This tiny WA town is world’s bluebird capital. It also has the oldest rodeo in Washington
Eastern Washington’s winter weather has gone into hibernation, sending families back outside, flowers back into bloom and of course, the bluebirds back to Bickleton.
The small town is just over an hour’s drive from Tri-Cities and is considered the bluebird capital of the world.
This designation isn’t accidental — while bluebirds naturally migrate to the area, it was the efforts of Bickleton residents and a dedicated couple from Richland that ensures the birds return by the thousands every year.
While it is believed that Bickleton appointed itself as the bluebird capital of the world, the noteworthy title has been formally recognized by the North American Bluebird Society.
Some areas in the eastern U.S. have tried to take the title, but Bickleton’s crown remains.
Bluebird capital of the world
Local lore says three people in the 1960s were responsible for making thousands of birdhouses in their lifetimes, contributing to the town’s massive bluebird population. In fact, during the warm seasons, there are more bluebirds than people in Bickleton, which has a reported population of about 90 people.
It’s one of the smallest towns in Washington state. That is, if you only count the human residents.
Lawrence Whitmore was a Bickleton resident who loved the sight of the cavity-nesting birds. This means they live in enclosed spaces, like birdhouses, tree holes and other birds’ former nests. He reportedly spent his free time building birdhouses and other dwelling options for the birds.
It wasn’t long before his efforts were noticed by Jess and Elva Brinkerhoff, a couple in Richland making a day trip to Bickleton.
They became enamored with the small birds and Whitmore’s efforts. Rumor has it that Jess Brinkerhoff nailed an aluminum can on its side to a fence, offering another cavity option in hopes of attracting more bluebirds. After it worked, the couple came back every bluebird season.
Their efforts won them a North American Bluebird Society award.
While all three birdhouse builders have since died, they left hundreds of houses behind to keep the effort going.
The town rallied behind the three, alive and after death. As more and more bluebirds came each year, more people joined in. Volunteers clean the installed birdhouses annually, and new ones are installed often.
The town’s only school services K-12, and offers students volunteer credit for taking part in the yearly cleaning.
Tri-Cities to Bickleton
It’s not hard for Tri-Cities residents to take after the Brinkerhoffs and make a day trip down to Bickleton. Just make sure you have a full tank before you go, as there are no gas stations in the tiny town.
From Tri-Cities, take Interstate 82 to Mabton. Head south when you hit Mabton-Bickleton Road.
There’s more than bluebirds in Bickleton, too. The town is full of history, despite having less than a dozen operating businesses. There’s plenty to do and learn.
The Bickleton Carousel Museum is open every Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., plus every Sunday from noon to 4 p.m.
Bickleton burger and other eats
The small town has stellar food options, too. Market Street Cafe and Grocery is home to the highly-praised Bickleton burger. It offers a variety of food and drink options, with daily lunch specials and seasonal soups and salads. It’s also the town grocery store, should you need any necessities.
While picking up your groceries, take a look at the selection of birdhouses and bluebird-themed gifts.
The cafe and grocery store is open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays. Advance notice is requested for large groups.
More good food and drinks can be found at the Bluebird Inn, Washington’s oldest operating tavern. It was built as a drug store in 1887, becoming a saloon within a year, according to town history. While its occupants have varied over time, the Inn currently features a restaurant side and a bar side.
The bar side is complete with a Brunswick pool table that has been in the building for 120 years.
The Bluebird Inn is open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday. It’s also open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday and can be reserved for groups of at least eight on Wednesdays. The tavern only accepts cash and check payments.
WA’s oldest rodeo
Bickleton is also home to Washington state’s oldest rodeo, the Alder Creek Pioneer Picnic and Rodeo. The Alder Creek Pioneer Association was created in 1911 for the purpose of holding a ‘reunion’ in town, with community games and gathering. An invitation was printed in the June 2, 1911 edition of The Bickleton News:
“The following invitation has been issued and is being mailed to the known addresses of pioneers, but no one need wait for a bid, for everyone will be made welcome.”
The operation has only grown since then. The rodeo grounds feature one of the oldest carousels on the West side of the country, a 1905 Herschell-Spillman. It is said that only three of these carousels remain operational. Rides are only offered during the rodeo weekend.
Bickleton’s 2024 picnic and rodeo is scheduled for June 7 through 9 at the Cleveland Park. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for kids ages 6 to 12, and free for kids under 6. Prices are subject to change. RV dry parking is available for only $30 for the whole weekend.
The rodeo offers numerous categories for competition, including steer wrestling, cow milking and barrel racing for kids.
Even if you’re just watching the rodeo, there are plenty of things to do. Friday features a community potluck, and the beer garden is open Saturday and Sunday. Each year, a massive dance with live music is held Saturday night and an open-air church service is offered Sunday morning.
