Yakima Valley Cities - Toppenish, Washington

Yakama Nation

Yakima's cultural diversity is represented well by the Yakama Tribe. The Yakama Nation Cultural Center represents and preserves the Native American culture and how Native Americans adapted to our current society.

It boasts one of the finest Native American displays anywhere. Featuring dioramas and exhibits that reveal the drama and history of the Yakama Indians. Stories of the Yakamas are told in wall-sized poetry and murals that show the Native American connection to nature and bring the centuries of old traditions to life. The Smithsonian has partnered with the Yakama Nation in research and development of their Indian Peoples museum in Washington D.C.! This popular museum is open year round and is a can’t miss when you visit! It is located in the Cultural Heritage Center complex that features a library, gift shop, restaurant, theater and RV Resort Park.

Toppenish Murals

The Toppenish Mural Society began the program in 1989 by painting an entire mural in one day to commemorate the Washington Centennial celebration. A dozen artists gathered to paint "Clearing the Land" and began a tradition that continues to this day. The first Saturday in June each year marks the date for a new mural-in-a-day.

A big reason for the success of Toppenish’s mural program is the dedication of the Mural Society and the quality of the artists selected to participate. The murals have won several awards including the Governors Art Award and a national Prettiest Painted Places award. The murals on painted on walls and buildings all over town. A few walls have even been especially erected for the purpose of having a mural painted on them. Some murals are "small", some 200 feet long. Some show the cultural diversity of the area while others reflect the city’s theme Where The West Still Lives. The common theme of the Toppenish murals is the depiction of its rich history. The murals lay out the drama of the early days and honor men and women that made significant contributions to the city.

Museums

Toppenish is host to three unique museums: American Hop Museum, Northern Pacific Railway Museum, Yakama Nation Cultural Museum.

The American Hop Museum - the only one of its kind in the entire country shows how hops are grown and processed and is a showcase of the history of the hop, used for centuries in preserving the flavor of beer.

The Northern Pacific Railway Museum - inside the beautifully restored Toppenish Depot, built in 1911. The depot houses antique oak displays full of rail artifacts and memorabilia.

The Yakama Nation Cultural Center - boasts one of the finest Native American displays anywhere featuring dioramas and exhibits that reveal the drama and history of the Yakama Indians. Stories of the Yakamas are told in wall-sized poetry and murals that show the Native American connection to nature and bring the centuries of old traditions to life.