Kennewick, Pasco and Richland form the urban Tri-Cities area. Despite the desertlike climate (annual rainfall is less than 8 inches), water is a major feature of the landscape. The Columbia—here three-quarters of a mile wide—flows from north to south. Between Kennewick and Richland it receives the Yakima River. And just downstream from Pasco the Snake, mightiest of the tributaries, joins its parent stream.
It's no surprise, then, that Kennewick is the departure point for various scenic and recreational cruises. Columbia Park extends 4.5 miles along the river. There are several access points off SR 240. Facilities include an aquatic playground, playing fields, a miniature railway, a golf course and a fishing pond. Columbia Park's Regional Veterans Memorial features a 40-foot-high granite slab, said to be the tallest freestanding piece of granite in the U.S.
On the grounds of the Southridge Sports and Events Complex, off US 395 at 2901 Southridge Blvd., is a 9/11 Memorial consisting of a piece of steel that fell more than 1,000 feet from the upper levels of one of the World Trade Center towers on September 11, 2001. Nearby is the Gesa Carousel of Dreams, a restored 1910 Charles Carmel carousel with 45 colorful, hand-carved horses. The carousel was originally located in St. Joseph, Mich., and is set in a glass and wooden structure for year-round operation; phone (509) 378-3257.
Visitor Centers
Visit Tri-Cities 7130 W. Grandridge Blvd. Suite B Kennewick, WA 99336. Phone:(509)735-8486 or (800)254-5824
Shopping
The major shopping mall in the Tri-Cities area is Kennewick's Columbia Center, 3 miles north of I-82 exit 109 at 1321 N. Columbia Center Blvd.; anchor stores are JCPenney, Macy's and Sears.