Yakima, Washington

The City of Yakima is located in the Heart of Central Washington State and in the Yakima Valley. It is the county seat of Yakima County and has a population of approximately 93,000 people. Here are some details on the geography, history, attractions, transportation, and education of Yakima.

Geography

Yakima is situated in the Yakima Valley, which is surrounded by the Cascade Range to the west and the Columbia Plateau to the east. The city covers an area of approximately 27 square miles and is located at an elevation of 1,066 feet above sea level.

History

The area that is now Yakima was originally inhabited by several Native American tribes, including the Yakama, who gave the city its name. The city was officially incorporated in 1883 and has since grown into a major agricultural and transportation hub.

Attractions

Yakima offers a variety of attractions, including the Yakima Valley Museum, which showcases the history and culture of the region, and the Yakima Area Arboretum, which features over 1,000 species of plants and trees. The city is also home to several parks and natural areas, including the Yakima Greenway, which offers over 20 miles of scenic trails along the Yakima River. Yakima is known for its wine industry, with over 120 wineries in the surrounding area, and is home to the annual Yakima Valley Wine Festival.

Transportation

Yakima is served by the Yakima Air Terminal, which offers daily flights to and from Seattle and other major cities. The city is also connected to Seattle and other major cities by several major highways, including Interstate 82 and US Route 97. Yakima Transit provides bus service throughout the city and surrounding areas.

Education

Yakima is home to several institutions of higher learning, including Yakima Valley College, which offers associate degrees and vocational programs, and Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences, which is a graduate medical school. The city's public school system is operated by the Yakima School District and serves approximately 16,000 students in grades K-12.

Yakima is a diverse and vibrant city with a rich history and culture. Its location in the heart of Washington's wine country offers endless opportunities for outdoor recreation and wine tasting, while its downtown area is known for its unique shops, restaurants, and historic architecture.

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