Things to do in Ellensburg
Welcome to Ellensburg!
Whether you’re here to explore the scenic charm of Central Washington or to drop off your college student, you’re in for a delightful visit.
This guide will help you make the most of your time in Ellensburg so you can experience the welcoming community and rich culture that make it a special place for parents and students.
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Dining out
One of the first questions you may ask as you roll into town is, where (other than Taco Bell, McDonalds, or Burger King) can we get a bite to eat?
Since Ellensburg is an excellent pit stop on a cross-state drive, many are only aware of the restaurants on what locals call “fast-food lane” (Canyon Road, just off exit 109).
I’ve got good news for you. While Ellensburg retains a thoroughly “country” feel, it holds quite a few foodie stops you need to check out.
Just be sure to plan a backup. Ellensburg’s small-town feel translates to a small-town business style, meaning “open” hours are sometimes optional for business owners needing a break.
Here are a few standouts:
- Campus U-Totem
Burgers, fries, and shakes—what else can I say? Right across the street from CWU’s campus, U-Totem serves them up quick and tasty. - Los Chilangos Food Truck
Traditional Mexican food. Pick up a plate of tacos on your way in or out of town. Delicious, fast, fresh, and affordable. Make sure to grab an extra salsa verde cup! - The Red Pickle
A former food truck, these guys now have a permanent residence! The Guatemalan-American fusion works for me. Come here for spicy burgers, fried chicken, tacos, and hot dogs. - Daily Bread and Mercantile
For those with small children who may stray away from a sit-down feel, Daily Bread is a great option. This deli sources local ingredients and makes nearly everything by hand. Sandwiches, soups, smoothies—you should be able to find something for the kids to enjoy. - The Early Bird/The Night Owl
A very cute and hip Main Street venue. Breakfast bowls, waffles, lattes. What more could you want from a breakfast joint? This is a great spot to grab a bite with your CWU student while visiting. In the evening, The Early Bird changes into The Night Owl, a Korean-American diner equally worthy of your attention. - The Ellensburg Pasta Company
An Ellensburg staple. If you get the Steak Gorgonzola (which you should), be sure you’re comfortable with your company because your breath will reek. It is, however, a sacrifice worth making. - Cornerstone Pie
If you’re in the mood for pizza, skip Dominos and choose Cornerstone’s delicious wood-fired creations. Allergy-friendly options are plentiful here. - Young T and Tea
Vietnamese cuisine utilizing traditional methods, beautiful ingredients (more Thai basil, please), and coma-inducing beverages—they’re worth it. The taro slush boba tea is Cassidy’s personal favorite. - Kittitas Cafe
If you’re up for a short drive (10 minutes) east to Kittitas, you really must try this charming breakfast spot. Homey, relaxed, and friendly vibes. During the summer the outdoor seating offers a lawn for the littles to run their energy out on.
Exploring campus
Tour the CWU campus
Explore the expansive 380-acre main campus in Ellensburg, featuring modern learning facilities and picturesque settings ideal for a leisurely walk.
CWU Tours
CWU provides prospective students and visitors daily student-led campus tours and opportunities for self-guided exploration through academic buildings and scenic grounds.
You can choose between comprehensive guided tours showcasing highlights like residence halls or utilize virtual tours and campus maps to explore at your own pace.
Visit the CWU libraries
Parents can visit the university’s library, which offers a range of academic resources and quiet spaces for reading and relaxation.
Attend a CWU event
Check out the university calendar to attend various events, including sports, concerts, and cultural shows that coincide with your visit.
As a music major grad from CWU, I highly recommend the performances you’ll find at the Jerilyn S. McIntyre (music) building.
Students come from all over the country to study and build their craft in Central’s incredible music department. Choir, Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, Solo Performances: I’m confident that any performance you attend – you will be floored.
CWU also boasts an impressive Theatre department that routinely puts on musicals and plays – especially near the end of terms.
Explore the Student Union
The Student Union and Recreation Center (SURC) is the heartbeat of Central Washington University’s campus. This massive 228,000-square-foot facility seamlessly blends student services, dining, recreation, and event spaces all under one roof.
Grab a bite to eat at one of the SURC’s many dining options, such as Holmes dining hall, the coffee bar, or the convenience store.
Then, explore the building’s impressive amenities—a 324-seat theater, 8,600-square-foot ballroom, rock climbing wall, gymnasium, fitness studios, and more.
The SURC truly has something for everyone, whether you want to catch a show, work out, study in the lounges, or just people-watch from the cozy seating areas.
Engage in recreational activities
Central Washington University’s beautiful Ellensburg campus offers plenty of ways for parents and kids to stay active during their visit.
Work up a sweat at the state-of-the-art recreation center, which has fitness studios for activities like yoga, cycling, and dance.
The rec center also houses a rock climbing wall, gymnasium, and weight rooms. If you’re a parent, your student will have several guest passes to get you in each quarter.
Outdoors, you can jog or walk the paved trails that wind through the scenic grounds.
In winter, rent snowshoes and explore the campus cross-country skiing routes.
The university even has an indoor swimming pool open to the public.
With so many recreational facilities on campus, you’ll have no shortage of opportunities to stay fit and have fun as a family.
Local attractions
- Dick and Jane’s Spot
This colorful local home and yard is decorated with thousands of reflectors, bottle caps, and art pieces by over 60 artists. It’s a unique and whimsical attraction that kids will love. - Olmstead Place Historical State Park
A working pioneer farm with original buildings from the 1800s, hiking trails, and living history activities. Olmstead offers a glimpse into the past for the whole family. - Ellensburg Farmers Market
Held on Saturdays from May to October, this lively market features fresh produce, baked goods, crafts, and family-friendly entertainment. - Downtown Murals and Public Art
Hunt for the many murals, sculptures, and other public art pieces scattered throughout downtown Ellensburg.
