Visit Goldendale, WA

Art on the Cliffs. Stars in the Sky.

Discover culture, craftsmanship, and clear skies in every direction.

Nestled between rolling hills and the Columbia Gorge, this small town blends creativity, history, and wonder. Explore the charming streets of downtown, where classic brick buildings tell stories of resilience and community. Step inside the Presby Museum to see how local heritage comes alive through carefully preserved artifacts and architecture.

Just beyond town, art and inspiration await on the cliffs at the Maryhill Museum of Art, paired with sweeping river views and the nearby Stonehenge Memorial. As evening falls, end your day at the Goldendale Observatory, where crystal-clear skies reveal galaxies, planets, and a breathtaking canopy of stars.

Learn

about the stars under some of the clearest skies.

Visit

nearby museums, wineries, and unforgettable viewpoints.

& Enjoy

small-town charm, friendly faces, and relaxing pace.

https://youtu.be/tEjQYY7Ye1M

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Things To Do in Goldendale, WA

From stargazing to storytelling, there’s plenty to experience here. Spend an evening under the stars at the Goldendale Observatory State Park, then step into the past at the Presby Mansion. Take in breathtaking views and world-class exhibits at the Maryhill Museum of Art, and finish your visit exploring the shops and charm of Historic Downtown. Each stop offers a glimpse into the creativity, history, and beauty that make this small town unforgettable.

Goldendale Observatory State Park

Gaze into some of the clearest night skies in the Northwest and learn about the universe above.

Maryhill Museum
of Art

Explore world-class art and sculpture perched high above the Columbia River with sweeping scenic views.

Presby
Mansion

Step back in time through exhibits, artifacts, and stories that showcase Goldendale’s proud pioneer heritage.

Historic
Downtown

Wander charming brick-lined streets filled with local shops, friendly faces, and small-town character.

NOTE: All images on this site are originals from Touch Point Designs unless noted otherwise. They are copyrighted and protected.

Goldendale Observatory State Park

Visiting Goldendale Observatory State Park is an immersive journey from daylight to deep night. Set atop a hill with sweeping views of the Klickitat Valley, the facility invites you to wander interpretive displays, walk the decks, and stand beneath the twin domes. In daytime, you can safely gaze at the Sun through filtered telescopes. As darkness deepens, staff guide you through constellations, nebulae, and planets using the 24.5-inch telescope and other instruments. With clear skies and expert hosts, the night transforms into a universe you can touch.

Interior images courtesy of Goldendale Observatory. Used with permission.

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“REALLY cool solar and nighttime programs! It was colder than I was expecting during the night show, but I saw more stars than I have ever seen, and learned some cool facts! The staff is tiny, but they’re all fantastic and the facility is clean, modern, and pleasant. Definitely worth a visit (and a donation!!)”

Lily L. – Google Review

The image shows the entrance to Goldendale Observatory, a round, black building with a domed roof under a clear blue sky, surrounded by desert plants and a bench in the foreground.

A scenic view of a rural landscape with dry grass, scattered rocks, and trees in the foreground, a cylindrical water tank in the middle, and a town with distant hills and a partly cloudy sky in the background.

interior of a telescope with red lighting.

A modern, circular black wood building labeled Goldendale Observatory sits under a partly cloudy sky, surrounded by shrubs and a curved concrete walkway.

A coin-operated binocular viewer faces a scenic, dry landscape with grass, rocks, and distant trees under a blue sky with light clouds.

a classroom setting in a dark room with students, teachers, and a screen.

A scenic overlook with binoculars facing a landscape of dry grass, scattered trees, and distant mountains under a partly cloudy blue sky.

A black and white building with a white dome.

Maryhill Museum of Art & Stonehenge Memorial

Perched high above the Columbia River Gorge, Maryhill Museum of Art invites you into a world where art, history, and landscape converge. Housed in a striking Beaux-Arts mansion originally built by Samuel Hill, its galleries display sculptures by Rodin, European and American art, Native collections, and the unique Théâtre de la Mode. Outside, stroll the sculpture park, view sweeping Gorge vistas, and continue east to the Stonehenge Memorial—a full-scale concrete replica built by Hill to honor WWI servicemen. This fusion of culture and place is unforgettable.

