10 Old-World Towns to Visit in Washington
Washington State is a treasure trove of towns that transport you to a bygone era, where history, culture, and natural beauty intertwine seamlessly. From Bavarian-inspired villages to quaint Victorian seaports, these towns boast old-world charm and unique stories that reflect the region’s rich heritage. Whether you're strolling along wooden boardwalks in Winthrop, marveling at tulip fields in La Conner, or exploring maritime history in Friday Harbor, each destination offers an unforgettable journey through time. Step back into history and discover the timeless allure of these ten old-world towns in Washington.
Leavenworth
As a Bavarian-themed village known for its alpine architecture, German cuisine, and yearly festivals, Leavenworth’s signature festival is the Oktoberfest, celebrating Bavarian beer, food, and culture. At Oktoberfest, participants can wear their best lederhosen and indulge in food such as bratwurst, German sandwiches, sauerkraut, and pretzels. Winter in Leavenworth is also festive, with a Christmas lighting festival that transforms the town into a wonderland. For culture lovers, the town has the unusual Nutcracker Museum, featuring nutcrackers from around the globe. However, Leavenworth is not only known for its Main Street activities. Outside the town, there are recreation opportunities with access to skiing, hiking, and river rafting.
Winthrop
For Wild West ambiance, Winthrop is a town recreated in the Methow Valley for this theme. Honoring the discovery of gold in 1868, the Winthrop townspeople decided in the 1970s to make this the town motif. Since then, Winthrop has had a rustic, Old West environment known for wooden boardwalks and architecture, envisaging an era of cowboys, miners, and bandits. A great way to jump into the past is by visiting the North Cascade Smokejumper Base. This museum showcases America’s first Smokejumper Base, which is still operating, so visitors can learn more about this branch of the U.S. Forestry Service. Another notable structure is the building once known as “Waring Castle,” now the Shafer Historical Museum that chronicles the Methow Valley’s history. Near the town, there are other opportunities for recreation, such as Nordic skiing, hiking, and biking on the Methow Trails.
Port Townsend
The Victorian seaport town of Port Townsend is located on Washington's Quimper Peninsula. The town is known for its 19th-century architecture and maritime history. An example of this architecture is the Ann Starrett Mansion, a Victorian Queen Anne-style home built in 1889 and functioning as a boutique hotel. Another example is the Jefferson County Courthouse, built in 1892. This red brick building, which still functions as the county courthouse, features a clock tower and Romanesque Revival architecture. Strolling the town, visitors can pop into the Northwest Maritime Center to understand the town’s maritime history. For more history slightly outside the town’s boundaries, visitors can take in Fort Warden State Park and its historical buildings. These buildings were part of an early 20th-century military base of officers’ quarters and barracks.
Roslyn
Platted in 1886, Roslyn is a small former coal-mining town famous for its Old West charm and ties to pop culture. The town’s historic buildings include The Brick Tavern, established in 1889, and Washington’s oldest continuously operating tavern. The tavern features pub grub and live entertainment. Another notable building is the Roslyn Café, famous for its camel mural featured prominently in the TV series Northern Exposure. Other cultural touchstones are the town being the background for actor Dick Van Dyke’s 1979 movie The Runner Stumbles and Amazon Studio’s TV adaptation of Philip K. Dick's novel The Man in the High Castle. The town has access to nearby trails for outdoor activities, including the Coal Mines Trail, honoring Roslyn’s mining history.
Ellensburg
Ellensburg, named after the settler Mary Ellen Shoudy, was founded in 1872 and originally spelled Ellensburgh. For its scenic beauty, the town has many preserved 19th-century brick buildings, boutique shops, cafés, and restaurants for an Old West atmosphere. A notable attraction for art lovers is Dick and Jane’s Spot, an outdoor art exhibit featuring vivid mosaics and sculptures. Ellensburg is also home to the Ellensburg Rodeo, which has been held annually over Labor Day weekend since 1923. For outdoors enthusiasts, hiking is a popular sport. One challenge is the Westberg Trail on Manastash Ridge. Named for high school wrestling coach and teacher Ray Westberg, the trail end is graced with a small monument known as 'The Book,’ fitting for a teacher who loved to read to his students. The site offers stunning views for those who take the trail.
