Whitman Mission National Historic Site

Whitman Mission National Historic Site is situated in Washington, near the Walla Walla River. The site holds great historical significance as it was established to commemorate the events surrounding the Whitman Mission.

The Whitman Mission was founded in 1836 by Marcus and Narcissa Whitman, who were among the first settlers in the area. The mission aimed to bring Christianity and education to the local Cayuse Native American tribe. However, tensions arose between the settlers and the tribe, leading to a tragic event in 1847 known as the Whitman Massacre. During this event, Marcus and Narcissa Whitman, along with several other settlers, were killed by Cayuse warriors.

Visitors to the Whitman Mission National Historic Site can immerse themselves in the rich history of the area. The visitor center provides exhibits, displays, and audiovisual presentations that delve into the lives of Marcus and Narcissa Whitman, the mission's purpose, the interactions with the Cayuse tribe, and the devastating event that occurred. It offers a chance to gain insight into the challenges of early settlement and the complexities of the relationships between settlers and Native American tribes.

Exploring the grounds allows visitors to see the remnants of the original mission buildings and walk the historic Oregon Trail. The Oregon Trail, a significant route for pioneers traveling west, passed through the mission and brought an influx of settlers during the mid-1800s. Guided tours are available, providing deeper insights into the mission's history and offering a better understanding of its importance in the broader context of westward expansion.

While visiting the Whitman Mission National Historic Site, there are several attractions nearby worth exploring. The Walla Walla Valley Museum, located in the town of Walla Walla, boasts exhibits that shed light on the region's history, including the interactions between settlers and local tribes. Additionally, the Fort Walla Walla Museum exhibits artifacts and restored buildings from the frontier era, offering a comprehensive glimpse into the region's past.

Overall, the Whitman Mission National Historic Site provides a unique opportunity to engage with the history of early settlement in the Pacific Northwest. Through its exhibits, tours, and surrounding attractions, visitors can gain a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by pioneers and the complex relationships between settlers and Native American tribes during this pivotal time in American history.

Whitman Mission National Historic Site is located in the southeastern corner of Washington state, near the town of Walla Walla. Situated in the Walla Walla Valley, the site is nestled amidst stunning rolling hills, surrounded by fertile agricultural fields and vineyards. The historic site is positioned on both banks of the Walla Walla River, where the landscape showcases a harmonious blend of natural beauty and historical significance. From this vantage point, visitors can appreciate the majesty of the cascade mountain range to the east, while the rich soil and abundant wildlife of the valley serve as a reminder of the region's agricultural roots. This geographical location provides a picturesque setting for commemorating the history and legacy of Whitman Mission National Historic Site.

Address & Contact

328 Whitman Mission Road
Walla Walla, WA 99362
Driving Directions
Phone: 5095226360
Web: Link

Weather & Seasonality

The best time to visit Whitman Mission National Historic Site would be during the months of May, June, or September. These months offer pleasant weather with average maximum temperatures ranging from 74°F to 80°F and average monthly precipitation ranging from 1.3 in to 1.7 in. Additionally, visitor counts during these months are relatively high, indicating a decent level of popularity without overwhelming crowds.

Activities

Some of the activities you can do in Whitman Mission National Historic Site are: Food Picnicking Guided Tours Self-Guided Tours - Walking Junior Ranger Program Wildlife Watching Birdwatching Park Film Museum Exhibits Shopping Bookstore and Park Store Arts and Culture Hiking Front-Country Hiking Cultural Demonstrations

Topics

Learn about these topics at Whitman Mission National Historic Site: Native American Heritage Tragic Events Westward Expansion Trails Burial, Cemetery and Gravesite Religion and Spirituality Monuments and Memorials Migrations Medicine Missions Farming and Agriculture

Visitor Centers

Whitman Mission Visitor Center

The Whitman Mission Visitor Center includes a museum exhibit and a 25 minute park film. The hours below are for the Whitman Mission Visitor Center. If you are planning a trip, you can find seasonal hours and other exceptions listed at the bottom of this page. The park grounds and trails are open daily from sunrise to sunset.

