^TM

Ride the Rails Through the Nifty Fifties

A model railroad exhibit with a 1950s town and a Columbia Gorge scene is currently open at the Columbia River Exhibition of History, Science &Technology (CREHST) in Richland, Washington. The layout, constructed by the Tri-City Model Railroaders for CREHST, has operational passenger and freight trains, with realistic details even to the basalt columns in the Gorge. The exhibit will be open through August 2005.

The Northern Pacific trains (HO scale) run through a typical Mid-Columbia town with a depot, shops, houses, people, and vehicles. Local industries represented include a grain elevator and fruit-packing house.

The Columbia River Exhibition of History, Science, and Technology (CREHST) is a museum and science center created to tell the dynamic story of the Columbia Basin and surrounding region.

This facility features a variety of two- and three-dimensional exhibits and displays. Visitors will be entertained with interactive, hands-on displays and activities. From primitive irrigation systems to the development and use of robotics, you will enjoy a fascinating journey through the unique Columbia Basin region. In one afternoon, you can; travel the years from prehistoric time through the nuclear age, discover the unique history and geology of the Columbia River, uncover the secrets of nuclear technology and molecular science, encounter the vast agricultural fields of the Columbia Basin, and explore hydroelectric power.

CREHST is open Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday noon to five. Admission prices: adults $3.50, seniors $2.50, and students (7-16) $2.75. Please call ahead for group tours of ten and a discounted admission.

Getting to CREHST

From the West:

From Seattle, take I-90 E to Ellensburg, then I-82 through Yakima and down through the Yakima valley to Exit 102, "Richland."

Take exit 102 onto I-182, then take exit 5, "Geo. Wash. Way."

Follow George Washington Way north to Lee Boulevard (there are signs for CREHST, and"Jackson's" Sports Bar will be to your right at the stoplight at George Washington Way and Lee). Turn right on Lee, toward the river and Howard Amon Park, then right again behind Jackson's and proceed past Jackson's to the far parking lot. CREHST will be on your left, overlooking the park.

From western Oregon, take I-84 E to I-82 at Umatilla, then I-82 across the Columbia River and over the Horse Heaven Hills to exit 102, then proceed as above.

From the East:

From eastern Washington and northern Idaho, take I-90 W to Ritzville, then Highway 395 south to Pasco and I-182. Take I-182 W to exit 5, then proceed as above.

From eastern Oregon and southern Idaho, take I-84 W to Umatilla, then I-82 across the Columbia River and proceed as above.

For more information visit www.crehst.org

Edited by Erika Wright

Back to TravelLady Magazine