Prost! 27 Fun Things To Do in Leavenworth This Summer
Looking for unforgettable Leavenworth activities in summer? I got you!
Nestled in the heart of Washington state, this picturesque Bavarian-themed town might be a little bit kitschy, but it has recently become a favorite day trip or weekend destination of mine, as I live just a couple hours away.
While Leavenworth is more renowned for their winter and Christmas activities, there is no shortage of things to do in the summer. In fact, minus the glühwein, I prefer Leavenworth in the summer over the winter.
In this post you’ll find fun things to do like:
…and so much more!
1. Float the Wenatchee River
My absolute favorite summer activity is tube floating down the Wenatchee River. Almost every year I’ll reserve with Leavenworth Outdoor Center right at Waterfront Park.
You’ll board an open-air van where they bring you upstream on the Wenatchee River and drop you off to float at your own pace.
The water is always a bit chilly to start but quickly warms up.
I never get tired of the view, floating beneath the towering mountain ranges and overhanging branches.
The time it takes to float the 2 miles will vary, depending on the water levels. Earlier in the summer when the river is fuller, the ride is faster. Mid-late summer it can take 2 hours to float down.
I’ll always stop at a “beach” pullout for a lunch break to make the trip last a bit longer too.
The river deepness varies around every curve. Sometimes my tube is almost scraping the pebbles and other times I get nervous that I can’t even see the bottom.
Definitely always take the Blackbird Island detour for a scenic route past Leavenworth houses and hotels.
2. Historical Walking and Wine Tour
Bavarian Walking Tours is so much fun. They offer different Historical Walking tours of Leavenworth with a local guide in Bavarian garb who’ll lead you around town and tell you all about the Leavenworth’s background and stories.
Some tours are straight historical while others include beer or wine or lunch.
In addition, every participant will be given a complimentary seven-day pass to access the Greater Leavenworth Historical Museum.
3. Bavarian E-Bike Tour
Covering a distance of 16 miles in just over two hours, Bavarian E-Bike Tours is both a scenic and educational tour as they take you all over Leavenworth: across town, past the Ski Hill, and over Icicle Creek Canyon.
E-bikes, aka an electric bicycles, make the trip so much more enjoyable and effortless than with a regular bike. The electric motor helps you with your pedaling, making it easier to go up hills and travel longer distances. So for those of us who are a bit out of shape, we can still enjoy ourselves.
4. Wine Tasting
There are quite a number wineries around the area as well as wine tasting rooms in downtown Leavenworth. If you are a fan of this fermented grape drink, you’ll have around 20 choices to choose from.
Each winery and tasting room has its own ambience and selection of wines grown locally or within the state. Red, white, rose…you name it, you’ll find it!
5. White Water Rafting
Adrenaline junkies will be pleased to know that you can find white water rafting on the Wenatchee River. This is the most popular white water rafting destination in Washington state with Class III rapids.
During the spring season (May-June) the river is at its peak with it’s whitest waters. But even during the summer months, when the river calms down and the rapids become more manageable, it’s still a blast for paddlers of all experience levels.
Tours provide all the necessary gear, including wetsuits, booties, spray jackets, and helmets. You just bring yourself.
6. Horseback Riding
Saddle up and enjoy a day on horseback, crossing over Beaver Creek on privately owned trails or immersing yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the Wenatchee National Forest.
Beginner and seasoned rider tours are available to explore winding trails through lush forests and mountain meadows filled with wildflowers.
7. Beer Tasting
How can you go to Bavaria without having beer?! Of course you need to have a pint or two!
It’s easy to “hop” from brewery to brewery in Leavenworth, sampling a wide variety of handcrafted beers, ranging from sour IPAs to rich stouts and refreshing ales.
I like to either sit outside at a picnic table drinking a pilsner at Icicle Brewing or cozying up in the quiet taproom Bushel & Bee trying unique flavors from PNW breweries.
Prost!
8. Fishing
The Wenatchee and Icicle Rivers are good spots for fly fishing or traditional angling and are full of steelhead, salmon, trout, perch, and whitefish just waiting for you to bait and hook them (I know, cuz I’ve seen them while I’m tube floating!).
