Maryhill Stonehenge Memorial

Yes, the Maryhill Stonehenge Memorial is generally dog-friendly. Visitors are welcome to bring their leashed dogs to explore the monument and its surroundings. Please ensure your pet is kept on a leash at all times and that you clean up after them to maintain the site's cleanliness for all visitors.

No, there is no entrance fee to visit the Maryhill Stonehenge Memorial. It is freely accessible to the public daily from 7 a.m. to dusk, making it a great free roadside attraction.

While the site generally has ample parking, it can fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons, weekends, or around sunset/sunrise when many visitors come to experience the monument. Arriving earlier in the day or during off-peak hours might offer a more relaxed parking experience.

The Maryhill Stonehenge Memorial holds a special significance during the summer solstice. Its altar stone is meticulously positioned to align with the sunrise on the summer solstice, offering a unique and powerful experience for those who time their visit accordingly. This alignment mirrors the astronomical purpose of the original Stonehenge.

The terrain immediately around the monument is generally flat and paved, making it relatively accessible for wheelchairs. However, visitors should be aware that the site is exposed to the elements, and conditions can vary. It's always a good idea to check current conditions before your visit.

Most visitors spend between 30 minutes to an hour exploring the Maryhill Stonehenge Memorial. This allows enough time to walk around the monument, read the interpretive signs, take photos, and enjoy the panoramic views of the Columbia River Gorge. If you plan to combine your visit with nearby attractions like the Maryhill Museum of Art or local trails, allocate more time.

While the immediate area around the monument is more for strolling, the broader region offers several options. The Maryhill Loop Trail, a 10-mile route, and the Klickitat River Trail, a 5-mile path, are popular for cyclists and hikers, offering scenic views and varying terrain. These trails provide opportunities for active exploration beyond the monument itself.

Beyond the memorial, visitors can explore the nearby Maryhill Museum of Art, which features a diverse collection of European and Native American art, as well as Rodin sculptures. The surrounding Columbia River Gorge offers numerous scenic viewpoints, hiking and cycling trails, and opportunities for wine tasting at local vineyards. The Klickitat County Veterans Memorial is also adjacent to the Stonehenge site.

For stunning photography, many recommend visiting during sunrise or sunset. The golden light during these 'golden hours' beautifully illuminates the concrete structure and casts dramatic shadows, enhancing the monument's rugged appearance. The panoramic views of the Columbia River Gorge also benefit greatly from this soft, warm light.

The Maryhill Stonehenge Memorial is in a relatively rural area. While there aren't immediate cafes or pubs right next to the monument, you can find dining options and accommodation in nearby towns such as The Dalles, Oregon (approximately 25 miles northeast) or Goldendale, Washington. It's advisable to plan your meals and lodging in advance, especially during peak travel seasons.

The Maryhill Stonehenge was commissioned by wealthy entrepreneur Samuel Hill and dedicated on July 4, 1918, as the first World War I memorial in the United States. Hill intended it to honor the servicemen from Klickitat County who died in the war, driven by the belief that the original Stonehenge was a site of human sacrifice, symbolizing the 'incredible folly' of war. Constructed from concrete, it was completed in 1929 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2021.