Leavenworth, Washington is a beautiful Bavarian village that is full of charm and culture. The scenery around the area is gorgeous, and the mountains can be seen in the near distance. Any time of year is beautiful in the city and there’s always something to do.
Whether you enjoy the outdoors, family activities, or relaxing with a nice glass of wine in front of a cozy fireplace, Leavenworth has plenty to offer. Here are some of the top attractions and things to do in Leavenworth.
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Things To Do in Leavenworth
Leavenworth is a beautiful mountain destination with scenery you won't want to miss. Only 2 hours east of Seattle, it feels like a town lifted from the region of Bavaria in Germany. Modelled as an alpine village, you immediately feel the charm of its wooden chalets with the backdrop of Washington's Cascades.
For this list, we're going to be focusing on the things you can do in Leavenworth to keep you active so you can work up that appetite to try all things German.
1. Leavenworth Reindeer Farm
The Leavenworth Reindeer Farm is located less than a mile from the downtown area. It’s easy to access and great for families. Tours are scheduled by appointment only, so the entire experience is personal and fun.
Guests can meet the reindeer, feed them, and even pose for photos with them. The reindeer are friendly and look forward to meeting with guests. It’s perfect for holiday trips but is open all year-round. It’s an interactive experience that’s also educational.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Address: 10395 Chumstick Hwy, Leavenworth, WA 98826-9285
Hours: Reservations only
Price: $12-$20 per person
2. Mountain Springs Lodge Sleigh Ride
If you want to travel through Washington in style then be sure to check out the Mountain Springs Lodge Sleigh Ride. You will feel like you have been sent back in time as you ride across the fresh snow in an old fashioned sleigh pulled by two horses. The ride is scenic and memorable, which makes it perfect for the entire family.
After your ride, be sure to explore the rest of the lodge. There’s a large fireplace that’s perfect for warming up and sipping coffee or hot cider. The lodge also has a dining room that serves up some delicious steaks.
ACTIVITIES YOU CAN CHECK OUT
Leavenworth Christmas Tour from Seattle with Optional Sleigh Ride: Enjoy a visit to the quaint Bavarian village of Leavenworth. You will get to experience half a million Christmas lights come alive during their annual Christmas Lighting Festival! Taste authentic German food with a good beer and you have the option of adding on a horse-drawn carriage.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Address: 19115 Chiwawa Loop Rd, Leavenworth, WA 98826-9550
Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Seasonal Hour
Price: $16 to $42
3. Icicle Gorge
Icicle Gorge is a beautiful place to hike and spend the day. It’s gorgeous any time of year, and the hike isn’t difficult. Along the hike, you will see plenty of trees, bridges, cliffs, and overhanging rocks. In the winter, there are icicles hanging from the rocks, which is where the gorge got its name.
The trail loops around, so you end where you start, and it’s easily accessible from the parking lot. The scenery is picturesque, and in the warmer months, the wildlife is very active. The entire hike is about four miles long.
This trail map is the most helpful to see how the hike follows Icicle Creek, where the trailhead is, and where the it loops around.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Address: Wenatchee River Ranger District, Leavenworth, WA
Hours: Daylight hours
Price: Free
4. Waterfront Park
This park has a lot to offer, and it’s open all year round. Waterfront Park offers many hiking trails, picnic spots, and fishing spots. Pets are welcome, and there’s plenty of room for a family reunion and special events.
Bridges allow access to Blackbird Park, and there are clean bathrooms located throughout the area. There’s a ballfield and ramps where small boats and kayaks can enter the water.
It’s ideal for families or anyone who loves the outdoors.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Address: 500 9th St, Leavenworth, WA 98826
Hours: Daylight hours
Price: Free
5. Eagle Creek Ranch
Eagle Creek Ranch is the perfect place to get some fresh air and see some amazing natural sights. The ranch offers horseback trail rides as well as winter sleigh rides. The trails are easy to navigate, and the horses are tame and friendly.
Children and adults can both enjoy the trail rides, and no experience is required. The trails go through the Wenatchee National Forest, which offers spectacular views of the mountains and forest.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Address: 7951 Eagle Creek Rd, Take Chumstick Highway, Leavenworth, WA 98826-9529
Hours: Vary by season
Price:$15 to $60 per person
6. Silvara Cellars
Silvara Cellars is a winery that produced limited craft batches of wine. All the fruits used to make the wine are sourced from Washington State. The winery offers tours and tastings to small groups. Each tour lasts about two hours.
