Vancouver is a land rich in history, culture and natural beauty. There is a gamut of recreational activities, as well. Canoeing, kayaking, biking, golfing, fishing, climbing, boating and other outdoor activities abound. The fascinating history, scenic landscapes and cultural offerings combine to make it a great destination to explore and experience. Also, the city is a hub for sports fanatics. It is home to several basketball and hockey teams and clubs. The museums, state parks and historic sites will take you back in time where you can relive some exciting moments of the past. It’s a friendly town with a relaxed pace and plenty of things that will delight everyone, from kids to adults. Here are a few places of interests that you must visit when in Vancouver-
Walk through the history at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site!
Image By Glenn Scofield Williams from USA (Mount Hood over Fort Vancouver) [CC BY 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
Sprawling across 190-acres, the Fort Vancouver National Historic Site is a must-see for all visitors to Vancouver. Take a tour of the site and experience everything from early history as Native American settlement to fur trading site to World War I-era artifacts to weapons demonstration. Start your tour with a short film at the visitor center that highlights the history of the area, followed by checking out several hands-on exhibits on Vancouver’s past. The site has a reconstructed fur trade fort where visitors can see the historic buildings and experience the fur trapper life. As you walk through the site, you’ll come across a wood shop, a blacksmith shop, historic officer’s home, war memorials, barrack buildings, a park and several period exhibits and artifacts.
Address: 1501 E Evergreen Blvd, Vancouver, WA 98661, United States
Phone: 1 360-816-6230
Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday: 9:00am-5:00pm
Go walking, biking, jogging or just people-watch at Waterfront Renaissance Trail!
The Waterfront Renaissance Trail is a 5-mile scenic pathway where visitors can walk, bike, rollerblade, run or jog. Take in the stunning views of the bridge and the natural scenery, while walking on the paved pathways and scenic trails. The trail also has several restaurants, historical spots and shops along the way. Stops on the way include the World War II-era Kaiser Shipyard and Viewing Tower, Ilchee Statue and Plaza, stunning views of Vancouver Land Bridge, and Wendy Rose stainless steel sculpture. At the start of the day or during dusk, go for a walk on the trail and witness the breathtaking views of the Vancouver Land Bridge.
Address: 115 SE Columbia Way, Vancouver, WA 98661, United States
Enjoy the outdoors at Esther Short Park!
Image By Cory Barnes from Vancouver, WA, United States (Esther Short Park) [CC BY 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
Located in the heart of downtown Vancouver, the Esther Short Park is the oldest public park in the area. It is a 5-acre urban space that features a clock tower, a rose garden, huge fountains, a historic Slocum House, a gazebo, paved walking paths and a playground. Check out the huge bronze statue of “The Pioneer Mother” and public art. Several events and concerts are held at this park. Every evening and afternoon on a regular schedule, the tower tells a story of the Chinook Indians along with glockenspiel diorama and bronze bells. Wander around the park and take in the natural beauty!
Address: 415 W 6th Street, Vancouver, WA 98660, United States
Phone: 1 360-487-8311
Plenty of history awaits at Officer’s Row!
Image by Sjordi at English Wikipedia [GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html), CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/) or CC BY 2.5 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.5)], via Wikimedia Commons
The Officer’s Row is home to several restored nineteenth century homes. These homes are listed on the National Historic Register and are now residences and offices open for public to explore. The Ulysses S. Grant House is the oldest house at the Officer’s Row. Another historic house is the Marshall House, the resident of General George C. Marshall who was the commanding officer at Vancouver Barracks from 1936 to 1938. Take a tour of these historic houses and check out the exhibits and artifacts that depict the rich history of Vancouver in the mid and late 1800s.
Learn about the local history and culture at Clark County Historical Museum!
The Clark County Historical Museum features the history, heritage and culture of Clark County through a variety of exhibits. The exhibits range from local culture to transportation to artistic traditions to American military artifacts and other memorabilia, all depict the rich past of the County and the people who played a significant role in the development of Clark County. It also houses a Native American craft exhibition, railroad exhibit and other artifacts. Several community events and educational programs are also held at the museum.
Address: 1511 Main Street, Vancouver, WA 98660, United States
Phone: 1 360-993-5679
Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday: 11:00am-4:00pm
Wander through Vancouver Lake Regional Park!
Sprawling across 190-acre, the Vancouver Lake Regional Park spans for about 2.5miles along the shorelines of the Vancouver Lake. It offers plenty of outdoor space to enjoy the recreational activities, including picnicking, windsurfing, volleyball, canoeing, kayaking, and other activities. The park also has play area and barbecue space with picnic tables. Visitors can even spot diverse local wildlife and migratory waterfowl in this park. Enjoy the beautiful sights and sound as you wander through the park.
Address: 6801 NW Lower River Road, Vancouver, WA 98660, United States
Phone: 1 360-397-2285
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday: 7:00am-7:00pm
Learn the importance of water in everyday life at Water Resource Education Center!
The Water Resource Education Center is an educational center that teaches residents as well as visitors about the importance and role of water in everyday life. The center features several interactive exhibits on water, wildlife wetlands with variety of animals and birds, a demonstration garden, an aquarium and environmental artwork. It has a nature-theme area where kids can play and learn about nature. Learn about how to use water wisely here. There is something for all ages!
Address: 4600 SE Columbia Way, Vancouver, WA 98661, United States
Phone: 1 360-487-7111
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday: 9:00am-5:00pm
Trace the aviation history at Pearson Air Museum!
Image by John Kloepper [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0) or GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html)], via Wikimedia Commons
See the historic airplanes and artifacts at the Pearson Air Museum. The museum features the aviation past of the city through a range of artifacts and exhibits. Highlights include pre-WWII period aircrafts, Army Wings and Army Boots that depict the birth of Pearson field and the Vancouver Barracks history, the Straight-Grained Soldiers exhibit and other military aviation artifacts and objects. Flight demonstrations are also held here. Visitors also get a chance to ride a restored aircraft.
Address: 1115 E 5th Street, Vancouver, WA 98661, United States
Phone: 1 360-816-6232
Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday: 9:00am-5:00pm
Browse the local art at Art on the Boulevard!
The Art on the Boulevard features works of art of more than 50 northwest artists in different media and styles. It is the one of the largest fine art gallery in Southwest Washington State.
Address: 210 W Evergreen Blvd # 300, Vancouver, WA 98660, United States
Phone: 1 360-750-4499
Appreciate the art at Aurora Gallery!
The Aurora Gallery features the works by local artists from the Pacific Northwest and the southwest Washington. The up-and-coming artists showcase their works of art at this gallery. The artwork is showcased in a variety of mediums and styles, including sculptures, photographs, frame fine art paintings, art glass, pottery and more.
Address: 1004 Main Street, Vancouver, WA 98660, United States
Phone: 1 360-696-0449
Opening hours: Monday to Friday: 10:00am-5:30pm; Saturday: 10:00am-4:00pm
Best Tourist Spots in Vancouver Map Guide
