Kennewick Map

Description: This map shows neighborhoods, streets, roads, trails, golf courses, rivers, buildings, hospitals, railways, railway stations, and parks in Kennewick.

Description: This map shows streets, trails, boardwalk, houses, buildings, cafes, bars, restaurants, hotels, monuments, parking lots, shops, churches, points of interest, and parks in Downtown Kennewick.

Description: This map shows where Kennewick is located on the Washington Map.

Other Maps of Kennewick

Kennewick is a city in Benton County, Washington, and the most populous of the Tri-Cities. Located along the Columbia River at its confluence with the Yakima River, Kennewick serves as a commercial and retail center for the region. The city's population exceeds 86,000, making it one of the largest cities in eastern Washington.

History

The area was originally inhabited by Native American peoples, particularly the Wanapum and Yakama tribes. The name "Kennewick" is believed to derive from a Native American term meaning "grassy place" or "winter haven." European-American settlement began in the 1880s with the arrival of the Northern Pacific Railway. The community developed as an agricultural center, shipping wheat, fruit, and other products via rail and river transportation. Incorporation as a city occurred in 1904.

Kennewick experienced significant growth during World War II and the Cold War era due to the Hanford Site's development. The city expanded to accommodate workers and their families, though it remained smaller than Richland, which was directly constructed as a Hanford community. Agriculture continued to play an important economic role alongside Hanford-related employment.

Kennewick Man

The city gained international attention in 1996 with the discovery of skeletal remains along the Columbia River, later termed "Kennewick Man" or the "Ancient One." Radiocarbon dating indicated the remains were approximately 8,900 years old, making them among the oldest and most complete ancient skeletons found in North America. The discovery sparked legal, scientific, and cultural controversies regarding the remains' study and ownership. After prolonged litigation, DNA testing indicated genetic connections to Native American tribes, and the remains were repatriated and reburied in 2017.

Economy

Kennewick's economy is diversified across multiple sectors. Retail and commercial services are prominent, with the city hosting major shopping centers, restaurants, and businesses serving the broader Tri-Cities area. The Columbia Center Mall is the primary regional shopping destination. Agriculture remains significant, with the surrounding area producing wine grapes, potatoes, onions, and other crops. Wine production and tourism have expanded.

While Kennewick has less direct Hanford employment than Richland, many residents commute to the Hanford Site or related facilities. Healthcare is a major employer, with Trios Health system operating facilities in the city. Other employment sectors include food processing, warehousing, transportation, and construction.

Geography and Climate

Kennewick is situated at approximately 400 feet elevation on the Columbia River's south bank. The geography features river valleys, basalt bluffs, and surrounding desert terrain. The climate is semi-arid with hot summers and cool winters. Precipitation is minimal, averaging about 8 inches annually. Summer temperatures routinely reach 90-100°F (32-38°C), while winter temperatures occasionally fall below freezing. The area experiences significant sunshine and low humidity.

Transportation

Interstate 182 passes through Kennewick, providing connectivity within the Tri-Cities and linking to Interstate 82. U.S. Route 395 traverses the city. The Cable Bridge (Glade Street Bridge) and Blue Bridge (Pioneer Memorial Bridge) connect Kennewick to Pasco across the Columbia River. Public transportation includes Ben Franklin Transit bus service. The Tri-Cities Airport (PSC) is located adjacent to Kennewick in Pasco.

Recreation and Amenities

Columbia Park, an extensive waterfront park along the Columbia River, offers trails, boat launches, picnic areas, sports fields, and event spaces. The park hosts the annual Water Follies hydroplane racing event. The city maintains numerous other parks and recreational facilities. The Toyota Center, a multi-purpose arena, hosts sporting events, concerts, and other entertainment. The Tri-Cities Americans, a junior ice hockey team, plays at this venue. Proximity to the Columbia River provides boating, fishing, and water sports opportunities. Golf courses and wine tasting rooms are abundant in the area.

Demographics

Kennewick's population is diverse, with approximately 30% of residents identifying as Hispanic or Latino, reflecting the agricultural workforce and broader regional demographics. The city has experienced steady population growth, attracting residents with employment opportunities and relatively affordable housing. The median age is younger than the national average. Educational attainment varies, with significant portions of the population having completed high school and college.

Main sights in Kennewick

How to Get to Kennewick

By Air

Tri-Cities Airport (PSC) is the closest airport to Kennewick, located about 8 miles northwest of the city. Airlines serving this airport include:

• Alaska Airlines
• United Airlines
• Delta Air Lines

From the airport, you can rent a car, take a taxi, or use ride-sharing services to reach Kennewick.

By Car

Major highways connecting to Kennewick:

• Interstate 82: Main highway running through Kennewick
• US Highway 395: North-south route connecting to Interstate 90
• State Route 240: Connects to Richland and other Tri-Cities areas

Driving distances from major cities:

• Seattle: approximately 4 hours (220 miles)
• Spokane: approximately 2.5 hours (145 miles)
• Portland: approximately 4 hours (230 miles)

By Bus

Greyhound Lines provides bus service to Kennewick with connections from major Pacific Northwest cities. The bus station is located downtown.

By Train

Currently, there is no passenger train service directly to Kennewick. The nearest Amtrak stations are:

• Wishram, Washington (about 90 miles away)
• Spokane, Washington (about 145 miles away)

Local Transportation

Once in Kennewick, you can use:

• Ben Franklin Transit: Local bus system serving the Tri-Cities area
• Taxi services and ride-sharing: Uber and Lyft are available
• Car rental: Available at the airport and downtown locations

References