Coulee Dam WashingtonATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Coulee Dam, Washington.
1. Grand Coulee Dam
ENGINEERING MARVEL
Grand Coulee Dam is one of the largest hydroelectric dams in the world, providing power to millions of people in the Pacific Northwest. Visitors can take guided tours of the facility, which include a glass-walled elevator ride 465 feet down into the Third Power Plant to view the generators from an observation deck. The dam's Visitor Center offers movies, photos, and interactive exhibits detailing the history of the dam and surrounding area.
2. Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area
OUTDOOR WATER PARADISE
Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area offers 130 miles of scenic shoreline perfect for boating, fishing, and swimming activities. The reservoir was formed by the Grand Coulee Dam and provides year-round recreational opportunities for visitors. Nature enthusiasts can enjoy camping, hiking, and wildlife viewing along the lake's expansive shoreline.
3. Colville Confederated Tribes Museum
CULTURAL HERITAGE SHOWCASE
The Colville Confederated Tribes Museum preserves and showcases the rich cultural heritage of the Native American tribes who have inhabited the region for thousands of years. Visitors can explore exhibits featuring traditional crafts, historical photographs, and artifacts that tell the story of the area's indigenous peoples. The museum serves as an important educational resource about tribal history and its connection to the Columbia River region.
4. 12 Tribes Coulee Dam Casino
GAMING AND ENTERTAINMENT
12 Tribes Coulee Dam Casino offers visitors a variety of gaming opportunities including slot machines and table games. The casino features dining options where guests can enjoy meals while taking breaks from gaming activities. Entertainment events are regularly scheduled, providing additional attractions for visitors to the area.
5. Riverview Lanes
FAMILY BOWLING FUN
Riverview Lanes provides family-friendly bowling entertainment for locals and visitors to the Coulee Dam area. The bowling alley offers lanes suitable for bowlers of all skill levels, from beginners to experienced players. Visitors can enjoy casual games with friends and family or participate in organized league events.
6. Laser Light Show
DAZZLING NIGHTTIME DISPLAY
The 'One River, Many Voices' laser light show at Grand Coulee Dam creates a spectacular visual experience projected onto the massive dam structure. The show tells the story of the Columbia River, the creation of the dam, and its impact on the region through colorful laser projections and music. Scheduled to resume on May 24, 2025, this free nighttime attraction draws visitors from throughout the region.
7. Grand Coulee Dam Geocache Challenge
MODERN TREASURE HUNT
The Grand Coulee Dam Geocache Challenge, also known as the D3 Geocache Challenge, provides an interactive way for visitors to explore the dam area while hunting for hidden caches. Participants use GPS coordinates to locate hidden containers while learning about the dam's history and significance. This family-friendly activity combines outdoor adventure with educational elements about the Grand Coulee Dam.
8. Grand Coulee National Natural Landmark
GEOLOGICAL WONDER
Grand Coulee National Natural Landmark spans over 1,000 square miles and showcases breathtaking geological formations shaped by natural forces over millions of years. Visitors can explore ancient lava flows, canyons, and towering cliffs while experiencing one of the largest natural landmarks in the United States. The area is also home to diverse wildlife including deer, elk, and bald eagles.
9. Fourth of July Fireworks
SPECTACULAR HOLIDAY CELEBRATION
The Fourth of July fireworks display at Grand Coulee Dam is considered one of Washington state's best pyrotechnic shows, launched dramatically from the top of the dam itself. The annual event attracts more than 50,000 visitors from across Washington and beyond who gather to witness the spectacular display. For many families, attending the Grand Coulee Dam fireworks has become a cherished tradition spanning generations.
10. Washington State Birding Trail: Coulee Corridor
BIRDWATCHER'S PARADISE
The Washington State Birding Trail's Coulee Corridor offers prime bird watching opportunities throughout the diverse habitats surrounding Coulee Dam. Birdwatchers can spot numerous species including waterfowl, raptors, and songbirds that inhabit the region's lakes, cliffs, and shrub-steppe environments. The trail provides designated viewing areas with informational signage to enhance the birding experience.
11. Banks Lake
RECREATIONAL WATER WONDERLAND
Banks Lake is a 27-mile-long reservoir offering excellent fishing, boating, and water recreation opportunities near Coulee Dam. The lake is known for its populations of smallmouth bass, walleye, and rainbow trout, making it a popular destination for anglers. Surrounding recreational areas provide camping, hiking, and picnicking options for visitors enjoying the scenic waters.
12. Dry Falls
ANCIENT WATERFALL WONDER
Dry Falls is the remnant of what was once the largest waterfall in the world, formed during the Ice Age floods that carved the Grand Coulee. Today, visitors can view the 3.5-mile-wide, 400-foot-tall cliff face that once thundered with water flow four times greater than Niagara Falls. The Dry Falls Visitor Center provides interpretive displays explaining the dramatic geological history of this unique formation.
13. Steamboat Rock State Park
HIKING AND RECREATION
Steamboat Rock State Park features a massive 800-foot-high basalt butte rising from the waters of Banks Lake, offering hiking trails with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The 3,522-acre park provides camping facilities, boat launches, swimming beaches, and over 13 miles of hiking trails. Visitors can enjoy fishing, rock climbing, and wildlife viewing opportunities throughout the diverse terrain.
14. Electric City Bar & Grill
LOCAL DINING FAVORITE
Electric City Bar & Grill serves hearty American cuisine in a casual, welcoming atmosphere near Coulee Dam. The restaurant offers a diverse menu featuring steaks, burgers, and local favorites that appeal to both area residents and visitors. Its convenient location makes it a popular dining option for those exploring the Grand Coulee Dam and surrounding attractions.
15. Coulee Dam Credit Union Farmers Market
LOCAL PRODUCE AND CRAFTS
The Coulee Dam Credit Union Farmers Market showcases local produce, handcrafted goods, and specialty foods from regional vendors. Visitors can browse stalls offering seasonal fruits and vegetables, baked goods, and artisanal crafts while interacting with local producers. The market provides a glimpse into the agricultural heritage and creative community of the Coulee Dam region.