Washington has a Bavarian-themed town, a Victorian seaport, and even a Little Norway. But did you know that we also have an incredibly charming Old West town that happens to be surrounded by stunning nature?

In case you can’t tell, we’re big fans of Winthrop. And although its remote location makes it tough to access during winter’s worst, it’s breathtaking in any season.

Winthrop is located in the Methow Valley, a gorgeous part of the Cascade Loop Scenic Byway.
Lidija Kamansky / Getty Images
The Methow River, which flows past the town, is a tributary of the Columbia River.
Winthrop s history begins with Native Americans who lived on the banks of the Methow, Twisp, and Chewuch rivers.
Winthrop Washington / Facebook
The first white settlers arrived in the 1880s, in search of gold. It was then that the little Western town started to develop. In 1924, Winthrop was officially incorporated.
Of course, the gold rush was temporary, but some locals stuck around afterward.
Winthrop Washington / Facebook
But it wasn't until 1972, when State Highway 20 was nearing completion over the North Cascades, that several business owners started to plan for travelers passing through. Mrs. Kathryn Wagner and her husband Otto came up with the idea of a western restoration, with the local merchants pitching in for the project.

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Much like Leavenworth was modeled after Germany, Winthrop was modeled after the Old West—although there really wasn't much to change in that regard.
Three Fingered Jack’s Saloon / Google
The spirit of the valley was preserved, and the heritage of Winthrop is celebrated on Mother’s Day weekend during the annual 49ers Days celebration.
These days, Winthrop is a small but charming town that visitors can appreciate in any season.
Jasperdo / Flickr
Summers are obviously the most popular time of year to visit, with many guests enjoying riverside beers or live music at Old Schoolhouse Brewery.
Of course, winters are popular for local skiers and snowboarders, although access is often limited due to road closures.
Winthrop Washington / Facebook
And if you can visit during the first weekend in March, you can catch the annual Winthrop Balloon Festival.
This delightful little town is surrounded by big, expansive skies, which really lends itself to the Old West vibe.
Winthrop Washington / Facebook
You can expect a nice, simple, pleasant time when you visit—and sometimes, that's exactly what we need.

Have you been to Winthrop lately?

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Winthrop, WA 98862, USA