Things To Do in Spokane

Spokane has made it easy for visitors to get a sense of what the city is all about by mapping out a Spokane City Drive that takes in all the highlights. The well-marked route meanders through Spokane and passes by the city attractions listed. The drive also takes in some great vistas from the hills to the south.

Riverfront Park

Created for the 1974 World's Fair Expo and set on an island in the middle of the Spokane River, 100-acre Riverfront Park (tel. 800/336-PARK or 509/625-6600; www.spokaneriverfrontpark.com) is the city's pride and joy. The land on which the park stands was once a maze of railroad tracks and depots, and the polluted river was nearly inaccessible to the public. The park's creation helped rejuvenate downtown Spokane, and today crowds flock here to enjoy everything from summertime concerts to ice-skating in the winter. Activities for both adults and children abound. At the Howard Street entrance to the park, you'll find the Rotary Fountain, a stainless-steel sculpture that's also a choreographed fountain in which people can play on hot days. The restored 1909 Looff Carrousel, with its hand-carved horses, is one of the most beautiful in the country and a big hit with kids. More contemporary entertainment is offered at the IMAX Theatre (tel. 509/625-6686). A family-fun center includes kiddie rides and miniature golf. Throughout the summer are many special events.

Serving as a spectacular backdrop for the park is the Spokane River, which here cascades over Spokane Falls, and is most impressive during the spring snow-melt season. The best view of the falls is from the lilac-colored gondolas of the Spokane Falls SkyRide (tel. 509/625-6600). Gondolas swing out over the falls before crossing to the far side of the river. Between March and October, the SkyRide operates Sunday to Thursday from 10am to 8pm and Friday and Saturday from 10am to 10pm; November through February, it is open on weekends and holidays only. Rides cost $7 for adults, $5 for teens and seniors, and $4 for children ages 3 to 12.

Manito Park

Manito Park (tel. 509/363-5422), Spokane's other major green space, is more traditional than Riverfront Park and is south of downtown, beginning at the corner of S. Grand Street and 18th Avenue. Here, among rocks and pine forest, you'll find several of the most beautiful public gardens in the Northwest. Foremost of these is the classically proportioned Duncan Garden, a formal garden patterned after those of 17th-century Europe. In summer, these sunken gardens are a riot of colorful flower beds. Adjacent to this garden is the Gaiser Conservatory, which brims with exotic tropical plants. The perennial garden and rose garden are at their exuberant peaks in June and should not be missed. The lilac garden is also well worth a visit during the May flowering season. There is also the Nishinomiya Japanese Garden, a strolling pond garden. To reach the gardens from downtown, drive south on S. Browne Street, which winds around a bit and eventually leads you onto S. Grand Street.

Cat Tales

Fifteen miles north of Spokane is a wildlife park unlike any other in the state. Cat Tales Zoological Park, 17020 N. Newport Hwy., Mead (tel. 509/238-4126; www.cattales.org), lets visitors get up close to tigers and other big cats from around the world. There's also a petting zoo where you might be able to pet a baby tiger. Treat bags can also be purchased, if you want to help feed the big cats. May through September, the zoo is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 6pm; October through April, it closes at 4pm. Admission is $8 for adults, $6 for seniors, and $5 for children 12 and under.