Visit Ritzville, WA

Where Iron Rails Meet Brick Storefronts and Heart

Explore preserved landmarks, museums, and the heart of downtown

Where iron rails meet brick storefronts and heart, visitors discover a place where time slows down and history stands proud. Ritzville’s downtown is a step back to when trains brought life and laughter to the streets, and the rhythm of the rails shaped the town’s character.

Wander through the preserved brick buildings, explore the Railroad Depot Museum, and tour the Dr. Frank R. Burroughs Home to see stories from the early 1900s come to life. Then unwind with a round at the Ritzville Golf Course or a stroll downtown—where small-town warmth still greets every traveler who stops to look closer.

Learn

how the railroad helped shape a thriving wheat town

Discover

stories of the past at local museums and landmarks

& Stroll

through quiet streets lined with character and history.

A street view of a quiet Ritzville, WA intersection with historic brick buildings and a signpost in the foreground reading Historic Downtown under a partly cloudy sky.
Aerial view of Ritzville, WA, with brick buildings, streets, and railroad tracks in the foreground; open fields and farmland stretch out in the background under a partly cloudy sky.

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Things To Do in Ritzville, WA

From history lovers to weekend wanderers, there’s plenty to experience in this charming small town. Explore Historic Downtown, where brick storefronts and local shops tell stories of a bygone era. Step back in time at the Railroad Depot Museum, then tour the elegant Dr. Frank R. Burroughs Home Museum for a glimpse into early Ritzville life. When it’s time to unwind, enjoy the wide-open views and easy pace of the Ritzville Golf Course—a perfect finish to a day of small-town discovery.

Historic
Downtown

Stroll along brick-lined streets filled with vintage charm, boutique shops, and timeless architecture.

Railroad Depot
Museum

Step inside a restored depot to explore exhibits celebrating Ritzville’s railroad and wheat-town heritage.

Dr. Frank R. Burroughs Home Museum

Tour this beautifully preserved 1902 home showcasing local history, elegance, and early small-town life.

Ritzville
Golf Course

Play a relaxed round on scenic fairways surrounded by open skies and rolling countryside.

NOTE: All images on this site are originals from Touch Point Designs unless noted otherwise. They are copyrighted and protected.

Historic Downtown Ritzville

Step into Historic Downtown and you’ll feel the echo of a bygone era under your feet. Brick storefronts stretch along narrow streets, their elegant cornices, arched windows, and vintage signs whispering stories from the turn of the century. As you wander, you’ll pass restored facades, subtle ghost signs, and inviting storefronts that make history tangible and lived. This is a place where every brick carries memory, and walking through town is as much about discovery as it is about seeing.

Aerial view of Ritzville, WA, with brick buildings, streets, and railroad tracks in the foreground; open fields and farmland stretch out in the background under a partly cloudy sky.
A street clock shows 9:00 PM on a quiet downtown Ritzville, WA intersection at night, with historic brick buildings, glowing shop lights, and a car driving by under a deep blue sky.
Aerial view of Ritzville, WA, showing brick buildings, streets lined with parked cars, and open fields in the background under a partly cloudy sky.
A small-town street corner in Ritzville, WA, with a brick building, a bar and grill featuring a retro Pastime Sports Center sign, a bank, a street clock, and trees under a partly cloudy sky.
Tall grass in focus in the foreground with an empty small-town street, historic brick buildings, parked cars, and a partly cloudy blue sky in the background of Ritzville, WA.
A quiet Ritzville, WA small-town street with a “Ritz” theater sign, American flags, a lamppost, and potted plants on the corner under a blue sky. The empty street is lined with charming buildings on both sides.
A quiet Ritzville, WA small-town street with parked cars, brick shopfronts, and a “Drugs” sign under a blue sky with scattered clouds. The empty sidewalks add to the peaceful and calm atmosphere.
A small town street at night in Ritzville, WA features a vintage clock on a corner, neon lights from a sports center, parked cars, and glowing shop windows, creating a quiet, nostalgic atmosphere.
A historic brick building labeled Carnegie Library stands on a street corner in Ritzville, WA, with striped awnings, large windows, and a statue out front. A black sign and landscaped bushes complete the charming scene.
A view down a wide, empty main street in Ritzville, WA, lined with historic brick and wooden storefronts under a blue sky with scattered clouds.
Aerial view of Ritzville, WA at sunset, with sunlight streaming through clouds, illuminating streets, buildings, and silos, while fields stretch out in the background.
A quiet small-town street in Ritzville, WA, features historic brick buildings, storefronts, and angled parking. A few cars are parked under a partly cloudy blue sky, with a "no parking" sign and a planter in the foreground.

Railroad Depot Museum

Housed in a beautifully restored 1910 building, the Railroad Depot Museum captures the golden age of rail travel and the vital role it played in shaping Ritzville’s story. Inside, you’ll find authentic artifacts, photos, and displays that trace the journey from a booming wheat-shipping hub to the quiet charm it holds today. The scent of aged timber, the gleam of polished rail tools, and the stories of those who once passed through make every visit feel personal and nostalgic. Step outside and imagine the whistle echoing across the wheat fields once more.

