Overview
Maryhill Museum of Art sits on a dramatic basalt bluff above the Columbia River in Klickitat County, Washington, one of the most unlikely settings for a serious art collection in the American West. The building itself was originally conceived by entrepreneur and road advocate Sam Hill as a grand mansion, but it was never completed as a residence. Instead, with encouragement from his friend Queen Marie of Romania and Loie Fuller, the dancer and arts patron, it was repurposed as a museum, opening to the public in 1940.
The collection is genuinely eclectic and substantial. It includes a notable group of Auguste Rodin sculptures and drawings, a collection of Native American artifacts from the Columbia Plateau region, chess sets from around the world, and memorabilia gifted by Queen Marie of Romania — including furniture, ecclesiastical art, and royal regalia. Rotating exhibitions regularly supplement the permanent galleries.
The museum's remote location is part of its character. There are no suburbs, no strip malls — just high desert, sagebrush, and one of the most striking views of the Columbia River Gorge you will find anywhere along its length. That isolation makes it a genuine road-trip destination rather than an incidental stop, and visitors tend to arrive with intention.
Before You Go
Visas
Maryhill Museum is located in Washington State, USA. For visa and entry requirements, check TravelerPulse's Visas section and the official US Customs and Border Protection website, as rules vary significantly by nationality.
Admission & Hours
The museum is seasonal — it typically closes in winter. Verify current opening dates, hours, and admission fees directly on the official Maryhill Museum website (maryhillmuseum.org) before your visit, as these details change year to year.
What to Bring
- Water and snacks: the surrounding area has very limited services
- Sun protection: the high desert plateau is exposed and can be intensely sunny
- Layers: temperatures can shift significantly, especially in spring and fall
- A full tank of fuel before heading out — gas stations are sparse along this stretch of Highway 14
Accessibility
The museum building is historic. Verify current accessibility provisions with the museum directly if this is a priority for your visit.
Getting There
By Car
The museum is located at 35 Maryhill Museum Drive, Goldendale, WA 98620, along Washington State Route 14, which runs east-west along the Washington side of the Columbia River Gorge. From Portland, Oregon, the most common approach is to cross into Washington via the Sam Hill Memorial Bridge (Highway 97) at Biggs Junction and head west on SR-14 — roughly 100 miles from Portland, taking about 1.5 to 2 hours depending on traffic. From the Tri-Cities (Richland/Kennewick/Pasco) area in eastern Washington, head west on SR-14; the drive is approximately 90 miles.
By Public Transportation
There is no practical public transportation to the museum. A personal vehicle or rental car is essentially required. The nearest commercial airports are Portland International Airport (PDX) and Yakima Air Terminal (YKM); PDX is the more commonly used gateway for this area.
Road Conditions
SR-14 through the Gorge can be subject to high winds, ice, and occasional closures in winter. Check Washington State DOT (wsdot.wa.gov) for current road conditions before traveling in shoulder seasons.
Things to See & Do
At the Museum
- Rodin Collection: One of the more significant Rodin holdings in the American West, including sculptures and works on paper
- Native American Gallery: Artifacts from the Columbia Plateau peoples, including basketry, beadwork, and tools
- Queen Marie of Romania Galleries: Personal gifts and royal objects from the Romanian monarch, a genuinely unusual collection in an American museum context
- Chess Set Collection: Hundreds of chess sets from different cultures and periods
- Rotating Exhibitions: The museum hosts temporary shows that vary by season — check the website for current programming
- Sculpture Garden: The grounds offer outdoor sculpture alongside panoramic Gorge views; worth time even on its own
Nearby
The Sam Hill Memorial (Maryhill) Stonehenge — a full-scale replica of Stonehenge built by Sam Hill as a WWI memorial — is less than two miles from the museum and free to visit. The Goldendale Observatory State Park, about 12 miles north, is a public astronomical observatory open to visitors. These two stops pair naturally with the museum for a full day in the area.
Columbia River Gorge
The broader Gorge corridor offers hiking, windsurfing (particularly around Hood River), and scenic drives. The Washington side (SR-14) is less developed and less trafficked than the Oregon side's Historic Columbia River Highway, making it appealing for those who prefer quieter routes.
Food & Drink
The museum has an on-site café that operates during museum hours — verify availability and current offerings when you book. Do not plan around it as your sole option without confirming it is open.
The nearest town with more substantial dining options is Goldendale, approximately 12 miles north on US-97. Goldendale is a small county seat with a modest selection of local restaurants and a grocery store. Hood River, Oregon — accessible via the Hood River Bridge — offers a wider range of restaurants, cafes, and the well-regarded craft beer scene for which the Columbia River Gorge region is known.
Given the distances involved, many visitors pack a picnic lunch. The museum grounds and the adjacent Stonehenge site both offer pleasant outdoor spaces to eat on a good-weather day.
Practical Information
Cell Service
Cell coverage along SR-14 and at the museum itself is patchy. Download offline maps before departing and do not rely on real-time navigation throughout the route.
Fuel
Fill up before leaving a larger town. The area between the Tri-Cities and the museum has limited fuel stops.
Emergency Services
Klickitat County Sheriff's Office serves the area. For emergencies, dial 911. The nearest hospital is in Goldendale (Klickitat Valley Health); for major emergencies, patients are typically transported to larger facilities in the Tri-Cities or Portland area.
Photography
The museum has specific policies on interior photography. Check with staff on arrival regarding what is permitted in each gallery. Exterior and grounds photography is generally welcomed.
Museum Shop
The museum operates a gift shop with books, prints, and items related to the collections. Hours correspond to museum operating hours.
Safety
The museum and surrounding area are generally low-risk for visitors. The primary practical concerns are environmental rather than personal safety issues: heat and sun exposure in summer, high winds common to the Gorge year-round, and winter road hazards.
Driving SR-14 requires attention — the road is two lanes with sections of significant curves, and wind can affect larger vehicles. Rattlesnakes are present in the high desert terrain around the museum; stay on marked paths when walking the grounds.
The Columbia River itself presents currents that are stronger than they appear. If you stop at any river access points along SR-14, exercise appropriate caution.
