Cities and Towns in Walla Walla County, Washington
Founded in 1854, Walla Walla County is one of 39 counties in the state of Washington. Historically, Walla Walla County was formed from Skamania County. The city of Walla Walla is the county seat. With FIPS code of 71, Walla Walla County has a population of 62,584 and area of 1,270 square miles (3,289 km²).
List of all cities in Walla Walla County, WA alphabetically
City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
Burbank, WA | 99323 | 509 |
College Place, WA | 99324 | 509 |
Dixie, WA | 99329 | 509 |
Lowden, WA | 99360 | 509 |
Prescott, WA | 99348 | 509 |
Touchet, WA | 99360 | 509 |
Waitsburg, WA | 99361 | 509 |
Walla Walla, WA | 99362 | 509 |
Wallula, WA | 99363 | 509 |
Major Cities and Towns in Walla Walla County, Washington
Walla Walla
Location and History
- Area: 10.0 square miles
- Population: Approximately 35,000
- Zip Codes: 99362, 99363
- Latitude: 46.0622° N
- Longitude: 118.3305° W
Walla Walla, the county seat of Walla Walla County, is located in southeastern Washington, near the Oregon border. The city’s name comes from the Native American Walla Walla tribe, whose name means “many waters,” referring to the region’s abundant rivers. Founded as a trading post in the early 19th century, Walla Walla developed into a vital hub for agriculture, particularly wheat farming, and was incorporated in 1856. The city played a significant role in the early history of the Pacific Northwest, including its involvement in the Oregon Trail and as a center for military activity during the Indian Wars. Over time, Walla Walla has transformed into a city known for its wine industry, historic downtown, and high-quality education institutions.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Walla Walla is home to Walla Walla University, a private liberal arts institution, and Whitman College, a prestigious liberal arts college that has earned national recognition. The city’s public schools are part of the Walla Walla Public Schools district, which includes Walla Walla High School. Prominent landmarks in the city include Fort Walla Walla Park, which preserves a historic military post, and The Walla Walla Foundry, an art gallery known for its public sculptures. Walla Walla’s downtown historic district features charming streets lined with local shops, restaurants, and galleries. The Pioneer Park offers green spaces, walking trails, and sports facilities. Walla Walla is also famous for its wine country, with vineyards and tasting rooms scattered throughout the area, attracting tourists from across the world. The Walla Walla Valley Wine Trail is a key feature of the city’s economy and cultural appeal.
College Place
Location and History
- Area: 3.1 square miles
- Population: Approximately 9,000
- Zip Codes: 99324
- Latitude: 46.0737° N
- Longitude: 118.3145° W
College Place is a small city located just south of Walla Walla, originally founded as a college town. The city was incorporated in 1946, but its history dates back to the founding of Walla Walla College (now Walla Walla University) in 1892, which became a central institution for the community. College Place’s economy has always been tied to education, agriculture, and its proximity to Walla Walla. Over the years, College Place has transitioned into a suburban community while maintaining a strong connection to the university. The city is characterized by its quiet residential neighborhoods, agricultural surroundings, and easy access to Walla Walla’s urban amenities.
Major Schools and Landmarks
College Place is served by the College Place School District, which includes College Place High School and Harvard Elementary School. The city’s most notable institution is Walla Walla University, a Seventh-day Adventist school that brings a youthful energy to the area. Key landmarks include the university’s College Place Campus, with beautiful historic buildings like the Kirkman House, which houses a museum dedicated to the history of the region. The city is also home to College Place City Park, a popular location for picnics, walking, and community events. The surrounding area is agricultural, with expansive farmlands offering a picturesque rural landscape. While College Place is smaller than Walla Walla, its close proximity to the larger city allows residents and visitors to enjoy the cultural and economic benefits of both.
