Central Washington University

Founded in 1891, the 350-acre Central Washington University [1] campus (400 E. University Way, www.cwu.edu [2]) makes for a nice sunny stroll. For tours of the campus, call the Admissions Office at 509/963-1262. A Japanese Garden near the center of campus is open year-round and contains interesting Japanese lanterns and grounds landscaped with dozens of types of plants, including cherry trees donated by the Japanese Consulate General.

The Sarah Spurgeon Art Gallery (509/963-2665, www.cwu.edu/~art [3]) exhibits student and professional alumni art on a rotating basis, as well as offering talks on occasion.

CWU’s Chimpanzee & Human Communication Institute (509/963-2244, www.cwu.edu/~cwuchci [4]) houses the research project geared toward training chimpanzees to use American Sign Language to communicate with humans and each other.

Visitors can attend fascinating two-hour-long Chimposiums ($10 adults, $7.50 students) on Saturday mornings and Sunday afternoons. Reservations are recommended, and attendees must be over the age of 16.