About Whitman Mission National Historic Site
One moment can change the fate of many nations. After thousands of years of habitation by the Cayuse Nation, life in the Columbia River Plateau begins to change rapidly with the influx of missionaries, newcomers from the Oregon Trail, and diseases. A single violent act of desperation to protect a community ignites a series of events that will reshape the United States forever.
Plan a Visit
Core visitor information on this page is sourced from the National Park Service. NPD proximity sections use NPS reference coordinates and straight-line distance. Local source bundle updated Sep 27, 2026. View the official NPS page.
Weather & Conditions
Summers are hot. Hats, water and sunblock are recommended. Winters are mild and rainy with a few snow storms. Layered clothing is advised.
NPS Reference Location
Park state / territory membership: Washington. This map uses the National Park Service reference coordinate. It may represent an administrative or reference point rather than a park entrance, trailhead, visitor center, or the nearest access point. Use the official NPS directions below when planning travel.
Operating Hours
The grounds and trails at Whitman Mission National Historic Site are open daily from sunrise to sunset.
Activities
Current Alerts
The Whitman Mission NHS phone lines are currently down. If you need to contact us, please email whmi_interpretation. For field trip scheduling, please email whmi_education@nps.gov
Getting There
The site can be reached from US Highway 12, 8 miles west of Walla Walla, Wa. Airports are located in Walla Walla (11 miles east of park), Pasco (43 miles west), and Pendleton, Oregon (46 miles south).
View Official DirectionsContact & Address
The NPS-listed address may be an administrative office, visitor center, mailing/contact location, or other park facility rather than a park entrance.
Topics & Themes
Things To Do

Programs at Whitman Mission NHS
Ranger programs at Whitman Mission National Historic Site occur Thursday through Sunday at 10:30 and 1:30. Check with rangers to…

Watch A Prophecy Fulfilled
For an introduction to Whitman Mission National Historic Site, watch the park film titled "A Prophecy Fulfilled."

Whitman Mission NHS Audio Tour
The Whitman Mission NHS Self-Guided Audio Tour is a audio tour on the NPS exploring the history of Whitman Mission.…

Walk the Trails and Tour the Mission Grounds
Walk the grounds and stand where history happened. Spot wildlife flitting from tree to tree, hiding in the grass, or…

Picnic at Whitman Mission
Enjoy a picnic at the Whitman Mission picnic shelter. The picnic shelter is available whenever the park grounds are open…

Visit the Whitman Mission Museum
The one room exhibit includes Native American cultural items, archeological artifacts, and items that belonged to individuals who lived at…
Visitor Centers
Whitman Mission Visitor Center
The Whitman Mission Visitor Center includes a museum exhibit and a 25 minute park film. The hours below are for the Whitman Mission Visitor Center.…
Nearby National Park Service Sites
These sites are ordered by straight-line distance between NPS reference coordinates. This is useful for comparison, but it is not road mileage. Trails, parkways, rivers, and distributed units may extend far from their reference point.