by Jackie Ann
Maryhill is a tiny little town that’s home to fewer than 100 people. Located right on the Washington/Oregon border, this tiny but mighty town is home to one of the most unique attractions in the entire state. It’s not every day that you stumble across a full-scale replica of England’s Stonehenge in Washington, but that’s exactly what you’ll find in this scenic corner of the state.
It was dedicated in 1918 to the servicemen of Klickitat County who died serving their country during World War I.
It was completed in 1929, re-dedicated, and on display for all to enjoy.
America’s Stonehenge is remarkably similar to England’s.
Hill had originally intended to use rock but had to switch to reinforced concrete. The rough texture was created by lining the wooden molds with crumpled tin, which makes it look like it’s been there for centuries.
The altar stone was even placed strategically to align with the summer solstice sunrise, modeled after the original.
As luck would have it, there was a total solar eclipse in 1918, and many of the best astronomers in the country were in the area. After consulting with them, the altar stone was moved to align with the astronomical horizon rather than the midsummer sunrise, resulting in a three-degree difference between the replica and the original.
Visitors can walk in and around the Stonehenge Memorial, free of charge.
While you may not be able to use this Stonehenge as an astronomical calendar, it’s a phenomenal spot to do some stargazing.
Bring your camera and tripod and shoot for the stars!
The views of the Columbia Gorge are one in a million.
Day or night, the Stonehenge Memorial’s views will leave you speechless.
Nearby, you’ll find the Maryhill Museum of Art.
Nestled along a beautiful 5,300-acre site, the museum features a wide range of exhibitions, plus a cafe where you can enjoy coffee and/or lunch alongside stunning views of the Columbia River Gorge.
Visit the Maryhill Museum of Art’s website to learn more and start planning your epic road trip today. Speaking of road trips, here are some of our favorite road trips in Washington that will lead you to some of the most picturesque parts of the state.
Address: Stonehenge Drive, Stonehenge Dr, Maryhill, WA 98620, USA
Take A Hike To A Washington Attraction That’s Like The Miniature Stonehenge
If you paid even a moderate amount of attention in your history classes, you probably recall learning about Stonehenge. This ancient, Neolithic structure located in Wiltshire (England) is actually the most well-known prehistoric monument in Europe, drawing in more than 800,000 tourists each year.
But you don’t have to go all the way to the U.K. to visit Stonehenge. Assuming you’ll accept a realistic, real life replica, all you have to do is drive to Goldendale.The Maryhill Museum of Art is a gorgeous 53,000-acre property on the outskirts of Goldendale.
The museum’s fascinating history goes back to 1907, when Samuel Hill purchased the land hoping to establish a Quaker farming community. Fortunately, what transpired ended up being much better.
The museum overlooks the Columbia River Gorge, so visiting is a visual treat in more ways than one.
This is a place where the outdoor attractions, like the vistas, overlooks, and gardens, are just as appealing as the exhibits you’ll see inside.
While the Stonehenge Memorial is owned and operated by the Maryhill Museum, the monument itself is located three miles east of the property.
The monument is easily accessible from Highway 14.
Stonehenge Memorial was built by museum founder Samuel Hill himself.
Hill, who was a Quaker and a pacifist, incorrectly believed that the original Stonehenge was built as a place of human sacrifice. Concluding there was a parallel between the loss of life in World War I and the sacrifices at Stonehenge, he decided to build a replica on the cliffs of the Columbia as a reminder of those sacrifices.
The Stonehenge Memorial is dedicated to the 14 soldiers and sailors of Klickitat County who lost their lives in World War I.
Until recent years, small ceremonies were held here on the death anniversaries of each of the 14 men. The ceremonies have been postponed since 2020, but they will resume eventually.
Recently, the memorial was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
And considering how hard Samuel Hill worked to make this an exact replica of the original structure, we’d say that’s an honor that has been well-earned.
The Maryhill Museum of Art makes a wonderful day trip destination, and that should always include a trip over to the Stonehenge Memorial.
Both Stonehenge Memorial and the Klickitat County Veterans Memorial are open daily from 7 a.m. until dusk, and admission is free.
Have you ever visited the Maryhill Museum of Art?
Address: Stonehenge Memorial, Stonehenge Dr, Goldendale, WA 98620, USA
Distance to Destination:
Seattle to Goldendale: 3 hours, 22 Minutes
Spokane to Goldendale: 3 hours, 46 minutes
Vancouver to Goldendale: 2 hours, 1 min.
Yakima to Goldendale: 1 hour, 15 mins.
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