Sea Kayaker on the Columbia River / Photo by Sam Drevo, eNRGKayaking.com

Local Visionaries: Dreamers Realizing Their Dreams

Dreamers have long been drawn to the Pacific Northwest by open lands and open minds. Many stay, inspired by the scenery and the region’s receptiveness to new ideas.

“Seattle businessman Samuel Hill first purchased 240 acres of land overlooking the Columbia River more than 100 years ago to create a Quaker farming community in what he described as ‘the most beautiful country I have ever seen.’ Today Hill’s land is home to his ultimate dream: the Maryhill Museum of Art.”

—Colleen Schafroth, Executive Director, Maryhill Museum of Art, Goldendale, WA

Examples of Local Visionaries

  1. Maryhill Museum of Art

    Come explore Maryhill Museum’s world-class collection of art ranging from early 20th century European works to an extensive Native American collection. Set in a castle-like chateau on a stunning 6,000-acre site overlooking the scenic Columbia River Gorge, Maryhill Museum is one of the Pacific Northwest’s…

    Location: 35 Maryhill Drive, WA 98620
  2. Wolf Haven

    Take a guided walking tour through this prairie sanctuary for 50-plus captive born wolves. Located on 80 acres of native prairie habitat, Wolf Haven has teamed with federal, state and conservation agencies and organizations to restore native plants, flowers, birds and butterflies, including 170 endangered…

    Location: Tenino, WA
  3. Old Mill District

    The story of the Old Mill District began almost 100 years ago when two sawmills opened on the Deschutes River.  Today, with the lumber business long gone, the same site is a full-scale mixed-use complex that boasts a carefully restored riverbank and preserved mill buildings…

    Location: Powerhouse Drive, Bend, OR 97701
  4. Yelm Historical Museum

    The Yelm Historical Museum is filled with history with close ties to Mount Rainier National Park due to Yelm’s historical gateway to the mountain before modern roads made accessing the park much easier. James Longmire, one of the founders of Yelm had blazed a trail…

    Location: 3rd Street, Yelm WA 98597, City of Yelm, Thurston County, WA 98597
  5. Imperial Stock Ranch

    The Imperial Stock Ranch has been operating continuously since 1871, producing sheep, cattle, grains and hay. Established as an 160-acre homestead claim, it grew to become Oregon’s largest individually owned land and stock holding.  Designated a National Historic District, the ranch headquarters is an ongoing working…

    Location: 92462 Hinton Road, Maupin, OR 97037
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