Top 10 Fun Facts About Washington

Washington is a treasure trove of Pacific Northwestern beauty. Boost your knowledge of the state with these ten fun facts.

Washington Started the Trend of Spinning Restaurants

In 1961, Seattle opened the world’s first revolving restaurant. It was housed in the Space Needle, an amazing 605 feet in the air.

Washington Is the Apple Capital of the US

Washington apples aren’t just famous because they’re so delicious - they’re plentiful too. Washington produces the most apples of any US state.

The Largest Building in the World Is in Washington

While the Burj Khalifa is well-known as the world’s tallest building, it doesn’t have the most volume of any building. That title belongs to the Boeing factory in Everett Washington.

Washington Has a History of Duplicate Names

When we talk about Washington today, we often say “Washington state” to clarify the state rather than Washington, DC. Interestingly, though, before this area became a state, it was known as Columbia Territory. When it became a state, its name was changed to Washington so it wouldn’t be confused with the District of Columbia.

Washington’s Highest Peak was Named for an Enemy

Mount Rainier is well-known as the highest peak in Washington, but few people realize the origins of its name. The mountain was named after Rear Admiral Peter Rainier, an officer of the British Royal Navy who fought against Americans in the Revolutionary War.

Washington s Home to the Largest Ferry Fleet in the US

Washington State Ferries, a fleet of 21 ferries crossing Puget Sound and other waterways, is the largest fleet of ferries in the country. The fleet carries an amazing 23 million passengers each year.

The Largest Hydroelectric Dam in the US Is in Washington

Grand Coulee Dam is a popular tourist spot in Washington, and it’s the largest hydroelectric dam in the US. It was part of a major project launched during the Great Depression to produce more electricity.

Washington Was the Site of One of the Largest Volcanic Eruptions in the US

Volcanic eruptions sound like the legends of history, but they’re an ever-present risk in Washington. When Mount St. Helens erupted in 1980, it was one of the largest eruptions in the US and it reminded residents of the region that they were living among volatile landscapes.

Washington Houses the World’s Longest Floating Bridge

The world’s longest floating bridge is the Evergreen Point Floating Bridge in Seattle, crossing Lake Washington. Beyond this, though, Washington is home to four of the five longest floating bridges in the world.

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Washington Is the Original Home of Pickleball

Pickleball has recently surged as a recreational trend, but its origins go back to Washington in the 1960s. Washington congressman Joel Pritchard and his friend Bill Bell invented the game in the summer of 1965.

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Best Things To Do Near You
Best Things To Do Near You
Apr
04

Switchfoot

7:00 PM
Snoqualmie Casino, Snoqualmie, WA
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Apr
05

Performance - Into the Woods

7:30 PM
Icicle Creek Center for the Arts, Leavenworth, WA
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Apr
06

Performance - Into the Woods

7:30 PM
Icicle Creek Center for the Arts, Leavenworth, WA
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Apr
07

Performance - Into the Woods

2:00 PM
Icicle Creek Center for the Arts, Leavenworth, WA
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Apr
11

Performance - Into the Woods

7:30 PM
Icicle Creek Center for the Arts, Leavenworth, WA
Learn More
Apr
12

Performance - Into the Woods

7:30 PM
Icicle Creek Center for the Arts, Leavenworth, WA
Learn More
Apr
13

Performance - Into the Woods

2:00 PM
Icicle Creek Center for the Arts, Leavenworth, WA
Learn More
Apr
13

Performance - Into the Woods

7:30 PM
Icicle Creek Center for the Arts, Leavenworth, WA
Learn More
Apr
14

Performance - Into the Woods

2:00 PM
Icicle Creek Center for the Arts, Leavenworth, WA
Learn More
Apr
26

Sway Wild

7:00 PM
Snowy Owl Theater, Leavenworth, WA
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Best Places To Go Near You
Best Places To Go Near You
First and Second Street on Pine, Cle Elum, WA
City Park offers a Picnic Shelter, Play ground Area, small play field and Skateboard Park. To reserve the Picnic Shelter, please call City Hall. Cu... Read More
19901 Cedar Falls Road Southeast, North Bend, WA
The Cedar River Watershed Education Center is a regional education facility created as a gathering place to connect people with the source of their... Read More
750 East North Bend Way, North Bend, WA
505 Highway 2, Leavenworth, WA
About the Icicle Village ResortThe Icicle Village Resort is located in Bavarian Leavenworth, Washington State. The 7 acre property encompasses the ... Read More
940 Highway 2, Leavenworth, WA
About Us: The vast area surrounding Leavenworth, Lake Wenatchee and Plain, including the world-famous Alpine Lakes Wilderness, provides recreation... Read More
735 Front Street, Leavenworth, WA
About Us: While the emphasis is on the antique nutcrackers, the museum also displays the nutcrackers of the current makers. The largest producer t... Read More
Mountlake Terrace, Mountlake Terrace, WA
The Wild and Scenic Institute is a non-profit organization providing free outdoor recreation and environmental education programs to disadvantaged ... Read More
38625 South East King Street, Snoqualmie, WA
Mission:- To develop and operate an outstanding railroad museum that provides the public a place to experience the excitement of a working railroad... Read More
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