Top 12 Things To Do In Chehalis, Washington

things to do in Chehalis WA
Victor
Victor 
Updated
| 5 min read

Chehalis, also known as the Maple-Leaf City, is the capital of Lewis County. Its rich history dates back to 1873 when it became the home to the very first settlers who stayed in a warehouse along the Pacific Railroad track. It is a relatively small city with a decent population, but with lots of exciting attractions. Museums, hiking trails, golf courses, and vibrant restaurant culture are a few of the endearing attractions that makes it a darling to most tourists. A weekend may not be enough to appreciate the beauty of the city, but if that’s all you’ve got, then read below for our top recommendations of the things to do in Chehalis, Washington.

1. Honor the vets at Veterans Memorial Museum

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

“They Shall Not Be Forgotten!” That is the mission of the Veterans Memorial Museum. It is a 22,000-square-foot (2043-square-meter) facility that has displays of courage, sacrifice, honor, and commitment by men and women who gave or were willing to give the ultimate sacrifice to keep everyone safe. Each display you will find at the museum has a story, and by visiting, you will not just get the chance to learn the stories, but also you will be remembering and honoring the vets for their services.

Veterans Memorial Museum

Address: 100 SW Veterans Way, Chehalis, WA 98532, USA

Website: Veterans Memorial Museum

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 5pm; Sun:12pm - 5pm

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2. Hike along the beautiful Willapa Hills Trail

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Willapa Hills Trails is one of the five long-distance trails managed by Washington State Park. It is a 56-mile (90km) trail. The surface is relatively flat, with sections featuring gravel, sand, ballast, asphalt and crushed stones. It is a favorite choice for visitors who love walking, jogging or horse riding on trails with scenic views that meanders through farms, rivers, manmade lakes, and small towns. Given that the trail is passable in most weather conditions, it gives you the versatility to use it nearly every time you visit Chehalis.

Willapa Hills Trail

Address: Chehalis, WA, USA

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Price: Free

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3. Go on a scenic train ride at Chehalis-Centralia Railroad & Museum

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Visit the Chehalis-Centralia Railroad & Museum for a journey back in time in the locomotive industry. See vintage locomotives that were used in the early 1900s which will make you appreciate the strides that have been made in the rail transportation industry. This visit will also see you enjoy a pleasant and relaxing ride through the scenic upper Chehalis River Valley and historic farms on the former Milwaukee Road track. This is one of the few remaining diesel-powered passenger railroads, so don’t miss this tour.

Chehalis-Centralia Railroad & Museum

Address: 1101 SW Sylvenus St, Chehalis, WA 98532, USA

Website: Chehalis-Centralia Railroad & Museum

Opening hours: Sat: 10am - 5pm; Sun: 10am - 3pm (Closed from Mon - Fri)

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4. Play miniature golf at Shankz 3D Black Light Miniature Golf

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

How would it feel to grab a pair of 3-D glasses and take a journey under the ocean where you will be swimming along with different kinds of fish? And how about navigating your way through prehistoric times when dinosaurs used to roam the world? Well, all these will be happening while you play golf, and this is the kind of experience that awaits you at Shankz 3D Black Light Miniature Golf. In addition to miniature golf, the facility also offers an arcade featuring old school games such as Ms. Pacman, pinball, and Frogger among others. It is a place where both the young and the old will be delighted to visit.

Shankz 3D Black Light Miniature Golf

Address: 2100 N National Ave, Chehalis, WA 98533, USA

Website: Shankz 3D Black Light Miniature Golf

Opening hours: Thu - Fri: 4pm - 9pm; Sat: 12pm - 10pm; Sun: 12pm - 6pm (Closed from Mon - Wed)

Price: From 99 USD

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5. Take a tour of Jackson House

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Jackson House State Park is on a 1.4-acre (0.56-ha) piece of land in Chehalis, just next to Jackson Highway. The significance of the wooden cabin holds the very roots upon which the state of Washington was built. The cabin was built in 1850 by John R Jackson. He was among the first Euro-Americans to call north Columbia River home and he was also a vital figure in the early establishment of the Washington territory. The park was also one of the very first two state parks in Washington. The history here is incredible, and so is the aura of relaxation from sitting on the park benches.

The Jackson House

Address: 4277 Jackson Hwy, Chehalis, WA 98532, USA

Website: The Jackson House

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

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6. Take part in outdoor activities at Stan Hedwell Park

Stan Hedwell Park
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user CraigCarter400 used under CC BY 3.0

Stan Hedwell Park is the largest Park in Chehalis, comprising of over 100 acres (40.4ha) of wooded land and 100 acres (40.4ha) of open fields and meadows. Visiting the park will always present you with a plethora of outdoor opportunities. You can join the local community for a game of soccer, or you can head down to the Newaukum River for rockhounding, fishing or strolling the shores as a way of relaxing. With more than three miles of trail, those interested in jogging or walking are also well taken care of, as well as camping enthusiasts who will be pleased with the nice camping amenities that the park has, including a 29-site RV area. In simple terms, the park is your one-stop-shop for all your outdoor endeavors in Chehalis.

