Nearly an hour from Grand Mound, in the heart of Mount St. Helens’ blast zone, lies the Johnston Ridge Observatory. Erected with the purpose of hosting displays that explore the biological and geological implications of the 1980 eruption, JRO features award-winning films, ranger talks, landscape observations, and lunch for guests. You are even allowed to hike the surrounding areas. During the summer, JRO holds the annual Music on the Mountain series in its outdoor amphitheater. Keep in mind JRO closes for the winter season, but it reopens its doors in May.

This hard-to-miss building, located in very close proximity to the Tourist Office, regularly hosts a wealth of photography exhibitions featuring the works of local and international photographers. Expositions change frequently, so stop by to see what is on display when you're in town.

Located at the confluence of the Nemunas and Neris rivers, this impressive brick castle was built in the 14th century at the beginning of the Teutonic attacks. Unique for its double walls and the surrounding tunnel, many events and legends of Lithuanian history are attributed to it. Today, the castle is home to various temporary and permanent programs all year round. Join educational trips and exhibitions, mould a stove tile, and try your knowledge with the Castle Quiz. Just opposite the castle, St. George the Martyr Church is also worth a visit, for it is an important landmark of Roman Catholicism.

The area of 56 997 hectares of the Balaton Uplands National Park mainly consists of these six landscape protection areas: Kis-Balaton, Keszthely Hills, Tapolca Basin, Káli Basin, Pécsely Basin and Tihany Peninsula. Among its regions Kis-Balaton is also protected by the international Ramsar Convention, serving the protection of wetland habitats. Tihany Peninsula – as a recognition of its outstanding geological values and the work of nature conservation in that region – was awarded of European Diploma in 2003. The Natura 2000 areas, covering partly the National Park and going beyond its area ensure the possibility of the conservation of habitats, plant and animal species which are of European importance. The initiative of Bakony–Balaton Geopark – the area of which covers partly the National Park – sets the aim of interpreting the geological, natural and cultural values and awakening the consciousness of their social significance. The Bakony–Balaton Geopark became member of the European Geoparks Network and the Global Geoparks Network – assisted by UNESCO in 2012.