Grand Coulee WashingtonATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Grand Coulee, Washington.
1. Grand Coulee Dam
ENGINEERING MARVEL
Grand Coulee Dam is an impressive engineering feat and one of the largest concrete structures in the United States. Visitors can tour the facility via a glass-walled elevator that descends 465 feet into the Third Power Plant to view the generators from an observation deck. The dam hosts one of Washington state's best firework displays on the 4th of July, drawing more than 50,000 spectators annually.
2. Grand Coulee Dam Visitor Center
HISTORY AND EXHIBITS
The Grand Coulee Dam Visitor Center offers detailed history of the dam and surrounding area through movies, photos, and interactive exhibits. Free guided tours of the facility depart regularly from the visitor center, providing an educational experience for all ages. The center serves as the starting point for exploring one of America's most significant hydroelectric projects.
3. Steamboat Rock State Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION PARADISE
Steamboat Rock State Park features a massive basalt butte rising from the waters of Banks Lake. The park offers numerous recreational activities including hiking, swimming, fishing, and boating across its 3,500 acres. Visitors can enjoy 26 miles of shoreline and stunning views of the surrounding Columbia River basin landscape.
4. Crown Point State Park
SCENIC VIEWPOINTS
Crown Point State Park offers spectacular panoramic views of the Columbia River and Grand Coulee Dam. This small but scenic park provides excellent photo opportunities and interpretive displays about the region's geology and history. Visitors appreciate the peaceful setting and the chance to observe the impressive scale of the dam from this vantage point.
5. Spring Canyon Campground
LAKESIDE CAMPING EXPERIENCE
Spring Canyon Campground offers a refreshing retreat with well-maintained facilities along the shores of Lake Roosevelt. Campers enjoy swimming beaches, boat launches, and picnic areas with stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The campground serves as an excellent base for water sports and exploration of the National Recreation Area.
6. Gehrke Windmill Garden
UNIQUE OUTDOOR ART
Gehrke Windmill Garden showcases a collection of handcrafted, whimsical windmills created by a local artist. The colorful, spinning creations form an unusual outdoor art gallery that delights visitors of all ages. This quirky attraction represents the creative spirit of the Grand Coulee community and provides excellent photo opportunities.
7. Titwáatit Native Art Gallery
INDIGENOUS CULTURE SHOWCASE
Titwáatit Native Art Gallery displays authentic artwork and crafts created by Native American artists from the region. The gallery offers visitors insight into the rich cultural heritage of the indigenous peoples who have inhabited the Columbia Plateau for thousands of years. Handcrafted jewelry, pottery, paintings, and textiles reflect traditional techniques alongside contemporary expressions of Native American art.
8. Coulee Wellness Center
RELAXATION AND REJUVENATION
The Coulee Wellness Center provides visitors with opportunities for relaxation and health services in Grand Coulee. Guests can enjoy various wellness treatments designed to rejuvenate both body and mind after exploring the region's outdoor attractions. The center emphasizes holistic approaches to wellness that complement the natural healing environment of the Columbia River basin.
9. Banks Lake
WATER RECREATION HUB
Banks Lake is a 27-mile-long reservoir offering excellent fishing, boating, and water sports opportunities. The lake is home to numerous fish species including walleye, smallmouth bass, and rainbow trout, making it popular with anglers. Surrounded by dramatic basalt cliffs and coulees, the scenic waters provide recreational opportunities against a spectacular geological backdrop.
10. Dry Falls Interpretive Center
ANCIENT WATERFALL HISTORY
The Dry Falls Interpretive Center educates visitors about what was once the largest waterfall in the world, created during the Ice Age floods. Interactive exhibits explain how this 3.5-mile-wide, 400-foot-tall waterfall was formed and later left dry as the floods subsided. The center offers spectacular views of the horseshoe-shaped cliff that marks where this massive waterfall once thundered with ten times the flow of all the world's rivers combined.
11. Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park
GEOLOGICAL WONDER PARK
Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park encompasses 4,027 acres of dramatic Ice Age flood-created landscape including lakes, canyons, and the famous Dry Falls. Visitors can enjoy camping, hiking, swimming, and golfing while exploring this unique geological wonderland. The park offers a rare opportunity to witness firsthand the dramatic effects of some of the largest floods in Earth's history.
12. Electric City Bar & Grill
LOCAL FLAVORS AND BREWS
Electric City Bar & Grill serves hearty American fare and local craft beers in a casual, friendly atmosphere. The restaurant offers a menu featuring regional specialties and comfort food favorites that satisfy hungry visitors after a day of outdoor activities. Patrons appreciate the welcoming environment, reasonable prices, and opportunities to mingle with locals while enjoying views of the surrounding area.
13. Pepper Jack's Bar & Grille
RIVERSIDE DINING EXPERIENCE
Pepper Jack's Bar & Grille offers casual dining with views overlooking the Columbia River and Grand Coulee Dam. The restaurant specializes in American classics, burgers, and steaks served in generous portions to hungry travelers and locals alike. Evening diners can enjoy spectacular sunset views and occasionally witness the dam's light show from the restaurant's prime location.
14. Coulee Dam Casino
GAMING AND ENTERTAINMENT
Coulee Dam Casino provides gaming entertainment with slot machines and table games in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. The facility includes a restaurant serving affordable meals and beverages throughout the day and evening. Visitors appreciate this indoor entertainment option that complements the region's predominantly outdoor recreational offerings.
15. Coulee Hardware
HISTORIC LOCAL STORE
Coulee Hardware stands as one of the area's oldest continuously operating businesses, serving both locals and visitors with practical supplies and unique regional merchandise. The store offers fishing gear, camping supplies, and hardware essentials along with locally made crafts and souvenirs. This family-owned establishment provides a glimpse into small-town America while fulfilling the practical needs of travelers exploring the Grand Coulee region.