Whitman Mission National Historic Site

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A tipi sits beneath a tree near a walking trail
Rangers offer tipi demonstrations during the summer
View from above looking down at green fields, a pond, and mountains in the distance
From Monument Hill, you can see the mission site and the surrounding Walla Walla Valley
An array of animal furs, beaded bags, and woven baskets
Explore the past through hands-on cultural items at the visitor center
A tree reflected in a pond with more trees and a field of golden tall grass in the background
Cornhusk Flat Bag
Traditional Cayuse Cornhusk Bag
Photos: National Park Service

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.

Quick Facts

State Washington
Designation National Historic Site
State Code WA
Weather Summers are hot. Hats, water and sunblock are recommended. Winters are mild and rainy with a few snow storms. Layered clothing is advised.

Location & Map

Whitman Mission National Historic Site is located in Washington.

Operating Hours

The grounds and trails at Whitman Mission National Historic Site are open daily from sunrise to sunset.

Wednesday Sunrise to Sunset
Monday Sunrise to Sunset
Thursday Sunrise to Sunset
Sunday Sunrise to Sunset
Tuesday Sunrise to Sunset
Friday Sunrise to Sunset
Saturday Sunrise to Sunset

Activities

Arts and Culture Cultural Demonstrations Food Picnicking Guided Tours Self-Guided Tours - Walking Hiking Front-Country Hiking Junior Ranger Program Wildlife Watching Birdwatching Park Film Museum Exhibits Shopping Bookstore and Park Store

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 Directions

Contact & Address

Address 328 Whitman Mission Road, Walla Walla, WA, 99362
Phone 5095226360
Email whmi_interpretation@nps.gov

Topics & Themes

Burial, Cemetery and Gravesite Farming and Agriculture Medicine Migrations Monuments and Memorials Native American Heritage Religion and Spirituality Missions Tragic Events Westward Expansion Trails

Things To Do

Programs at Whitman Mission NHS

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…

Whitman Mission NHS Audio Tour

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.…

The audio tour is a walking, self-guided audio tour that goes to 10 different sites within the Whitman Mission NHS…

Watch A Prophecy Fulfilled

Watch A Prophecy Fulfilled

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

Walk the Trails and Tour the Mission Grounds

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

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

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.…

Hours: Please see exceptions to our standard operating hours below.

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