Spokane, located in the eastern part of Washington State, is known for its natural beauty, charming downtown area, and vibrant arts scene. It’s the second largest city in the state and serves as a cultural hub for the Inland Northwest. Here are some aspects Spokane is famous for:
Riverfront Park: This is the site of the 1974 World’s Fair (Expo ’74), and the park is an iconic element of Spokane. It offers stunning views of Spokane Falls, walking paths, a giant red wagon sculpture that doubles as a slide, and a historic carousel. The park also features the Numerica SkyRide, a gondola ride offering panoramic views of the river and city.
Spokane is home to Riverfront Park, a 100-acre park that was the site of the 1974 World’s Fair. The park features many attractions and landmarks, such as the Spokane Falls, a series of waterfalls that flow through the city; the Looff Carrousel, a historic carousel that dates back to 1909; the SkyRide, a gondola ride that offers scenic views of the falls and the city; and the Pavilion, a former U.S. pavilion that now hosts events and light shows.
Bloomsday Run: This annual 12K race, held on the first Sunday in May, draws participants from around the globe. It’s one of the largest timed road races in the nation and a key event in Spokane’s community calendar.
Spokane Hoopfest: This is the largest 3-on-3 outdoor basketball tournament in the world. Every summer, downtown Spokane is transformed into basketball courts with games taking place simultaneously. Hoopfest is a highlight of Spokane’s sporting year.
Lilac City: Spokane’s official nickname is the Lilac City, because of the abundance of lilac bushes that bloom in the spring. The city also hosts the annual Lilac Festival, which celebrates Spokane’s history, culture, and community. The festival includes a parade, a carnival, a car show, a golf tournament, and other events.
Natural Beauty: Spokane is known for its stunning natural beauty. The city is nestled among the Selkirk Mountains and is near numerous lakes, rivers, and the Columbia Plateau. It’s an outdoor lover’s dream, with opportunities for hiking, biking, fishing, and boating.
Natural scenery. Spokane sits on the Spokane River surrounded by forests, rivers and over 100 lakes. Nearby destinations include Mount Spokane State Park, Riverside State Park, and Lake Coeur d’Alene. It’s a paradise for outdoor recreation and natural beauty.
The Spokane River Centennial Trail. This 37-mile long trail runs along the Spokane River, perfect for walking, jogging, biking and inline skating. It’s one of the most popular attractions, especially in summer.
Outdoor recreation: Spokane is surrounded by natural beauty and offers many opportunities for outdoor recreation. You can enjoy hiking, biking, skiing, or snowboarding on the trails and slopes of Mount Spokane; fishing, boating, or swimming on Lake Coeur d’Alene or Lake Pend Oreille; golfing at one of the many courses in Spokane; or zip-lining at Mica Moon Zip Tours. You can also visit some of the wildlife attractions in Spokane, such as Cat Tales Zoological Park, where you can see big cats and other animals; or Manito Park and Botanical Gardens, where you can see flowers, plants, and birds.
Manito Park: This beautiful park is a Spokane gem, featuring meticulously manicured gardens, a conservatory filled with tropical plants, and duck ponds. The park spans 90 acres and has several different garden areas, including a beautiful Japanese garden and a fragrant rose garden.
With themed gardens, duck ponds, picnic areas and a scenic 18-hole golf course. They host annual events like Japanese cultural festivals, bloomsday and holiday lights.
Wine and Craft Beer: Spokane has a burgeoning wine scene, with several wineries and tasting rooms offering an array of local and regional wines. The city also hosts several craft breweries, making it a haven for beer enthusiasts.
Bing Crosby: Spokane is the birthplace and childhood home of Bing Crosby, one of the most popular singers and actors of the 20th century. Crosby is best known for his songs such as “White Christmas”, “Swinging on a Star”, and “Pennies from Heaven”, as well as his movies such as “Going My Way”, “The Bells of St. Mary’s”, and “White Christmas”. Crosby’s legacy is honored in Spokane with a statue, a street name, and a museum that displays memorabilia and artifacts from his life and career.
Arts and Culture: Spokane is home to a lively arts scene, with numerous galleries, theaters, and music venues. The city has a symphony, an opera, and several theater groups. Each year, Spokane hosts the Spokane International Film Festival, showcasing local and international filmmakers.
Culture. Spokane hosts popular events like Hoopfest, Bloomsday and Lilac Festival. Attractions include the Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture, Mobius Children’s Museum, historic Davenport Hotel and 76-foot tall Garbage Goat sculpture. performing arts venues bring major music, theater, and dance companies.
Arts and culture: Spokane has a vibrant arts and culture scene that reflects its diversity and creativity. You can visit some of the museums and galleries in Spokane, such as the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture, which showcases regional art, history, and culture; the Jundt Art Museum at Gonzaga University, which features collections of European and American art; or the Mobius Science Center and Children’s Museum, which offer interactive exhibits and activities for all ages. You can also catch a live performance at some of the theaters and venues in Spokane, such as the Martin Woldson Theater at The Fox, which hosts concerts, ballets, operas, and symphonies; or the Knitting Factory Concert House, which features live music from various genres.
Historic architecture. Spokane has a well-preserved downtown with turn-of-the-century buildings like the Davenport Grand Hotel, the 1920’s era Fox Theater movie palace, and the St. John’s Cathedral. There are many historic neighborhoods with character homes.
