Explore the Solar System Without Leaving the Tri‑Cities

What if you could travel from the Sun to Neptune in a single day?

In the Tri-Cities, you can.

The Hanford Reach Solar System transforms the Mid-Columbia into one of the most unique outdoor attractions in Washington. Stretching nearly 80 miles across the region, this interactive, to-scale model of our solar system invites visitors to walk, bike, or drive from planet to planet while exploring riverfront parks, museums, wineries, and neighboring communities along the way.

This project is a community-wide collaboration that brings together science, art, education, and exploration. Created through the combined efforts of educators, scientists, artists, engineers, students, and community partners, each installation blends scientific discovery with creativity, inspiring visitors to see both our universe (and the Tri-Cities) from a new perspective.

Whether you're traveling with curious kids, looking for a one-of-a-kind outdoor adventure, or simply searching for something different to do, this is an experience that's truly out of this world.

Best of all, the Hanford Reach Solar System is free to explore, making it one of the Tri-Cities' most unique family-friendly attractions.

The Hanford Reach Solar System is built to an astonishing 1:1 billion scale. At that scale, every step represents millions of miles through space.

Earth is located less than a mile from the Sun, making it an easy walk along the Columbia River. Neptune, however, lies nearly 30 miles away in Prosser, giving visitors a powerful sense of just how enormous our solar system really is.

It's one thing to read about the distances between planets. It's another to experience them for yourself.

Every mission starts at The REACH Museum in Richland, home to the project's striking 40-foot Solar Arches. Representing the Sun, this impressive landmark serves as the gateway to your journey through the solar system while introducing visitors to the science, engineering, and community collaboration behind the project.

Before heading to your next planet, take time to explore The REACH Museum and learn more about the natural and cultural history that makes the Tri-Cities unique.

Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars are all close enough to explore on foot or by bicycle along the scenic Sacagawea Heritage Trail. Following the Columbia River, this 23-mile paved trail loops through Richland, Kennewick, and Pasco, connecting riverfront parks, public art, scenic overlooks, and some of the region's most beautiful waterfront landscapes.

As you travel from planet to planet, an ordinary walk or bike ride becomes an interplanetary expedition. Stop for coffee along the river, enjoy lunch on a waterfront patio, or simply take in the views as you discover just how vast our solar system really is.

The paved trail is ideal for walkers, cyclists, strollers, and wheelchairs, making the inner planets accessible for visitors of nearly every age and ability.

Families especially enjoy this portion of the adventure, where kids can compare planet sizes, discover fun space facts, and watch the planets gradually spread farther apart as they journey away from the Sun.

Once you've reached Jupiter, it's time to continue your mission by car.

The outer planets transform the experience into a regional road trip, introducing visitors to several Mid-Columbia communities while showcasing just how immense our solar system truly is.

Along the way you'll discover:

• Jupiter near Richland's riverfront and Howard Amon Park
• Saturn at USS Triton Sail Park in Richland
• Uranus along the Benton City Path
• Neptune in Prosser, also known as the birthplace of Washington wine

Each stop offers an opportunity to experience another corner of the Tri-Cities region while learning about our place in the universe.

Ready to make your adventure even more memorable?

Before launching your mission, stop by the Tri-Cities Visitor Center or The REACH Museum to pick up a free Hanford Reach Solar System Explorer Passport.

As you journey from planet to planet, place your passport over the planet's symbol and create a rubbing to commemorate your visit. Record the date, jot down a fun observation, and watch your passport fill with memories from across the solar system.

Your passport also includes a map to help guide your adventure, making it easy to explore all 11 planetary and dwarf planet locations throughout the region.

When you've completed your mission, return your finished passport to the Tri-Cities Visitor Center or The REACH Museum to receive your Solar System Explorer Prize—the perfect souvenir of your interplanetary journey.

Prefer a digital adventure? Download the free Adventure Lab® by Geocaching app before you head out to access the Hanford Reach Solar System Digital Passport. As you visit each planet, you'll unlock fascinating facts, complete location-based challenges, and track your progress across the solar system.

Once you've completed your mission, return to the Visitor Center to claim a special prize. Whether you finish your mission in one day or spread it across an entire weekend, the passport experience adds another layer of discovery for explorers of all ages.

One of the best things about the Hanford Reach Solar System is that you can experience it at your own pace.

• 30–60 minutes: Explore the Sun and the inner planets along the riverfront.
• 2–3 hours: Continue through Saturn while enjoying parks and waterfront attractions.
• Half day: Drive to Uranus and Neptune while exploring Benton City and Prosser.
• Weekend adventure: Visit every planet while discovering museums, wineries, restaurants, and outdoor recreation throughout the region.

The Hanford Reach Solar System can be enjoyed year-round, but spring, early summer, and fall offer especially comfortable weather for walking or biking the inner planets. During the warmer months, pair your adventure with kayaking, patio dining, or an evening concert along the Columbia River to make the most of your visit.

Inspired to learn more about the universe? The Tri-Cities is home to several attractions that make it easy to keep exploring long after you've reached Neptune.

CPCCo Planetarium at Columbia Basin College offers immersive shows that bring the night sky, planets, and distant galaxies to life. Whether you're visiting with young explorers or lifelong astronomy enthusiasts, it's a fascinating way to experience the universe from a whole new perspective.

For those who enjoy stargazing, the Observatory at Columbia Basin College provides opportunities to observe celestial objects through powerful telescopes during public viewing events held throughout the year. On clear evenings, visitors can see the Moon's craters, distant planets, star clusters, and galaxies while learning from local astronomy experts.

The Tri-Cities is also home to LIGO Hanford Observatory, one of only two facilities in the United States capable of detecting gravitational waves—tiny ripples in space-time created by some of the universe's most dramatic events, including colliding black holes and neutron stars. Public tours and educational programs offer a fascinating look at one of the world's most significant scientific discoveries and the groundbreaking research taking place right here in Eastern Washington.

Together with the Hanford Reach Solar System, these attractions make the Tri-Cities an unexpected destination for science lovers, curious minds, and anyone inspired to explore the wonders of our universe.

The Hanford Reach Solar System isn't confined to a museum or science center. It stretches across riverfront parks, walking trails, vineyards, and neighboring communities, inviting visitors to experience the Tri-Cities in a way that's equal parts adventure, education, and exploration.

Whether you're walking to Earth, driving to Neptune, or simply discovering a new favorite stop along the way, every planet offers another opportunity to explore the Mid-Columbia.

Because in the Tri-Cities, you don't have to leave Earth to explore the solar system.