The tasting room offers great views and gives guests a chance to try the wines they saw being made on the tour. Bottles of wine and other souvenirs are available for purchase and even shipped home if desired. In addition to being one of the more popular things to do in Leavenworth WA, the winery is also available for special events and weddings in
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Address: 77 Stage Rd, Leavenworth, WA 98826-9049
Hours: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Price: Varies
7. Leavenworth Village
Last, but not least is the Leavenworth Village itself. So far, all of the things to do in Leavenworth have been focused on exploring the wonders of nature and one-of-a-kind experiences outside of town but you'll certainly be spending a lot of time here as your base camp.
The German theme of the town wasn't always like this but in the 1960s, street names, building signs, and architecture was completely remodelled to spur tourism, and it worked! As part of that, the town also stated to host Maifest, Autumn Leaf Festival and Christmas Lighting Ceremony.
Today, the unique Cascade Mountain backdrop gives way the idyllic town that feels like you've been transported to Bavaria.
You can do all things German here with places such as the Nussknacker Haus and The Gingerbread Factory. There's a proper biergarten set up at the Leavenworth Sausage Garten and German pilsners you can take away at Icicle Brewing Company. You also can't miss Andreas Keller Restaurant where you can have traditional schnitzel, all kinds of sausage (wurst), spätzle, and giant pretzels.
A Quick Leavenworth, WA Travel Guide
If you find yourself wondering what to do in Leavenworth, WA, or which Leavenworth activities to try, consider some of the options above. Whether traveling alone, with friends, or with family, there are plenty of things to do in Leavenworth that will keep everyone having fun and help you make some lasting memories. Here are a few suggestions to make your trip even better.
Money – It’s a good idea to carry some cash while traveling in Leavenworth, WA, but both attractions and restaurants due take credit cards. Many of the most popular things to things to do in Leavenworth Washington are completely free.
When Is The Best Time? – Leavenworth is beautiful all year long, but one of the best time to visit is fall or winter. In the fall, the leaves are changing, and the scenery is beautiful. In the winter, the snow falls fresh regularly, and icicles hang in the place of waterfalls. Of course in the summer is when the weather is the most pleasant with the fresh mountain air and warmth of the sun. Festivals occur all year round so make sure to check their calendar.
Getting Here – There are many ways to get to Leavenworth, WA. Seattle is only 2 hours from Leavenworth, making it a great weekend or even day trip. Canadians from Vancouver can also get here in only 4 hours. You can also easily drive here from the nearby Portland or Spokane. Amtrak services Leavenworth by train with No. 7 (from Chicago) and No. 8 (from Seattle). By air, there's Pangborn Memorial Airport in East Wenatchee that has direct flights from Seattle with Horizon Air (subsidiary of Alaska Airlines). Lastly, there is always a daily bus service with Trailways.
Getting Around – If you truly want to experience everything the area has to offer, driving is the best way to get around. You can travel at your own pace and take the time to stop and enjoy the scenery and attractions as you choose. If you require a rental car, make sure you know about car rental discount codes to save a ton of money.
Where to Stay in Leavenworth
There are many accommodations options in Leavenworth depending on your travel style and budget. Here are a few top recommendations.
CONDO HOTEL
ALPEN DORF PENSION
During your stay at this hotel you can take advantage of their free onsite parking and take a hike, going skiing, or cycling in the surrounding area. Your unit will include a kitchen with a microwave, fridge, seating area, and a private bathroom. There is also free WiFi in this lovely condo hotel.
ALPINE CABIN
ALPINE THYME CABIN
This is a full-house cottage rental featuring air condition, free wifi, private parking, BBQ, and canoeing with its waterfront access.
A reviewer recently said “Location was easy to find. Quaint cabin with good sleeping arrangements.”
BAVARIAN EXPERIENCE
BAVARIAN LODGE
While in Leavenworth, you might as well go all out with the themed experience and stay at this beautifully decorated lodge that will feel like you're right in the middle of a German alpine village. Free breakfast is offered daily here and the rooms are extremely cozy and comfortable.
LUXURY
ICICLE VILLAGE RESORT
Spoil yourself with a stay at this beautiful resort that includes an on-site spa. You will love a swim in their outdoor pool, soaking in their hot tub or take in a drink at their bar. Every room includes a private bathroom and some suites include a seating area. Park for free at this resort and you can enjoy a complimentary breakfast buffet daily.
Frequently Asked Questions
Woody is the official ambassador of Leavenworth and he's a guy known for being willing to work for peanuts.
Leavenworth experiences all four seasons! Summer highs can reach between the 80s to 90s with cool nights. Winter time is full of glistening snow with a town full of famous Christmas lights for a beautiful atmosphere.
You'll find that Leavenworth is a town designed for walking, biking, or sledding. When travelling to Leavenworth you can take an Amtrak into town from Seattle and Spokane daily. Don't forget to keep your eyes peeled for the stunning vista's and mountain peaks along your journey.
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Featured image via Unsplash by Rosalie Barley
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