Historic Things to Do in Woodinville: For The History Buff

If you’re looking for historic things to do look no further than Woodinville Wine Country. Originally settled by the Woodins in the 1800s, many visitors come to Woodinville for the famous wineries but stay for the area’s rich heritage and history. From Washington’s oldest winery to famous manors and more, explore some of the top historical attractions that draw visitors to Woodinville.

Learn about the history of Woodinville at the Woodinville Heritage Society’s Museum

Established in 1975, the Woodinville Heritage Society is a non-profit organization whose mission is to acquire, preserve, and perpetuate the artifacts and history of Woodinville and the greater area.

One of the area’s top historical things to do, the Heritage Museum is located in the former DeYoung House built in 1931 and run by volunteers.

Hours for Woodinville Heritage Society’s Museum

  • Summer (Memorial Day, May to Labor Day, September): Every Sunday 1 pm – 4 pm
  • Winter (Labor Day, September to Memorial Day, May): First Sunday of the Month 1pm – 4pm

Have lunch at the Maryhill Winery Tasting Room & Bistro in the Historic Hollywood Schoolhouse

Another top historical attraction in Washington’s greater Woodinville area, The Maryhill Winery Tasting Room and Bistro is the perfect spot to enjoy Washington State wine and have a bite to eat in the Hollywood Schoolhouse, a landmark of the Sammamish Valley.

History of Hollywood Schoolhouse at Maryhill Winery

Nestled withing one of the top historical landmarks in the area, Maryhill’s third satellite tasting room is in Woodinville, Washington. Located just 30 minutes northeast of Seattle, Woodinville Wine Country is home to more than 100 wineries and tasting rooms representing every appellation in Washington.

Maryhill Winery will occupy nearly 10,000 square feet of Woodinville’s historic Hollywood Schoolhouse, a beloved landmark since its construction by the Derby School District in 1912. Steeped in history, the Hollywood Schoolhouse has been everything from a school to a dance hall to a roller-skating rink.

Today, the Hollywood Schoolhouse has been restored to its turn-of-the-century style, down to the grand ballroom’s hardwood floors, antique bar, and brick fireplace, making it a must-see attraction for history buffs visiting the area. Maryhill occupies the grand ballroom and upper floor, along with a full commercial kitchen, which Maryhill utilizes for visitors, special events, and rentals.

Visitors will be able to enjoy Maryhill’s wide selection of Washington wines from both inside the lovingly restored building and outside among the beautiful gardens and outdoor balconies.

Take a Walk Through the Woodinville Cemetery

Another must-see historic thing to do is take the opportunity to visit the Woodinville Cemetery and see where Woodinville’s pioneers and other residents through the years have been buried.

Pro Tip: To see the oldest graves in the cemetery, make sure to visit Blocks 1 and 2 on the east side by 132nd Ave NE.

History of Woodinville Cemetery

In 1888, Ira and Susan Woodin, for whom Woodinville is named, donated one acre from the southeast portion of their homestead to the community for a cemetery.

The cemetery was given the name of Woodinville Recessional Memorial Mead and was operated by the Woodinville Cemetery Association.

 In 1910, the Woodin Family donated an additional acre to the association. Many of Woodinville’s pioneers have been laid to rest in what is known by locals simply as the Woodinville Cemetery, making it a top destination for history buffs in Washington.

Take a Grand Estate Tour at Chateau Ste. Michelle

Woodinville now is home to over 130+ tasting rooms, but if you are interested in learning about the history of Woodinville’s farming and winemaking then a tour of Chateau Ste Michelle is a must-do for historic things to do.

Chateau Ste Michelle is built on the estate of Seattle lumber baron, Fredrick Stimson, and has been a pioneer in Washington Wine as one of the state’s oldest with over 50 years of winemaking. Enhance your trip with a Grand Estate Tour experience that includes a guided walking tour through the estate and a tasting of their limited-released wines paired with small bites.

History of the Stimson Manor House

In 1912, Fred and Nellie Stimson built the manor house as their weekend and summer home after purchasing 200 acres along the Squak Slough, and eventually, the Hollywood Farm became famous for its fresh flowers and cattle. By 1918 the Stimsons moved there as their primary residence. Today, the Hollywood Farm is a city of Woodinville Historic Landmark and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

History of Chateau Ste. Michelle

Chateau Ste. Michelle is Washington State’s oldest winery, one of the Seattle area’s top visitor attractions and known for its highly acclaimed Chardonnay, Merlot, Riesling and Cabernet.

An award-winning winery, Chateau Ste. Michelle receives some of the highest accolades in the industry, including “American Winery of the Year 2004″ by Wine Enthusiast magazine, and continues to receive awards and accolades to this day. 

Browse the wine shop for award-winning wines, unique gifts and Northwest cheeses to enjoy on beautiful grounds.

End Your Day with Dinner and Drinks at the Hollywood Tavern

End your day enjoying a burger and Signature Woodinville Whiskey Milkshake (or try one of their delicious seasonal specials!) around the fire pit on the Hollywood Tavern’s outdoor patio, where visitors can unwind and relax while taking in Woodinville’s historic scenery.

History of Hollywood Tavern

The Hollywood Tavern is an historic wine country tavern and restaurant that brings community together with inventive craft cocktails, expressive tavern fare and a fun, informal atmosphere. 

In 1922, Andrew Larson established the Hollywood Corner Service Station on this site across the road from the famous Hollywood Dairy Farm, now home to Chateau Ste. Michelle winery.

Later in 1947, shortly after the end of World War II, Mabel Nieman bought the property and converted the station into the original Hollywood Tavern. Mabel was a fixture in town, dispensing drink, advice, and the occasional scolding to the farmers, loggers, and mill workers who called the valley home.

Transformed in 2013, our celebrated little roadhouse in the heart of Woodinville maintains its original character and honors its eclectic history as a top thing to do.

Conclusion

Woodinville Wine Country offers a unique blend of history and modern charm, making it an ideal destination for history buffs. From historic wineries to preserved landmarks and memorial sites, each stop reveals a piece of the area’s past. Whether you’re exploring the origins of Washington wine at Chateau Ste. Michelle or visiting the final resting place of the town’s pioneers, Woodinville’s rich heritage is sure to leave a lasting impression. So, come for the wine and stay for the stories that have shaped this beautiful region.