During your visit to this Richland, Washington attraction, discover the story of the Columbia Basin and surrounding region through permanent and special exhibitions. The Columbia River Exhibition also offers shopping in its Gift Shop.
Columbia River Exhibition Exhibits
Indigenous Wildlife
Start your visit to the Columbia River Exhibition in the Indigenous Wildlife exhibit. From ring-necked pheasants, coyotes, goshawks and mule deer, come face to face with some of the wildlife that inhabits the Columbia Basin.
The “Secret City” Revealed
The “Secret City” Revealed focuses on Hanford’s role in World War II. As you explore the exhibit, you will discover how Hanford was involved in World War II as the history behind one of the U.S. Government’s most important secret war projects, the Manhattan Project, unfolds.
Three Faces of Richland
Three Face explores the humble beginnings of Richland, Washington and its evolution into a prosperous community. As you explore the exhibit, historical photos and displays bring Richland to life.
Day’s Pay
During World War II, 51,000 employees of the Hanford Engineer Works contributed to the war effort by donating a day’s wages for the construction of a Boeing B-17 bomber. The Boeing B-17 bomber was constructed by Boeing in Seattle and named “Day’s Pay” in honor of the Hanford workers who donated it. Today the Columbia River Exhibition displays a unique replica of Day’s Pay and photos in memory of this crowning and selfless achievement.
Signs of the Time
Signs uncovered in a pit located on the Hanford site are displayed in Signs of the Time and among the few tangible items from Hanford’s early days. One of the signs highlighted in the exhibit is a profile of Hitler which hung on the outside of the Savings Bond building.
Hanford Reactors
Learn about plutonium production in Hanford Reactors. Within the exhibit are models of Hanford’s K, N and Fast Flux Test Reactors. Knowledgeable docents are available to provide you with information about plutonium production and answer any questions you may have.
Science Lab
Explore science in the Columbia River Exhibition’s Science Lab. Interactive labs throughout the exhibit let you launch objects with a catapult, power a motor and solve math problems using a life-sized abacus.
Geological History of the Northwest
Geological History of the Northwest features a mural of Northwest Geology that displays the Cascade volcanic activity and its relationship to the Northwest junction of the continental and oceanic plates. Accompanying the mural is a Pacific Northwest rock display that reveals where and how the rocks were formed.
Lewis and Clark: Scientists in Buckskins
The Lewis and Clark: Scientists in Buckskins exhibit is designed to explain the science behind the exploration and to help visitors understand the use of surveying equipment, ethnology, animals, plants, and climatology recorded by this historic expedition. See reproductions of the surveying instruments originally used on the expedition for mapping and try your hand at using traditional navigational tools. Preservation techniques and photos of specimens the explorer scientists collected are also showcased in Lewis and Clark: Scientists in Buckskins. Additionally, the exhibit features computerized components that will allow you to become a simulated member of the Corps of Discovery.
ABC Homes
Learn about Hanford houses. The ABC Homes exhibit features plans and photographs of houses built during World War II, the interwar period and the Korean War used to house Hanford workers. Be sure to watch the exhibits featured presentation Alphabet Homes, The Story of Richland.
Stop by the Columbia River Exhibition’s Gift Shop. Gifts and keepsakes related to the Columbia River Exhibition and Washington are available to purchase and include books and DVDs, apparel and accessories and home décor.
Travel Tip
- The Columbia River Exhibition is ADA compliant.