A food and craft beer mecca. Spokane has a booming farm-to-table and craft cocktail scene, with James Beard recognized chefs and craft breweries. Local specialties include huckleberries, microbrews, cideries and distilleries.
Affordability. Spokane offers an affordable cost of living, especially for housing and raising a family. Home prices and rents are well below average for a city of its size. Healthcare, transportation and utilities are also priced lower than comparable cities.
Education. Spokane is home to Gonzaga University, Whitworth University, and several community colleges. Healthcare, education and technology are major employers, contributing to an educated and skilled workforce.
Gonzaga University: Gonzaga University is a private Jesuit university located in Spokane. The university is known for its academic excellence, its strong basketball team, and its commitment to the values of the Jesuits.
Spokane International Airport: Spokane International Airport is a major airport that serves the Inland Northwest region. The airport offers flights to destinations throughout the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The Davenport Hotel: The Davenport Hotel is a historic hotel located in downtown Spokane. The hotel is known for its beautiful architecture, its luxurious accommodations, and its vibrant nightlife.
The Mirabeau Point Lighthouse: The Mirabeau Point Lighthouse is a historic lighthouse located in Riverfront Park. The lighthouse was built in 1905, and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Spokane.
The Spokane Falls: The Spokane Falls are a series of waterfalls located in downtown Spokane. The falls are one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city, and offer stunning views of the Spokane River.
The Spokane Symphony: The Spokane Symphony is a professional orchestra that is based in Spokane. The symphony performs a variety of concerts throughout the year, and is a popular attraction for locals and visitors alike.
The Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture: The Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture is a museum that houses a collection of art and artifacts from the Pacific Northwest. The museum also offers a variety of educational programs and events, making it a great place to learn about the history and culture of the region.
Accessibility. Spokane International Airport offers direct flights to major West Coast cities. Interstate 90 runs east-west, connecting Spokane to Seattle and other destinations. Canada is just two hours north. Beautiful natural areas are located within a short drive.
So in summary, Spokane is famous for stunning natural scenery, outdoor recreation, historic architecture, affordable lifestyle, vibrant culture, excellent cuisine, craft beer, performing arts, and higher education. For its size, Spokane packs a lot of amenities and appeal. An underrated city worth exploring! Spokane’s mix of outdoor beauty, urban charm, and vibrant arts scene make it a notable city and well worth a visit. Its annual sporting events – the Bloomsday Run and Hoopfest – put it on the map for sports enthusiasts around the world.
If you are looking for a city with a lot to offer, Spokane is a great choice. With its beautiful scenery, vibrant arts and culture scene, and friendly people, Spokane is a great place to live, work, and raise a family.
FAQs
Here are 10 interesting FAQs about Spokane, Washington:
- Why is Spokane called the “Lilac City”?
Spokane is nicknamed the Lilac City because of the over 2,000 lilac bushes of many varieties that bloom each spring in Spokane’s Manito Park. The Lilac Festival is held annually to celebrate. - What outdoor activities can I do in Spokane?
Spokane offers hiking, biking, kayaking and boating on rivers and lakes, skiing at Mount Spokane, golfing, bird watching and more. Nearby destinations include Riverside State Park, Mount Spokane State Park and Lake Coeur d’Alene. - How hot does Spokane get in summer?
Summers in Spokane are typically warm and dry, with average highs of 83 F in July and August and lows around 58 F. The hottest temperature ever recorded was 108 F. Low humidity makes the summer heat more bearable. - What stores and restaurants are open late downtown?
Many downtown spots like Boots Bakery, Italia Trattoria, Wild Sage Bistro, Atticus Coffee and Candle are open late. For nightlife, check out Bob’s Keg & Cork, Vagabond Brewing, or the historic Davenport Grand bar. - What events are held at the Spokane Arena?
The Spokane Arena hosts concerts, sporting events, comedic acts, family shows and other live events. Headliners have included Elton John, Foo Fighters, Kevin Hart, Disney on Ice and the Harlem Globetrotters. - What neighborhoods would I want to live in?
Popular Spokane neighborhoods include Browne’s Addition, Garland, Audubon, Comstock, Southgate, Logan, and Rockwood. These areas have historic homes, amenities, community centers, schools, shopping and dining within walking distance. - How often does it snow in Spokane and how long does it last?
Spokane averages around 45 inches of snow per year. The snow season lasts from December through February. Snow may remain on the ground for a few days up to a couple weeks during heavier snowfalls. Most precipitation falls between November and March. - Are there any interesting museums to visit?
Check out the Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture, the Mobius Children’s Museum, Cheney Cowles Museum, Jundt Art Museum at Gonzaga, and Radio Flyer Gallery. The historic 1929 Fox Theater and Bing Crosby Theater also give tours. - What types of food is Spokane known for?
Regional foods include huckleberries, cider, craft beer, wine, and fare like funeral potatoes, Cougar Gold cheese, Walla Walla sweets, and Lentil Bolognese. Farm-to-table, fresh ingredients and food trucks have influenced the dining scene. - What are the universities in Spokane?
Local universities include Gonzaga, Whitworth, WSU Spokane, EWU Spokane, NIC, and UW Bothell. Spokane is a college city with campuses, sports, arts, hospitals and more influenced by its institutions of higher education.