Full-scale Stonehenge replica stands in Eastern WA. Visit it for summer solstice

The summer solstice is just around the corner.

In England, this means one major destination is about to become packed.

Stonehenge has long been associated with the sun, particularly during solstices.

Did you know there’s a full-scale Stonehenge replica less than two hours from Tri-Cities? You can celebrate the solstice just like a Brit this year by visiting the unincorporated community of Maryhill.

Here’s what to know:

Why is the solstice celebrated at Stonehenge?

Stonehenge near Salisbury was “carefully designed to align with the movements of the sun,” according to English Heritage, a charity that manages historic sites across England, including Stonehenge.

When standing in the center of the monument during summer solstice, you can see the sun rise just to the left of a large stone outside of the main circle. There may have originally been a partner stone that would have framed the rising sun.

“It is likely that people gathered at Stonehenge at both midsummer and midwinter solstices to conduct rituals and ceremonies relating to the changing season, the sun and the sky,” English Heritage said. “It must have been important to align their monument with the movements of the sun but we may never know the exact reasons why.”

In modern times, the tradition of watching the solstice at the monument has carried on. Thousands of people visit Stonehenge at dawn every year to watch the sun perfectly rise above the stones.

Why is there a Stonehenge replica in Eastern Washington?

A full-scale replica of Stonehenge in the tiny town of Maryhill was the country’s first World War I memorial. It was dedicated in 1918 in honor of the Klickitat County servicemen who died during the war.

The replica was built by Samuel Hill, an entrepreneur, philanthropist and transportation expert who hoped to create a Northwest utopia. He also built the nearby Maryhill Museum of Art, many highways and other features in the region.

History suggests Hill was a pacifist who wanted to honor the county’s fallen soldiers while noting humanity’s continued conflicts.

At the time, Hill and much of the world believed Stonehenge in England had been built as a site for human sacrifices. The replica was intended to be a commentary on war being equivalent to human sacrifice, according to the Maryhill Museum.

The altar stone was dedicated on July 4, 1918, with a plaque.

“To the memory of the soldiers and sailors of Klickitat County who gave their lives in defense of their country,” the message on the plaque reads. “This monument is erected in hope that others inspired by the example of their valor and heroism may share that love of liberty and burn with that fire of patriotism that death alone can quick.”

A total of 14 service members were honored by name at the memorial: James Henry Allyn, Charles Auer, Dewey V. Bromley, John W. Cheshire, William O. Clary, Evan Childs, James D. Duncan, Harry Gotfredson, Robert F. Graham, Louis Leidl, Carl A. Lester, Edward Lindblad, Henry O. Piendl and Robert F. Venable.

When is the 2026 summer solstice in Washington state?

Depending on the year, the summer solstice always falls on June 20, 21 or 22, according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac.

In 2026, the summer solstice will be on Sunday, June 21.

“While most people consider the summer solstice to be a day, it is in reality an exact moment in time that falls upon that day,” Royal Museums Greenwich said. “This moment comes when whichever hemisphere you’re in is most tilted towards the sun.”

In eastern Washington, the exact moment of the June solstice will be at 1:24 a.m., according to online clock Time and Date.

How to visit the Maryhill Stonehenge replica

The Stonehenge replica at 97 Stonehenge Drive in Maryhill offers stunning views both morning and night.

The monument is not quite set up to use as an astronomical calendar and it won’t perfectly frame the sun during the solstice, but it still offers revered stargazing opportunities.

During the day, you can see gorgeous views of the Columbia River and the surrounding area.

The replica is open to visitors for free.