Olmstead Place State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Olmstead Place State Park |
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 Olmstead Place State Park
Location in Washington (state)
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| Location | Kittitas, Washington, United States |
| Area | 217 acres (88 ha) |
| Elevation | 1,539 ft (469 m) |
| Established | 1875 |
| Operator | Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission |
| Website | Olmstead Place State Park |
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Olmstead Place State Park
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| Location | 4 mi. east of Ellensburg near the Kittitas Hwy., Ellensburg, Kittitas County, Washington |
| Nearest city | Ellensburg, Washington |
| Area | 219 acres (89 ha) |
| NRHP reference No. | 71000878 |
| Added to NRHP | March 31, 1971 |
Olmstead Place State Park is a special place in Washington state. It's a 217-acre park that protects an old pioneer farm. This farm shows what life was like for early settlers in Kittitas County. You can visit the park to learn about history, go hiking, or even try fishing!
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Welcome to Olmstead Place State Park
This park is like a time capsule! It keeps alive the history of pioneer farmers in Kittitas County, Washington. It's one of the oldest working farms in the state.
Because it's so important, Olmstead Place State Park was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1971. This means it's recognized as a very special historical site.
What is a Pioneer Farm?
A pioneer farm is a farm from a long time ago, run by early settlers. These settlers, called pioneers, built their homes and farms from scratch. They used simple tools and worked very hard to grow food and raise animals.
Olmstead Place State Park is a "living farm museum." This means it's not just old buildings; it shows how the farm actually worked. You can see how pioneers lived and farmed every day.
Fun Things to Do at the Park
There are many activities you can enjoy at Olmstead Place State Park:
- Picnicking: Bring your lunch and enjoy a meal outdoors.
- Hiking: Explore the park's trails and see the beautiful nature.
- Fishing: Try to catch some fish in the nearby waters.
- Interpretive Activities: These are special programs that help you learn about the park's history and nature. Park rangers or guides might teach you about pioneer life.
- Wildlife Viewing: Look for different animals and birds that live in the park.
- Touring the Farm: Walk around the old farm buildings and imagine life as a pioneer.
History of the Park
The farm at Olmstead Place was established in 1875. This means it started operating as a farm in that year. Over time, it became a state park to preserve its unique history. It helps us remember the challenges and triumphs of early settlers in Washington.
