Everyone’s heard of Stonehenge in England, of course.
But did you know that Maryhill, Washington, has its own American Stonehenge?
The small but lively town of Maryhill, population 58, has a lot of cool things to do. It even boasts one of the most interesting monuments in Washington State, and best of all, it’s free to visit!
All About Maryhill Stonehenge
My Experience Visiting Maryhill Stonehenge
In 2015, the stars aligned and I got to see Washington’s Stonehenge with my own eyes.
We arrived at Maryhill in the early evening, and after we had set up camp at Maryhill State Park, we drove up Stonehenge Drive just in time for the sunset (2-3 minutes from the campground).
The wind had picked up some, and the sun had mostly set, but we got to weave in and out of the gigantic stones with no one else around. No crowds is always a good thing.
The monument sits on a hillside with incredible views in all directions. South is the mighty Columbia River and Oregon. West is Maryhill and Maryhill State Park. Northward windmills line golden hills. And to the east, farmlands surround a vineyard.
The next day, we shared Stonehenge with around a dozen people. As you can see the sky, the golden hills, the windmills, and the monument made for some really fantastic pictures.
One could easily spend an hour or so walking through the gigantic stones and taking in the view.
Who Created Maryhill Stonehenge?
While the history behind the original Stonehenge is not so clear, the story behind Maryhill Stonehenge is a bit more obvious.
This beautiful Washington monument was created by Sam Hill, a visionary, philanthropist, businessman, and builder. He built this monument in 1918 to the size and dimensions of the original Stonehenge, finally completing the project in 1929.
This Stonehenge wasn’t made to be used as an astronomical calendar, even though the altar stone is fixed to the astronomical horizon, which gives it a few degrees difference from the original.
Rather, Maryhill Stonehenge is actually a war memorial dedicated to the servicemen of Klickitat County who perished in WWI. In fact, it was the first WWI memorial built in the United States.
At the time the Stonehenge in Maryhill was built, the theory behind the original Stonehenge was that it was a sacrificial spot. With that in mind, Hill built his Stonehenge as a reminder to all of the sacrifices of war.
Veterans Memorial
North of the memorial, is the Klickitat County Veterans’ Memorial, which honors those who have died since WWI.
You’ll find the names of those who perished located on commemorative stones around the site of Maryhill Stonehenge, including the names of locals from the area who died in both World Wars, as well as the Korea, Afghanistan, and Vietnam wars.
Sam Hill Gravesite
While visiting Maryhill Stonehenge, be sure to walk down the bluff to Hill’s grave. It’s easy to miss from the top, because it appears like a utility service structure.
There is a small stone stairway to the east of the structure that turns into a path.
How to Get to Maryhill Stonehenge
This interesting historical treasure is located slightly north and east of Maryhill, Washington.
From US 97, turn east onto 14, and a sign will be on the south side of the road. You’ll also be able to see the structure from the road, so it’s hard to miss.
If you’re coming from Seattle, it’s 223 miles and about a 4-hour drive away, so it’s better suited for a weekend getaway. Portland, Oregon, is closer, at 100 miles away and a 2.5-hour drive.
Is Maryhill Stonehenge Open?
At present, Maryhill Stonehenge is open to the public.
Other Things to Do in Maryhill
While the Stonehenge sculpture in Maryhill is one of the biggest draws to this small town in Washington, there are several other things worth doing in Maryhill that warrant more than just a cursory stopover in this town!
We’ve gathered a list of the best things to do in Maryhill, but we’ll list a few of them here as well.
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Maryhill State Park: This stunning State Park in Klickitat County offers 89 acres of camping and hiking, as well as nearly a mile of waterfront access. You’ll want a Discover Pass to visit any of Washington’s State Parks!
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Maryhill Museum of Art: This beautiful art museum is one of the best draws to Maryhill and features incredible art from around the world.
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Maryhill Winery: The Columbia River Gorge area is home to several phenomenal wineries, and Maryhill Winery is one of them! Stop by for a wine tasting at this scenic vineyard.
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Waving Tree Tasting Room: This winery and tasting room in Maryhill focuses on Italian and French (specifically Rhone) varietals and is a must-stop for any wine lover visiting Maryhill!
wow, there is one right here? I always thought it was just the one in England. I’ve been there. It’s nice to know there is one here. I would love to visit this place too.
Wow thanks for the info and how many hours was the drive from main cities and why you decided to go there?
