Local Visionaries: Dreamers Realizing Their Dreams
Dreamers have long been drawn to the Pacific Northwest by open lands and open minds. Many stay, inspired by the scenery and the region’s receptiveness to new ideas.
“Seattle businessman Samuel Hill first purchased 240 acres of land overlooking the Columbia River more than 100 years ago to create a Quaker farming community in what he described as ‘the most beautiful country I have ever seen.’ Today Hill’s land is home to his ultimate dream: the Maryhill Museum of Art.”
—Colleen Schafroth, Executive Director, Maryhill Museum of Art, Goldendale, WA
Examples of Local Visionaries
-
Goldendale ObservatoryThe Goldendale Observatory Interpretive Center is located on a hilltop North of Goldendale. Gaze at planets, nebulae, and galaxies through the lens of one of the nation’s largest public telescopes available in the evenings for public viewing sessions. The facility is run by the Washington State…
Location: 1602 Observatory Dr, Goldendale, WA 98620 -
Imperial Stock RanchThe Imperial Stock Ranch has been operating continuously since 1871, producing sheep, cattle, grains and hay. Established as an 160-acre homestead claim, it grew to become Oregon’s largest individually owned land and stock holding. Designated a National Historic District, the ranch headquarters is an ongoing working…
Location: 92462 Hinton Road, Maupin, OR 97037 -
Yelm Historical MuseumThe Yelm Historical Museum is filled with history with close ties to Mount Rainier National Park due to Yelm’s historical gateway to the mountain before modern roads made accessing the park much easier. James Longmire, one of the founders of Yelm had blazed a trail…
Location: 3rd Street, Yelm WA 98597, City of Yelm, Thurston County, WA 98597 -
Old Mill DistrictThe story of the Old Mill District began almost 100 years ago when two sawmills opened on the Deschutes River. Today, with the lumber business long gone, the same site is a full-scale mixed-use complex that boasts a carefully restored riverbank and preserved mill buildings…
Location: Powerhouse Drive, Bend, OR 97701 -
Maryhill Museum of ArtCome explore Maryhill Museum’s world-class collection of art ranging from early 20th century European works to an extensive Native American collection. Set in a castle-like chateau on a stunning 6,000-acre site overlooking the scenic Columbia River Gorge, Maryhill Museum is one of the Pacific Northwest’s…
Location: 35 Maryhill Drive, WA 98620
Central Cascades Geotourism Map