Visit Museum Website

“This is such a hidden treasure, a must stop if you plan on going to the Washington Stonehenge. It’s one of those you would never have expected it. Also there were turkey there that was adorable”

Victoria B. – Google Review

A paved sidewalk curves toward a tan, historic two-story building with flat roof and black-trimmed windows, set against a bright blue sky with streaky white clouds and brown hills in the background.

A yellow decorative sculpture shaped like a coyote sits on a tiled plaza in front of a modern glass building and a larger beige historic building, with wind turbines visible on a hill in the background.

A large rust-colored metal sculpture resembling a pine cone leans forward on a circular base, set outdoors near a beige historic building and a modern glass structure under a blue sky with wispy clouds.

A tan, two-story building with a raised walkway, globe street lamps, and lush green grass in the foreground, set against a clear blue sky and surrounded by trees and spiky plants.

A beige building with black-trimmed windows stands beside a curved stone structure; golden hills and blue sky with wispy clouds are visible in the background.

A riverboat cruises along a wide river bordered by dry, golden hills under a clear blue sky. Tall yellow grasses and a small plant are in the foreground.

A concrete replica of Stonehenge stands under a clear blue sky, with several people silhouetted in its shadow. Sunlight streams through the open windows and doorways. Dry grass and hills are visible in the background.

A wide staircase leads up to a pedestrian bridge with railings and streetlights, ending at a large beige building under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds. Green trees frame the scene.

Close-up view of large stone-like pillars arranged in a circle under a clear blue sky, with a black informational sign labeled Stonehenge in the foreground.

Stonehenge-inspired concrete monument with tall, rectangular columns and large horizontal stones, forming a ring under a clear blue sky. Sunlight casts strong shadows across the gravel ground inside the structure.

Stone pillars and rectangular arches form a circular structure under a blue sky with wispy clouds. The ground is gravel, and wind turbines are visible in the background on rolling hills.

Three people stand facing a large stone structure resembling Stonehenge, with rectangular pillars and openings, under a blue sky with scattered clouds. The landscape in the distance is arid and hilly.

Presby Mansion

Visiting the Presby Mansion & Klickitat County Historical Society feels like stepping into a well-kept time capsule. Housed in the beautifully restored Presby Mansion on Broadway, the museum displays local artifacts, period rooms, and county history across the main house, the “Annex” (which includes the original 1878 Goldendale Sentinel print shop), and a Carriage/School House with farm equipment and a one-room school exhibit. Through each room and display, you’ll sense the stories of pioneers, daily life, and how this community evolved.

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“A local gem and worth a visit if in the area. This 1903 house is filled with local history to include the owners and history from the area in the early 20th century.”

John D. – Google Review

A metal windmill stands on a green lawn in front of a white, wraparound porch house under a partly cloudy sky. Other houses, trees, and street lamps are visible in the background.

A large white Victorian-style house with a wrap-around porch sits on a grassy lawn. A vintage windmill and gazebo are visible, and a horse-drawn carriage stands nearby, all under a cloudy sky.

A large black bell and a sign reading Presley Museum stand in front of a white Victorian-style house with blue steps and a wrap-around porch on a sunny day.

A large, white Victorian-style house with a wraparound porch, blue steps, arched windows, and detailed trim, surrounded by flowering plants under a partly cloudy sky. The number 127 is above the front door.

White Victorian-style house with a covered porch, decorative columns, and railing. Colorful autumn flowers and green grass line the front walkway leading up to the steps and entrance.

A vintage steam tractor with large yellow spoked wheels and red machinery parts is displayed under a pavilion in front of a white Victorian-style house with a curved porch.

Historic Downtown

Strolling through Historic Downtown Goldendale is like stepping into a living postcard of small-town Americana. Along Main Street, you’ll find brick-fronted buildings, vintage signage, and a friendly mix of shops, cafés, and local businesses that give the town its easygoing charm. Stop for coffee, browse antiques, or simply take in the craftsmanship of the restored architecture that rose from the great fire of 1888. Whether you’re capturing photos or just slowing down to enjoy the pace, downtown offers a warm welcome and a glimpse of Goldendale’s enduring spirit.

A colorful mural on a building reads The Wonder of Goldendale, Washington with painted mountains, sky, and flowers, while a tree partially shades the sidewalk in front.

A building with cars parked in front of it.

A small-town street with brick buildings, flower planters, a turquoise café or shop with outdoor seating, and a tree-lined sidewalk on a clear day.

A mural of a mountain landscape decorates a green wall on a quiet sidewalk in a small town, with a “Welcome to Goldendale” sign spanning the street under a partly cloudy sky.