Just remember that both residents and non-residents will need a valid fishing license.
If you want to learn how to fly fish, Family Line Fly Fishing Academy will teach on a guided fishing tour. They’ll show you how to find trout in the water, which fly to choose with which bait, and guide you in correct casting techniques. The “classroom” is their private teaching pond where you’ll end the lesson by catching and releasing a live rainbow trout. (no fishing license required for this tour)
9. Alpine Rollercoaster
Ride down Washington’s only alpine rollercoaster at Leavenworth Adventure Park.
This thrilling excursion features a 700-foot ride with three 360-degree spiral helix circles and drops 234 feet – all up to 35 feet off the ground.
You control your own speed. Go as fast as 27mph or pull your side breaks for a slower, scenic ride.
The views from the roller coaster are simply breathtaking. On clear days you can see as far as the Tumwater Canyon, Icicle Ridge, and Wenatchee River Rapids.
Each cart accommodates 1 or 2 people, but it would be a tight fit with two adults.
💁♀️ Tab’s Trip Tip: this was actually super fun; my knees were shaking from the adrenaline rush when I got off. However, it is waaaaay overpriced in my opinion. I don’t think you get your money’s worth, especially if you are a family.
10. Horse Drawn Carriage Ride
You’re gonna see horse drawn carriage rides around town and get serious FOMO. Because what’s more romantic than riding through a Bavarian town in an open-air carriage pulled by majestic horses while making all the passerby pedestrians envious? 😂
Catch them on Front St on a first come/first serve basis, cash only.
Alternatively, Leavenworth Wagon Rides offer a carriage ride through the countryside up at Mountain Springs Lodge where you escape the hustle and bustle of town and instead enjoy the peaceful meadows, towering mountains, and chirping birds as you ride through nature.
11. Farmers Markets
Leavenworth has two farmers markets for you to attend throughout the week:
- Leavenworth Farmers Market – Wednesdays & Saturdays
- Leavenworth Community Farmers Market – Thursdays
At both markets you’ll find an array of goods like jams, fresh cut flowers, locally grown produce, pottery, honey, soaps, and much more.
12. Eat Bavarian Food
Leavenworth wouldn’t be a Bavarian town if you couldn’t find some German foods.
Pretzels? Check. Schnitzl? Check. Bratwursts? Check.
Munchen Haus is hands down my absolute favorite place to go for Bavarian food. It’s so hard to decide between 12 different flavors of bratwursts, 10 different flavors of mustard, and then decide on 15 other condiments and toppings, including their famously delicious Apple Cider Sauerkraut.
There’s also places like Rhein Haus with the the largest biergarten in town, or Andreas Keller with private barrel booths (you’ll want to get on the waitlist for cuz they fill up fast), or Ludwig’s Gasthaus that serves Schweinshaxn (roasted ham hock) and claims to “make more German specialty plates west of Chicago”.
13. Leavenworth Ziplines
Just outside of town, Leavenworth Ziplines has a 5-line or 9-line course. Zip from ridge to ridge, getting up to 190 feet above the Beaver Creek Valley and one line that’s a 1/4 mile long.
Certified guides will be there to assist you the whole way and keep you safe. They also keep the groups small (max 8 people).
Minumum age is 7 years old and weighing at least 70 pounds. Max weight is 260 pounds.
14. Village Art in the Park
Beginning in 1966, Village Art in the Park is the longest running open air art installment in Washington State. From May through mid-October each year, you’ll find professional artists from all over the country showcasing their wares.
I love browsing the row of white tents and admiring the beautiful and whimsical art made with a variety of mediums and being able to talk to the artists themselves. That’s where I found one of my favorite artists of all time, McKenna Kornowski.
15. Summer Festivals
While Leavenworth is best-known for its autumn and winter festivals, there are still some summer festivals to look forward to:
Leavenworth International Accordion Celebration – a 2 day event in June with an outstanding lineup of professional performers showcasing the versatility of the accordion across various genres, accompanied by workshops and a parade.
