Historic Ellensburg is a unique western town nestled in Washington's Kittitas Valley with Mt. Stuart and the foothills of the Cascade Mountains as a backdrop. Less than two hours from Seattle and just thirty minutes from Yakima, Ellensburg is situated at the confluence of State Highway 97 and Interstates 90 and 82, smack dab in the center of the state.
Rooted in a rich history of ranching, Ellensburg is known across the country for hosting one of the top five PRCA outdoor rodeos each year. The Ellensburg Rodeo, combined with the Kittitas County Fair, draws over 70,000 people each Labor Day weekend to Central Washington.
Ellensburg is the entertainment center of Central Washington, hosting such events as Jazz in the Valley, the Ellensburg National Art Show & Auction, the Clymer Museum of Art Rendezvous, and Paint Ellensburg. It is also known for its western murals painted on buildings throughout the historic district. A short walk from the downtown district is Central Washington University (built in the 1890s), which will host several Spirit of the West Cowboy Gathering performances.