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Plan Your Visit

About Us

Commitment to Accessibility

Are you planning to attend a program at WRI? 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.

Campus Information

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. 

Getting Here

The WRI Campus is just a couple of blocks from downtown Leavenworth and US Hwy 2. To get here from US Hwy 2 at the stop light between US Hwy 2, Chumstick Hwy, and Front Street near Dan's Food Market:

  • Turn onto Front Street from US Hwy 2
  • Follow Front Street to the stop sign
  • Turn left onto Division Street
  • Follow Division Street until you go downhill and reach the WRI entrance sign
  • Turn right to enter the parking lot

Don't want to drive? Check out Link Transit for public transportation throughout the Wenatchee Valley. Link Transit routes are zero-fare for all ages - that's right, it's free! 

The closest bus stop to WRI is on Routes 122 Express and 32 at the Leavenworth Park-and-Ride (1001 Front St Leavenworth, WA 98826).

From the Leavenworth Park-and-Ride, the walk to WRI is about 5 minutes on pavement. To get to WRI:

  • If coming from Wenatchee, get off the bus and cross the highway at the designated crosswalk
  • If coming from Leavenworth, get off the bus and walk west towards downtown Leavenworth
  • Walk through the Aasgard Parking Lot
  • Turn left on Front Street
  • Once you reach the stop sign, veer right onto Division Street
  • Continue on Division Street until you reach the WRI entrance sign

A general public dial-a-ride service (DART) also operates within Leavenworth through Link Transit from as far out as Sleeping Lady Resort. Same-day reservations are available on this service, which are open to everyone.

For any questions regarding public transportation, please refer to Link Transit.

Parking

Wenatchee River Institute has a parking lot* onsite for 20 vehicles, including one space for wheelchair users. All WRI guests and attendees can park in our parking lot for free when attending a program or exploring our campus. 

If you'd like to park at WRI to visit downtown, we ask for a parking payment via our website here or Venmo. You can also become a member and get a parking permit for the membership year from June 1-May 31.

If the WRI parking lot is full, there is also free parking available at WRI's E. Lorene Young Community Garden on the corner of 12th and Commercial Streets. There are also various parking spots available throughout downtown Leavenworth. Check out parking resources here from the Leavenworth Chamber of Commerce. 

Please note that parking can be very limited in Leavenworth on busy weekends, particularly on festival weekends and in the summer.

*No overnight parking is permitted in WRI's parking lot.

Restrooms

Restrooms are available at WRI for all programs:

  • In the Red Barn, there are two multi-stall men and women restrooms.
  • In the River Haus, there is an individual stall restroom that anyone can use.
  • All restrooms are accessible for wheelchair use.

There are also public restrooms available behind the band shell at Waterfront Park, at 8th & Commercial Streets, in the Obertal Mall on 9th Street, and in Front Street Park on the west side of the gazebo downtown. 

Accessibility

Increasing accessible navigation of the WRI Campus is currently being worked on. Below is information on how to access WRI's buildings and trails, along with conditions on each walkway.

River Haus

The River Haus is the brown building you see immediately when you enter the parking lot. Inside this building are WRI's offices where most staff will be located, along with the offices of Upper Valley MEND. 

To enter the building, walk up the pathway along the Dry Streambed Garden, walk up the stairs, and through the main entrance. To visit the offices, meeting spaces, and lobby, walk ahead towards the iconic river rock fireplace.

For those who cannot use the stairs, follow the wheelchair accessible route around the building. First exit the parking lot by going alng the pathway along the Dry Streambed Garden. Instead of going left towards the stairs, go to the right to follow the sidewalk. At the corner of the building, take a left to follow the cobblestone sidewalk to the next corner. Once you reach that corner of the River Haus, take another left on the ramp next to the Pond Garden. Follow the deck to the next corner, and take another left onto the next ramp. You will then arrive to the main entrance to the River Haus building. To visit the offices, meeting spaces, and lobby, move ahead towards the iconic river rock fireplace.

Red Barn

The Red Barn is the red building across the parking lot from the River Haus. Inside the Red Barn is a presentation space mainly used for education programs for youth and adults. 

There are four ways to access this building:

  1. Main Entrance. Exit the parking lot by walking towards the Outdoor Classroom. Take a right on the gravel pathway. Follow the trail straight ahead and either use the stone steps to walk up, or follow the sloped trail to the left of the stone steps. Follow the gravel pathway that winds up to a ramp, and enter the building through the double doors.
  2. Main Entrance - Ramp*. Exit the parking lot by walking towards the Outdoor Classroom. Take a right on the gravel pathway. Before reaching the area with the stone steps, take a left to follow a lower grade, gravel trail. Follow the gravel pathway that winds up to a ramp, and enter the building through the double doors.
  3. Main Entrance Stairway. Exit the parking lot by walking towards the Outdoor Classroom. Follow the gravel trail to the farthest right of the Outdoor Classroom that borders the bottom of the Red Barn. On the right, there will be a set of stairs that will take you to the deck and main entrance to the Red Barn.
  4. Elevator Access*. Exit the parking lot by walking towards the Outdoor Classroom. Follow the gravel trail to the farthest right of the Outdoor Classroom that borders the bottom of the Red Barn. Continue passed the set of stairs, and you will pass two raised bed gardens on the side of the Red Barn. After the raised beds, there will be a door. Either open the door, or press the wheelchair button, and the door will open. Enter the hallway, and pass the men and women's' restrooms. On the right before the stairs, there is an elevator. Follow the elevator instructions to enter the elevator that will take you to the main floor.

*Accessible routes to enter the Red Barn.

