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3| Impact
<br />Response 2.1: Why would tourists travel to Kittitas County to attend your event/activity/facility?*
<br />The Kittitas County Historical Museum collects, preserves, and shares the history of Kittitas County—since time immemorial to
<br />today. Our exhibits tell the stories of the people, places, and events that have shaped our communities, offering visitors a unique
<br />opportunity to connect with the area’s heritage.
<br />Tourists visit the Museum to explore local history, learn about nearby landmarks and events, and even research their own family
<br />connections. With 50+ rotating exhibits, there is always something for everyone, including our world-renowned Ellensburg Blue
<br />Agate collection and our Legends and Lore exhibit featuring Mel’s Hole, both of which draw visitors from across the globe.
<br />Most visitors travel from 50+ miles away, with 60–65% coming from outside the area based on guestbook and social media data.
<br />Many of our followers and past visitors are concentrated in Seattle, Tacoma, Kent, Issaquah, Spokane, Kennewick, Vancouver
<br />(WA), Portland (OR), and Moses Lake. These are proven markets for tourism, and our marketing will focus on them to increase
<br />day-trip and overnight visitation.
<br />Guests already stay overnight for special events such as our History Pub Crawl or for in-depth research visits. With expanded
<br />advertising and programming in 2026, including events tied to America250, we expect visitation and overnight stays to grow. We
<br />also partner with local hotels such as Hotel Windrow and TownePlace Suites by Marriott to encourage multi-day visits,
<br />positioning Ellensburg and Kittitas County as a destination where visitors can experience both our Museum and the broader
<br />community.
<br />2500 character limit
<br />Response 2.2: Describe the prior success of your event/activity/facility to attract tourists.*
<br />The Kittitas County Historical Museum has a strong record of attracting visitors from outside the local area. In 2024, 62% of
<br />visitors (5,025 out of 8,144) traveled from more than 50 miles away.
<br />As of August 31, 2025, our direct count—tracked through a process at the front desk that records every individual entering the
<br />Museum—shows 7,243 visitors, a 30% increase year-to-date compared to 2024. This growth reflects the success of expanded
<br />marketing, new exhibits, and popular programs and events.
<br />Our guestbook, which often represents a group or family with one signature, shows that 58% of signers were from beyond 50
<br />miles. Of those, 25% reported staying overnight, many after learning about the Museum through a local hotel or RV park.
<br />Visitor purposes are diverse: 54% of guests in 2025 came for exhibits and general admission (3,922 visitors), while 37% (2,665
<br />visitors) participated in programs, events, or guided walking tours such as our History Pub Crawl, and special lectures. Surveys
<br />show attendees have traveled from as far as Arlington, Omak, Okanogan, Portland (OR), Auburn, Snohomish, and Moses Lake
<br />specifically to attend our events.
<br />Because 58% of visitors are from more than 50 miles away, we estimate that at least 50% purchase meals, gas, gifts, and other
<br />goods while in the area. We also actively refer visitors to local restaurants, shops, historic sites, and other attractions.
<br />Our social media and marketing reach mirror these patterns, with strong engagement from Seattle, Tacoma, Spokane,
<br />Kennewick, Vancouver (WA), Moses Lake, and Portland (OR). Many guests report first learning about the Museum through
<br />online ads and the web.
<br />While the Museum is often part of a larger itinerary, our events and programs encourage visitors to extend their stay, turning a
<br />day trip into an overnight visit and directly benefiting local hotels and tourism businesses.
<br />2500 character limit
<br />Application Questions: Part 2
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