Wanapum Heritage Center

Wanapum Heritage Center
Museums and Interpretive CentersTribal Experiences
Priest Rapids Dam Access Road
Mattawa Washington 99349

Information

lat: 46.661014654727 long: -119.89435581819

The Wanapum Heritage Center is set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Columbia River, where the
landscape transitions from rugged canyons to expansive riverbanks. Towering basalt cliffs stand as
sentinels, reflecting the eons of natural and cultural history embedded in the region. With its dramatic
vistas and beauty, the Columbia River Gorge adds a layer of majesty to the Wanapum Heritage Center’s
surroundings.

As the cultural center of the Wanapum Band, the Wanapum Heritage Center embodies the Tribe’s
commitment to preserving and sharing its rich cultural heritage. The Wanapum people have called the
Columbia River Basin home for generations, and their deep connection to the land is evident in the
exhibits, artifacts, and stories housed within the center.

Wanapum means river people. The Tribe was originally located in Washington along the Columbia River.
Lewis and Clark meet with the Wanapum at the mouth of Snake River, having finally reached the
Columbia River long into their travels. It is there they met the Wanapum people, who were fishing salmon
from the Columbia River during the autumn salmon run. The meeting was peaceful between the Corps’
and the two hundred men Wanapum and Chief Cutssahnem. They shared tobacco, played drums and
sang before holding a meeting where Lewis and Clark presented Chief Cutssahnem with a peace medal
along with other presents.

Nearby Attractions

Distance Unit:

Yakima Arboretum
Yakima Arboretum

Arboretum & Botanical Garden, Yakima, WA, USA
Distance: 27.94 Away

Outdoor Experiences

View Listing
Iksiks Washana’lama (Little Swans Dancers)
Iksiks Washana’lama (Little Swans Dancers)

14 Jefferson Avenue, Toppenish, Washington 98948, USA
Distance: 27.99 Away

Galleries and Venues Tribal Experiences

View Listing
Yakama Nation Museum & Cultural Center – Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation
Yakama Nation Museum & Cultural Center – Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation

Yakama Nation Cultural Center, Toppenish, WA, USA
Distance: 28.84 Away

Museums and Interpretive Centers Tribal Experiences

View Listing
Johnson Orchards
Johnson Orchards

Johnson Orchards, Summitview Avenue, Yakima, WA, USA
Distance: 32.54 Away

Farms Outdoor Experiences Food and Drinks

View Listing
Frichette Winery
Frichette Winery

Frichette, North Sunset Road, Benton City, WA, USA
Distance: 34.20 Away

Food and Drinks Guided Tours

View Listing
The REACH Museum & Interpretive Center
The REACH Museum & Interpretive Center

1943 Columbia Park Trail, Richland, WA, USA
Distance: 43.61 Away

Guided Tours Museums and Interpretive Centers

View Listing
Reach Museum
Reach Museum

1943 Columbia Park Trail, Richland, WA 99352, USA
Distance: 43.61 Away

Galleries and Venues

View Listing
Cherry Chalet
Cherry Chalet

8101 West 10th Avenue, Kennewick, WA, USA
Distance: 44.98 Away

Lodging

View Listing
Sockeye Suzy’s Fish
Sockeye Suzy’s Fish

1551 Simcoe Creek Road, White Swan, Washington 98952, USA
Distance: 47.34 Away

Tribal Experiences Outdoor Experiences

View Listing
Sacajawea Historical State Park and Interpretive Center
Sacajawea Historical State Park and Interpretive Center

Sacajawea Historical State Park, Sacajawea Park Road, Pasco, WA, USA
Distance: 51.60 Away

Museums and Interpretive Centers Outdoor Experiences LC Features

View Listing
Confluence Story Circles at Sacajawea State Park
Confluence Story Circles at Sacajawea State Park

2503 Sacajawea Park Rd, Pasco, WA 99301, USA
Distance: 51.68 Away

Galleries and Venues Tribal Experiences

View Listing
Snake River Confluence
Snake River Confluence

5XX8+3R Pasco, WA, USA
Distance: 52.03 Away

Galleries and Venues Tribal Experiences Outdoor Experiences

View Listing

Sign Up for the Lewis & Clark Trail Experience Newsletter

Our bi-weekly newsletter provides news, history, and information for those interested in traveling along along the Lewis & Clark Trail.


By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive the Lewis and Clark Travel Experience newsletter provided by the Lewis & Clark Trail Alliance. You can revoke your consent at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact.

Instagram Feed