Ritzville’s Water Park, Museums Make It Worth The Visit

RITZVILLE, Wash. — When most people stop in Ritzville, it’s usually to fill up the gas tank or grab a bite to eat.  But go a few blocks off the freeway, and there is much that awaits you.

Ritzville is about an hour west of Spokane on Interstate 90.  The town of just under 2,000 has more to offer than a quick coffee or a fuel stop.

Just past the Zip’s is the Ritzville Water Park, located next to the city’s park and across from the city golf course.  There’s a swimming pool with a diving board and a drop slide, and a separate pool with a wading area, pop-up jets and a large water slide.

But go nine blocks farther into the town, and the history of Ritzville comes alive.  The city’s Railroad Depot Museum gives not only a history of the railroads in Ritzville and Adams County, but it also has numerous items used in the city over the years.

Among the pictures and other items from yesteryear is a horse-drawn hearse built in Germany.  It was brought to Ritzville in 1902, and has a special spot in the museum.  There is also a display with Ritzville High School items and a working telegraph from the 1800s.

A short walk up from the Railroad Depot Museum is the Burroughs Home Museum.  The home was built in 1890, and it was where Dr. Frank Burroughs.  Burroughs would make his rounds in a horse and buggy, and his house calls cost only $1.  Much of the furnishings in the home are original, along with the fixtures.  The photos in the home are also original.

The people who live in Ritzville are proud of their town, and say it’s a great place to visit and to live.  It’s also a great place to have a Staycation.

For more information, see this related article
in Monday’s Spokesman-Review.