Icicle Creek Chamber Music Festival – a 3 week celebration of exquisite performances that takes place between June and July in the acoustically remarkable Canyon Wren Recital Hall, surrounded by breathtaking mountain views visible through its floor-to-ceiling windows.
Touratech Rally – the largest gathering of Adventure Motorcycle enthusiasts in the country, featuring thrilling rides, camping camaraderie, expert tips, rider-training courses, and the opportunity to test-ride the latest models of adventure motorcycles for a weekend in June.
You might also like:
• Christmas Village of Lights in Leavenworth 🎄
16. Mini Golf
There are two places to play mini golf in Leavenworth:
Icicle Village Resort has an 18-hole miniature golf course on property. For $10pp you can putt-putt your way through cascading waterfalls, Bavarian buildings, and a waterwheel.
Enzian Inn also has an 18-hole course across the highway and is more picturesque with views of the river and on a steep knoll with real grass and a waterfall you can walk behind.
17. Leavenworth Summer Theatre
While I was underwhelmed with the talent, I was overwhelmed with the venue at the outdoor Leavenworth Summer Theater. The breathtaking backdrop of the Cascade Mountains behind the stage really steals the show.
As the largest theater between Seattle and Spokane, they draw in over 20,000 theatergoers every year!
They put on a few overlapping shows each year with a cast of local, regional, and national actors who assume multiple roles between productions. They have done timeless classics like My Fair Lady, The Pirates of Penzance, and Cinderella. But every year they of course do The Sound of Music.
Check out this season’s lineup here!
💁♀️ Tab’s Trip Tip: while there isn’t a bad seat in the house, I recommend seats LEFT G-P/6-15. These will give you the best mountain peak views behind the stage.
18. Nutcracker Museum
I call this the Tardis of nutcrackers, because the unassuming exterior of the Nutcracker Museum has an impressive collection inside of over 9,000 nutcrackers crafted in over 50 countries. It’s no wonder this museum attracts worldwide attention.
There’s everything from ancient nutting stones from the Archaic period to contemporary acrylics, showcasing the fascinating diversity of materials and craftsmanship used throughout history.
The collection also includes nutcrackers made from bone, horn, ivory, and even porcelain, each showing off different artistic styles and creativity from different periods and regional cultures.
Who knew there was so much to learn about nutcrackers?!
19. Leavenworth Reindeer Farm
The Leavenworth Reindeer Farm is a family-run establishment only a short mile away from the Bavarian village.
The tours are educational and gives you hands-on opportunities to interact with these Sven lookalikes. You’ll get to feed them fresh willow branches from your own hand and have the chance to hold shed antlers.
Afterwards, grab a snack at the farm’s concession stand, where you can eat Rudolph (Alaskan Reindeer Sausage) or indulge in hand-rolled Norwegian Potato Lefse.
20. Cider Tasting
If cider is more your scene than beer or wine, head to Leavenworth Cider House where you can try over 25 ciders on tap, all primarily sourced from the Pacific Northwest.
Try exciting flavors, such as Pineapple Matcha, Dragonfruit, Lemon Basil, or Kiwi ranging from dry, semi-sweet, and sweet.
Their restaurant serves comfort foods like pretzels, pizza, and sandwiches to accompany your fruity libations.
You can also find cider on tap at Bushel & Bee, serving 12 ciders from all over. I enjoyed the cozy, tucked away location where I was able to escape the crowds and drink in peace.
21. Greater Leavenworth Museum
The Greater Leavenworth Museum offers a deep dive into the town’s past, including the influential role of the Great Northern Railroad and the Lamb-Davis sawmill during the early 1900s.
Learn about the impact of their departure, the subsequent challenges faced by the community afterwards, and how they were able to breathe new life into the town by transforming Leavenworth from a timber-focused community to the iconic Bavarian village that it’s known for today.
There’s a wide range of artifacts, including an officer’s sword, the skis of a renowned racer, and a good collection of vintage photos. The museum volunteers are friendly and knowledgeable, eagerly ready to answer any questions you may have.
