1007 Columbia Unit House

Located just east of the Cascade Mountains along Interstate 90, Ellensburg is one of the state’s most famous college towns. In addition to the nearly 20,000 people who call Ellensburg home year-round, Central Washington University serves around 12,000 students from all over the state. The city is packed with stunning historic architecture, from the iconic Davidson building to campus landmarks like Barge Hall, cultivating a timeless atmosphere in Ellensburg’s most visible spaces.

You’ll find a vibrant arts scene here, with several unique galleries both on-campus and off, plus the monthly First Friday Art Walk downtown and the annual Jazz in the Valley festival. Locals also enjoy a full roster of eclectic community events celebrating everything from microbreweries to street performers to Dachshunds. Of course, outdoorsy types will love the close access to the mountains, forests, and rivers nearby, which allow for virtually endless exploration of the region’s natural wonders.