Today we are excited to share the Top Things to do in Leavenworth, Washington. A Bavarian Getaway in the heart of Washington State!
Top Things to do in Leavenworth
We are huge fans of Leavenworth, WA We were married just outside of Leavenworth at Pine River Ranch just over 12 years ago. John and I went back to Leavenworth for a weekend getaway and it was amazing. Each time we visit Leavenworth I fall more in love with this city. There are so many amazing restaurants, stores, festivals, and things to do in Leavenworth.
One of the first things we do when we get to Leavenworth is to visit Munchen Haus one of our favorite Leavenworth Restaurants. After driving from Spokane John is always ready for a beer and brat from Munchen Haus. This is his favorite place in Leavenworth for brats.
We visit this restaurant every time we are in town. I like the outdoor seating and the fun atmosphere of this restaurant. They even have vegetarian brats and they taste good! I was a bit nervous the first time I tried one but now I get them each time we visit.
They are now carrying the local Icicle Brewing Company beers on tap. John really enjoyed their IPA.
One of my favorite parts of Leavenworth is the buildings. Every building in town fits the Bavarian Leavenworth theme. Even Safeway and Bank of America are painted and decorated in the Bavarian theme. I always feel like I step out of my car right into a small village in Germany when we visit.
John and I spent the afternoon walking the main street of Leavenworth and visiting our favorite stores.
One of our favorite stores is the Cheesemonger Shop. I am a huge fan of cheese! It is truly one of my weaknesses. I could sit and eat a plate of cheese of crackers daily.
The Cheesemonger shop is filled with a huge variety of cheeses and they love to let you sample them. I would gladly sample the Smoked Apple-wood Cheddar Cheese daily!
It is a good thing this store is not closer to our house. I would be in so much trouble buying specialty cheeses all the time.
I truly can't put into words how much we enjoy visiting Leavenworth. Each time we visit we leave falling more in love with this town. I am not sure why but this town is one of the places we are truly able to unwind and relax. We leave Leavenworth smiling and so relaxed.
I can't wait until our next trip to this amazing Bavarian wonderland in the heart of Washington.
We hope these top things to do in Leavenworth, WA help you plan an amazing visit!
Leavenworth Weather
Leavenworth experiences all four seasons! The area is considered semi-arid with an average rainfall of 17 inches. The rainy season is normally from November through April. The area doe average 8 feet of snowfall annually so you will want to be prepared if visiting in the winter.
Leavenworth Breweries & Distilleries
Leavenworth is filled with amazing wineries but they also have great breweries and distilleries.
Blue Spirits Distilling
Blue Spirits Distilling is located right on Front Street and also has a new second location on Highway 2. This craft distillery produces Gin, Whisky, Vodka, Peirates Rhum, and Tequila.
Tasting Room - 920 Front Street, Leavenworth, WA 98826
Food and Cocktail Lounge - 1310 Highway 2, Leavenworth, WA 98826
Doghaus Brewery
Doghaus Brewery considers themselves a nano-brewery with a micro-sized taproom. The tasting room is dog and kid-friendly.
Tasting Room - 321 9th Street, Leavenworth, WA 98826
Icicle Brewing Company
Icicle Brewing Company is located right on Front Street. They offer great indoor and outdoor seating with beer always on tap. You do not want to miss their pretzel with Beechers Cheese dipping sauce. Trust me and just get a 2nd dipping sauce because you are not going to want to share!
Address - 935 Front Street, Leavenworth, WA 98826
Leavenworth Wineries and Tasting Rooms
If you love wine you are going to love these Leavenworth Wineries! Front Street is filled with wineries you can easily walk to.
