8 Of The Most Eccentric Towns In Washington
In 2024, Washington State saw an impressive 110.8 million visitors. To put that number into perspective, that is over twice the population of South Korea! With so many people passing through, where can travelers go to find something a little more offbeat? The following eight towns are some of Washington’s most eccentric, boasting Norwegian festivals, hot air balloon rallies, and a replica of a medieval-style English village. If you are looking to explore some of Washington’s quirkiest corners, these eight towns should be at the top of your itinerary.
Poulsbo
Affectionately nicknamed “Little Norway,” Poulsbo allows you to experience a piece of the Nordic region without leaving Washington! Each May, the town hosts one of its largest celebrations, Viking Day, in honor of Norway’s Constitution Day on May 17. Throughout the festival, attendees can enjoy a parade of flags and marching bands, Norwegian attire, a carnival, and plenty of food.
In June, the town marks the summer solstice with a traditional Midsommer Fest, celebrated with folk dancing, Norwegian cuisine, and a meet and greet with Norwegian and Icelandic dogs. After the festival, grab a souvenir at Nordiska, a store that specializes in Scandinavian and Nordic-influenced kitchen goods, houseware, and gifts.
Prosser
Each September, the skies in Prosser burst into color during the annual Great Prosser Balloon Rally. During this hot air balloon fest, balloon pilots from across the Northwest gather in Prosser to launch their balloons. If you arrive early, a pilot might even ask you to inflate and chase the balloons! For a truly mind-boggling experience, head to Gravity Hill, an eerie optical illusion along a quiet stretch of road. Stop at the marked 'start' line, put your car in neutral, and watch as it appears to roll uphill, seemingly defying gravity. Afterward, unwind at Martinez & Martinez Winery, a family-owned and operated winery established in 2005 that blends winemaking with Mexican-American heritage.
Roslyn
Founded as a coal mining town in 1886, Roslyn has been designated as a National Historic District, preserving much of its old-timey Western architecture and mining heritage. Travelers can explore this mining past at the Roslyn Historical Museum, which exhibits coal cars, mining equipment, and historic sporting trophies and displays. Another notable landmark in town is The Brick Saloon, one of Washington’s oldest bars, operating continuously since 1889. Today, it offers live music, great drinks, and late-night food on the weekends.
Once home to more than 20 nationalities, Roslyn celebrates its cultural heritage each year, in part, at the Croatian Picnic. This year’s event, held on July 19, will feature a pig roast, cabbage rolls, sausages, and traditional Croatian music. Everyone is welcome, whether or not you are Croatian!
Winthrop
If Roslyn’s western roots caught your attention, then you will definitely want to mosey on over to Winthrop next! This town is equally filled with Western heritage, largely displayed during the annual 49ers Days each May. The festival kicks off with a week-long horse-packing excursion. When the packers return home, the town celebrates with a homecoming event, featuring a parade, horses, vintage vehicles, floats, line dancing, and plenty of family-friendly activities. You may not be one of the festival’s horsepackers, but you can still enjoy an afternoon on horseback while in Winthrop. Local agencies such as JD Outfitters offer horseback riding experiences that meander through the gorgeous Methow Valley.
Following your afternoon on horseback, return to town for a drink at Three Fingered Jack's, Washington’s oldest legal saloon.
Forks
As one of the rainiest towns in the contiguous US, Forks is surrounded by mossy, lush rainforests. It is also famously home to Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight Saga! If you are a fan of the vampire-themed series, consider planning your visit around the annual Forks Twilight Festival, which includes themed parties, actor panels, and special appearances by cast members from the films.
Year-round, you can also stop by the Rainforest Arts Center, home to the world’s largest collection of costumes and props. Not a fan of Twilight? There is still plenty to do in and around Forks. Check out Ruby Beach, for example, one of the Olympic coastline’s most famous beaches, famous for its sea stacks and red sandy shores.
Langley
If you were to narrow down some of Washington’s quirkiest festivals, several of Langley’s would be near the top of the list. One of the town’s most memorable events is Langley’s Mystery Weekend, where amateur detectives from across the region (even you, perhaps) roam the streets in search of clues to crack a murder mystery case. In September, visitors can also check out the famous Soup Box Derby. Anybody who can build a racer is welcome to participate, so you can expect to see some pretty wacky soup box racers plummeting downhill!
If you need to fuel up after a day of festivities, drop by the Saltwater Fish House, a beloved seafood restaurant that serves crab rolls, oysters, clam chowder, fish and chips, and more.
Long Beach
While many visitors flock to Long Beach for an uninterrupted weekend on the beach, the town is also home to some pretty bizarre sights and landmarks. Take Jack the Alligator Man, for example, a mummified, half-man, half-alligator housed in Marsh’s Free Museum. Once a cult figure of the Pacific Northwest, he even graced bumper stickers and postcards. Stop by the museum and see him for yourself!
Travelers can also grab a picture with Washington's Largest Frying Pan, a fiberglass replica of a cast iron pan used during Long Beach’s Clam Festival in 1941. In August, the town hosts the Washington State International Kite Festival, a week-long event with synchronized kite performances, kite competitions, and plenty of other colorful displays.
Carnation
Only 40 minutes from Seattle, you can explore a medieval-style English village located in the town of Carnation. The Camlann Medieval Village is a living history museum project, replicating what life would have been like in a southwest England rural village in 1376. It also hosts occasional feasts and festivals throughout the summer!
Families will also love visiting Remlinger Farms, a beloved farm in the community that offers U-pick fruit experiences, amusement park rides, and summer concerts. If you enjoy thrifting, make sure to stop by the Re-In-Carnation Thrift Store, a volunteer-run thrift shop that donates its proceeds to the local Sno-Valley Senior Center.
Washington is full of quirky places, but these are arguably some of the most memorable. Towns like Forks offer you the chance to explore the world of Twilight, while other destinations, such as Langley, will immerse you in an eccentric murder mystery! If you are fascinated by cryptids and oddities, Long Beach’s Jack the Alligator Man is a must-visit. No matter which destination you choose, you are sure to encounter some of the state’s most eccentric characters.
