8 Best Sights in Leavenworth, North Central Washington

Self-guided tours reveal how chinook salmon are released into the Wenatchee River in the hope they will return someday to spawn and keep the species thriving. Even if nothing's spawning, the view of millions of eggs in the nursery or thousands of small, 4-inch "fries" wriggling in the aquarium is something to see. Be sure to set aside time to walk the pretty, 1-mile Icicle Creek Nature Trail loop, an easy and enjoyable stroll with wildlife viewing platforms, interpretive signs, and great bird-watching. A butterfly garden is in front of the hatchery building.

In the town known for its year-round Christmas vibe, this one-of-a-kind reindeer farm is where you can meet and learn about Santa's valued magical-sleigh-pullers. It's open 11 months of the year, but the most festive time to come is December, when Santa makes guest appearances and poses for photos with visitors. He returns in July for "Christmas in July," when you can also meet the baby reindeer that were born in spring. In January, the Elsa and Anna characters from Frozen make a one-day visit during the winter tour season (November, January, and February). The rest of the year, tours are just as interesting but not as crowded.  Reservations are a must and visits to the farm are not allowed without tickets. Reindeer aren't as tall as they are sometimes depicted, but their antlers are formidable; the up-close visits in their enclosure are only recommended for ages 8 and up (and anyone under 13 needs to be with an adult). You'll get an opportunity to feed the reindeer and, after the tour is over, enjoy snacks around the campfire.

Keeping alive an 18th-century English tradition that evolved into a musical form, 14 ringers play 108 bells covering 5½ chromatic octaves. The bells are rung as part of the town's Christmas festivities and also in early May.

More than 9,100 modern and antique nutcrackers—some of them centuries old—are displayed in this museum, which in 2022 was added to Guinness World Records for having the world's largest nutcracker collection. You can also view exhibits on the region's Native American heritage and pioneer families presented by the Upper Valley Historical Society. The museum gift shop stocks nutcrackers of all sizes and in the likeness of all kinds of characters.

Set on a hilltop just outside of Leavenworth, with gorgeous views over the valley, this winery is a must-stop for wine lovers. There's a tasting room where you can sample wine and learn more about the award-winning wines that Silvara makes with grapes sourced from more than a dozen Washington state vineyards. Outside there's an expansive patio with tables and firepits for socializing over wine, cheese, and other light bites. For an especially unique experience, reserve one of the clear dome "igloos" for your group.

A flat and easy 3-mile trail winds along this pretty city park on the banks of the Wenatchee River, down the hill from downtown Leavenworth. The trail crosses Blackbird Island and has several patches of beach that are ideal for a dip on a hot summer day. It's a wonderful park and trail for wildlife watching.

In the center of town—in full Bavarian style, naturally—this two-story building contains hip eateries (Tumwater Bread & Pizza, J5 Coffee, Post Office Saloon) at street level. Descend the staircase into the building's stylish subterranean cellar, however, and you'll discover the tasting room for Obelisco Estate Winery, plus Pika Provisions, a trendy cocktail bar.

Founded by acclaimed winemaker Angela Jacobs, WineGirl Wines changed hands in 2020 but continues to welcome wine lovers to its attractive downtown tasting room. Sourcing grapes from vineyards in the Columbia Valley and Lake Chelan (where there's a second tasting room), WineGirl makes several red wines, including Malbec, Syrah, two Merlots, and two port-style wines, along with whites, rosés, and sparkling wine. The Pin-Up Girl wines are adorned with colorful vintage-style labels and include a Gewürztraminer called "Pretzel Girl" in honor of the Leavenworth vibe; it's a perfect souvenir. You can do a special tasting with red wines and chocolate.