Commitment to Accessibility
The Wenatchee River Institute (WRI) is committed to making our campus and programs more accessible and inclusive. Check out WRI's Community Inclusion Statement here. You'll find details about visiting our campus below. 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.
How to Access our Campus
WRI is located in beautiful Leavenworth, Washington 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:
Visit 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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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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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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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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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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An adult-only lodging located just a short drive from downtown Leavenworth offering privacy, luxury, and beauty in a quiet setting.
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Located on Mountain Home Rd, this lodge is the perfection for privacy, seclusion, and birding.
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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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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 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.
Dining and Catering
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Beloved by locals and visitors alike, Kingfisher features the freshest local ingredients. A perfect spot for an exceptional meal and a stroll!
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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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Blending Latin, Mexican, and Cuban cuisine, South Restaurants is a great place to visit for wholesome food and delicious drinks.
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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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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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The ideal spot for modern German cuisine, ice-cold local and imported beers, and craft cocktails. They also offer catering services for events!
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Craving something sweet after your meal? Head over to Whistlepunk for an assortment of handmade frozen treats!
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Home to the splendid Leavenworth Coffee Roasters, stop by for a coffee and a sensational waffle. Whether it's savory or sweet, they have you covered!
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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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Leavenworth's largest biergarten featuring Bavarian drinks and bites with a beautiful view of the town and Front Street Park!
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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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Our local natural foods store and deli, perfect for a grocery run and a quick bite.
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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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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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An artisan skincare shop that uses sustainable packaging. Pick up some lotion, scrubs, soap, hair and face products, and more!
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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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Get your gear fix at our local used gear source in Cashmere, just a 15-minute drive from Leavenworth!
Things to Do
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Visit the Leavenworth Chamber of Commerce's Wilkommen Center at 645 Front Street 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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Located along beautiful Icicle Creek, the Hatchery is a spectacular location to picnic, observe wildlife, learn about the salmon life cycle, and enjoy a nature walk year-round!
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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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Visit their stunning campus and Snowy Owl Theatre for inspiring performances, concerts, and plays during your visit!
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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.
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Support our local farmers markets in Leavenworth (Saturday from 9am-1pm from May to October) and Cashmere (Wednesday from 4-7pm from June to October).
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.
