Dozen Distinctive Destinations
Ellensburg, WA
Year Listed: 2007
Located in the heart of the beautiful Kittitas Valley and in the center of Washington State, historic Ellensburg is a wonderfully restored Victorian town that’s home to both Central Washington University and some of the best fly fishing in the Northwest. Approximately 110 miles east of Seattle, the town was established in 1868 as a trading post for early settlers, and following a devastating fire on July 4, 1889, Ellensburg rose from the ashes and was rebuilt in 6 brick blocks. Today, that charming downtown historic district has been lovingly preserved and offers a wide variety of eclectic antique shops, galleries, pubs and restaurants that reflect the town’s frontier heritage. The 1901 Ramsay Building now houses the Clymer Museum of Art, which celebrates the life of beloved local artist, John Ford Clymer, while the 1889 Stewart Building is home to a consortium of local artists. Just outside of town, Frontier Village at the Kittitas County Fairgrounds is a showcase for salvaged cabins and buildings from the valley's past, including Ellensburg’s original trading post, Robbers' Roost. Nearby Olmstead State Park contains more original log cabins and pioneer barns from 1885 to 1890, and the restored Thorp Gristmill offers another glimpse into the history of the area. Once a year, the town returns to its Western roots when the Ellensburg Rodeo, one of the nation’s top rodeos, and Kittitas County Fair turn Labor Day Weekend into a celebration of frontier life. For outdoor adventurers, it’s hard to beat the famed Yakima River, one of the finest fly fishing and family rafting rivers in the United States. Hiking in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness area is also enchanting, especially the hike to Long's Pass where inspiring views of Mt. Stuart reward weary explorers. For these reasons, the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the country's largest private, nonprofit preservation organization, has named Ellensburg, Wash., to its 2007 list of America’s Dozen Distinctive Destinations, an annual list of unique and lovingly preserved communities in the United States. Ellensburg was selected from 63 destinations in 27 states that were nominated by individuals, preservation organizations and local communities. Ellensburg’s fascinating history represents a microcosm of the frontier experience in Washington, said Richard Moe, president of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. A small, historic and unspoiled town, Ellensburg had the good sense to hang on to what makes it so special. The result is a vibrant community that offers travelers an ideal retreat.
