Bucoda WashingtonATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Bucoda, Washington.
1. Mill Lane Winery
LOCAL WINE EXPERIENCE
Mill Lane Winery is a highly rated vineyard in the Bucoda area that offers visitors a taste of local Washington wines. The winery provides a charming atmosphere where visitors can sample various wines produced on-site. It's a perfect destination for wine enthusiasts looking to experience the flavors of the region.
2. Scatter Creek Winery & Brewing
WINE AND BEER HAVEN
Scatter Creek Winery & Brewing offers both wine and craft beer in a rustic setting near Bucoda. Visitors can enjoy tastings of locally produced beverages while learning about the production process. The establishment's dual focus on wine and beer makes it a versatile stop for adult beverage enthusiasts.
3. Seatco Prison Historic Site
TERRITORIAL PRISON HISTORY
The Seatco Prison Historic Site marks the location of Washington's first territorial prison that operated from 1874 to 1888. Once described by a former prisoner as "hell on earth," this prison was a private business venture that used inmate labor for dangerous work in local industries. Though no physical structures remain today, the site represents an important piece of Washington's penal history.
4. Oliver and Mary Shead House
HISTORIC ITALIANATE ARCHITECTURE
The Oliver and Mary Shead House is a two-story Italianate home built in 1887 for one of Bucoda's founding families. Oliver Shead acquired a sawmill in 1877 and was also a partner in the controversial Seatco Prison business enterprise. The historic residence stands as a testament to the town's early development and the prosperity of its industrial pioneers.
5. Bucoda Halloween Town
SPOOKY SEASONAL CELEBRATION
Every October, Bucoda transforms into "Boo-coda" or Halloween Town, embracing its reputation as a Halloween headquarters. The small town comes alive with decorations, events, and activities centered around the spooky holiday. Visitors from across the region come to experience the town's uniquely festive Halloween spirit.
6. Skookumchuck River
SCENIC WATERWAY ADVENTURE
The Skookumchuck River flows through Bucoda, offering opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and scenic enjoyment. The river has played an important role in the town's history, powering early sawmills including Aaron Webster's original mill established in 1854. Today, the riverside areas provide peaceful spots for recreation and wildlife observation.
7. Frost's Prairie
HISTORIC OPEN LANDSCAPE
Frost's Prairie is an open area north of Bucoda named after Gelhert H. Frost, who had a Donation Land Claim on the prairie. This natural landscape represents part of the region's settlement history, with Frost finally proving up on his claim in March of 1866. The prairie offers visitors a glimpse into the natural environment that attracted early settlers to the area.
8. Tenino Stone Carvers
TRADITIONAL STONEWORK ARTISTS
Tenino Stone Carvers showcases the traditional art of stone carving using the distinctive local sandstone. Located a short distance from Bucoda, this attraction connects visitors with the area's rich history of quarrying and stonework. Visitors can observe artisans at work and learn about the region's geological and industrial heritage.
9. Tenino Depot Museum
RAILWAY HISTORY COLLECTION
The Tenino Depot Museum preserves the region's railway history in a restored train station building. Exhibits showcase artifacts, photographs, and stories related to the Northern Pacific Railroad that played a crucial role in developing towns like Bucoda and Tenino. The museum offers insight into how rail transportation shaped the economic and social development of the area.
10. Wolf Haven International
WOLF SANCTUARY AND EDUCATION
Wolf Haven International is a nationally recognized sanctuary that provides lifetime care for displaced, captive-born wolves. Located near Bucoda, this facility offers educational tours where visitors can observe wolves in naturalistic habitats while learning about conservation efforts. The sanctuary's mission combines animal welfare with public education about these misunderstood predators.
11. Millersylvania State Park
FORESTED OUTDOOR RECREATION
Millersylvania State Park offers more than 8,100 acres of old-growth forest and freshwater shoreline near Bucoda. Visitors can enjoy camping, hiking trails, swimming, fishing, and boating on Deep Lake within the park boundaries. The park's CCC-built facilities and abundant wildlife make it a popular destination for nature lovers from across the region.
12. Monarch Contemporary Art Center
RURAL CREATIVE SPACE
Monarch Contemporary Art Center provides a unique venue for art exhibitions, workshops, and cultural events near Bucoda. The center promotes creative expression in a rural setting, featuring works by local and regional artists. Its programming aims to connect communities through artistic experiences and educational opportunities.
13. Tenino Farmers Market
LOCAL PRODUCE AND CRAFTS
The Tenino Farmers Market brings together local farmers, artisans, and food producers in a community-oriented shopping experience. Visitors from surrounding areas including Bucoda can find fresh produce, handcrafted items, and prepared foods while supporting the local economy. The market creates a vibrant gathering space that celebrates the agricultural heritage of the region.
14. Olympic Flight Museum
HISTORIC AIRCRAFT COLLECTION
The Olympic Flight Museum houses a collection of vintage aircraft and aviation memorabilia not far from Bucoda. Visitors can see restored planes from various eras and learn about the region's contributions to flight history. The museum hosts an annual air show that attracts aviation enthusiasts from throughout the Pacific Northwest.
15. Dairy Barn Restaurant
COMFORT FOOD CLASSIC
The Dairy Barn Restaurant serves up homestyle cooking in a casual, family-friendly atmosphere near Bucoda. Known for generous portions and classic American fare, this local eatery has become a gathering spot for residents and visitors alike. The restaurant's farm-to-table approach highlights ingredients from surrounding agricultural areas.