Commitment to Accessibility
Are you planning to attend a program at the Wenatchee River Institute? Perhaps you are looking to rent a space at WRI, or just explore our beautiful campus. This page is dedicated for communicating what to expect on your visit to the campus. At WRI, we are committed to continuing to make our campus and programs more accessible. If you have any questions or feedback, feel free to reach out to us at info@wenatcheeriverinstitute.org or call us at 509-548-0181.
The Wenatchee River Institute is located in beautiful Leavenworth, Washington. Located just downstream from the confluence of the Wenatchee and Icicle Rivers, WRI's 13-acre nature reserve is located in a spectacular setting that features accessible walking trails with panoramic views of the Wenatchee River and the Stuart Range. You're also just steps away from the campus e-Bird route, Waterfront Park, and Blackbird Island. It is only a short walk from downtown Leavenworth, but a world away from the hustle and bustle of Front Street.
For more information on how to access our campus, browse the topics below:
Explore Leavenworth
Leavenworth is a popular tourist destination with a multitude of dining and shopping options, as well as easy access to world-class hiking, mountain biking, rafting, rock climbing, and other outdoor activities. All guests of WRI are invited to make the most of their visit by exploring everything the area has to offer. Scroll down for some recommendations for places to stay, eat, shop, and things to do. We can't do what we do without the support of our community and partners! Need more ideas? Visit the Leavenworth Chamber of Commerce.
Lodging
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Located on Icicle Rd, just a 10-minute drive from WRI, Sleeping Lady Mountain Resort has spectacular views, and a peaceful environment.
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Located just a 5-minute drive from WRI along the Wenatchee River, the KOA gives you an opportunity to camp, bring your RV, or stay in a cabin.
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Located in the heart of Leavenworth, Obertal Inn is located just a couple blocks from WRI. Be sure to treat yourself to some of their tasty strudel, too!
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A great resource for private accommodations throughout Leavenworth, including vacation rentals, cottages, condos, and townhomes.
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A small family-run hotel located just a couple of blocks from WRI! Get the true Bavarian experience with traditional decorations and a German breakfast.
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Less than a 5-minute walk from WRI, The Suites on Main is a prime location with great privacy and views.
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Just a 5-minute drive from WRI, Blue Elk Inn brings the same comfort of home and community you love to the mountains of Leavenworth.
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About a 10-minute walk from WRI and in the heart of town, Hotel Leavenworth was named the "Best in the PNW" for a family and pet-friendly getaway.
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Located just around the corner from WRI, you can't stay any closer! They have 8 relaxing suites and 11 deluxe guestrooms to choose from.
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Located 19 miles from WRI, Brunners Lodge is a perfect vacation experience in Plain with many recreational opportunities!
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Located 16 miles from WRI, The Cove Resort is right on Fish Lake with prime fishing and birding opportunities.
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Secluded and filled with birding opportunities, Camp CAMREC is located on 240 acres twelve miles north of Leavenworth and ten miles west of Lake Wenatchee.
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Located on Mountain Home Rd, this lodge is the perfection for privacy, seclusion, and birding.
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Located about a 20-minute drive from downtown Leavenworth near Lake Wenatchee, Pine River Ranch is on a beautiful property prime for birding.
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A local, cozy guest suite located on Icicle Rd, just a 10-minute drive from WRI and close to beautiful trails.
Dining and Catering
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Beer from here! A great location to enjoy a local beer and some small bites with friends. Check out their live music and events, too!
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An authentic German biergarten located just a short walk from WRI. A perfect place to enjoy a brew and some German favorites.
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Blending Latin, Mexican, and Cuban cuisine, South Restaurants is a great place to visit for wholesome food and delicious drinks.
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Leavenworth's largest biergarten featuring Bavarian drinks and bites with a beautiful view of the town and Front Street Park!
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A local Bavarian grill and beer garden, just a short walk from WRI. A great place to get a bratwurst and enjoy a local brew.
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A local grill and beer garden with a wide range of food. Their onion dome building is iconic as you arrive in Leavenworth.
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A local restaurant offering a variety of nourishing foods, coffee, and snacks, located along Hwy 2 in Leavenworth. They are able to make a variety of dishes for catering, too!
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Whether it's a small appetizer party, a wedding, or boxed lunches, Ravenous Catering has got you covered. They use only the freshest farm-to-table ingredients!
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Craving some good BBQ food? Sweetwood BBQ in Wenatchee has great options for catering and serves the Leavenworth area.
Shopping
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A classic European style chocolate shop located on Front Street, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth!
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Leavenworth's independent bookstore offering a wide selection of books and gifts.
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The local go-to shop for jewelry hand-crafted by local artists! Also great for other jewelry services like cleaning and repair.
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An artisan skincare shop that uses sustainable packaging. Pick up some lotion, scrubs, soap, hair and face products, and more!
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Visit our local nursery, located just a 5-minute drive from downtown. Your best source for annuals, perennials, trees, shrubs, planters, and hanging baskets.
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Our favorite destination for all things sweet, including candy, ice cream, shaved ice, and caramel corn, located in the heart of downtown.
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Calling all plant nerds! This is the perfect shop to visit for your plant fix, purchase local art, and pick up a delicious tea or coffee.
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Our local natural foods store and deli, perfect for a grocery run and a quick bite.
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A must-visit shop in town featuring a wide variety of hats, wooden gifts, and toys.
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Offering fine quality infused Olive Oils and Balsamic Vinegars to inspire and enhance any meal, dish, or appetizer!
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The perfect place to visit on Front Street if you need gear so you are prepared for your next outdoor adventure.
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A local retail store featuring artfully curated art, decor, and apparel by local artisans. Perfect for finding gifts for loved ones!
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Get your gear fix at our local used gear source in Cashmere, just a 15-minute drive from Leavenworth!
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Support our local wild birds store in Wenatchee! Pick up bird foods and feeders specific for the birds here, and get expert advice!
Things to Do
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Visit the Leavenworth Chamber of Commerce's Visitor Center to get the best advice for things to do in town. Pick up some brochures, meet some staff, and hear their favorites!
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Get out on the river by going kayaking, paddleboarding, rafting, or tubing! The Leavenworth Outdoor Center has it all and is based right in Waterfront Park.
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Join them for a river adventure suited for any age, from calm to rambunctious, and day trip to overnight trips. You can book and browse dates on their website!
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Visit their stunning campus and Snowy Owl Theatre for inspiring performances, concerts, and plays during your visit!
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Support our local farmers markets in Leavenworth (Saturday from 9am-1pm) and Cashmere (Sunday from 9am-1pm).
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Learn about the history of Leavenworth and the Upper Valley by visiting our local museum, located downtown on Front Street.
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Located just 1-mile from downtown Leavenworth, visit the Leavenworth Reindeer Farm to meet, interact with, and learn about reindeer!
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Check out some of the many trails managed and protected by CDLT, from hiking to biking, there's a trail for everyone.
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Check out our local indoor climbing gym in Wenatchee! It also has a fitness center, café, and gear shop.
What does Leavenworth look like right now?
The Wenatchee River Institute is a 501(c)(3) registered nonprofit. EIN 20-5611326
At the Wenatchee River Institute, we welcome everyone. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.