Trails

On WRI's 13-acre campus, there are many trails that weave around the campus, and connect with the City of Leavenworth's Waterfront Park trail system.

INSERT TRAIL LANGUAGE

View WRI's Trail Map here.

Programs

Cost

In an effort to make programming available and accessible to all, most of our Community Programs are offered as Pay What You Can. This means that in almost all events, attendees can register at a cost that works for them and their budget. In the case that there is an event that is not offered as Pay What You Can, we are offering all to fill out our Financial Access Form. We want to make sure all who would like to participate in our programming can.

Online Registration

Most of our Community Programs, as well as Youth Camps and After School Program, require online registration. If you are interested in attending an event, we encourage you to check out the event on our Event Calendar to see if registration is required. If you have any questions, or are unable to register online, reach out to us at programs@wenatcheeriverinstitute.org or 509-548-0181. We are happy to help!

Language

At this time, most of our programs are offered in English with some select programs offered bilingually in Spanish. We are working on making our programs more accessible to the Spanish-speaking community, and welcome ideas and partnerships to make it happen. If you, or someone you know, need interpretation services, please email us at programs@wenatcheeriverinstitute.org. 

Online Programs

WRI has select hybrid and online programs, including hybrid Red Barn Events. Within these programs, there are closed captioning capabilities. To watch previous Red Barn Events, check out WRI's YouTube here. To enable closed captioning on YouTube, select the video you would like to watch, and click the "CC" button on the bottom right of the video.

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

  • Located on Icicle Rd, just a 10-minute drive from WRI, Sleeping Lady Mountain Resort has spectacular views, and a peaceful environment.

  • 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.

  • 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!

  • A great resource for private accommodations throughout Leavenworth, including vacation rentals, cottages, condos, and townhomes.

  • Less than a 5-minute walk from WRI, The Suites on Main is a prime location with great privacy and views.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Located 19 miles from WRI, Brunners Lodge is a perfect vacation experience in Plain with many recreational opportunities!

  • Located 16 miles from WRI, The Cove Resort is right on Fish Lake with prime fishing and birding opportunities.

  • 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.

  • Located on Mountain Home Rd, this lodge is the perfection for privacy, seclusion, and birding.

  • Located about a 20-minute drive from downtown Leavenworth near Lake Wenatchee, Pine River Ranch is on a beautiful property prime for birding.

  • A local, cozy guest suite located on Icicle Rd, just a 10-minute drive from WRI and close to beautiful trails.

  • The LOGE Downtown is a local hotel and hostel just a couple blocks from WRI. A great space to stay for outdoor enthusiasts!

Dining and Catering

  • 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!

  • An authentic German biergarten located just a short walk from WRI. A perfect place to enjoy a brew and some German favorites.

  • Blending Latin, Mexican, and Cuban cuisine, South Restaurants is a great place to visit for wholesome food and delicious drinks.

  • Leavenworth's largest biergarten featuring Bavarian drinks and bites with a beautiful view of the town and Front Street Park!

  • 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.

  • A local grill and beer garden with a wide range of food. Their onion dome building is iconic as you arrive in Leavenworth.

  • A local restaurant offering a variety nourishing foods, coffee, and snacks, located along Hwy 2 in Leavenworth. They are able to make a variety of dishes for catering, too!

  • 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!

  • Craving some good BBQ food? Sweetwood BBQ in Wenatchee has great options for catering and serves the Leavenworth area.

Shopping

  • A classic European style chocolate shop located on Front Street, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth after birding all day!

  • Leavenworth's independent bookstore offering a wide selection of books and gifts, including the featured book in this year's keynote.

  • The local go-to shop for jewelry hand-crafted by local artists! Also great for other jewelry services like cleaning and repair.

  • An artisan skincare shop that uses sustainable packaging. Pick up some lotion, scrubs, soap, hair and face products, and more!

  • Our favorite destination for all things sweet, including candy, ice cream, shaved ice, and caramel corn, located in the heart of downtown.

  • Visit our local nursery, located just a 5-minute drive from downtown. Your best source for annuals, perennials, trees, shrubs, planters, and hanging baskets.

  • 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.

  • Our local natural foods store and deli, perfect for a grocery run and a quick bite.

  • A must-visit shop in town featuring a wide variety of hats, wooden gifts, and toys.

  • Offering fine quality infused Olive Oils and Balsamic Vinegars to inspire and enhance any meal, dish, or appetizer!

  • The perfect place to visit on Front Street if you need gear so you are prepared for your next outdoor adventure.

  • A local retail store featuring artfully curated art, decor, and apparel by local artisans. Perfect for finding gifts for loved ones!

  • Get your gear fix at our local used gear source in Cashmere, just a 15-minute drive from Leavenworth!

  • 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

  • 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!

  • 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.

  • Join them for a river adventure suited for any age, from calm to rambunctious, and day trip to overnight trips. You can book dates on their website now for May and June!

  • Visit their stunning campus and Snowy Owl Theatre for inspiring performances, concerts, and plays during your visit!

  • While you're here, be sure to support our local farmers markets in Leavenworth (Saturday from 9am-1pm) and Cashmere (Sunday from 9am-1pm).

  • Learn about the history of Leavenworth and the Upper Valley by visiting our local museum, located downtown on Front Street.

  • Located just 1-mile from downtown Leavenworth, visit the Leavenworth Reindeer Farm to meet, interact with, and learn about reindeer!

  • Check out some of the many trails managed and protected by CDLT, from hiking to biking, there's a trail for everyone.

  • 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.

Thank you to our business supporters, partners, and funders

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