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"Enjoyed our visit very much. The knowledgeable gentleman who gave us a tour was polite and thoroughly enjoyed his job. He was the icing on the cake!"

Judy B. - Google Review
A brick building in Ritzville, WA, with a large sign reading "Railroad Depot Museum," wooden benches, and historical display pieces outside; the scene is under a partly cloudy sky at this small-town train depot.
A historic red brick train station in Ritzville, WA stands beside railroad tracks, with a turquoise and yellow caboose displayed outside, surrounded by a fence and outdoor seating under a cloudy sky.
A colorful sign for the Railroad Depot Museum and Antique Farm Equipment stands in front of vintage farm machinery and a gravel lot under a cloudy Ritzville, WA sky.
Rusty vintage farm equipment sits on gravel under a dramatic sunset sky in Ritzville, WA, with a small town and silo buildings visible in the background. The scene exudes an antique, nostalgic atmosphere.
A vintage wooden cart loaded with wooden crates sits on a brick platform outside the historic Northern Pacific Railway station in Ritzville, WA, with brick walls, old signage, and a timetable visible in the background.
A vintage turquoise and yellow caboose labeled NP 10425 is displayed on tracks beside Ritzville’s historic brick train station in WA, under a partly cloudy sky. Wooden beams and a metal pole are in the foreground.
Silhouette of a tall utility pole with multiple crossbars and glass insulators stands against a cloudy Ritzville, WA sky, with late afternoon or early evening light glowing in the background.
A small outdoor park in Ritzville, WA, features a railroad bell structure, green grass, picnic tables, and a large tree with drooping branches beside train tracks under a cloudy sky.
A metal fountain with arrow-shaped spouts pours water into a circular stone basin at sunset in Ritzville, WA. Industrial buildings, a lamp post, and railroad tracks appear in the background under a partly cloudy sky.
A life-sized metal sculpture of a horse hitched to a covered wagon stands on a sidewalk in Ritzville, WA, beside grass, with a fence and railroad tracks in the background.
A historic red-brick train station in Ritzville, WA, labeled RITZVILLE, features a decorative round window and a small railroad crossing signal nearby under a partly cloudy sky.
A brick building in Ritzville, WA, with a large sign reading "Railroad Depot Museum," wooden benches, and historical display pieces outside; the scene is under a partly cloudy sky at this small-town train depot.

Dr. Frank R. Burroughs Home Museum

The Dr. Frank R. Burroughs Home Museum offers a graceful glimpse into early 1900s life in Ritzville. Built in 1902, this beautifully preserved home features ornate woodwork, period furnishings, and personal belongings that bring the town’s pioneer spirit to life. As you wander from room to room, you’ll sense the warmth and pride of a family who helped shape the community. Docents share stories that make each detail—from the carved banisters to the antique piano—feel alive with history. It’s a quiet, elegant stop that connects visitors to the heart of small-town heritage.

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Hot springs images courtesy of Miracle Hot Springs. Used with permission.

A wooden porch with red Adirondack chairs and small tables is attached to a white house with decorative trim in Ritzville, WA. Plaques hang on the wall, and a motorcycle is visible in the background near a fence and trees.
A sign in front of a historic Ritzville, WA house reads “Dr. Frank R. Burroughs’ Historical Home. Built 1890. Remodeled 1902.” The home features gray columns, a red door, plaques, and steps leading to the entrance.
A wooden porch with red Adirondack chairs and small tables is attached to a white house with decorative trim in Ritzville, WA. Plaques hang on the wall, and a motorcycle is visible in the background near a fence and trees.
A large white two-story house in Ritzville, WA, features a covered front porch, lush landscaping, and a green lawn. In the foreground, a metal gazebo with a bench and decorative accents offers a charming outdoor retreat.
A large, white, two-story house in Ritzville, WA, features a wide porch with thick columns, detailed red trim, stone accents, and surrounding shrubs under a cloudy sky.
Two whimsical metal sculptures sit in a cart in Ritzville, WA; one figure in front has wide eyes and a blue shirt, while a second figure at the back holds flowers. A house and tree are visible in the blurred background.
A metal sculpture of a person with a mustache and hat sits in a black car-shaped structure outdoors in Ritzville, WA, with a tree and houses visible in the background.

Ritzville Golf Course

Surrounded by sweeping fields and big skies, the Ritzville Golf Course is a peaceful place to slow down and enjoy the view. This nine-hole course offers gentle fairways, mature trees, and wide-open horizons that make every swing feel relaxed and unhurried. Locals and travelers alike come here to unwind, breathe in the fresh country air, and soak up a little sunshine between adventures. Whether you’re a casual golfer or just along for the ride, it’s the kind of spot that reminds you why small-town days move at just the right pace.

