Museum at Keewaydin
Located in near Historic Downtown Kennewick, the Museum at Keewaydin is dedicated to preserving the rich and diverse heritage of East Benton County. From pioneer settlements to local industry and culture, the museum captures the everyday lives and legacies of the people who helped shape the region.
Interpreting a Land Shaped by Science, Nature, and War
Founded in 1978 and housed in a distinctive museum building praised for its design, the Museum at Keewaydin offers a deep look at the Mid-Columbia’s local story. Its exhibits span Native American heritage, early settler life, agriculture, transportation, and civic growth. Visitors can explore recreated rooms, hands-on displays, and special collections like the museum’s notable petrified wood floor and preserved Columbia River petroglyphs.
The museum is built on a mission of community engagement, with a strong emphasis on education, preservation, and local storytelling. Seasonal exhibits, family programming, and volunteer efforts keep the space vibrant and relevant, while long-term displays help illuminate how the region grew through both continuity and change.
While the museum is not focused on the Manhattan Project, it does provide valuable context for understanding what East Benton County looked like before, during, and after the war, offering a civilian lens on a region that found itself adjacent to one of the most secretive efforts in American history.