Bavaarian Walking Tours offers a Sip and Stroll: Historical Walking Tour and Wine Tasting and a Leavenworth Brewery Tour
A Taste of Icicle Ridge Winery
Address - 821 Front Street, Suite B, Leavenworth, WA
Baroness Cellars
Address -219 8th Street, Leavenworth, WA
Basel Cellars
Address - 217 9th Street, Suite A, Leavenworth, WA
Boudreaux Cellars Tasting Room
Address - 821 Front Street, Leavenworth, WA
Broken Barrel
Address - 220 9th Street, Suite C, Leavenworth
Bushel and Bee Taproom
Address - 900 Front Street, Suite C, Leavenworth
Chateau Faire Le Pont Winery Tasting Room
Address - 636 Front Street, Leavenworth
Das Lounge - A wine bar
Address - 016 Commercial Street, Leavenworth
D'Vinery
Address - 1016 Commercial Street, Leavenworth
Goose Ridge Wine & Cider
Address - 920 Front Street, Leavenworth, WA
Hard Row to Hoe Vineyards
Address - 837 Front Street, Suite A, Leavenworth
Eagle Creek Winery
Address - 10037 Eagle Creek Road, Leavenworth, WA
Icicle Ridge Winery Uptown
Address - 920 Front Street, Suite B2, Leavenworth
Isenhower Cellars
Address - 217 9th Street, Suite C, Leavenworth
Milbrandt Vineyards
Address - 707 Highway 2, Unit D, Leavenworth
Obelisco Estate
Address - 217 9th Street, Suite G, Leavenworth
Patterson Cellars
Address - 217 9th Street, Suite B, Leavenworth
Plain Cellars
Address - 703 Highway 2, Suite A, Leavenworth
Ryan Patrick Wines
Address - 707 Highway 2, Unit D, Leavenworth
Silvara Vineyards
Silvara Vineyards is located just a few minutes outside of downtown Leavenworth. The winery offers small-batch handcrafted wines. They have a hilltop tasting room that is only 5 minutes from downtown.
Address - 77 Stage Road, Leavenworth, WA
Stemlit Creek Winery
Address - 617 Front Street, Leavenworth
Villa Monaco Winery
Address - 703 Front Street, Leavenworth
Water from Wine
Address - 217 9th Street, Suite E, Leavenworth
Wine Cellar
Address - 217 9th Street, Leavenworth
WineGirl Wines
Address - 217 8th Street, Leavenworth
WooHoo Winery Tasting Room
Address - 725 Font Street, Unit C, Leavenworth
Wineries just outside of Leavenworth
Icicle Ridge Winery
Icicle Ridge Winery has been featured on the Today Show. The winery offers wine tasting daily along with gourmet meat and cheese platters.
Address - 8977 North Road, Peshastin, WA 98847
Wedge Mountain Winery
9534 Saunders Road, Peshastin, WA 98847
Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum
The Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum is open daily but only from 1 pm to 5 pm. They have over 7,000 nutcrackers on display. The museum is handicap accessible and great for all ages. Many of the nutcrackers date back to the Roman Times.
Leavenworth Shopping
Front street is filled with amazing boutiques and shopping options. You can truly find anything and everything in Leavenworth. During our last few trips, I have found great home decor at a couple of the cute boutiques.
If you enjoy shopping you are going to LOVE Leavenworth. Make sure and bring an extra suitcase or leave space for all of the cute gifts and souvenirs you find.
Kris Kringl
It is Christmas year-round in Kris Kringl! If you are looking for a Leavenworth Christmas Ornament this is the place to go!
Leavenworth Golf Courses
There are multiple Leavenworth Golf Clubs including Highlander Golf Course, Kahler Glen Golf and Ski Resort and Leavenworth Golf Course.
You can also check out the putting course at Enzian Falls and Junction Activity Center at Icicle Village Resort.
Leavenworth Summer Theater
Leavenworth Summer Theater includes performances at three different venues.
Horseback Riding
If you are looking to hit the trails or experience a horseback ride in Leavenworth you have a few different options.
Eagle Creek Ranch
This family operated ranch is located eight miles northeast of the Bavarian village of Leavenworth. They are surrounded by the Wenatchee National Forest.
Address - 7951 Eagle Creek Road, Leavenworth
Icicle Outfitters and Guides
They offer summer trail rides and pack trips.
Address - 7520 CYO Road, Leavenworth
Wild at Heart Horse Rides
They are located twenty-five minutes from downtown Leavenworth. With horseback rides offered for all levels of experience.
