Ellensburg is a place just past where the highway speeds by. With a downtown rich in historic architecture, it is a place where art can be seen not only in museums and galleries, but reflected in the streets. Blue skies over mountain vistas surround the lush and cultivated valley. It is the flavors of fine food from the surrounding land, the comfort of a burger beneath lit neon, the sweet cold taste of ice cream, the refreshment of a craft beer or a sip of fine wine. There is the feeling of pride when a cowboy is seen carrying the American flag in the rodeo.
The city is filled with all kinds of people from young to old, farmer to business professional. Events and activities draw crowds with a variety of interests ranging from beer sampling at Brewfest, the sounds of the jazz in the Valley Festival, to running in the Whisky Dick Triathlon. In addition, there is a wealth of year-round outdoor activity to enjoy.
It is a city with a lot of history. Settled in 1868, it was in the running to become the state capital until a fire destroyed most of the downtown area in 1889. Having been rebuilt, Ellensburg’s historic downtown is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
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Photo courtesy of Kittitas County Chamber of Commerce |
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ELLENSBURG WEATHER
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Photo courtesy of Kittitas County Chamber of Commerce |
There are four very distinct seasons. On average there are more than 300 days of sunshine throughout the year. Winter brings an average 27 inches of snow. Fall and summer bring moderate temperatures along with the wind. It is not unusual to experience sustained winds of 20-30mph with gusts around 50mph or more during storms.
Average Temperature:
January – High 34.3 F, Low 18.7 F
July – High 84.2 F, Low 52.8 F
Precipitation:
January Rainfall – 1.28 inches
July Rainfall – 0.28 inches
January Snowfall – 9.4 inches
July Snowfall – 0.0 inches
Source:
Western Regional Climate Center
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PROJECTS FILMED IN ELLENSBURG
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Photo courtesy of Kittitas County Chamber of Commerce |
Feature Films
- Eden (2011)
- Bustin’ Loose (1981)
- The Runner Stumbles (1971)
Short Films
- V3 (2012)
- Canyon Road (2009)
- Blue Devils: Marine Aviation Squadron VMF-451 (2008)
- Get to Go (2006)
- Terry the Claw (2006)
- The Delivery (2006)
- Good Karma, The Movie (1998)
Music Videos
- White Walls – Macklemore & Ryan Lewis (2013)
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KEY LOCATIONS OF INTEREST
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Photo courtesy of Kittitas County Chamber of Commerce |
- Broadmoor Farm
- Canyon River Ranch
- Castle on Chestnut, The
- Central Washington University
- Davidson Historic Building
- Dick and Jane’s Spot
- Ellensburg Train Depot
- Hubbell Historic Building
- Kittitas County Fair Grounds
- Olmstead Place State Park
- Upper Green Canyon
- Vintage Fuel Station
- Yakima River Canyon
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RELEVANT CONTACT INFORMATION
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Photo courtesy of Kittitas County Chamber of Commerce |
- Local Film Liaison – Amy McGuffin, Director of Tourism, (509) 925-2002, amy@kittitascountychamber.com
- Agency that issues permits and costs – Public Works Department, Jon Ackers, Director, (509) 962-7230 (street closures)
- Police or Sheriff’s Department or agency that handles traffic control – Ellensburg Police Department, Chief Dale Miller, (509) 962-7280
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DISTANCE TO CLOSEST LARGE AIRPORT
The Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is 112 miles away and the Spokane international Airport is 72 miles away.
CLOSEST LARGE CITIES ADJACENT
- 107 miles to Seattle
- 173 miles to Spokane
- 113 miles to Tri-Cities
- 70 miles to Wenatchee
- 36 miles to Yakima
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ACCOMMODATIONS
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Photo courtesy of Kittitas County Chamber of Commerce |
A full list is of accommodations in the Ellensburg area is available here.
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