The American Hop Museum - the only one of its kind in the entire country shows how hops are grown and processed - and is a showcase of the history of the hop - used for centuries in preserving the flavor of beer. The museum chronicles the history of the American hop industry from its early days in the New England colonies to the rapid expansion west and into the area in the 1800’s. The fertile Yakima Valley grows 70% of all the domestic hops grown and accounts for 25% of the worlds hops. The side of the American Hop Museum also boasts one of the most popular murals in Toppenish depicting the story of early day hop planting and harvesting - painted three dimensionally. Hops, a unique gift shop is located in the museum and offers specialty items like barley soap and wreaths made with preserved hops.
Mural number 64 - When the Railroad Came to Toppenish - (the site of the 2003 Mural-in-a-Day) is on the side of the Northern Pacific Freight Building located next door the Yakima Valley Rail & Steam Museum. The museum is inside the beautifully restored Toppenish Depot, built in 1911. The depot houses antique oak displays full of rail artifacts and memorabilia. The Railway Express Agency office in the depot has been converted into a gift shop. The freight house at the site has been renovated by the museum’s volunteers to be an engine house. It currently houses a major restoration project. Outdoor train displays are also located on the site. The Toppenish, Simcoe and Western Railroad is operated by volunteers of the museum’s association. Visitor’s can catch a ride on the TS&W on special excursion rides from Harrah to White Swan in September, October and a special Santa Run in December.
The Yakama Nation Cultural Center boasts one of the finest Native American displays anywhere. Featuring dioramas and exhibits that reveal the drama and history of the Yakama Indians. Stories of the Yakamas are told in wall-sized poetry and murals that show the Native American connection to nature and bring the centuries of old traditions to life. The Smithsonian has partnered with the Yakama Nation in research and development of their Indian Peoples museum in Washington D.C.! This popular museum is open year round and is a can’t miss when you visit! It is located in the Cultural Heritage Center complex that features a library, gift shop, restaurant, theater and RV Resort Park.
