Area Attractions
Dayton Historic Depot
Dayton's
Historic Depot, originally built in 1881 and designed in the
Stick/Eastlake style, it is now the oldest surviving passenger
train station in
the state. The Depot has been beautifully restored and is now a museum.
Revolving exhibits are featured in the upstairs gallery. Located at 222 E.
Commercial Street.
The cost is $5.00 for a very informative guided tour and for gallery exhibits.
WINTER HOURS (November thru April.):
Wednesday thru Saturday, 11 am to 4 pm
SUMMER HOURS (May through October) :
Wednesday thru Saturday, 10 am to 5 pm, closing for lunch from 12 am to 1 pm, and Sundays 1 to 4 pm. For information call 509-382-2026. Closed Mondays, Tuesdays, and Holidays.
Columbia County Courthouse completed in 1887 in beautiful Italianate architecture at a cost
of $38,069.00, the courthouse experienced a major renovation to restore
the exterior ornamental detail between 1991 and 1993. Tour the oldest
working courthouse in the state,
Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. The self-guided tour is free. Large groups are encouraged to call to schedule their visit at
509-382-4542.
Walking Tours/Architecture
Rich in area history, Dayton was first settled in the 1850's
and soon became a thriving community. Between 1880 and 1910, prosperous
businessmen and farmers built impressive residential, commercial, and public
buildings in the Queen Anne, Italianate, Gothic and Craftsman style. Today,
117 of those buildings are listed on the National Register of Historic
Places and form three National Historic Districts. Self guided walking tour
maps are available for each district at the Dayton Chamber of Commerce, the Depot, or local merchants.
Palus Artifact Museum
The Palus Artifact Museum located at 305 E Main Street
offers a collection of locally found artifacts from the Palouse Indian
tribe. This Native American tribe spent their winters near Palouse Falls
(pictured above) and their summers hunting game and collecting roots and
berries in Dayton and the nearby Blue Mountains. Also on display is a
beautiful collection of native plants. The museum’s hours are Fridays and
Saturdays from 1-4 pm. or by appointment. Please call
(509)
382-4820 or email ethorn@velocitus.net for more information.
The Boldman House Museum
The Boldman House was bequeathed to the Dayton Historical
Depot Society in July of 2000 by Gladys Boldman. Since the formation of a
Boldman House Standing Committee, the former residence is experiencing
major renovations as well as yielding numerous historically-significant
artifacts that are being cataloged, with many of them being incorporated into
displays at the House Museum. For more information please contact the Historic
Dayton Depot at (509) 382-2026.
Monteillet Fromagerie
Pierre-Louis and Joan Monteillet are proud to announce the
production of three artisanal chevre cheeses available for order. Their
Fromage Blanc, Herbed Chevre and Fresh Montrachet are handcrafted from
goat's milk right here in Dayton and are available in 8oz & 16oz packages.
The Fromagerie is open for tours on Saturdays
and Sundays from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. and weekdays by appointment.
Monteillet Fromagerie or call (509) 382-1917 for more information.
The Liberty Theater
Dayton's recently renovated circa 1910 Liberty Theater,
located at
344
East Main Street is home to current movies,
art shows, children's theater, and stage productions. They also host a classic film series, generally on the second Thursday of the month. Call 509-382-1380 for more information.
See Dayton from a different point of view with Western Life Outfitters. Take the ride of a lifetime in the beautiful Tucannon-Wenaha Wilderness area south of Dayton on horseback with Dave and Sas as your guides. Stand on a ridge top with the warm sun on your back, a fresh breeze on your face and let your senses take in the beauty of the Blue Mountains.
Touchet Valley Golf Course
in Dayton (509-382-4851), located near the Columbia County Fairgrounds is acommunity nine-hole course that offers plenty of challenging golf with two par 5 holes, sand, water, and the fairly unusual race track hazard. A unique course amid beautiful scenery.
The Last Resort on the Tucannon offers great cabins, for a fun getaway,
with full kitchens, bath with shower, cable TV,
in a great setting. There are a host of activities to capture your attention.
Fishing, hunting, hiking, family fun activities.
Playatorium
Dayton's hub for the under 21 crowd, Playatorium, on Main Street features classic arcade games, billiards, air hockey, foosball, and more. You will find all popular game consoles which are played on a 100" screen with 5.1 surround sound. Kids have unlimited free-play access to all of the games (check web site for cost details). Playatorium hosts events such as Halo and Guitar Hero tournaments, and the facility is available for private parties and events. Playatorium is a place for kids to play and hang out, and their parents welcome at no additional cost. Call 509-382-2362, or visit www.Playatorium.com for more information.