Milton-Freewater
Location and History
- Area: 3.7 square miles
- Population: Approximately 7,000
- Zip Codes: 97862
- Latitude: 45.9244° N
- Longitude: 118.4006° W
Milton-Freewater is a small city located on the Oregon-Washington border, in the southwestern corner of Walla Walla County. The city was formed by the merger of two neighboring towns: Milton, founded in the 1870s, and Freewater, which was settled a few years later. Originally a farming community, the area has a long history of agricultural development, particularly in fruit production and later, wine-making. Milton-Freewater was incorporated as a combined city in 1951, and it remains an important agricultural hub in the region. Today, the city thrives as a center for agriculture, particularly for vineyards, orchards, and wineries, as well as for its proximity to the Walla Walla Valley wine region.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Milton-Freewater is served by the Milton-Freewater School District, which includes Milton-Freewater High School and Freewater Elementary School. The city is known for its agricultural activities, with large fields of grapes, apples, and pears. Local landmarks include the Milton-Freewater City Park, which offers green spaces for recreation, picnicking, and sporting activities. The Milton-Freewater Public Library serves as an educational and cultural hub, and the Greater Milton-Freewater Area Historical Society offers insight into the city’s farming and agricultural history. The city is also home to several wineries and vineyards, which attract wine enthusiasts from across the region, especially as part of the Walla Walla Valley Wine Trail. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy activities along the Umatilla River, which runs just south of the city, offering opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and wildlife viewing.
Waitsburg
Location and History
- Area: 1.3 square miles
- Population: Approximately 1,300
- Zip Codes: 99361
- Latitude: 46.3520° N
- Longitude: 118.1737° W
Waitsburg is a small city located in the foothills of the Blue Mountains, in the northern part of Walla Walla County. Originally established in 1859, Waitsburg is one of the oldest towns in the area, founded by a group of settlers and named after Waits, a settler who was instrumental in establishing the town. The town flourished as a stopover for travelers during the stagecoach era and as a key commercial center for the surrounding wheat-farming community. Waitsburg was incorporated in 1868 and developed a strong agricultural economy, which remains central to its identity today.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Waitsburg is served by the Waitsburg School District, which includes Waitsburg High School and Waitsburg Elementary School. The city is known for its historic Waitsburg Opera House, a grand building that dates back to the late 1800s and serves as a cultural center for the town. Waitsburg’s main street is lined with beautifully preserved Victorian-era buildings that reflect the town’s rich history. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy Rattlesnake Ridge, which offers scenic hiking and breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The Touchet River runs near the town, providing opportunities for fishing and wildlife watching. Waitsburg is also known for its agricultural heritage, with farms and vineyards nearby that contribute to the region’s thriving wine industry. The town hosts events such as the Waitsburg Harvest Festival, which celebrates its rural and agricultural roots.
Prescott
Location and History
- Area: 0.8 square miles
- Population: Approximately 300
- Zip Codes: 99348
- Latitude: 46.0363° N
- Longitude: 118.3240° W
Prescott is a small rural town located in the southeastern corner of Walla Walla County, near the Oregon border. Founded in the late 19th century, Prescott was originally a station on the railroad and served as a small farming community. The town was incorporated in 1902 and is named after Prescott, a railroad executive. Prescott has always had a focus on agriculture, particularly wheat and livestock. Over time, the town has remained small but maintains a tight-knit community with deep agricultural roots. It serves as a quiet and peaceful location for those seeking a rural lifestyle while being relatively close to the larger city of Walla Walla.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Prescott is served by the Prescott School District, which includes Prescott High School. The town has several small community landmarks, including the Prescott Community Park, a local gathering place for outdoor activities and picnics. The surrounding rural landscape offers scenic views of wheat fields, farms, and the Blue Mountains. Prescott is known for its agricultural history, with local farms and ranches providing much of the area’s economy. The town is a short drive from the Touchet River, offering opportunities for fishing and outdoor recreation. Despite its small size, Prescott’s rich farming history and peaceful rural setting make it a unique part of Walla Walla County.