Address - 19115 Chiwawa Loop Road, Leavenworth
River rafting
When it comes to rafting near Leavenworth you can enjoy a leisurely float on Icicle River or attack the class III rapids of the Wenatchee River.
This is the perfect summer day trip! I have rafted the Wenatchee and it was amazing! I will say make sure to pack sunscreen, sunglasses with a strap, a hat and be prepared to have so much fun!
Rafting Companies include:
Alpine Adventures
Address - 221 Croft Avenue, Gold Bar, WA
River Riders
Address - 10860 Highway 2, Leavenworth
Blue Sky Outfitters Inc.
Address - 900 Front Street, Suite B, Leavenworth
Osprey Rafting
Address - 9342 Icicle Road, Leavenworth
Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery
When the Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery was built in 1940 it was the largest salmon hatchery in the world! You can still see the original buildings and nursery + adult holding ponds, fish ladder, raceways, rearing ponds, and other features of an active hatchery.
The visitor center is open every day throughout the summer.
Address: 12790 Fish Hatchery Road, Leavenworth, WA
Leavenworth Festivals
Leavenworth Christmas
If you are looking to celebrate the Christmas holidays in a winter wonderland look no further than Leavenworth! With thousands of holiday light, great seasonal food and the Christmas Lighting Ceremony this is the perfect place to celebrate the holiday season!
Check out this Leavenworth Christmas Guide to start planning an amazing winter getaway.
Don't miss the Leavenworth Reindeer Farm
Leavenworth Oktoberfest
Enjoy Oktoberfest in Leavenworth on one of three weekends this festival is held. You can buy your tickets online ahead of time or get them at the gate with cash. Make sure and book your Leavenworth hotel as soon as you know which weekend you will be attending.
Maifest
Maifest is the Bavarian Spring Celebration held in the heart of Leavenworth.
The Maifest celebration includes Tirolean and Enzian Schuhplattler Dancers for the traditional Maipole Dance.
The Knights of Veritas medieval sword demonstration, Bavarian-inspired "Festzug" or grand march, Haflinger horses and Bier wagons, Burmese Mountain Dogs, and more!
Maifest 2020 will be held on May 8-10.
Icicle Creek Chamber Music Festival
In July the Icicle Creek Chamber Music Festival welcomes world-class musicians to Leavenworth all month long.
Leavenworth Festivals
Village of Lights: Love from Leavenworth — February
This month-long celebration is the perfect time to celebrate love with an escape to Leavenworth! Complete with shop, dine, and stay promotions, local wine and chocolate pairings, outdoor adventures boasting epic views, and the addition of Valentine lights every day! No wonder February has become a favorite tradition in just a few short years.
Traditional Maifest Celebration
Spring has arrived, and not a moment too soon! The sun is out, wildflowers and fruit blossoms are blooming, and the Bavarian Village is ready for springtime celebrations! From flowers, music, and entertainment to traditional Maipole dancing and a Festzug (Grand March) in traditional Bavarian garb, Leavenworth’s Maifest has it all.
Leavenworth Alphorn Celebration
Celebrate and learn how to play the Alphorn at this weekend event! Where classes, exhibitions, concerts, and more celebrate the unique traditional Bavarian instrument.
The Sound of Music — select dates in July/Aug./Sept.
An iconic Leavenworth experience, join us for a magical night where the stars come out, and the hills truly are alive with Rodgers & Hammerstein’s “The Sound of Music” at the Ski Hill Amphitheater. A perfect experience for the whole family.
Oktoberfest Celebrations — Sept., Oct.
Oktoberfest will take place in downtown Leavenworth over three weekends (Fridays & Saturdays) from Sept. 30 through Oct. 15. Music, dancing, and the ceremonial tapping of the kegs and more at the two fully programmed venues (beer gardens) located at the Leavenworth Festhalle and Front Street Park, and a Kinderplatz for kids with a Ferris wheel, activities, games, and a root beer garden just for them. Grab your best Trachten (traditional Bavarian garments) and plan to celebrate Oktoberfest in America’s unofficial Bavarian capital.
