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.

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.

Rangers offer tipi demonstrations during the summer

Tipi

From Monument Hill, you can see the mission site and the surrounding Walla Walla Valley

The Mission Site from the Hill

Fall at Whitman Mission

Explore the past through hands-on cultural items at the visitor center

Cultural Items

Painting of Marcus Whitman from a sketch by Paul Kane 1847.

Marcus Whitman

Ranger Lenihan describes the mission site to school field trip participants.

WHMI Monument Hill

Traditional Cayuse Cornhusk Bag

Cayuse Woven Cornhusk Bag

Whitman Mission National Historic Site

Bennington Lake is located in southeastern Washington minutes from historic
downtown Walla Walla, Washington?s oldest city. Enjoy beautiful views of the
northern Blue Mountains and the open space surrounding the lake. Bennington
Lake, while small, offers plenty of fun, safe, and relaxing times. Tour local
wineries and taste the world famous Walla Walla sweet onions (summers only).
Take a short trip to the Whitman Mission National Historic Site and
Interpretive Center just west of Walla Walla along Highway 12.

Bennington Lake is located in southeastern Washington minutes from historic downtown Walla Walla, Washington?s oldest city.  Enjoy beautiful views of the northern Blue Mountains and the open space surrounding the lake.  Bennington Lake, while small, offers plenty of fun, safe, and relaxing times. Tour local wineries and taste the world famous Walla Walla sweet onions (summers only). Take a short trip to the Whitman Mission National Historic Site and Interpretive Center just west of Walla Walla along Highway 12.

## Overview

Rooks Park is day use only park, located 10 minutes east of Walla Walla,
Washington. This 18-acre developed park offers visitors a wide variety of
recreational opportunities.

## Recreation

Rooks Park's grassy spaces provide the ideal place for family picnics and
games of volleyball, football or Frisbee. Visitors also enjoy cooling their
feet in the creek.

## Facilities

This day-use area is open year-round to foot traffic, and April to mid-October
to vehicles. A group picnic shelter is available for reservations and can
accommodate up to 75 people.  
  
Amenities include flush toilets, drinking water, a playground, sand volleyball
court and horseshoe pit.

## Natural Features

The park consists of large open spaces and smaller secluded areas for groups
and families alike. Large trees and irrigated lawns offer shade and relief
from Walla Walla's hot summer days.

## Nearby Attractions

Bennington Lake is less than 10 minutes from Rooks Park. It is the only public
lake in the Walla Walla Valley, covering approximately 52 surface acres.
Throughout the spring, the lake is stocked with rainbow trout to enhance
angling opportunities.

<h2>Overview</h2>
<p>Rooks Park is day use only park, located 10 minutes east of Walla Walla, Washington. This 18-acre developed park offers visitors a wide variety of recreational opportunities.</p>
<h2>Recreation</h2>
Rooks Park's grassy spaces provide the ideal place for family picnics and games of volleyball, football or Frisbee. Visitors also enjoy cooling their feet in the creek.<h2>Facilities</h2>
This day-use area is open year-round to foot traffic, and April to mid-October to vehicles. A group picnic shelter is available for reservations and can accommodate up to 75 people. <br/><br/>
Amenities include flush toilets, drinking water, a playground, sand volleyball court and horseshoe pit.<h2>Natural Features</h2>
The park consists of large open spaces and smaller secluded areas for groups and families alike. Large trees and irrigated lawns offer shade and relief from Walla Walla's hot summer days.
<h2>Nearby Attractions</h2>
<p>Bennington Lake is less than 10 minutes from Rooks Park. It is the only public lake in the Walla Walla Valley, covering approximately 52 surface acres. Throughout the spring, the lake is stocked with rainbow trout to enhance angling opportunities.</p>

Reservable Picnic Shelter

Rooks Park (WA) Bennington Lake

Rooks Park Bike trail

Join us to learn about the Buffalo Soldiers who fought on two fronts: protecting the community of Skagway while facing discrimination from the same people they served.

Photo of a ranger speaking to group during a Buffalo Soldier walking tour

Did you know Buffalo Soldiers served in Skagway? Join a ranger for a tour about the contributions black soldiers made and the challenges they faced in early Skagway.

Whitman Mission National Historic Site

Directions

Reviews

Nearby Parks

Bennington Lake