10 Bucket List Things to Do in Leavenworth, Washington in Summer
Planning a trip to Leavenworth in Washington? Whether you’re from the area or not, it will be the getaway of a lifetime. It’s hard to know WHAT TO DO IN LEAVENWORTH while you’re there, so I’m here to help simplify it for you!
LEAVENWORTH, WASHINGTON IS BEAUTIFUL TO VISIT ANY TIME OF THE YEAR.
10 THINGS TO DO IN LEAVENWORTH YOU CAN’T MISS
Leavenworth is the perfect year-round destination. It’s very popular in the dead of winter due to the excessive christmas decor, the reindeer farm, and the towering mountains. In the summer, everyone comes outside to enjoy the rushing rivers, dense forest, and green mountains. You’re going to have so much fun!
1. EAT A GIANT PRETZEL
Anywhere you travel, you have to eat the food in the area. Leavenworth is a German-style village. The downtown area is pedestrian only, which is really quaint. You’ll notice cute shops, restaurants, and sometimes even people in German attire playing fun instruments. You can’t go to Leavenworth without eating a German Pretzel, Beer, and a Burger. There are so many delicious restaurants you can stop at before you head out. No matter what you choose, you won’t go wrong. Here are a few of my favorites.
YOU CAN’T VISIT LEAVENWORTH WITHOUT TRYING A BAVARIAN PRETZEL & BEER
WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT FOOD IN LEAVENWORTH?
I detailed all of the restaurants I visisted with meal suggestions and photos in my dedicated post HERE.
2. GRAB A SOUVENIR FROM THE CUTE DOWNTOWN SHOPS
I have a HUGE soft spot for small mountain town shops. They have the cutest souvenirs you couldn’t find anywhere else. There’s always cute clothing, decor, and snack shops. Leavenworth is also BURIED in beautiful flower displays. Make sure to pick up a unique gift to take home!
3. CAMP BY ICICLE RIVER
The Icicle River is a beautiful clear blue river that rushes through Leavenworth. Icicle Road starts by Downtown and continues down the river and eventually turns into a dirt road. There are dispersed and developed campgrounds (and hikes) in this area. I highly suggest spending one night camping by the river. If you can’t, make sure to spend some time hanging out by the river.
NEED OTHER CAMPING AND LODGING IDEAS?
Visit my post- The Best Places to Stay in Leavenworth: From Camping to Cabins to Hotels
4. GO FOR A HIKE
Leavenworth is surrounded by beautiful mountains. If you’re with others, you need to go for a hike. I was here on a business trip alone, and I promised my husband I wouldn’t hike alone since I wasn’t able to bring my personal protection on this trip. I felt plenty immersed in nature, so it was okay, but here’s some of the BEST HIKES IN LEAVENWORTH.
BEST HIKES IN LEAVENWORTH
COLCHUCK LAKE– 8.7 mi, 2,700 ft gain, 5 hour
ICICLE RIDGE OVERLOOK– 4.8 mi, 1,800 ft gain, 3 hour
SNOW LAKE TRAIL– 15.2 mi, 4,500 ft gain, 9 hour
THE ENCHANTMENTS TRAVERSE– 18 mi point to point, 4,700 ft gain, 1+ day, NEEDS PERMITS
HIKING SAFETY TIP
It’s BEAR COUNTRY. Don’t go hiking without 2/4 of the following: bear bell, bear spray, a knife, and a gun. SAFETY aways first. Be cautious about hiking alone- groups are safer.
5. RIDE AN ALPINE ROLLER COASTER
When you finally drive into downtown Leavenworth, you should be able to see its Alpine Rollercoaster up in the mountains. It’s definitely a unique feature. I didn’t have the chance to go, but I wanted to. The park was ALWAYS packed. Outside of the coaster, the adventure park also has mini golf, bungee, and rock climbing.
6. TAKE A WALK IN WATERFRONT PARK
The Waterfront Park is right behind the Downtown Area. It’s beautiful, with multi miles of tree lined trails and views of the river. Part of hte park is actually an island! Go behind the Post Hotel and walk across- that’s what I did.
7. SIP ON LOCAL CIDER
Cider is one of my favorite types of alcohol, and Leavenworth has PLENTY. I highly recommend the vanilla bean cider at Rein Haus. The waitor was nice enough to give me a private spot on the balcony overlooking the town, which was so sweet! You can also visit Leavenworth Cider House.
8. TAKE A TRIP TO THE SPA
After your adventures in Leavenworth, you may choose to RELAX and UNWIND in one of Leavenworth’s Spas. Here’s a few of the BEST SPAS IN LEAVENWORTH.
ALPINE SPA at Icicle Village
LUXURIOUS SPA at Posthotel Leavenworth
ASPEN LEAF SPA at Sleeping Lady Resort
9. STAY IN A BAVARIAN THEMED HOTEL
Nothing will make you feel more immersed in the culture of Leavenworth than staying in a Bavarian Lodge. I love the theme of the Downtown area, I couldn’t get enough. I was staying in a campervan to keep my trip low cost, but I would love to come back in the winter and stay in a lodge.
NEED ADVICE ON WHERE TO STAY
IN LEAVENWORTH?
Read my post: The Best Places to Stay in Leavenworth: From Camping to Cabins to Hotels
10. TASTE THE FAMOUS WHISTLEPUNK ICE CREAM
Whistlepunk Ice Cream is by far the MOST POPULAR ice cream shop in Leavenworth, and for a good reason. Every day I was there, the line was at least 40 people. I almost thought it wasn’t worth it, but waited in line and it was DEFINITELY worth it. Their flavors include salted caramel, blackberry fool, bertha’s caramel brownie, and maple pecan. It’s worth it, I promise. And boy, it smells SOOOOO GOOD.
FINAL THOUGHTS ABOUT THINGS TO DO IN LEAVENWORTH
Leavenworth is full of magical adventures, from sitting by the rushing Icicle River, to riding a horse-drawn carriage, to grabbing a pretzel and cider. It’s beautiful at every time of the year, but I highly recommend a summer trip. Happy Hiking!