Village of Lights: Christmastown
It’s never too early to begin planning for the holiday festivities in Leavenworth, with the signature Village of Lights: Christmastown, where the village shines with over half a million lights, and it’s Christmas every day! Event activities include entertainment, Santa and holiday characters, kid's crafts, a story corner, and a fully decked-out town with beautiful lights every day of the week!
JANUARY
All Month – Village of Lights: Winter Karneval: Lights on every day!
14-15 – Ice Carving, Entertainment, Fireworks
21-22 – Kids indoor skating rink with demonstrations
27-29 – Fasching Pub Crawl around town
FEBRUARY
All Month – Village of Lights: Love from Leavenworth: Find your heart in Leavenworth. Shop, dine, and stay promotions. Wine and Chocolate events in our tasting rooms, and lights on every day!
APRIL
All Month – Restaurant Appreciation Month: Shining a light on our local eateries.
MAY
13-14 – Traditional Maifest Celebration: Flowers, music, entertainment, Maipole dancing, and a Festzug (Grand March) in traditional Bavarian garb!
14 – Mother’s Day 5k: Fun run through Waterfront Park.
18-21 – Leavenworth Spring Bird Fest: A celebration of birdsong and the natural world.
20-21 – Maifest Live Chainsaw Carving: Demonstrations of chainsaw carving, live music, and more.
26-28 – Leavenworth Alphorn Celebration: Classes, demonstrations, and concerts.
Weekends – Art in the Park: Outdoor art gallery, non-profit art scholarship foundation, retail venue for artists in Front Street Park every Friday, Saturday, & Sunday.
JUNE
22-25 – Leavenworth International Accordion Celebration (NWAS): Concerts, dances, competitions, and an accordion parade.
Thursdays – Leavenworth Farmers Market: A weekly farmers market with local goods and crafts.
Weekends – Art in the Park: Outdoor art gallery, non-profit art scholarship foundation, retail venue for artists in Front Street Park every Friday, Saturday, & Sunday.
JULY
1-16 – Icicle Creek Chamber Music Festival: Musical Performances from Icicle Creek Center for the Arts.
7, 8, 14, 15, 20, 22, 25, 27,29 – The Sound of Music: Leavenworth Summer Theater Production at the Ski Hill Amphitheater.
19, 21, 26, 28 – Cinderella: Leavenworth Summer Theater Production at the Hatchery Park outdoor stage.
Thursdays – Leavenworth Farmers Market: A weekly farmers market with local goods and crafts.
Weekends – Art in the Park: Outdoor art gallery, non-profit art scholarship foundation, retail venue for artists in Front Street Park every Thursday through Sunday
AUGUST
3, 8, 12, 17, 19, 22, 25, 26, 29 – The Sound of Music: Leavenworth Summer Theater Production at Ski Hill Amphitheater.
2, 5, 9, 11, 16, 20, 23, 30 – Cinderella: Leavenworth Summer Theater Production at the Hatchery Park outdoor stage.
1, 4, 10, 15, 18, 24, 31 – The Drowsy Chaperone: Leavenworth Summer Theater Production –Ski Hill Amphitheater.
Thursdays – Leavenworth Farmers Market: A weekly farmers market with local crafts and goods.
Weekends – Art in the Park: Outdoor art gallery, non-profit art scholarship foundation, retail venue for artists in Front Street Park every Thursday through Sunday.
SEPTEMBER
1, 3 – The Sound of Music: Leavenworth Summer Theater Production – Ski Hill Amphitheater.
2 – The Drowsy Chaperone: Leavenworth Summer Theater Production – Ski Hill Amphitheater.
23-24 – Washington State Autumn Leaf Festival: Entertainment and a grand parade.
29-30 – Oktoberfest: German food, beer, music, and dancing.
Thursdays – Leavenworth Farmers Market: A weekly farmers market with local crafts and goods.
Weekends – Art in the Park: Outdoor art gallery, non-profit art scholarship foundation, retail venue for artists in Front Street Park every Friday, Saturday, & Sunday.
OCTOBER
6-7, 13-14 – Oktoberfest: German food, beer, music, and dancing.
Thursdays – Leavenworth Farmers Market: A weekly farmers market with local crafts and goods.