Stan Hedwell Park

Address: 1501 Rice Rd, Chehalis, WA 98532, USA

Website: Stan Hedwell Park

Opening hours: 9am - 8pm (daily)

Price: Free

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7. Camp in the wild at Rainbow Falls State Park

Rainbow Falls, Washington
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user ECTran71 used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Rainbow Falls State Park is a state park covering over 129 acres (52.2ha) of land, with over 3900 feet (1188m) of shoreline. With several campsites and equestrian sites, the park is an obvious stop for hikers, campers and horseback riders in Chehalis. The trails that wind through the forests and along the river will make every walker want to call the park home, and with the freshwater fishing and swimming opportunities, avid campers will want to spend more than just one night on the site.

Rainbow Falls State Park

Address: 633 Leudinghaus Rd, Chehalis, WA 98532, USA

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Price: Free

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8. Have healthy delicacies at Jeremy’s Farm to Table

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Jeremy’s Farm to Table specializes in offering high-quality cuisines in a rustic, but an elegant atmosphere that features wood and brick designs. They have an extensive menu with a variety of seasonal specialties and classic dishes bound to satisfy even the most discerning soul. The restaurant has partnered with local farmers to offer meals made with the freshest and healthiest ingredients. It is the favorite joint in Chehalis for anyone interested in gluten-free meals and desserts.

Jeremy’s Farm to Table

Address: 576 W Main St, Chehalis, WA 98532, USA

Website: Jeremy’s Farm to Table

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 7am - 10pm; Fri - Sat: 7am - 12am; Sun: 7am - 9pm

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9. Sharpen your putting skills at Riverside Golf Club

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Riverside Golf Club is a hidden gem nestled along the banks of the Chehalis River, and it is one of the top courses for business and pleasure. It is an 18-hole golf course, with very mature grass and magnificent sceneries. It is opened every day of the week, and playing here is a must if you are a keen golfer.

Riverside Golf Club

Address: 1451 NW Airport Rd, Chehalis, WA 98532, USA

Website: Riverside Golf Club

Opening hours: 7:30am - 7pm (daily)

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10. Discover the rich history preserved at Lewis County Historical Museum

Lewis County Historical Museum
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Joe Mabel used under CC BY 3.0

If you consider yourself a history buff, then a visit to Chehalis will not be complete without a tour of the Lewis County Historical Museum. The museum is dedicated to protecting, and preserving Lewis County’s history through education and the conservation of artifacts that are unique to the county. Visit and discover the strides the county has made towards modernity right from the time the very first settlers arrived in the state of Washington.

Lewis County Historical Museum

Address: 599 NW Front St, Chehalis, WA 98532, USA

Website: Lewis County Historical Museum

Opening hours: Tue - Fri: 10am - 4pm; Sat: 10am - 2pm (Closed on Sun & Mon)

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11. Enjoy sumptuous meals at The Shire Bar & Bistro

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Shire Bar & Bistro is in a historic building, but they don’t specialize in serving historic foods. They serve American fare, with a blend of local wines and ales. They have a rustic, but a charming ambiance, with very polite and professional wait staff ready to ensure you have a great experience. It is a nice place to check out if you are looking for a decent, high-quality bar and bistro.

The Shire Bar & Bistro

Address: 465 NW Chehalis Ave, Chehalis, WA 98532, USA

Website: The Shire Bar & Bistro

Opening hours: Tue - Fri: 11:30am - 9pm; Sat: 5pm - 9pm (Closed on Sun & Mon)

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12. Go shopping at Twin City Town Center

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Wrap up your visit of Chehalis by going on a shopping spree at Twin City Town Center, just off exit 79 along the I-5 Chehalis. This is a shopping mall with a variety of retail shops from some of the leading brands locally and abroad. The mall also houses several restaurants, banks and entertainment facilities.

Twin City Town Center

Address: 1331 NW Louisiana Ave, Chehalis, WA 98532, USA

Website: Twin City Town Center

Opening hours: 9am - 9pm (daily)

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Discover the hidden gems in Chehalis

Lewis County Historic Courthouse
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Steven Pavlov used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Chehalis is a place worth checking out when you need a simple escape away from the buzz of Washington. With the above things to do in Chehalis, Washington, your stay should be pretty occupied so that you don’t have to worry about dull days. Take the trip and enjoy the hidden gems in Chehalis.

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Victor firmly believes that writing is a skill anyone can develop, and he is a living testament to that philosophy. With a genuine love for writing, he finds it to be a powerful means of sharing...Read more

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