Washington, the county seat, is located on US Hwy 36 where Hwy 15 intersects. Washington was established in spring 1860, and in the same year was named the county seat.^[4] Until the end of the Civil War, it was protected by two stockaded buildings, the Washington Company House and Woolbert’s Stockade Hotel.

The Courthouse features an art deco interior and is open for visitors.  The Washington County Historical Museum and Genealogy Library gives the visitor an intriguing look into yesteryear, as well as the genealogist looking for family roots.

The City Park provides overnight camping with hookups, Muchinkinland (community-built playground), swimming pool, pickleball courts, tennis courts, basketball court, and a baseball/softball field.

Washington hosts the county fair every year in mid-July at the fairgrounds located around the city park.

Washington County Fishing Lake is located 12 miles northwest of Washington, having a 65 acre lake and 352 acres of public hunting land.