A colorful mural on the side of a building depicts historical scenes and old cars, with modern parked vehicles in front. A mountain and cloudy sky are visible in the background.

A street view of a corner brick building with a sign reading PHARMACY in large letters and an open sign on the glass door, under a partly cloudy blue sky.

A mural of an observatory under a starry sky is painted on a wall along a street in Goldendale, Washington. Trees with autumn leaves and a Goldendale Observatories banner are visible nearby.

A street scene in Goldendale, Washington, with a large “Welcome to Goldendale” sign above the road, pedestrians crossing, autumn trees, and storefronts including a pharmacy.

Additional Attractions in Goldendale & the Surrounding Area

Maryhill
State Park

Riverside setting for boating launches, picnics, and access to river-side walks.

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Goldendale 9-Hole Golf Course

Casual public golf with scenic, rolling terrain right in or near town.

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Windy Flats Wind Farm

Stand beneath a towering windmill along the ridge and witness renewable energy up close.

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Goldendale Reindeer Farm

Meet and feed friendly reindeer, take photos, and enjoy a family-friendly holiday experience.

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Annual Events in the Goldendale, WA Area

Throughout the year, Goldendale brings its community spirit to life with a calendar full of local celebrations. Summer kicks off with Goldendale Community Days, a lively mix of food, music, and fun. As fall arrives, the Klickitat County Harvest Festival fills downtown with autumn colors and family activities, while car enthusiasts gather for the Concours de Maryhill on the famous Maryhill Loops Road. The year wraps up in festive style with the Candy Cane Lane Christmas Parade, lighting up downtown with floats, music, and small-town holiday cheer.

Early July

Goldendale Community Days

A summer celebration over Independence Day weekend with music, food, and community fun.

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October

Klickitat County Harvest Festival

A fall festival in downtown Goldendale, with vendors, food stalls, and family activities.

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October

Concours de Maryhill

Classic cars, open drive on Maryhill Loops Road, and timed hill climbs amid scenic views.

Learn More

Mid December

Candy Cane Lane Christmas Parade & Festivities

Holiday floats, tree lighting, and community celebration downtown.

Learn More

Images are from Envato Elements and used with permission & rights.

Historical Events of Goldendale, WA

First Settlement

Mortimer Thorp settles in the area (cattle ranching) around the late 1850s.

Town Platted

John J. Golden surveys and plats what becomes Goldendale in 1872.

County Seat Vote

Klickitat County voters choose Goldendale as county seat on November 5, 1878.

Incorporation

Washington’s Territorial Legislature incorporates Goldendale on November 14, 1879.

Great Downtown Fire

On May 13, 1888, much of Goldendale’s downtown is destroyed by a fire.

First Solar Eclipse Observation

Astronomers journey to Goldendale on June 9, 1918 to photograph the solar eclipse.

Observatory Dedication

Goldendale Observatory (with its 24.5-inch telescope) is dedicated October 13, 1973.

1979 Total Eclipse & Media Attention

On February 26, 1979, a total solar eclipse draws thousands and national attention to Goldendale.
1850s
1872
November 5, 1878
November 14, 1879
May 13, 1888
June 9, 1918
October 13, 1973
February 26, 1979

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Dining & Drinking

Goldendale’s dining scene balances small-town comfort with standout flavors. Enjoy authentic Italian favorites like handmade pasta and wood-fired pizza at D’Avanzo’s Italian Restaurant, a local favorite for its warm atmosphere and generous portions. For casual bites, Hotrods Bar & Grill and The HonkyTonk Bar & Restaurant both serve classic American fare with cold drinks and live music. Craving Mexican? Ayutla’s Family Mexican Restaurant offers flavorful, scratch-made dishes, while St. John’s Monastery & Bakery tempts visitors with fresh breads and pastries made by local nuns.

Restaurant Options

Lodging & Rentals

You’ll find comfort in classic motels, chain inns, and unique stays around Goldendale. Ponderosa Motel is a longtime favorite—clean rooms, friendly staff, and easy access to town and the observatory. Quality Inn & Suites Goldendale offers a more full-service stay with free breakfast, parking, and nearby access to local sites. Just outside town, Treehouse Ranch delivers a rustic, memorable stay in a treehouse setting. Also nearby is BIGGS NU-VU Motel in Biggs Junction, convenient if you’re crossing the river.

Lodging Options