Community

The City of College Place is a small yet bustling community nestled in the Walla Walla valley near the foothills of the beautiful Blue Mountains. Although not incorporated until 1945, the community’s beginnings date back to 1892, when Walla Walla University, formerly known as Walla Walla College, opened its doors and residents settled in the area. College Place is now a full service city operating under the Mayor-Council form of government with the most recent population count totaling 8,770.

The valley is rich in art, cultural events, and history with the Lewis and Clark Trail and Whitman Mission nearby. The Walla Walla Symphony is noted as the oldest continuous orchestra west of the Mississippi. The region has more recently become known for the wines that are produced here, and local wine tasting events bring visitors to the community year round.

Opportunities for outdoor recreation abound with the Blue Mountains, Columbia River, and Snake River in such close proximity. Hunting, fishing, camping, snowmobiling, skiing, and boating are just some of the many outdoor activities that residents in the area enjoy.

Commercial Development is high on the priority list for City Staff, and recent developments include Home Depot, Wal-Mart Supercenter, and Meadowbrook Plaza, a multi-phase retail development located just across from Wal-Mart on Highway 125. Enhancing the community’s retail base while preserving the small town feel is a shared goal for City Council, staff, and residents alike.

After browsing this site, we hope you will come visit our community and see why College Place is truly a Place to Call Home.