Fort Walla Walla Museum

Here at the Fort Walla Walla Museum in Washington, original and replica structures and a wealth of artifacts dating from about 1850 to the turn of the 20th century tell the story of pioneer settlements in the Pacific Northwest. Buildings on the property include cabins, a school, railroad depot and livery stable. The museum houses a large collection of horse-drawn agricultural equipment; weapons and other military items from the fort; textiles, including clothing and quilts; and a photo archive. No, your eyes aren’t deceiving you – that is child star Shirley Temple in a 1945 photo, sporting a chef’s hat and pitching in to serve food at Walla Walla’s McCaw Military Hospital. The surrounding area is home to several wineries, so raise a glass to the spirit of discovery. And visit the Blue Mountain Lavender Farm in neighboring Lowden for a treat to the senses. The rich color and heady scent of the fragrant herbal plant are not to be missed.