Pasco offers different ways to experience culture and the landscape. The Pasco Aviation Museum preserves the legacy of a major U.S. Navy base from World War II; historical museum topics range from agriculture and irrigation to railroads, aviation and healthcare. Along the Columbia River, the Sacagawea Heritage Trail runs through Pasco, while Sacajawea State Park is located at the confluence of the Columbia and Snake Rivers. When choosing where to stay, you can first decide what interests you most: museums and history, or river and nature activities.
Aviation History in Pasco
The Pasco Aviation Museum is located in the historic Navy Control Tower Building in Pasco. It preserves the legacy of a major U.S. Navy base from World War II. If you are interested in aviation history in the context of the war, this offers a clear focus for your trip. The museum is open Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Check the opening hours before your visit.
Regional History in Different Formats
In downtown Pasco, the Franklin County Historical Society & Museum is housed in a historic former Carnegie library building that originally opened in 1911. Two layers of history come together here: the building itself and the topics covered by the museum’s exhibitions and programs. It regularly offers public programs, as well as traveling exhibitions, virtual field trips and off-site programs. Visitors can encounter regional history in a variety of formats.
The Franklin County Historical Museum’s exhibits include artifacts from Indigenous peoples and information about Lewis & Clark’s Corps of Discovery. Other topics include railroad development, agriculture, irrigation, local ferries and bridges, aviation and healthcare. When choosing between the museums, the difference lies in their focus: the Aviation Museum represents the legacy of the Navy base, while the Historical Museum brings together many topics in regional history.
River Connections, Culture and Activities by the Water
The Sacagawea Heritage Trail runs along the Columbia River through Pasco. Sacajawea State Park is located at the confluence of the Columbia and Snake Rivers; its grounds mark the site where the Lewis and Clark Expedition camped. The Sacajawea Interpretive Center presents the cultural history of the Columbia Plateau. The park is also home to “Story Circles,” an art installation by renowned artist Maya Lin that honors the traditions and culture of the people of the Columbia Plateau. The center and the installation offer different perspectives: one presents cultural history, while the other honors traditions and culture.
The park also offers several ways to enjoy outdoor activities: motorized and non-motorized watercraft can be launched there, and there are opportunities for shore fishing and wildlife viewing. The trail along the river and the park’s cultural and recreational offerings appeal to different interests.
Fresh Produce at the Farmers Market
The Pasco Farmers Market has been operating since 1988. It offers freshly harvested, locally grown fruits and vegetables. The market adds a direct connection to local produce to the historical topics. This gives you a choice of trip focus: museums and cultural history, river connections, activities in the park and locally grown food.
Discover more destinations: Connell, West Pasco.
Return to the main travel overview: Franklin County.
