Discover Adams County

Potholes State Park sits in a desert landscape beside Potholes Reservoir and freshwater marshes. In Adams County, these natural attractions sit alongside historic sites and cultural offerings in Ritzville and Othello. You can shape your trip around landscapes, wildlife viewing or local history.

Nature, water and wildlife

In summer, you can water-ski, kayak and stand-up paddleboard at Potholes State Park. Check current conditions for these activities before your trip. The Columbia National Wildlife Refuge reveals another side of the landscape: the refuge spans nearly 30,000 acres of rugged cliffs, canyons, lakes, grasslands and sagebrush country.

The refuge attracts migrating and wintering visitors, including mallards, Canada geese, tundra swans and other waterfowl. A viewpoint along the Rimrock Trail offers a look at the flood-shaped landscape in the Columbia National Wildlife Refuge. Check current trail conditions before your visit.

Access in the refuge is also subject to different regulations. Most uses are permitted seven days a week, from sunrise to sunset. Some areas are open year-round, others are closed year-round, and additional areas are open from March 1 through September 30 to protect wintering waterfowl. Check current access information before your visit.

Historic sites and art in Ritzville

Ritzville’s four-block downtown is listed on the state and national registers of historic places. The Historic District was added to the National Register in 1990. It includes the city’s principal commercial buildings, most of which were built between 1889 and 1920. On the self-guided walking tour, building plaques are part of an accompanying booklet; check before your visit to see whether the booklet is available.

The Railroad Depot Museum’s exhibits include a restored Northern Pacific freight car and working telegraph equipment. Museum exhibits may change over time. The Dr. Frank R. Burroughs Home dates to 1890 and is a cultural tourism destination. The Old Hotel Art Gallery is listed on the Washington Register of Historic Places.

Metal sculptures by local artists are displayed throughout Ritzville and depict the region’s history. For a broader look at local history, the Adams County Historical Society preserves county artifacts and explains the history of Adams County and the communities within its boundaries.

Othello and the Othello Fair

In Othello, the fair combines traditional fair attractions with a look at the region’s agricultural heritage. It also offers educational activities for the public and features livestock such as cows, horses, chickens, rabbits, pigs, goats and sheep. Food options include cheeseburgers, corn dogs, elephant ears, spoon tacos, pie and cotton candy. Offerings may vary from year to year; check the dates and that year’s program in advance, too.

Othello is a starting point for visiting Potholes State Park. Roads and trails also help orient visitors between natural and local history: Ritzville is at the junction of U.S. Highway 395 and Interstate 90. The John Wayne Pioneer Trail, also known as the Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail, runs through the center of Adams County and follows sections of the former Milwaukee Road rail line. Check current trail conditions before your trip.

Discover more destinations: Ritzville, Othello, Kitsap, Spokane, Clallam County, Franklin County, Lewis, Clark.

For the main travel overview: Washington.