Take a trip to the picturesque mountain town in Washington State and discover why so many people fall in love with Leavenworth! From wine tasting to sleigh rides, the charming Bavarian-style village offers plenty of activities and attractions for the whole family. With this guide, you will get to explore the breathtaking trails, luxurious spa treatments, and Oktoberfest celebrations that make Leavenworth such a special place to visit.
So let’s take a look at the top things to do in Leavenworth and make the most of your vacation!
Leavenworth is a picturesque Bavarian-style village located in Washington state and is renowned for its enriching things to do! This mountain town has something for everyone, from the annual Christmas Lighting Festival to Oktoberfest, wine tasting, spa treatments, whitewater rafting, and more. Here’s a curated guide of the top 13 enchanting things to do in Leavenworth – ideal for year-round visits.
13 Best Things To Do In Leavenworth, WA
Getting to Leavenworth from out of state is easy! The town is only 2 hours east of Seattle and can be reached by car or plane. After arriving in Seattle – Tacoma, we rented a car and drove up to this charming Bavarian mountain village.
However, if you’re driving in the winter, make sure you check WSDOT for weather and chain requirements in the mountain passes before you go.
Wine Tasting
If you want to sample some local wines, there are plenty of tasting rooms in downtown Leavenworth. We visited Icicle Ridge Winery, where we enjoyed $10 tastings. After indulging in some regional wines, you can head out for a romantic sleigh ride. This was one of the most romantic experiences of our trip, and it felt like a fairytale with snow falling all around us.
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Aspen Leaf Spa Treatment
Nothing beats the ultimate relaxation of a spa treatment in Leavenworth. We had a couples massage at the Aspen Leaf Spa at Sleeping Lady Resort, which was complete with bubbly and chocolate. It was one of the best spas I’ve ever been to and worth the splurge.
🗺️ Google Maps: Get Direction
📞 Phone: 800-574-2123
🌐 Website: https://www.sleepinglady.com/
🕙 Hours: Mon-Sat: 9am-7pm, Sun: 10am-5pm
🎟️ Entrance fees: Service prices vary
Whitewater Rafting
Whitewater rafting along the Wenatchee River with Adventure Destinations is an absolute must-do during summer. If you don’t feel like splashing around in the river, then head over to Lake Wenatchee State Park for some paddle boarding or swimming instead.
🗺️ Google Maps: Get Direction
📞 Phone: (509) 668-RAFT (7238)
🌐 Website: https://www.ospreyrafting.com/
🕙 Hours: 7 days a week, times vary by tour
🎟️ Entrance fees: Prices vary by tour
Hiking Trails In Leavenworth, WA
Leavenworth summers are great for day hikes and exploring nature in the stunning North Cascade Mountains. There are tons of trails with varying difficulty levels. For more information, head to the Leavenworth Outdoors website. If you’re looking for more backcountry trails, take a hike to Alpine Lakes Wilderness Area – it features almost 400,000 acres of land with plenty of trails to explore.
Top Hiking Trails Includes:
- Icicle Gorge Trail – Get Direction
- Colchuck Lake Trail – Get Direction
- Enchantments Trail – Get Direction
Leavenworth WA Christmas Lighting Festival
Every year, Leavenworth in Washington State transforms itself to look like a tiny village plucked from Bavaria in Germany. This draws visitors from all over the country to view the spectacular Annual Christmas Lighting Festival. Bundle up and get ready to explore the quaint mountain town of Leavenworth, built for the holiday season – it’s full of exciting things to do, from sleigh rides to craft beer tasting.
🕙 Hours: The festival takes place on three weekends in December
🎟️ Entrance fees: Free to attend; some activities may have fees
Craft Beer in Leavenworth WA
Leavenworth has a unique array of craft breweries year-round for its Oktoberfest celebrations. If you’re visiting Leavenworth, make sure to block off a couple of hours to try some local beers. For example, Icicle Ridge Winery offers beer tastings for just $10! Numerous tasting rooms around the downtown area offer more than just beer- they also have an array of fine wines.
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Farm-to-Table Dining in Leavenworth, WA
Leavenworth offers some of the freshest farm-to-table meals in Washington State! From classic German restaurants to fresh seafood, get ready for some amazing eating experiences. Indulge in a leisurely spa treatment at The Aspen Leaf Spa inside the Sleeping Lady Resort too. You’ll be thankful for the relaxation post all the outdoor activities in the region.