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"Awesome 9-hole course off I-90. It DOES have one PAR5 hole (#3). Very well maintained, from tee to green. Trees between faiways, but not too many. Some bunkers, but I do not recall seeing water. The layout was an excellent use of the available property. It can be windy, which is understandable based on the area. No real driving range to speak off, but a couple nets to hit into near the clubhouse. Small putting green there too. Beautiful course in a small town with friendly staff & friendly locals. Definitely worth a stop."

Nick S. - Google Review
A golf course green in Ritzville, WA, with a yellow flagstick, is surrounded by neatly mowed grass and tall pine trees, under a partly cloudy sky with sunlight breaking through.
Wooden sign reading Ritzville Golf Course in the foreground, with a golfer swinging a club on green grass in the background, trees, and a partly cloudy WA sky with sunlight.
A blue metal golf tee marker with a flag and laurel design sits on green grass at Ritzville Golf Course, WA, with trees in the background and a yellow flag visible in the distance.
A golf course green in Ritzville, WA, with a yellow flagstick, is surrounded by neatly mowed grass and tall pine trees, under a partly cloudy sky with sunlight breaking through.
A metal statue of a golfer in mid-swing stands on mulch near a green lawn and trees in Ritzville, WA, with a partly cloudy sky overhead.

Additional Attractions in Ritzville & the Surrounding Area

Ritzville Carnegie Library

A historic 1907 Carnegie library still operating and architecturally significant.

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The Ritz Theatre

Historic downtown cinema offering films in a vintage setting.

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Spraque
Lake

Peaceful nearby lake perfect for fishing, bird-watching, and soaking in wide-open countryside views.

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Ritzville Rodeo Grounds

Experience authentic small-town heritage where the spirit of the West still runs strong.

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Annual Events in the Ritzville, WA Area

Ritzville’s calendar is filled with small-town celebrations that bring the community together all year long. The Pop-Up at the Park kicks off summer with local vendors, live music, and outdoor fun for all ages. As the season winds down, the Labor Day Parade fills downtown with hometown pride, colorful floats, and classic Americana charm. Then, the excitement rides into early fall with the Ritzville Rodeo, where the dust, cheers, and cowboy spirit capture the heart of eastern Washington’s heritage. Each event offers a welcoming taste of what makes this community so unforgettable.

  • Late May

Ritzville Pop-Up at the Park

A spring community gathering with local vendors, music, and family fun.

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  • Late August

Ritzville Chamber Labor Day Parade

Festive downtown parade as part of holiday observance.

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  • Late Aug - Early Sep

Ritzville Rodeo / Farm Classic Rodeo

Traditional rodeo with bull riding, barrel racing, and western competition.

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Images are from Envato Elements and used with permission & rights.

Historical Events of Ritzville, WA

Railroad Station
Northern Pacific Railroad establishes a station, giving rise to the town
County Seat
Ritzville named seat of Adams County, being the only sizable settlement
First Fire & Rebuild
Major fire destroys wooden downtown; reconstruction with brick begins
City officially incorporates (4th class) under Washington state laws
City officially incorporates (4th class) under Washington state laws
Wheat Shipping Boom
Becomes largest primary wheat shipping point in world
Depot Built
Northern Pacific constructs Ritzville railroad depot
Historic District Listing
Downtown area officially listed on National Register of Historic Places
1881
1883
1888
July 17, 1890
1901
1910
1990

Drag the scroll bar to view historical information.

Dining & Drinking

Ritzville’s dining scene combines small-town comfort with familiar favorites. Start your day at Jake’s Cafe, a longtime local spot known for hearty breakfasts and friendly service. For authentic flavor, Mi Jalisco serves delicious Mexican dishes in a casual, welcoming setting. If you’re near the greens, Porky’s Clubhouse Grill at the Ritzville Golf Course offers burgers, sandwiches, and cold drinks with a view. Downtown, Pastime Bar & Grill is the go-to gathering place for pub-style meals, cocktails, and local conversation. Travelers can also find quick bites at Subway or Carl’s Jr. conveniently located off the highway.

Restaurant Options

Lodging & Rentals

Ritzville offers a welcoming mix of lodging options for every kind of traveler. The Best Western Bronco Inn provides modern comfort with an indoor pool, fitness room, and complimentary hot breakfast—perfect for road trippers along I-90. Nearby, the Days Inn by Wyndham Ritzville offers cozy rooms, friendly service, and easy highway access. For those who prefer a quieter, small-town stay, the Empire Motel delivers clean, comfortable rooms and a touch of vintage charm right in town. Budget-conscious guests will also appreciate the Top Hat Motel, a simple, convenient choice close to downtown and local dining.

Lodging Options

Explore Ritzville, WA

Where iron rails meet brick storefronts and heart—plan your visit and experience the timeless charm of Ritzville today.

A view down a wide, empty main street in Ritzville, WA, lined with historic brick and wooden storefronts under a blue sky with scattered clouds.

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Disclaimer

All efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy of the information on this website. The details provided are accurate to the best of our knowledge as of the most recent update. However, Small Town Travel Sites (“Touch Point Designs”) is not responsible for any inadvertent inaccuracies, changes, or misinformation. For the most current information, we recommend contacting individual establishments or checking the latest online updates before planning your visit.