VISITOR INFO

While taking part in the ARTrails studio tour, why not stay the weekend, or the entire week, in beautiful Lewis County? Take your time to visit and learn from our artists and explore Lewis County and the historic towns of Centralia and Chehalis.

While making your reservation tell them that you are coming for ARTrails!

Visit The DowntownCentralia.org, ExperienceChehalis.com or Discover Lewis County to find events, attractions, dining, lodging, and camping opportunities.

WHAT TO SEE

What to See in Southwest Washington’s Lewis County and Twin Cities

Tour Lewis County

Appease car-weary children and play in our city parks. Located in Centralia’s Riverside Park, the skate park there is the largest free skate park in the northwest. Penny Playground (221 SW 13th St., Chehalis) inspires the imagination of children and adults. Borst Park (West of I-5 off Exit 82) is situated at the confluence of the Chehalis and Skookumchuck rivers. It features a playground, picnic facilities, a fishing area, and historic attractions including a homestead, schoolhouse, arboretum, and Fort Borst Blockhouse.

What can you do in Lewis County?

• Ride on a steam train
• Hike the Goat Rocks Wilderness
• Flyfish on the Cowlitz (Fishing Licenses)
• Antique shops–everywhere!
• Celebrate a festival–Loggers Jubilee in Morton, Bluegrass or Cheese in Toledo, Garlic in Chehalis, Blueberries in Mossyrock, and fleamarket in Packwood.
• Explore the White Pass Scenic Byway

Lewis County boasts the best that the rural and wild Northwest has to offer. Looking for an activity? Keep reading for more suggestions.

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City of Centralia

Since its initial platting in 1885, Centralia’s Downtown Historic District has been the heart of our community, offering a rich tapestry of dining, shopping, entertainment, and recreational opportunities for both locals and visitors alike.

Take a leisurely stroll through our charming Historic Downtown District. Discover unique boutiques, family-owned jewelry shops, bookstores, and antiques everywhere. Meet local artists at Rectangle Gallery and Central GlassWorks, where they showcase their talents and often demonstrate their process.

As you wander, tantalize your taste buds at one of our local restaurants, whether you choose to dine in or opt for a delicious meal to take out and enjoy picnic-style at Pine Street Plaza or George Washington Park. With so much to see and do, every moment is an adventure waiting to unfold.

Come experience the warm and welcoming atmosphere of Centralia, where residents and visitors alike are drawn to its home-style charm and endless possibilities. For more information and to plan your visit, please visit downtowncentralia.org. Your journey starts here!

City of Chehalis

Chehalis is a friendly and fun-loving community.  Stroll the streets of Old Town where historic buildings are reborn with charming boutiques and inviting eateries.  Combine history with your stroll on a Historic Walking Tour in the heart of Chehalis.

Take the kids to a real soda fountain or grab a cup of joe and let them enjoy the kids’ room at our locally owned bookstore (Book ‘n’ Brush).  The Westside District also offers a shopping experience with many name-brand stores and more family-friendly restaurants.  Kids will be delighted with an afternoon at Recreation Park/Penny Playground (221 SW 13th Street), home of the Gail & Carolyn Shaw Aquatics Center, and kiddy spray park.  Special events and festivals keep the crowds hopping. Enjoy the Community Farmers Market each summer, the ChehalisFest in July, and don’t miss the Chehalis Garlic Fest & Craft Show in August. Come back in December for the Santa Parade!  For details about these events and activities, and more, visit  www.ci.chehalis.wa.us.

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Here are some more popular places in Lewis County that you’ll enjoy visiting:

Chehalis-Centralia Railroad and Museum

Enjoy the sights and sounds of steam railroading as it used to be.  Ride the 1916 logging locomotive on a scenic and relaxing journey through the Chehalis River Valley.  The locomotive’s last industrial assignment was to pull log trains for the Cowlitz, Chehalis, and Cascade Railroad which operated in the area until the mid-1950s.  The cars on the train are restored coaches from the 1920s. We invite you to ride the steam train on one of their regular excursions, special brunch or dinner trains, murder mystery trains, or special event trains. Visit www.steamtrainride.com or call 360-748-9593 for more information.

Veterans Memorial Museum

The mission of the Veterans Memorial Museum is to honor and perpetuate the memory of the servicemen and women who have served in our nation’s armed forces down through the history of our country during peacetime or war.  The mission of the museum began over a decade ago with the goal of making sure that our veterans, “Shall Not Be Forgotten.” Visit the museum at 100 SW Veterans Way  (Veterans Memorial Museum).

Lewis County Historical Museum

The Lewis County Historical Museum is housed in the historic, 1912 turn of the century Northern Pacific Railway Depot.  Operated by the Lewis County Historical Society, it is dedicated to preserving the history and heritage of Lewis County, Washington.  For more information visit www.lewiscountymuseum.org, or call 360-748-0831.

Vintage Motorcycle Museum

The Vintage Motorcycle Museum, located in the historic Hotel Washington, is home to original and fully restored, pre-1916 motorcycles and an assortment of antique bicycles.  This private museum’s showcases are filled with memorabilia and historical photographs.  For more information call 360-748-3472.

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For a complete and up-to-date list of year-round events and places to visit in Lewis County, check out the Centralia-Chehalis Chamber of Commerce.