts, stationary, and lilac-themed items for sale. 360-225-8996

Museums
Clark County Historical Museum 1511 Main Street, Vancouver, WA The history of Clark County is on display at this Vancouver museum, which is housed in a former Carnegie Library. Built in 1909, this building is on the National Register of Historic Sites. Exhibits feature a Native American gallery, railroad exhibit, American military memorabilia and other artifacts dating back to the 13th century. Visit an old country store, country kitchen, and doctor’s office. Group tours available. 360-993-5679
Two Rivers Heritage Museum 1 16th Street, Washougal, WA Located at the confluence of the Columbia River and Washougal River, this historical museum features the heritage of the Camas and Washougal area. Located across the street from the Pendleton Woolen Mills, a visit can be combined with a mill tour and shopping trip to the company store. Group tours available. 360-835-8742
North Clark Historical Museum 21416 399th Street, Amboy, WA The North Clark Historical Museum shares the area's historical legacy through educational exhibits on American Indian culture, pioneer heritage & logging. The museum is in the old Amboy United Brethren Church, a beautiful church dedicated in 1910, and serving as a landmark in Amboy. Group tours available. 360-274-5800

Performing Arts
Old Slocum House Theatre Company 605 Esther Street, Vancouver, WA Next to Esther Short Park, the Old Slocum House Theater is Vancouver's oldest non-profit community theater. Located in the historic Slocum House, this 60-seat intimate theatre offers a unique venue for enjoying live theater performances. 360-696-2427
Vancouver Symphony Orchestra Skyview High School Concert Hall, 1300 NW 139th Street, Vancouver, WA The Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, with critically acclaimed music director and conductor Maestro Salvador Brotons, is Southwest Washington’s very own symphony. Musical performances run October through May, plus a summer outdoor evening concert in Esther Short Park. 360-735-7278
Bravo! Vancouver Concert Series St. Joseph Church, 400 S Andreson Road, Vancouver, WA The Bravo! Concert Series has established itself as one of the premiere choral groups in the Pacific Northwest, taking pride in its ability to perform diverse repertoire, and is equally at home performing jazz and popular music. 360-906-0441
Clark College Theatre 1800 E McLoughlin Blvd, Vancouver, WA The Clark College Theatre provides a rich cultural focus for the campus and surrounding community blending theatre, music, dance and art into entertaining and award-winning productions. For the past two decades, the theatre has been recognized as a leader in Southwest Washington, with a wide range of plays, which are culturally enriching and thought-provoking as well as entertaining. 360-992-2000
Sleep Country Amphitheater 7200 NE Delfel Road, Ridgefield, WA The Sleep Country Amphitheater is a 60,000 square foot live music venue located next to the Clark County Event Center and Fairgrounds. The state-of-the art facility seats almost 8,000 in the reserved covered pavilion area and an additional 10,000 under the stars on the lawn. The Amphitheater offers nationally acclaimed acts. 360-816-7000
Camas Performing Arts Series Camas Performing Arts Series presents five musical concerts between September and May of each year in the 720-seat Joyce Garver Theater in Camas. The 90-minute concerts feature national and international artists in a variety of musical genre. 360-834-7807
Magenta Theater Company 606 Main Street, Vancouver, WA Located in the heart of downtown Vancouver, the Magenta Theater Company is Vancouver's family-friendly community theater. Magenta is committed to promoting contemporary new works by local playwrights and musicians in addition to known comedies and mysteries. 360-635-4358
Christian Youth Theater Christian Youth Theater is an arts education program for children and has grown to be the nation’s largest children’s theater organization with programs in 13 states. The Vancouver organization provides wholesome family entertainment with several Broadway-style musicals performed each year. The cast and crews of these shows are made up of talented CYT students ages 8 to 18. In 2009, CYT won the Best of Clark County award for Best Youth Entertainment Venue. 360-750-8550

Galleries
Alcove Art Gallery 328 Pioneer Street, Ridgefield, WA Original artwork from a pool of talented artists includes fine arts: acrylic, oil, watercolor; photography, pottery, jewelry, fabric art, note cards, prints and gift items. Display changes monthly, with a Featured Artist each month. Participate in Ridgefield's First Friday celebrations. 360-727-3088
Angst Gallery 1015 Main Street, Vancouver, WA Angst Gallery features work from local artists in music, poetry and the visual arts. 360-253-1742
Art on the Boulevard 210 W Evergreen Blvd., Vancouver, WA A project of Friends of the Arts, Art on the Boulevard's mission is to establish a community environment in which the arts flourish. A space of 12,000+ square feet and the work of 51 artists allows the gallery to display a wide variety of media and styles. 360-750-4499
Aurora Gallery 1004 Main Street, Vancouver, WA Aurora Gallery offers Northwest comtemporary artwork, jewelry, and glass work. Poster prints and custom framing are also are available. 360-696-0449
The Bond Studio & Gallery 6524 NE 10th Avenue Oil paintings by Blue Bond and block printing by Liz Fappiano. 360-695-5368
Firehouse Glass 518 Main Street, Vancouver, WA Firehouse Glass is located in downtown Vancouver in the historic Vancouver National Bank Building, built in 1906. Visitors can stop in and see local artists and nationally acclaimed masters form molten glass into breathtaking art. The gallery offers rotating shows throughout the year, showcasing unique one-of-a-king pieces of glass art. 360-695-2660
Friends of the Arts Galleries 301 W 6th St., Vancouver, WA The Friends of the Arts Galleries is located on the second floor of the Hilton Vancouver Washington and allows visitors to purchase pieces on display.
Gallery 360 111 W Ninth St., Vancouver, WA Gallery 360 offers rotating art exhibits showcasing a wide variery of local and national artists. 360-693-7340
Heritage Gallery 16020 SE Mill Plain Blvd., Vancouver, WA The Heritage Gallery specializes in fine art and custom framing, offering a process that includes canvas transfers, laminating, pressure mounting and limited restoration of frames and art. 360-576-7558
Niche Wine & Art Bar 1013 Main St., Vancouver, WA Niche allows people to enjoy the current art on display while at the same time savor a glass of wine. 360-980-8352
North Bank Artists Gallery 1005 Main Street, Vancouver, WA North Bank Artists Gallery features work in photography, watercolors, acrylics, and hand-dyed silks. Open Studio Night offers a glimpse of the artists at work in their studios. Gallery space is available for receptions and special events. 360-693-1840
Second Story Gallery 625 NE Fourth Avenue, Camas, WA Second Story Gallery, located at the Camas Public Library features local artists with new showings every month. 360-834-4692
White Sturgeon Art Gallery 4600 SE Columbia Way, Vancouver, WA The White Sturgeon Art Gallery, located in the Water Resources Education Center, features paintings and photography with spectacular water thematic exhibits by local artists. 360-696-8478

River Cruises

Sternwheeler Columbia Gorge – This triple-decker paddle wheeler offers sightseeing and meal cruises in the Columbia River Gorge. Specialty cruises are available.
541-374-8427 or 800-224-3901

Portland Spirit – Portland Spirit offers several sightseeing and meal cruises on the Columbia and Willamette rivers aboard the Portland Spirit, Willamette Star, Crystal Dolphin, and the Outrageous Jetboat. All vessels in the Portland Spirit fleet offer enclosed, climate-controlled dining decks, giving passengers a comfortable trip any time of year in any weather. Specialty cruises are available.
503-224-3900 or 800-224-3901