Weekends – Art in the Park: Outdoor art gallery, non-profit art scholarship foundation, retail venue for artists in Front Street Park every Friday, Saturday, & Sunday.
NOVEMBER
18 – Snowfest: The annual fundraiser for the Bavarian Boondockers Snowmobile Club – fun for the entire family.
23 – Fowl Play 5K: A quick run through the streets and park.
24-30 – Village of Lights: Christmastown: Entertainment, food Booths, and lights on every day of the week!
DECEMBER
All Month – Village of Lights: Christmastown: Entertainment, food Booths, lights on every day of the week!
Various Dates – Marlin Handbell Christmas Concert: A local holiday tradition.
Various Dates – Bronn and Katherine Journey Concert: Harp concerts.
Various Dates – The Village Voices “Christmas in the Mountains” Concert: Choral concerts.
Leavenworth Restaurants
Icicle Brewing Company
Icicle Brewing Company offers both indoor and outdoor seating, amazing beer, and great food. I NEED you to order the pretzel with Beecher's cheese sauce. I also need you to order an extra cheese sauce because you are not going to want to share with anyone once you try it!
I had the tomato soup and poured the tiny amount of cheese sauce I had left into my tomato soup and it was delish!
Address - 935 Front Street, Leavenworth, WA 98826
Ducks and Drakes Restaurant
Ducks and Drakes is a Leavenworth institution. It has been around for as long as I can remember.
Address - 221 8th Street, Leavenworth, WA
Gingerbread Factory
If you are looking for a sweet treat look no further than the Gingerbread Factory! They have amazing gingerbread but also cinnamon rolls and Bavarian desserts. Plus the front area is a grandparents dream for photos!
Address - 829 Front Street, Leavenworth
München Haus
München Haus offers brats and sausages in more varieties than I could list here. LOL!
This authentic Bavarian Grill and Beer Garden features charbroiled sausages, ciderkraut, specialty mustards, and local Icicle Brewing Beer.
They also have great outdoor seating with fireplace tables that are perfect on a cool evening. The atmosphere is great with everyone smiling and savoring their great brats and beer.
Address - 709 Front Street, Leavenworth
King Ludwigs
We held our rehearsal dinner at King Ludwigs over 12 years ago. They were able to handle a large group easily and served amazing German Food.
Address - 921 Front St, Leavenworth, WA
When it comes to Leavenworth Restaurants this small Bavarian city has a ton of choices.
You can find everything from fine dining to bratwurst stands and everything in between. These are the best restaurants in Leavenworth, WA you do not want to miss!
The Danish Bakery
Danish Bakery has the most amazing cinnamon bread! This cash-only bakery is located near München Haus.
Crepe Café Sisters
Crepe Cafe started in Kendall Yards in Spokane and has recently expanded to Leavenworth.
They offer amazing sweet and savory crepes that you do not want to miss.
Things to do near Leavenworth
Aplets and Cotlets - Take a tour of Liberty Orchards in Cashmere and learn how Aplets and Cotlets are made
Ohme Gardens - Located in Wenatchee you will be amazed at how gorgeous this garden overlooking the city and river is.
Roslyn, Wa - Visit this cute town at the base of the Cascade Mountains. You may recognize it from the TV series Northern Exposure. You can still get a pic of the famous camel mural at Roslyn's Cafe.
How to get to Leavenworth
Leavenworth, Washington is nestled in the Cascade Mountains providing epic winter recreation opportunities. Highway 2 passes through the city and is the only main highway into town. You can get to Leavenworth off of I-90 in a couple of different ways.
How long does it take to get from Seattle to Leavenworth?
From Seattle, you are barely two hours to reach this amazing Bavarian-style town that will transport you away from day to day life stresses and into fun!
From Spokane you are 3 hours to the fun!
Directions to Leavenworth via Google Maps:
Click here for WSDOT Traffic Alerts.
Closest Airport - 30 miles Pangborn Memorial Airport in Wenatchee
Additional Washington State Resources
If you are heading north don't miss these great things to do in Lake Chelan.
Liberty Orchards Tours in Cashmere, Wa
Check out all of our Washington Travel Articles
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