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Lake Wenatchee State Park
For those looking to get out on the water in Leavenworth, head to Lake Wenatchee State Park. According to reviews, the park is busy but worth visiting for fishing, swimming, paddling and relaxation. There are lots of trails around the park for visitors seeking adventure too. If you’re feeling especially daring, grab a group and go whitewater rafting down the Wenatchee River with a local adventure company.
🗺️ Google Maps: Get Direction
📞 Phone: (509) 763-3101
🌐 Website: https://www.parks.wa.gov/535/Lake-Wenatchee
🕙 Hours: 7 days a week, 6:30am-dusk
🎟️ Entrance fees: Day use fee $10, camping fees vary
Eagle Creek & Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery
If you’re looking to learn more about local wildlife, check out the Eagle Creek & Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery. It’s a great way to see what fish species populate the region. Plus, Eagle Creek is the spot to take a winter sleigh ride and enjoy the snow-covered scenery.
Afterward, warm up with a hot cider cup provided by the sleigh company. For a more backcountry experience, trek through the nearby Alpine Lakes Wilderness Area and take in all the pristine scenery.
🗺️ Google Maps: Get Direction
📞 Phone: (509) 548-7641
🌐 Website: https://www.fws.gov/fish-hatchery/leavenworth
🕙 Hours: Open daily from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
🎟️ Entrance fees: Free
Hot Air Balloon in Leavenworth WA
Witnessing the magnificence of Leavenworth from a Hot Air Balloon is an experience you don’t want to miss out on. This small mountain town has something for everyone, which makes it the perfect destination for a hot air balloon ride. You can spot the beautiful Bavarian-inspired architecture and the vast beauty of nature surrounding the town from up high.
The best time to book a hot air balloon ride is during the winter when the Leavenworth Christmas Lighting Festival occurs. However, no matter what season you choose, the views are going to be spectacular!
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Sightseeing
Leavenworth, Washington, offers plenty of opportunities for sightseeing. It’s a small Bavarian-themed mountain town with lots of culture and history to discover.
From landmarks such as The Upper Valley Museum, The Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum, and The Sleigh Rides Leavenworth WA, to recreational activities at Lake Chelan, you will not run out of things to do here. You can also hike to the nearby Alpine Lakes Wilderness Area or take a horseback riding tour through the Wenchatee National Forest. A great way to explore Leavenworth WA is to join a walking tour of the town.
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Golfing
Leavenworth WA is a golf enthusiast’s paradise! There are plenty of courses in the area to satisfy your cravings. Golfing in this location is especially enjoyable during the warmer months since the natural beauty of the surrounding mountains offers spectacular views.
The Sun Country Golf Course is great for all skill levels and often has events throughout the year. If mini-golfing is more your style, Leavenworth, WA, also offers a few courses for those who prefer a more laid-back round of golf.
🗺️ Google Maps: Get Direction
📞 Phone: (509) 548-7267
🌐 Website: https://leavenworthgolf.com/
🕙 Hours: Open daily from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM
🎟️ Entrance fees: Green fees start at $25
Skiing in Leavenworth WA
It is a great spot for skiing during the winter months. There are quite a few ski resorts in the area offering great prices and a variety of slopes, including Icicle River Ski Resort, Mission Ridge Ski & Board Resort, and Leavenworth Ski Hill.
All three resorts offer ski and snowboard rentals, making them the perfect location for a day trip to ski. Before heading out to the resorts, visit the Ski Hill Ski & Winter Sports Club for discounted prices and season passes.
🗺️ Google Maps: Get Direction
📞 Phone: (509) 548-5477
🌐 Website: https://www.skileavenworth.com/
🕙 Hours: Vary depending on the season
🎟️ Entrance fees: Lift tickets start at $25 for children and $35 for adults.
Conclusion
No matter the time of year, Leavenworth, Washington is a unique and delightful place to visit! From horseback riding to mini-golf to visiting the Reindeer Farm to sipping carefully crafted beer at Bushel & Bee Taproom, there is something for everyone.
Don’t forget to take in the beauty of the area with a hike and day trip to Lake Chelan! Visit these amazing sites, and you’ll be sure to have a memorable experience and create treasured memories.