Located in the heart of the beautiful Kittitas Valley and in the center of Washington State, historic Ellensburg is home to year round recreational activities, numerous events, excellent shopping and dining, and a variety of performing and visual arts. Ellensburg, which is approximately 110 miles east of Seattle and 170 miles west of Spokane, has become a popular hub for concerts at the nearby Gorge Amphitheater, water skiing on the Columbia River, golf, fly fishing, river rafting, snow mobiling, and cross country skiing.

Ellensburg's historic shopping district offers a wide variety of cultural activities, eclectic shops, pubs, and restaurants.

Ellensburg is located in the geographic center of Washington State, ideally situated at the intersection of two of the state's major interstate highways, 1-90 and 1-82. These important thoroughfares connect Ellensburg to Seattle and Puget Sound, 102 miles to the west, to Spokane, 176 miles to the east, and to the Tri-Cities, 110 miles to the southeast. Ellensburg is the location of Central Washington University, home of the Chimpanzee & Human Communication Institute.

The topography includes snow-capped mountains, irrigated valley land, desert terrain, and two major rivers, the Yakima and the Columbia. The ground is generally sloping, rising to an elevation between 1,500 and 1,580 feet above sea level. The Cascade Mountains to the west effectively block much of the rain from the "wet side" of the state, producing a dry climate with less than 10 inches of rainfall a year. There are four definite seasons and an Ellensburg breeze in the spring and summer months.

In 1868 the first families entered the Ellensburg area, but the year 1871 saw the arrival in the Kittitas Valley of the man beyond all others who may be called the father of Ellensburg. This man was John Alden Shoudy. From his wife, Mary Ellen Stewart of California, our city received its name, and a considerable part of the town was laid out on land belonging to Mr. Shoudy. He, a veteran of the Civil War, had come to the Pacific Coast from Illinois and had become engaged in business with his brother-in-law, Dexter Horton, one of the most prominent of Seattle's capitalists and founder of one of the greatest banking houses of that city. In 1871, a proposition developed in Seattle to make an improved road connection with the Yakima Country. As a representative of this movement, Mr. Shoudy came to the valley in 1871 and his visit resulted in his permanent residence and in the founding of our town.

Between 1878 and 1883, Ellensburg grew dramatically, with 1883 an especially prosperous one. The First National Bank was established and the Ellensburg Hook and Ladder Company Number 1 organized. The town was also made the county seat of Kittitas County, which was created that year. The population at this time was 2,768. The City of Ellensburg was first incorporated on November 26, 1883, under a territorial act that did not come into effect until January 1, 1884.

One great ambition of the early 'fathers' of Ellensburg was a rail connection to the world. This ambition was achieved on February 26, 1886 with the arrival of the first passenger train from Yakima to Ellensburg over the Northern Pacific Railway lines. Regular passenger service began some months later. The Northern Pacific Railway Company had things its own way until 1909 when the Chicago, Milwaukee, and St. Paul Railroad entered Ellensburg with its first train.

During 1888 and 1889 with statehood pending, the city was a serious contender for status as the capitol of the new State of Washington. The present Castle Apartments building on Third Avenue was built in anticipation of being Governor's Mansion. The building was constructed by the brothers Britton and Samuel Craig for whom Craig Hill is named. With the fire of early July 1889, hopes of being the capitol were dashed. The city government and its residents had all they could do, organizing the rebuilding of the many blocks of the downtown area destroyed by fire. A tent city existed for many months; but new buildings sprang up, this time many made of brick rather than wood.

Ellensburg's historical past has been highly valued by the city's past and present policy shapers. The downtown historical district, encompassing most of the downtown business area, was designated in 1980 as a historical district, with the Downtown Task Force, composed of a majority of owners of property in the central commercial area, assuming the responsibility of reviewing proposed building changes, and making suggestions on proper signage and color schemes. In 1984 the First Railroad Addition was recognized and designated by the City Council as a residential historic district. This area is located north of Eighth Avenue, south of Eleventh between Columbia and D Streets. In 1987 this residential district was placed on the National Register of Historic Places and recognized as a well-preserved collection of architecturally significant houses. Other homes and buildings of equal historical value are located outside these two designated areas and have been identified and in most cases mapped. (From the "History of Kittitas County, Washington - 1989 Vol 1")

Ellensburg's downtown is an eclectic mix of old brick buildings built in 1889, combined with examples of early 20th century architecture. Many of the homes in what was known as the "Railroad Addition" located next to the CWU campus are listed on the national historical register and reflect a lifestyle of another era.