You are right, Stonehenge in Washington is nothing short of a revelation. The structure looks beautiful and you have captured the place very well. Thanks for sharing.
Ha Ha classic i would expect to see something like this in China they seem to be the masters of building copies of famous building and monuments. It must have left quite an impression on someone to build a copy
At the time, they believed that Stonehenge was a sacrificial site, and Hill, who had lived through wartime, was linking it to the sacrifices of war.
Wow, how cool! I never knew the US had its own Stonehenge. For those of us not from the area, what is the closest big town and how easy is it to find from there? Thanks
Michelle, Seattle is 223 miles and a little under a 4-hour drive away, and Portland is 100 miles and a 2.5-hour drive. I hope you get to visit soon!
I really just knew the Stonehenge in England, but this one seems nice too.
Sam Hill was such an interesting character, and his Stonehenge is in such a fascinating landscape.
What a lovely dedication to the fallen, I’m sure they would have approved. I had no idea there was another stonehenge outside England, your one looks a lot better though without having to share it with all the crowds! I spent the night at the English one once, and woke up surrounded by hippies!
I’m with you on the crowds. Sometimes they can be distracting and dampen the visit.
Had no idea there’s another one here in the states! And no crowds in your shots either.
Wow, I had no idea! Will definitely stop here if my roadtrip goes up this way!
I had no idea there was a second Stonehenge – and a beautiful monument to the fallen. It’s great that you can weave in and out of the stones too – I think too many vandals mean the one in the UK is now roped off 🙁
Population of 58? That’s crazy! This definitely looks worth a visit though. I would love to check it out if I were in this area.
Interesting! I had no idea there was Stonehenge in Washington. Looks interesting and I will check out what else there is to do in that park. Was it good camping? Thanks for sharing this!
That’s really interesting! I had no idea there was a Stonehenge in the US! I would definitely visit if I end up in Washington at some point!
That’s beautiful. I always try to visit war memorials whenever I am near one. I’ve been to the original stonehenge and the amount of ppl, plus the rush – rush of the tour company, this sounds like a much better way to spend my time.
How interesting! I never knew about this! My parents lived in Washington for about 2 years but unfortunately I didn’t get to explore any of it except Seattle before I caught my one-way flight to Germany. Now they live in Tennessee so that chance is gone! #TheWeeklyPostcard
Lolo, I hope you get to make it this way again. That area of Washington and Oregon along the Columbia River is just gorgeous.
It’s funny, I’ve been to the Maryhill Museum several times and once even lived in the Gorge, near Hood River, but I’ve never see this Stonehenge! That country is just beautiful and full of treasures. Will have to include it in the next trip.
Elaine, That is funny. It is such a beautiful area. I hope you get to see it soon.
What an incredible find in Washington! I think it’s great that this is an homage to the original and to those who fought in World War I. Thanks for unveiling this great find!
Brooke, I think the meaning behind it is such a powerful statement. I’m glad it resonated with you too.
Thanks for letting me know about this. I had no idea there was a Stonehenge in the USA. What a beautiful monument to the fallen! I haven’t seen the Stonehenge in England either so I can’t compare them, but this one looks quite impressive. Would love to visit it. Thanks for joining us for #TheWeeklyPostcard, Lara.
Anda, I haven’t been to the original either. But, Maryhill’s Stonehenge certainly left an impression.
Ha ha, this is great, a Stonehenge replica in Washington – awesome! I have been to the one in England, will have to hop over the pond to tick this one off as well 🙂 #TheWeeklyPostcard
Angie, I haven’t been to the one in England so I’m not sure how it compares. I’m sure the lack of crowds is a huge bonus. 🙂
What a beautiful monument, and a great idea to base it on Stonehenge. Really interesting post!
Kate, Sam Hill was making quite a statement and I’m sure at the time, it made some folks think about the consequences of war. Today, even tho we know the original Stonehenge wasn’t a sacrificial site, I think his original intent still holds power. Thanks so much for commenting.
I had no idea there was another Stonehenge outside of England! Took me too many years to see this attraction in my home country, hopefully it won’t take me too long to visit the American cousin
Claire, I still have yet to see the one in England. I look forward to when you and Danik head this way!
I’d never heard of this site before & yes having been to Stonehenge, they do look very similar! If I’m ever in Washington I would totally go out of my way to visit, I love historical monuments like this!
Sheen, I like historical monuments too and with the Columbia Gorge setting it is quite something to see. I hope you get to visit soon!