Benton City                                   

Down on Main Street….

If you’re looking for peace and quiet, Benton City, located where the Yakima Valley meets the Columbia Basin, might be the perfect place.  Plenty of fresh air and open space and only ten minutes away from all the amenities of the Tri-Cities, Washington’s fastest growing metro area, this small town with a population of approximately 3,000 may be the ideal choice for someone seeking a different kind of pace in their life.  Surrounded by vineyards, orchards, and numerous farms, Benton City has a charm all to its own. Sperlings' website rated Benton City as one of the top places to live.

HISTORY

Benton City was founded in 1909 by a railway engineer names F.L. Pitman.  Benton City continued to be noted for its railway as it location was the junction between the Walla Walla and North Yakima lines.  The railroad industry continued to dominate the area for some time.  In 1945 the town was incorporated.  It was during the forties that the building of Handord began.  Today industry in the area has expanded; with everything from agriculture and construction to the scientific and technical markets.

Recreation 

Like other towns in the area recreation activities are abound.  With part of the town located adjacent to Yakima River water sports come calling.  Some of the finest bass fishing is found in the river as well as steelhead and other varieties of fish.   Kayaking is also a popular activity in this area.  The Tapteal Water Trail is a stretch of rive that starts in Benton City and ends at Bateman Island approximately thirty miles downstream.  The Tapteal Greenway Trail is the land side hiking trail that parallels this same stretch of river.  In addition to this there are many other outdoor activities such as the many hiking tails in the nearby hills, or hang gliding, horseback riding or maybe something closer to town such as the rodeo.  At a city level there are numerous annual events that one can choose from as well.  Examples included the Children’s Easter Egg hunt, the Ki-Be all School Reunion Picnic, as well as many other events associated with various holidays such as the Downtown Trick or Treat, or the Winterfest with its many holiday bazaars.  One of the most notable events is the Red Mountain AVA Block party celebration the local wineries with taste testing as well as walks through some of the vineyard themselves.  With all the Benton City also offers up numerous activities.    For those folks more on the retired side of life one can get together wit h fellow neighbors at the Meals on Wheels dining site for a nutritious meal or snack.  Sponsored by the Mid-Columbia Meals on Wheels program it’s a great way to relax and chat up with other folks.  The dining site is open at 9:30 AM Monday through Friday and lunch is served at 11:30. The site is located at the Benton City Desert Rose Housing building.  

Benton City offers up all of what a quiet rural community has to offer plus all the benefits of a metropolitan area due to its proximity to the Tri-Cites area.  With its quiet neighborhoods, Craftsman style homes, farmhouses.  One can take a step back from the hurried life and relax, all at affordable levels.  With a focus towards schools, family activities, and abundant happenings in general, there is always something to do.  Whether it might be something as adventurous as hang gliding or maybe something a bit lower key such as one of the many community events; here in Benton City, one can feel right at home.

Fun Fact-

The Kendall Barn is one of the oldest buildings in the town of Benton City.  The cement barn belonging to T.B. Kendall was said to be built with strawberry farm money.