Passport Stamp locations

The following locations have passport stamps for your "Passport to Your National Parks" booklet: Whitman Mission Visitor Center.

Campsites within or near Whitman Mission National Historic Site

This park doesn't have any campsites within its boundaries (or we haven't found them yet)).

Hotels within or near Whitman Mission National Historic Site

Quality Inn & Suites Downtown Walla Walla

With a stay at Quality Inn & Suites Downtown Walla Walla in Walla Walla, you'll be within a 5-minute drive of Whitman College and Walla Walla Community College. Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, express check-out, and complimentary newspapers in the lobby. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 520 North 2nd Ave, Walla Walla, Washington 99362
Web: Link

The Marcus Whitman Hotel and Conference Center

A stay at The Marcus Whitman Hotel and Conference Center places you in the heart of Walla Walla, within a 5-minute walk of Downtown Farmers Market and Kirkman House Museum. Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, a business center, and express check-out. A roundtrip airport shuttle is complimentary (available 24 hours).
Address: 6 West Rose Street, Walla Walla, Washington 99362
Web: Link

Holiday Inn Express Walla Walla, an IHG Hotel

Located in Walla Walla, Holiday Inn Express Walla Walla, an IHG Hotel is in a rural location, within a 5-minute drive of Kirkman House Museum and Downtown Farmers Market. Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, a business center, and express check-in. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 1433 W Pine St, Walla Walla, Washington 99362
Web: Link

Comfort Inn And Suites Walla Walla

A stay at Comfort Inn And Suites Walla Walla places you in the heart of Walla Walla, within a 5-minute drive of Kirkman House Museum and Downtown Farmers Market. Featured amenities include a business center, express check-out, and complimentary newspapers in the lobby. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 1419 W Pine Street, Walla Walla, Washington 99362
Web: Link

Hampton Inn & Suites Walla Walla

Located in Walla Walla, Hampton Inn & Suites Walla Walla is in a rural location, within a 5-minute drive of Fort Walla Walla and Providence St. Mary Medical Center - Walla Walla. Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, a business center, and express check-in. A roundtrip airport shuttle is complimentary (available 24 hours).
Address: 1531 Kelley Place, Walla Walla, Washington 99362
Web: Link

Budget Inn Walla Walla

A stay at Budget Inn Walla Walla places you in the heart of Walla Walla, steps from Kirkman House Museum and 6 minutes by foot from Downtown Farmers Market. Featured amenities include complimentary wired Internet access, a 24-hour front desk, and laundry facilities. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 305 North 2nd Avenue, Walla Walla, Washington 99362
Web: Link

Courtyard by Marriott Walla Walla

With a stay at Courtyard by Marriott Walla Walla in Walla Walla, you'll be within a 10-minute walk of Providence St. Mary Medical Center - Walla Walla and Downtown Farmers Market. Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and dry cleaning/laundry services. Planning an event in Walla Walla? This hotel features 2576 square feet (232 square meters) of event facilities. A roundtrip airport shuttle is complimentary (available 24 hours).
Address: 550 West Rose Street, Walla Walla, Washington 99362
Web: Link

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Walla Walla

When you stay at La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Walla Walla in Walla Walla, you'll be in the business district, within a 5-minute drive of Downtown Farmers Market and Whitman College. Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, express check-out, and complimentary newspapers in the lobby. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 776 Silverstone Dr, Walla Walla, Washington 99362
Web: Link

City Center Motel

With a stay at City Center Motel in Walla Walla, you'll be within a 10-minute walk of Providence St. Mary Medical Center - Walla Walla and Downtown Farmers Market. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 627 W Main St, Walla Walla, Washington 99362
Web: Link

The Barn B&B Walla Walla

When you stay at The Barn B&B Walla Walla in Walla Walla, you'll be next to a golf course, within a 5-minute drive of Whitman Mission National Historic Site and Reininger Winery. Featured amenities include complimentary newspapers in the lobby, multilingual staff, and luggage storage. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 1624 Stovall Rd, Walla Walla, Washington 99362
Web: Link