Shopping and leisure
- The Grand Meridian
Want to take a break from your adventure? Catch the latest releases at Eburg’s charming movie theater! Check showtimes on their website. - Pearl Street Books and Gifts
An independent bookstore specializing in children’s books, fiction, and non-fiction. They also carry greeting cards featuring local artists’ work. Make sure to pet the store’s two friendly felines while you’re there. - The Botany Shop
A charming plant store in downtown Ellensburg with a huge variety of plants, pots, and gifts. - Thorp Fruit and Antique Mall
A massive antique mall with fresh produce, specialty foods, wine, and quality antiques spread over two huge floors.
Outdoor activities
Hikes
- Irene Rinehart Riverfront Park
A scenic 1.5-mile loop trail perfect for a leisurely stroll year-round (except, perhaps, in the dead of winter). The trail winds through Ponderosa Pines with views of the surrounding hills. It’s a great option for families looking for an easy nature walk near downtown Ellensburg. - Umtanum Creek Falls
This easy, 3-mile out-and-back trail leads to a picturesque waterfall in a small basalt canyon. The path meanders through aspen and pine groves alongside Umtanum Creek before reaching the falls. It’s a beautiful hike in spring when wildflowers are blooming. Just watch for rattlesnakes sunning themselves on the trail in warmer months. (I’ve never seen one.) - Manastash Ridge
Considered the signature hike in Ellensburg, the strenuous 5.6-mile Manastash Ridge Trail rewards with breathtaking views after a steep ascent. From the ridge crest, you can see the Kittitas Valley, the Stuart Range, and Ellensburg below. It’s a challenging but immensely scenic trek popular with locals and CWU students.
River floats
Ellensburg is an excellent base for floating down the scenic Yakima River canyon.
Central Washington University’s Outdoor Pursuits and Rentals program rents rafts, tubes, and other river-floating equipment to students and the public.
Local outfitters like Rill Adventures and Red’s Fly Shop also provide rentals, shuttle services, and guided float trips down the Yakima River. Red’s even has a detailed floater’s map of the canyon stretch to help plan your adventure.
Whether you’re looking for a leisurely tubing experience or an exciting whitewater rafting trip, there are plenty of options for river-floating fun in the Ellensburg area.
Perfect picnic parks
- Mountain View Park
Mountain View is one of the largest parks in town. It has tennis and pickleball courts, soccer and baseball fields, multiple playgrounds, swings, and a large undercover area with tables. - North Alder Street Park
A few minutes north of campus. Small and well-kept. Basketball courts, a small playground, and a paved quarter-mile walk around the perimeter. - Carey Lake
Attached to the Irene Rinehart trail, bring your hot dogs and burgers for a BBQ by the pond! People’s Pond (as it’s called by locals) perfectly encapsulates Ellensburg’s beauty—and Ellensburg’s full population demographics. You can expect to see families with small kids grilling burgers next to a group of rowdy college students, followed up by a shirtless, sunburnt farmer. Culture!
Summer entertainment
Want to get a sense of Ellensburg in the “off-season?” Summer in the Burg hosts several annual events that will bring you back when school’s not in session.
- The Ellensburg Rodeo
Arguably the top professional rodeo in Washington state, drawing over 600 contestants and 25,000 spectators each Labor Day weekend. With events like bareback riding, steer wrestling, and bull riding, this century-old rodeo celebrates the region’s rich Western heritage with non-stop rodeo action and entertainment. - Ellensburg Music Festival (formerly Jazz in the Valley)
This nonprofit music festival takes place over the last weekend of July in downtown Ellensburg. It features dozens of live music performances across 3 days, showcasing genres like blues, jazz, and more at various venues around town. - Ellensburg Farmer’s Market
This popular farmers market runs every Saturday from May through October. It offers fresh produce, baked goods, crafts, and entertainment from around the region.
Ellensburg FAQ’s
Parking
Take advantage of the free all-day parking in downtown Ellensburg! Our city offers plenty of free on-street parking and public lots, making it easy to explore the historic downtown area on foot.
Use Parkopedia’s parking map to locate and compare parking options, rates, and hours for lots and garages around Ellensburg. This can help you find the most convenient and affordable parking for your destination.
If visiting Central Washington University, look for parking on North Maple Street near the campus. Streets west of campus require RPZ (Residential Parking Zone) permits.
Weather in September
As the school year starts at CWU, summer weather is dying down. September in The Burg is (in an ordinary year) an idyllic, late-summer, small town dream.
Mid 70s-80s during the day with a light breeze makes September a lovely month to visit. Make sure to catch the beautiful views of town from Craig’s Hill where our recently muraled water tower sits.
Weather in May
On the other side of the school year, as classes end and commencement draws near, summer is fast approaching!
In May, the deciduous trees are in full, abundant bloom. The scent of lilacs wafts all across town, and quaint neighborhood walks are a wonderful way to wind down your day.
A caveat, however, is that the light breeze you experienced in September can often re-appear, this time as a full-on maelstrom. Ellensburg is the Windy City of Washington’s east side.
A perfect university town
Ellensburg offers an enticing blend of small-town charm, outdoor adventures, and cultural attractions.
Whether you’re visiting your student at Central Washington University or simply exploring this scenic part of the state, Ellensburg provides a welcoming escape.
Stroll the historic downtown admiring the murals and public art, sample local flavors at the diverse eateries, or get out and experience the region’s natural beauty with hikes, river floats, and picnics in the parks.
Don’t miss unique attractions like Dick and Jane’s Spot or annual events celebrating Ellensburg’s rich heritage.
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