Chelan
The Chelan area is known for its natural beauty, downtown buildings, and rich history. Incorporated in 1902, the town features restaurants, interesting shops, and historical landmarks like St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church. Built in 1897, St. Andrew’s was constructed from local timber, reflecting the region’s forestry industry. Another notable landmark is the Ruby Theatre. Opened in the summer of 1914, the Ruby is believed to be the oldest continuously running movie theater in Washington State. Nationally, the Ruby is among the oldest movie theaters and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Outside the town, the Chelan area has access to hiking trails, waterfalls, and the beautiful North Cascades. During your visit, remember to visit Lake Chelan, a 50-mile-long glacier-fed lake. Boating, fishing, and water sports are available at the lake.
Friday Harbor
For maritime ambiance, Friday Harbor is a scenic town on San Juan Island. The town was established in 1909 and is the only town to be incorporated in the San Juan Islands. For residents and visitors alike, the downtown features historic buildings housing boutique shops, galleries, and eateries. Most notable is the Whale Museum, which is dedicated to marine life conservation and the orcas that populate the waters surrounding the islands. Water is a prominent theme in Friday Harbor, from the museum to the lively marina and its hub for sailing, kayaking, and waterfront strolls. The town has many opportunities for whale watching from the marina, birding, spotting seals, and watching sea lions. For a different take on culture, one can check out sites like the San Juan Historical Museum and The San Juan Islands Museum of Art, each lined with artifacts, exhibits, and items. Near Friday Harbor is Lime Kiln Point State Park, known as one of the best places to see orcas from land.
La Conner
For flower lovers, La Conner is a delightful destination in Washington's Skagit Valley. Each year, the town, reflecting being the largest grower of tulips in the United States, holds its annual Skagit Valley Tulip Festival. At the festival, participants can pick up free maps and go on road tours to see the tulip fields. Another attraction is the Museum of Northwest Art, which features regional art. Other attractions in the town include the Skagit County Historical Museum and the Pacific Northwest Quilt & Fiber Arts Museum, which boast endless exhibits on quilts, history, and more. Residents and visitors enjoy boating, kayaking, and waterfront views on the town waterfront.
Davenport
Davenport is a small agricultural town in eastern Washington known for being near rolling wheat fields and the farming industry. The town is the county seat of Lincoln County, and the county seat hosts the county courthouse, a historic building constructed in 1897 and reflecting two architectural styles of nineteenth-century architecture, a blend of Colonial Revival and Renaissance styles. Another notable building is the Lincoln County Historical Museum, which is dedicated to the area’s history. While Davenport has intriguing architectural structures, the town is noted for being a gateway to outdoor recreation. Situated a half-hour drive from Lake Roosevelt, Davenport offers nature enthusiasts opportunities for water sports, boating, fishing, golfing, camping, and hiking.
Poulsbo
Poulsbo is proud of its nickname, "Little Norway,” with deep-seated ties to Scandinavian culture. The town situated on Liberty Bay boasts traditional bakeries, Nordic shops, and cultural events like Viking Fest. Held on the third weekend in May, this festival celebrates all things Scandinavian, like lutefisk eating contests. What is lutefisk? The delicacy is a gelatinous fish dish made from fish such as cod or ling brined in lye and steamed. In addition to the traditional foods, Nordic dress, parades, and street food vendors are part of the festival. Those who miss out on the festivities can still take in local heritage at the Poulsbo Heritage Museum and Poulsbo Martinson Cabin Museum, where one can spend hours learning tales of old. Year-round, the area offers a waterfront setting and marina with opportunities for boating and kayaking.
Wrapping Up
Washington's old-world towns offer a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, making them perfect for stepping back in time. From the Bavarian charm of Leavenworth to the Victorian elegance of Port Townsend, each destination showcases the state’s diverse heritage. Whether it’s exploring tulip fields in La Conner, strolling the Scandinavian-inspired streets of Poulsbo, or enjoying maritime activities in Friday Harbor, these towns promise unforgettable experiences. With their historic architecture, local traditions, and stunning surroundings, these old-world towns captivate visitors and preserve the timeless allure of the past.
