Early summer is the time to get outdoors and explore all that Leavenworth has to offer. When the school is out, it’s time to start planning some summer fun! Whether your itinerary involves exploring the birding hotspots, hitting the links at one of the area’s scenic golf courses, backpacking the Enchantment trail, or just staying in town to check out the local happenings—Leavenworth has got you covered. Have we got you interested? Then read on the find out the seven best early summer activities to do in Leavenworth.

Grab your clubs, tee it up, and enjoy the view

If you are a golf geek, then you’ll go nuts over the wide selection of golf courses in the Leavenworth area. You’ll find championship courses that test your skills, and golfing offers breathtaking views of the Wenatchee River, Cascade Mountain Peaks, and local wildlife. If you want to keep it on the ground, there’s an 18-hole putting course with its own version of local wildlife and waterfalls. You can even get fantastic stay and play golf packages at Kahler Glen Golf and Ski Resort.

It takes a village…Village Art in the Park

If you want to see what’s happening at Washington state’s longest running open-air art show, you have to check out Leavenworth’s Village Art in the Park. Just head downtown any weekend in the summer (Friday through Sunday) and check out this vibrant outdoor art market. They host a wide collection of artists from near and far—amateurs and pros alike! They all converge to display and sell their handcrafted artworks. From paintings and photographs to metalworks to exquisite jewelry, you’ll find it all. You can also feel good about your purchase because Village Art in the Park is a nonprofit that supports the arts and artists in the community, like scholarships for art degrees and financial support for arts programs in the local school district.

Stroll historic Leavenworth and see history come alive

Thanks to the Greater Leavenworth Museum, you can enjoy informative guided walks through historic Leavenworth. On the 26th of June, head to the Lion’s Club Park at 10:00 am, and you can join in on the walk. On the fourth Saturdays of each month from May to October will be a Historical Leavenworth Town Tour – focusing on the transformation and changes to the Bavarian town where you’ll see how the town evolved from its early days as a lumber and railroad town. Tours last between one and two hours, so wear some comfortable shoes and bring a water bottle.

Bring on the Bavarian music!

Everyone knows that Leavenworth is the place to go for traditional, homemade Bavarian food and steins of German beers, but it’s also the place to go for the best live Bavarian music in the state. Come on by and enjoy live alphorn music from the old country on most weekends. You’ll also get a friendly greeting that German’s call “gemütlichkeit.” While you’re clapping along with the band, you have to try sweet treats like cookies, ice cream and gelato at one of our many eateries. Leavenworth is the hotspot for all things Bavarian—and tons of fantastic places to eat.

Backpack the best trail in the Pacific Northwest

There’s no shortage of forest and mountain trails in the Leavenworth area, and summer is a great time to hike, bike, or backpack—just pick your mode and hit the trails! Backpacking options are immense and some of our favorites include The Icicle Ridge Trail, Minotaur Lake, and Lake Caroline. If you are ready for a thrill of a lifetime head to the Greater Leavenworth Area to find adventure! No matter what path you pick, check for required permits and trail conditions with the Forest Service.

Break out your binoculars for some world-class birding

Birding is big in Leavenworth! The area is a high point of Audubon’s Great Washington State Birding Trail. Head to the Chamber office or the Barn Beach Reserve in Leavenworth to get your free copy of the map that highlights the seven of the best birding hotspots in the state. Waterfront Park is also a great site to see feathered friends who flourish in the riverside vegetation. You’ll find the Grey Catbird and Bullock’s Oriole, among other local birds. Head to the Wenatchee River and Icicle Creek to be amazed at the variety of waterfowl and other local wildlife. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch a glimpse of the Osprey—it’s making a splash in the area.

Bouldering is big—climb on board

The bouldering scene in Leavenworth is big! Even though rock climbing has always been popular in Leavenworth, bouldering is a different kind of animal altogether. You’ll climb rocks that are much shorter and won’t be weighed down with ropes, harnesses, or other climbing hardware. It’s easy to see why this activity draws crowds to bouldering hotspots in Leavenworth—it’s affordable, accessible, and very social. If you are a bouldering beginner, head to Icicle Creek. It has tons of bouldering areas that you can quickly get to from the main road. Because there are many trailheads, you may want to hire a local guide to show you the best spots. You may also want to check out bouldering in The Tumwater Canyon. So many different adventures to choose from! See ya out there!