It was in October, about 30 years ago, when we made our first visit to the Long Beach Peninsula. A friend had insisted we go with her to see the incredible red fields of cranberries on the Peninsula. It was cranberries that opened the door to many other discoveries and treasures on the Peninsula.
The Long Beach Peninsula is one of the few places you can find cranberry bogs, and you’ll be missing a treat if you don’t set aside at least an hour or two to explore this unique industry. The Cranberry Museum, on Pioneer Road, has made this easy to do by offering free admission to their charming and very informative museum, set among cranberry bogs. It’s small, and won’t take too much time to tour, but will probably be one of the highlights of your vacation. The gift shop offers a variety of cranberry foods, cookbooks, art and other cranberry-related items. The indoor museum is open 10am-5pm daily April 1 to December 15, and by appointment. Group tours can be arranged by leaving a message at 360-642-5553.
A self-guided walking tour of the grounds is available at all times. You’ll get a first-hand look at many different varieties of cranberries, and learn how the irrigation systems work. During October, you can watch as the crops are harvested. Before beginning the walking tour, be sure to take a brochure from the box in the parking lot, as it will provide information about what you’re seeing.
The Cranberrian Fair, usually held the second weekend of October, is something not to be missed. This year’s 91st Cranberrian Fair, known to some as the Cranberry Festival, will be held from 10am-4pm Oct. 8-9. Admission to all events sponsored by Ilwaco’s Columbia Pacific Heritage Museum is acquired by purchasing the collectible Cranberrian Fair button for $5. (Admission to events at the Cranberry museum is always free.) The Columbia Pacific Heritage Museum, located in Ilwaco, will host vendors offering handmade items, including cranberry vine baskets and homemade peach/cranberry pies. The 1889 narrow gauge passenger car NAHCOTTA will be open and Conductor “Cranberry Bob” will present a living history of the Clamshell Railroad experience. Craft demonstrations and bog tours will also be available. Visitors can take advantage of the Cranberry Trolley, which will run between the Columbia Pacific Heritage Museum to the Cranberry Museum 11am-2pm Saturday and Sunday. For more information, check out the Cranberrian Fair Web page.
Need a place to stay during the Cranberrian Fair? Email us to see whether we have a vacation rental vacancy, or click here to see our October specials.
