There Are 3 Quirky Museums Hiding In The Small City Of Ritzville, Washington
By Rachel Raimondi|Published May 17, 2022
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Rachel Raimondi
Author
Writer some days, editor other days, nerd all days. Love to travel to lesser-known spots and give them the love they deserve. Independently owned motor inns, Mom and Pop restaurants, uncrowded National Parks and trails.
In between these, spend my free time virtually adventuring through point-and-click games. Native New Yorker but can frequently be found roaming other parts of the United States.
When you think of Washington, it’s probably the more popular cities and areas that come to mind. And places like Seattle, Tacoma, or Spokane of course have a ton of attractions. But it’s the smaller areas that tend to have more unique and special options. With a population of just under 2,000, Ritzville, located in Adams County, is one of those cities. Within its 1.75 square miles, you’ll find three very one-of-a-kind museums to explore.
Although born in Pennsylvania, Dr. Frank R. Burroughs really made a name for himself in Ritzville. Not only was he one of its first physicians in 1889, but he also opened one of the city's first drug stores. He also served as postmaster, county health officer, library board chairman, and even mayor.
Burrough House, 408 W Main Ave, Ritzville, WA 99169, USA
Located on West Main Avenue, you can visit his home built in 1889. It is part of the city’s National Historic District and listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1975.
Inside, you can take a tour of the house, which consists of many items original to the Burrough family. There are 13 wooden rockers, his daughter’s piano, and many light fixtures. Other furniture and items in the home have been donated and reflect the décor and fashion of the early 1900s.
The wallpaper in the front entry was installed over a century ago in 1902. The photographs hung on the walls along the staircase are family photos along with the couple’s wedding certificate. Learn more about this house museum.
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Opened in 2018, and operated by Don Sebesta and Sandy Tyler, Lasting Legacy Wildlife Museum consists of more than 700 life-sized taxidermied animals within diorama rooms.
Lasting Legacy Wildlife Museum, 1729 Weber Rd, Ritzville, WA 99169, USA
You’ll see an assortment of realistic animals as well as replicas of their native habitats. You’ll have an experienced and knowledgeable tour guide to take you around the two-story facility, or if you prefer, you can tour on your own.
Many of the animals, like this polar bear, are so lifelike that you might have to do a double take to make sure it's fake. Get the most up-to-date info on visiting Lasting Legacy.
This building was constructed in 1910 by the Northern Pacific Railroad and served as an actual depot for the city until 1972. This is a large depot for such a small area, but in the early 1900s, the city was very important for grain shipping.
Railroad Depot Museum, 201 W Railroad Ave, Ritzville, WA 99169, USA
Also part of the city’s National Historic District, the Railroad Depot Museum was transferred to the city in 1988. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1989.
You’ll see the restored ticket office which boasts functioning telegraph equipment. There's also the baggage room, which has a vintage horse-drawn hearse and an original scale.
There’s also a bit to see outside, including a 1970 cupola caboose restored to Northern Pacific’s yellow and green color scheme. Learn more about this railroad depot.
Have you been to any of these museums? What’s your favorite attraction in Ritzville? Let us know in the comments! If you find yourself road tripping through Washington, check out some of these stops along the way, which include two in Ritzville!
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