5 Best Sights in Pullman, Spokane and Eastern Washington

On the campus of Washington State University, this museum has the finest collection of stuffed birds and mammals and preserved invertebrates in the Pacific Northwest; more than 700 are on display and the entire collection of specimens numbers over 60,000.

Washington State University's outstanding Museum of Art has more than 4,000 pieces in its permanent collection, including works by regional, national, and international artists. Its six galleries showcase art from the university's collections and host visiting exhibits. The architecturally stunning building nicknamed the "Crimson Cube" opened in 2018.

The 3,640-foot-tall butte is part of a mountain chain that was here long before the lava flows of the Columbia basin erupted millions of years ago. The park has great views of the Palouse hills and Idaho's snowcapped peaks to the east, as well as eight primitive campsites, a picnic area, and a 1-mile trail to the top of the butte.

This day-use park dotted with picnic tables is named after an army officer who lost a battle in 1858 against Native Americans at nearby Rosalia. The lieutenant colonel and other survivors sneaked away at night—a retreat historians think was permitted by their adversaries. The hike to the summit of the 3,600-foot-high butte rewards hikers with panoramic views 200 miles in the distance. Paragliding and hang gliding are popular pastimes here, along with bird-watching and nature photography.

Opened in 1892 as the state's agriculture school, Washington State University today sprawls almost all the way to the Idaho state line. Besides checking out the interesting architecture of 19th century buildings like Bryan Hall with its clocktower that lights up at night and Thompson Hall with its castle-like turrets, a visit to the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art is a must. If you visit on a weekday, be sure to stop at Ferdinand's for ice cream or the famous Cougar Gold cheese. To park on campus, pick up a parking pass in the Security Building on Wilson Road.