Unique Sights to See on Your Yakima Valley Road Trip

For those who like to add a little of the odd, unusual or one-of-a-kind to their travel plans, add these stops to your tours around Yakima Valley.

Treasures in the Tiny Town of Tieton

Tiny pieces of hand-cut glass come together in the hands of Tieton Mosaic’s artists to form mosaic murals and other art installations using an ages-old technique. Take the short drive to Tieton to tour public art mosaics, typographic mosaics, artful signage and even mosaic reproductions of vintage fruit labels, a nod to the Yakima Valley’s agricultural roots. Also find mosaic installations and freestanding selfie stations at Yakima’s Miller Park and Yakima Valley Museum. Check out more to see and do around Tieton.

A Neon Garden A-Glow

At one time, glowing neon signs graced the streets of Yakima, like many places. Once an almost lost art form, neon now enjoys a bit of a resurgence but remains rare. For fans of the art, Yakima Valley Museum gives new life to nearly a dozen of Yakima’s original, vintage neon signs in their hanging gallery, The Neon Garden.

A Teapot with a Story to Tell

Zillah’s iconic Teapot Dome Service Station was hand-built between the towns of Zillah and Granger in 1922 as commentary to a Harding Administration political scandal of the same name. After a long history and restoration, it moved to its current spot at the Teapot Dome Memorial Park in Zillah. Standing roughly 13 feet tall, the red and white teapot complete with handle and spout now serves as a visitor center and can’t-miss selfie stop.

The Bat Cave at Devil’s Creek

Formed more than 10 million years ago through erosion of ancient lava flows, Boulder Cave is home to Pacific Western big-eared bats. A short trail to the cave climbs gradually along a small ravine and you’ll find a number of interpretive signs about the ecology and history along the way. The cave extends as a one-way tunnel for about 400 feet and runs alongside Devil’s Creek. The bats are a sensitive species in WA and OR. Follow posted precautions to protect them, limit noise in the cave (whisper), stay on the trail, don’t touch the cave walls and be sure to direct light at the trail, avoiding the ceiling. A timed reservation system is enforced and a Northwest Forest Pass or fee is required.

Take a Tour through Time with 75 Historic Murals

Find out why the town of Toppenish was named “one of the Prettiest Painted Places” in the United States. Visit each of the 75+ hand-painted Toppenish Murals on a self-guided tour through the history of the area. Take in the sights of Native American life and culture, wild west adventures and early-American ingenuity.

Where the Dinosaurs Roam

Walk among the dinosaurs in Granger. Tour Dinosaur Drive and find 33 hand-constructed dinosaurs all around the town. Stop for a photo op with a Megalosaurus, Velociraptor and more. Each dinosaur is sturdy for hands-on play or climbing.

Categorized in: Family Fun, History and Culture, Outdoor Recreation