Union Gap WashingtonATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Union Gap, Washington.
1. Central Washington Agricultural Museum
HISTORIC FARM EQUIPMENT COLLECTION
The Central Washington Agricultural Museum houses the largest collection of antique farm equipment in the Pacific Northwest, spanning 15 acres with over 1,000 pieces of historic machinery. Visitors can explore early pioneer exhibits including Amos Cabin, a replica of the Keys 1908 Homestead, and the Lindeman Building with its vintage gas station. The museum offers educational tours for all ages and hosts special events like the Old Steel Car Show.
2. Valley Mall
YAKIMA VALLEY'S SHOPPING HUB
The Valley Mall serves as the retail hub of the Yakima Valley with more than 85 merchants ranging from national retailers to local shops. Shoppers can find everything from fashion to electronics to sporting goods, all conveniently located under one roof. As the Yakima Valley's only indoor shopping mall, it offers a climate-controlled shopping experience regardless of the weather outside.
3. Fruit City
FRESH LOCAL PRODUCE
Fruit City is one of the top attractions in Union Gap, offering visitors access to the abundant fresh produce of the fertile Yakima Valley. The market showcases seasonal fruits and vegetables grown by local farmers throughout the region. Visitors can experience the agricultural bounty that has made the area famous for its high-quality produce.
4. Fullbright Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION AREA
Fullbright Park is a popular outdoor recreation destination in Union Gap that offers visitors space to relax and enjoy nature. The park provides various amenities for families and individuals looking to spend time outdoors in the Yakima Valley. It serves as a community gathering place for both locals and tourists throughout the year.
5. Los Hernández Tamales
JAMES BEARD AWARD WINNER
Los Hernández Tamales is a celebrated culinary destination in Union Gap known for its James Beard award-winning tamales. The restaurant has put Union Gap on the foodie map with its authentic and expertly crafted Mexican cuisine. Visitors travel from across the region to sample these renowned tamales made with traditional techniques and high-quality ingredients.
6. Escape the Maddness
THRILLING ESCAPE ROOM
Escape the Maddness offers one of the best escape room experiences in the Union Gap area, providing an exciting interactive adventure for groups. Participants must work together to solve puzzles and find clues within a limited time frame to successfully escape the room. This popular entertainment venue is perfect for friends, families, and team-building activities looking for a fun mental challenge.
7. Skateland
FAMILY ROLLER SKATING FUN
Skateland is a beloved roller skating rink in Union Gap where families and friends can enjoy time together on wheels. The venue offers both public and private skating sessions throughout the year for all skill levels. Skateland provides a nostalgic and active entertainment option that has remained popular across generations.
8. Ahtanum Youth Activities Park
OUTDOOR YOUTH RECREATION
Ahtanum Youth Activities Park is designed specifically to provide recreational opportunities for young people in the Union Gap area. The park features various facilities and equipment aimed at promoting physical activity and outdoor play. It serves as an important community resource for families looking to encourage healthy, active lifestyles for children and teenagers.
9. Civil War Battle Reenactments
LIVING HISTORY EXPERIENCE
Union Gap hosts special Civil War Battle Reenactments that bring history to life through meticulously staged historical recreations. Participants dress in period-authentic uniforms and demonstrate military tactics, camp life, and other aspects of Civil War era history. These educational events attract history enthusiasts from across the region and provide a glimpse into an important period of American history.
10. Union Gap Trail System
SCENIC HIKING PATHS
Union Gap serves as a gateway to more than 300 miles of trails perfect for hiking, biking, and trail running under sunny Central Washington skies. The trail system offers routes with varying difficulties and stunning views, including paths with beautiful sunset vistas over the Yakima Valley. It's an ideal starting point for outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore the natural beauty of the region.
11. Yakima Valley Wineries
RENOWNED WINE REGION
The Yakima Valley wineries near Union Gap showcase some of Washington's finest wine producers in a picturesque setting. Visitors can sample award-winning wines made from locally grown grapes that thrive in the region's unique climate and soil conditions. These wineries offer tasting rooms, vineyard tours, and special events throughout the year for both casual wine enthusiasts and serious connoisseurs.
12. Old Steel Car Show
VINTAGE AUTOMOBILE EXHIBITION
The Old Steel Car Show is an annual event held at the Central Washington Agricultural Museum in Union Gap featuring over 175 vintage cars on display. This popular gathering attracts automobile enthusiasts from across the Pacific Northwest who come to admire meticulously restored classic vehicles. The event combines automotive history with community celebration, typically taking place in late April each year.
13. Yakima Sportsman State Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION AREA
Yakima Sportsman State Park is a nearby natural area offering camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing opportunities just a short drive from Union Gap. The park encompasses 247 acres of diverse habitats including wetlands that attract numerous bird species throughout the year. Visitors can enjoy recreational activities while appreciating the ecological diversity of the Yakima River ecosystem.
14. Cowiche Canyon Conservancy
DESERT CANYON TRAILS
Cowiche Canyon Conservancy manages a network of trails through unique shrub-steppe habitat just outside Yakima, providing an excellent outdoor experience near Union Gap. The trails wind through basalt cliffs, seasonal wildflower displays, and offer views of the surrounding agricultural landscape. This natural area preserves a distinctive ecosystem while offering recreational opportunities for hiking, nature photography, and wildlife observation.
15. Yakima Area Arboretum
BOTANICAL COLLECTION SHOWCASE
The Yakima Area Arboretum is a living museum showcasing trees and plants that thrive in Central Washington's distinctive climate, located a short drive from Union Gap. This 46-acre space features collections of native and exotic trees, themed gardens, and well-maintained walking paths through diverse landscapes. The arboretum serves as both an educational resource and a peaceful retreat for visitors seeking natural beauty in all seasons.