Farms, winery and museum on tour with Maryhill Museum

Agriculture is the primary economic and social force in Klickitat County. Its rolling prairies and high plateau regions have been active centers for farming and ranching since 1859.

With a 6,000 acre land base, Maryhill Museum shares some of the same interests as its farming and ranching neighbors. In a very real sense, the museum is a place where agriculture and art interact on a daily basis.

The farm tour program is in conjunction with the two exhibitions, Sustaining Change on the American Farm and Honoring Klickitat County Farms, featured at the Museum through July 30.

"The farms and ranches that surround the Museum are truly inspiring, and the best in the American farming tradition," said Colleen Schafroth, executive director. "They are all family operations, rich in history."

Tour leaders are Bonnie Beeks, president, Klickitat County Historical Society, and Dick Wheelhouse, past chair of the Museum's Ranchlands Committee.

Stops will include the history of farming in the region, farms that specialize in dry land farming, diversification of crops, plus the growing local wine industry and even contemporary wind farms.

The tour will also travel over Dalles Mountain Road and includes stops within the Columbia Hills State Park.

"Be sure to bring your camera," said Wheelhouse. "There are lots of wildflowers and spectacular views."

Tickets for the tour are $30, $25 for museum members, and include a box lunch and drink as well as admission to Maryhill Museum and the Presby Mansion.

For more information or to purchase a ticket, contact the Museum at 509-773-3733 or by e-mail at maryhill@maryhillmuseum.org.