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Spokane is the largest city in eastern Washington, set where the Spokane River tumbles over a series of dramatic falls in the heart of downtown, about 20 miles west of the Idaho border. The Spokane people fished for salmon at the falls for thousands of years, and the city takes its name from the tribe. Settlers built a sawmill at the falls in 1873, and after the Northern Pacific Railway arrived in 1881 the town boomed as the hub of the Inland Northwest's mining, timber and wheat country. A great fire destroyed downtown in 1889, and it was rebuilt in the brick and stone that still give it character today.
Today Spokane has about 230,000 residents and a relaxed, outdoorsy character, with lakes, forests and mountains close at hand. In 1974 it became the smallest city ever to host a World's Fair, Expo '74, which transformed the industrial riverfront into Riverfront Park. The park's restored 1909 Looff Carrousel, the striking Pavilion and the SkyRide gondola over the falls remain the city's signature attractions, and the downtown Davenport Hotel is one of the grandest historic hotels in the West.
Visitors will find plenty to explore. The Centennial Trail follows the Spokane River for about 40 miles from Idaho, Manito Park offers formal gardens, a Japanese garden and a conservatory on the South Hill, and the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture sits beside the historic Campbell House in Browne's Addition. Gonzaga University's basketball games are a citywide passion, Mount Spokane offers skiing in winter, and Coeur d'Alene and its lake are just a half-hour drive east.
A 100-acre park on the site of the 1974 World's Fair, along the Spokane River and its falls, with the US Pavilion and its light show, the Looff Carrousel, a giant Radio Flyer wagon slide, trails and an ice ribbon in winter. It was rebuilt in recent years. Walk the paths beside the falls, which roar in spring.
A paved trail of about 40 miles following the Spokane River from Nine Mile Falls through Spokane to the Idaho state line, used for walking, running and cycling. It passes downtown, Gonzaga and river parks. Rent a bike and ride a section east from Riverfront Park along the river.
A historic park on the South Hill with a formal Duncan Garden, the Nishinomiya Japanese Garden, a rose garden, a lilac garden and the Gaiser Conservatory, plus a pond and lawns. Admission is free. Visit in late spring and summer when the roses and lilacs are in bloom, and check conservatory hours.
A large state park northwest of downtown along the Spokane River, with the Bowl and Pitcher rock formations, a swinging suspension bridge, hiking and biking trails, horse trails and the Spokane House interpretive center. A Discover Pass is required for parking. Cross the bridge at the Bowl and Pitcher for the classic view.
A gondola ride over the Spokane River in Riverfront Park, carrying riders in open cabins down into the gorge directly over the lower Spokane Falls and back. It is especially dramatic in spring when the river is high. Ride on a clear day and expect spray from the falls during peak runoff.
A hand-carved wooden carousel built in 1909 by Charles Looff, with dozens of horses, a giraffe, a tiger and Chinese dragon chairs, housed in a glass building in Riverfront Park. Riders can try to grab a brass ring. It is a favorite with children; buy tickets at the building and ride with a camera ready.
A Jesuit university north of the Spokane River, famous for its men's basketball program at the McCarthey Athletic Center, with a pleasant campus, the Jundt Art Museum and the Bing Crosby House. Basketball tickets are hard to get. Walk the campus by the river and visit the free art museum.
A museum in the historic Browne's Addition neighborhood with exhibits on regional history, Plateau Native American culture and art, plus the Campbell House, a restored 1898 mansion open for tours. Changing exhibitions are frequent. Allow about two hours and walk the neighborhood's old mansions afterward.
The childhood home of singer Bing Crosby on the Gonzaga University campus, now a small free museum with memorabilia from his career, including records, awards and photos. It is run by the university. Check its limited opening hours before going and combine a visit with a stroll around Gonzaga.
A grand hotel opened in 1914, restored with its ornate Spanish Renaissance lobby, the Hall of the Doges ballroom and the Peacock Room lounge with a stained glass ceiling. Non-guests can visit the lobby, shops and bars. Stop for a drink in the Peacock Room or see the holiday decorations in December.
An Episcopal cathedral on the South Hill built in Gothic Revival style from 1925 to 1961, with stone carvings, a carillon of 49 bells, a pipe organ and rich stained glass windows. It hosts concerts and tours. Visit for a carillon concert or an organ recital, and enjoy the views over the city from the hill.
A former coal-fired steam heating plant downtown, built in 1916 and converted into a restaurant, brewery and event space, keeping its boilers, catwalks, pipes and two tall smokestacks. It is a fun place to eat among industrial relics. Stop for a meal or drink and explore the walkways inside the old boilers.
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Washington, United States
Washington, United States
Washington, United States
Washington, United States
Washington, United States
Washington, United States
Washington, United States
Washington, United States
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