💁♀️ Tab’s Trip Tip: When you book a tour with Bavarian Walking Tours you also get a free museum ticket
22. Live Music
Yes there are opportunities to find live Bavarian music in Leavenworth like the cranky sounds of the accordion or brass bands playing lively polkas, usually under the gazebo.
There are other “normal”, less flamboyant musics to find around town as well.
Find live music in places like:
- Various Locations Around Town
- Icicle Creek Center of the Arts
- Leavenworth Community Farmers Market
- Blue Spirits Distillery
- Rhein Haus
23. Distillery Tasting
Visit the tasting room at Blue Spirits Distillery to try everything from whiskeys, gins, and vodkas. I have high standards when it comes to gin, and they fell a bit flat for me. But their cocktail flights look fun.
The venue is a nice place to chill and order small bites with drinks and sit either inside or on their covered outdoor patio where dogs are welcome.
24. Shopping
Of course, what’s a trip to Leavenworth without shopping? You’ll find plenty of shops eager to take your money for goods! Boutique shops, art galleries, candy stores, and home decor…you’ll find it all!
Are you a Christmas junkie? Shop year-round at Kris Kringl for ornaments and winter villages.
Need a cheese fix? The Cheesemonger’s Shop offers a wide variety of both imported and domestic cheeses.
Take time to shop local and buy yourself a souvenir from your visit to Leavenworth!
25. Hiking
There’s no lack of an array of hiking trails to explore the beauty of Wenatchee National Forest and the North Cascades.
A few samples of hiking options are:
Icicle Ridge Trailhead – 6.0 miles roundtrip – Moderate
Hike up steep switchbacks beneath maples and pines through spreads of colorful wildflowers. Along the way are views Wenatchee Rive, Icicle River, and Tumwater Canyon’s rushing whitewaters and cascading waterfalls. At the trail’s end, there’s a small clearing that offers a vantage point overlooking Leavenworth below.
Blackbird Island – 2.0 miles roundtrip – Easy
Conveniently located right in town, cross a bridge over the Wenatchee River and take a leisurely stroll around this scenic island. I like walking it in the early morning when it’s mostly just me and the birds. I’ve been warned and seen signs of bears, even this close to town, so keep attentive.
Old Pipeline Bed Trail – 2.4 miles roundtrip – Easy
Cross an iron bridge spanning the Wenatchee River and follow the trail that was once a conduit for a massive water pipe that delivered water to an electrical powerhouse that provided electricity for the electrical train engines through the Cascade Tunnel at Stevens Pass. The trail is a pleasant stroll under cottonwood and pine trees, but there’s no view at the end, just a deadend at a cliff face. But as you see Castle Rock along the hike, keep an eye out for any rock climbers on it.
26. Alpine Spa
At Alpine Spa at Icicle Village Resort, licensed massage therapists and estheticians provide countless relaxing treatments including massages, facials, steam room sessions, waxing services and more.
Indulge in a luxurious spa treatment like the Mountaineer’s Retreat, Mt. Stuart Mud Wrap, Snow Lakes Sugar Scrub, a Hot Stone Massage, or Alpine Custom Massage for hours of self-care relaxation.
You can also enjoy their summer special – the Strawberry Wildflower Decadence Facial
27. Leavenworth Golf Course
Leavenworth Golf Course caters to both seasoned players and beginners on their beautiful manicured greens along the Wenatchee River.
If it’s raining (or not), head inside for their ultimate virtual golfing adventure with the “Full Swing” simulator, offering a selection of over 100 courses from around the world.
They also have other electronic entertainment like soccer, football QB challenge, field goal challenge, basketball, and even Zombie dodgeball.
Other Places to Explore Washington in Summer
Walking Food Tours in Seattle
Mount Rainier National Park
Columbia River Camping
Snohomish Wine Walk
Is Leavenworth Worth Visiting in the Summer?
Heck YES it is!!
As you can see there are plenty of activities to do in the summer in Leavenworth to make the drive worth it. From my favorite tradition of floating down the Wenatchee River, to outdoor theater performances, to quirky museums there’s a plethora of fun to be found.
Leavenworth goes down as the best weekend getaway in Washington in my books!
