Lincoln County: Railroad History, Nature, and Festivals

In Lincoln County, railroad history and pioneer heritage meet wildlife watching, fishing, and regional events. The Inland Northwest Rail Museum combines historic exhibits with a ride on the museum railway, The Reardan Rocket. Lakes and the surrounding landscape offer other ways to experience the region. The experiences that matter for your trip may also shape your choice of a suitable base for a hotel stay.

Railroads and History

The Inland Northwest Rail Museum displays historic locomotives, railroad cars, and exhibits on the region’s railroad history. Admission to the museum includes a ride on the museum railway, The Reardan Rocket, which runs on a two-foot-gauge track. A visit therefore includes both the collection and the train ride. The Lincoln County Historical Society collects and preserves the county’s cultural heritage and makes it accessible to the public at the Lincoln County Museum.

The Odessa Historical Museum focuses on the settlement and development of the towns and surrounding landscape by pioneers, most of whom were of German-Russian descent. The Lauritzen Barn in Wilbur offers a different perspective on building history: it was built in 1918 by construction workers brought over from Denmark. Together, the museums and the historic building offer insights into different aspects of the region’s past.

Wildlife, Landscape, and Fishing Opportunities

More than 200 species of birds and other wildlife live at Reardan Audubon Lake. Observation blinds are accessible from the parking areas via short, ADA-accessible paved paths. Both the wildlife and the routes to the observation areas provide specific points of interest for a visit to the lake.

Near Sprague, the Fishtrap Recreation Area includes forest, shrub-steppe, grassland, and wetlands. The Fishtrap Recreation Area includes the Fishtrap Loop Trail System, a non-motorized trail system more than eight miles long.

Shore fishing opportunities vary by body of water and access point. Lake Roosevelt offers shore fishing at numerous access points; fish caught there include white sturgeon, rainbow trout, kokanee, walleye, and black bass. At Sprague Lake, shore fishing is available at one WDFW access area and two resorts. Species listed include rainbow trout, largemouth bass, bluegill, brown bullhead, and black bullhead.

Festivals, Rodeo, and Parks

Reardan Mule Days takes place annually in Reardan on the first weekend in June. Deutschesfest offers, among other things, bratwurst, Krautranza, apple strudel, Reubens, cabbage rolls, potato dumplings, and cake. The Lincoln County Open Rodeo features bull riding, bronc riding, team roping, and mutton busting. If you plan your trip around an event, you can take these dates and activities into account.

The parks in Davenport and Reardan also offer different amenities. Davenport Skate Park has ramps and rails and is open daily until dusk. Davenport Park has a playground, a barbecue area, a shelter, and picnic tables. At Reardan Town Park, the pavilion and picnic tables can be reserved for celebrations. This makes it possible to consider sports, time in the park, and a celebration as different options.

Planning Your Trip

U.S. Highway 2 runs through Lincoln County as a major east-west route. It is a regional reference point for trip planning, while museums, lakes, and event dates appeal to different interests. Public access to the Hawk Creek Campground and boat launch is scheduled to remain closed from April 16 through October 6, 2026.

Discover more destinations: Odessa, Davenport, Benton, Stevens County, San Juan County, Grays Harbor County, Island County, Klickitat County.

Return to the main travel overview: Washington.