Central Washington University, in the heart of downtown Ellensburg, contributes to the vibrancy of the town. Founded in 1892 as a state normal school to educate public school teachers, CWU has grown to be an institution serving more than 7,400 students, preparing them for bachelor's and master's degrees in arts, sciences, business and economics and professional studies. CWU includes a Department of Continuing Education, serving the community with workshops, classes, and seminars. More than 20,000 visitors come to the Conference Center every year to attend the conferences, meetings, and camps offered.

This unique community provides an outstanding combination of a good family environment, quality education, ideal business climate, and abundant recreation opportunities. Ellensburg sets in the center of Washington State surrounded by the majestic Cascade Mountain Range, the bountiful Yakima River and the mighty Columbia River. Blessed with a rich history, great present opportunities and a promising future makes Ellensburg an ideal place to raise a family, start a business or consider for retirement.

Year round events highlighted by the famous Ellensburg Rodeo.

Rugged mountains such as Mt. Daniel and Mt. Stuart are within striking range of backcountry ski and climbing day trips from CWU.

The topography includes snow-capped mountains, irrigated valley land, desert terrain, and two major rivers, the Yakima and the Columbia. The ground is generally sloping, rising to an elevation between 1,500 and 1,580 feet above sea level. The mountains to the west effectively block much of the rain from the "wet side" of the state, producing a dry climate with less than 10 inches of rainfall a year. There are four definite seasons and Ellensburg breeze in the spring and summer months.

Fall brings autumn colors, warm jackets, and a cool reminder of the upcoming winter.

Agriculture continues to be a big factor in Ellensburg's economic climate. Second and third generation families whose ties go back to the early settlers operate many farms and ranches. The area is noted for its production of cattle and hay.

Kittitas Valley is the world's leading producer of Timothy hay; a special type of grass hay favored by thoroughbred racehorses the world around, from Kentucky to Japan. The export of this crop generates many millions of dollars in revenue.

Fruit orchards provide another healthy cash crop, as technology develops hearty and flavorful new varieties of apples and pears. Export opportunities for these crops continue to expand.

The John Wayne Trail - Ideal trail for hiking and biking runs from Ellensburg west to North Bend and east to Idaho. More than 100,000 people used it last year. The John Wayne trail connects with the Iron Horse Trail.

Iron Horse Trail - The Iron Horse Trail is a 113-mile trail running from Ellensburg to North Bend. You can reach the trail from Lake Keechelus on the east side of the Cascades (exit 54), or Olallie State Park on the west side (exit 38). The trail follows an old railroad grade, once owned by the Milwaukee Road Railroad in the early 1900's before the right-of-way was purchased by Burlington Northern in 1980. You'll experience beautiful views of the Snoqualmie Valley and Cascade peaks and waterfalls as you gently ascend Snoqualmie Pass. The trail is very popular with mountain bikers, hikers, and horseback riders. Along the way, you'll travel through the 2.3-mile Snoqualmie Tunnel. You won't come across any trains these days, but dress warmly and bring a flashlight!

Snoqualmie Ski and Recreation Area - In the winter enjoy skiing, sledding or riding tubes right out the front door in up to 60 inches of snow, 120 inches at the top of the mountain. The rest of the year you can enjoy hiking, fly-fishing, hunting, or mountain biking.

Indoor Activities - Children's Activity Museum, Clymer Museum & Gallery, Kittitas County Museum, Ellensburg Public Library, Thorp Mill Town Historical Preservation Society, Movie Theaters, Bowling, Chimpanzee and Human Communication Institute, Gymnasiums, Indoor Swimming Pool, Public Tennis Courts, Ellensburg Indoor Racquet Club.

Outdoor Activities - Public Golf Courses, Paragliding, Canoeing, Guide Service, Worley-Bugger Fly Co., Cooper's Fly Shop & Guide Service, Dave Duncan and Sons, Evening Hatch Guide Service, Togiak River Fishing Adventures, Zane's Guide Service, Automobile Rental, Bicycle Rental, Ski Equipment Rental, Raft Rental, River Raft Rentals, Rill Adventures - Rafts and Gear, Aircraft Charter, Rent & Lease, Kittitas County Fair, Ellensburg Rodeo.

Ellensburg Parks:

The Japanese Gardens is a place for reflection and relaxation with a life-size Zen gravel garden.

Water skiing on the Columbia River near Vantage, WA.

Irene Rinehart Riverfront Park has a small lake adjoining the Yakima River.