Hanford: Walking Tours

Explore downtown Richland on a walking tour.

NPS/ZIMMERMAN

 

Visit Hanford

• More Ranger Programs
• Hike Through Time
• Junior Ranger Park Explorers
• Ride with a Ranger

Join rangers for one or both of the walking tours that explore different areas of Richland and the fascinating history of this government-sponsored planned community built to house Manhattan Project workers at Hanford.  
 

Walking Tour # 1: Not So Secret City 

Learn about the farming community that was here before the Manhattan Project, and how this rural farming hamlet transformed into a bustling community of atomic workers and their families. We will walk where families went about their daily activities and built a sense of community while living in this almost secret city. Join a ranger on this walking tour that explores the heart downtown Richland, the former center of the secret city built for Manhattan Project workers.  

Dates & Times  

In 2024, these programs will be offered on the fourth Saturday of each month—June 22, July 27, and August 24—from 9:00 am to 11:00 am Pacific time. Meet at the flagpole in front of the Richland Community Center by 8:45 am for a 9:00 am departure.  

Route Information

Expect to walk about 1.5 miles (2.41 km) and be aware we will be crossing busy roads at appropriate crossing areas. Please wear proper footwear and bring water. The route is mostly flat with several gentle inclines on sidewalks or paved surfaces.    

Walking Tour #2: Life in Richland: Hanford Workers & Their Families  

Join a ranger on this guided walk around the neighborhoods near the Uptown Shopping Center. Learn about daily life in Richland and the homes, shopping districts, and green spaces built for Manhattan Project workers and their families during WWII. The design of the town reflected the need to create a livable community for some of the thousands of workers required for the top-secret plutonium production work at Hanford. 

Dates & Times 

In 2024, these programs will be offered on the first Wednesday of each month—May 1, June 5, July 3, and August 7—from 9:00 am to 11:00 am Pacific time. Meet in front of the Uptown Theater by 8:45 am for a 9:00 am departure.  

Route Information 

Expect to walk about 2.5 miles (4 km) and be aware we will be crossing busy roads at appropriate crossing areas. The route is mostly flat with several gentle inclines on sidewalks or paved surfaces. The route includes narrow sidewalks and areas without accessible curbs. This walking tour may not be suitable for individuals who use mobility assistance devices such as scooters or walkers. There are no public restrooms on the route. 

General Program Information 

Be Prepared to be Outside

Dress appropriately for the weather. Please wear sturdy footwear and bring hat, water, and sunglasses.  

Reservations & Groups

No advanced reservations required or accepted. Groups are welcome. If your group is larger than 15, please email us at [e-mail] in advance of the program.  

Accessibility Information 

Sign language interpreters are available for ranger programs with two weeks advance notice. This length of time and specificity is needed because we contract for this service. Please email the park at [e-mail] for more information and to request this service.