13 Best Sights in Spokane, Spokane and Eastern Washington

This trail—which starts near Nine Mile Falls, northwest of Spokane, then runs through downtown, along Riverfront Park, and then stretches east to the Idaho border—is perfect for a hike, bike, or run. Roughly 40 miles long, the path follows the Spokane River.

A pleasant place to stroll in summer, this 90-acre park has a formal Renaissance-style garden, Japanese garden, duck pond, rose and perennial gardens, and a conservatory. In December the park hosts a festive and free holiday lights event over 10 nights, with a drive-thru option the first four nights. The half-mile trail is lit up with more than five million lights in animated and whimsical displays. The park's café is open daily from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Snowy winters find the park's hills full of sledders and its frozen pond packed with skaters.

The 100-acre park is what remains of Spokane's Expo '74. Sprawling across several islands in the Spokane River, the park was developed from old railroad yards, where the stone clock tower of the former Great Northern Railroad Station still stands. The modernist Washington State pavilion, built as an opera house, is now the INB Performing Arts Center. A 1909 carousel, hand-carved by master builder Charles I.D. Looff, is a local landmark. Another family favorite is the giant red slide shaped like a Radio Flyer wagon. Thanks to a multiyear redevelopment effort, the iconic U.S. Pavilion reopened in 2019 as the Pavilion at Riverfront, an event space that hosts concerts, festivals, and an eye-catching light display on weekends. For a great view of the river and falls, walk across Post Street Bridge or take the sky ride over Spokane Falls.

On the grounds of the eclectic 1924 mansion of Royal Riblet, the inventor of a square-wheel tractor and the poles that hold up ski lifts, you can sample Arbor Crest wines, enjoy the striking view of the Spokane River, or meander through the impeccably kept grounds (the house isn't open to tours). Note that no minors or pets are allowed on the Estate grounds. Arbor Crest's wines include Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnays from the Columbia Valley. Enjoy Sunday evening concerts (5:30–7:30) outside from early May through September; in winter there's live music by the fireside in the Wine Bar on Thursday through Saturday nights (6–8).

Among the large cats living at this wildlife refuge and rescue sanctuary are lions, tigers, bobcats, pumas, and lynxes. You'll also see bears, coyotes, and foxes. Guided tours give background information on the animals and an opportunity to feed them. While it's not a zoo in the traditional sense, the mission of the nonprofit that runs it is a worthy one.

This architectural masterpiece, considered one of America's most important and beautiful Gothic cathedrals, was constructed in the 1920s with sandstone from Tacoma and Boise and limestone from Indiana. The cathedral's renowned 49-bell carillon has attracted international guest musicians.

The entrance to the tree-shaded Cheney campus is marked by the Pillars of Hercules; built in 1915, they include granite from the original Cheney Normal School that was destroyed by fire a few years earlier. Six campus buildings are on the National Register of Historic Places. Walk through the EWU Historic District to learn about the university's founding as the state's first institution for training teachers and to see the early-1900 buildings where students lived and studied.

This mile-long green patch along Garden Springs Creek has an extensive botanical garden with more than 2,000 labeled trees, shrubs, and flowers. Follow the walking tour on well-manicured paths along the creek, or follow your whim—depending on the season—through flowering rhododendrons, hibiscus, magnolias, dogwoods, hydrangeas, and more.

In 2020, the Mobius Science Center and Mobius Children's Museum combined to create a new entity, the Mobius Discovery Center, featuring the best of both for kids—hands-on learning and fun through creativity, play, and science inquiry. Exhibits include STEAM Labs, space exploration, an eye clinic, a market, a water play area, enchanted forest for the littlest tikes, and the perennial kids favorite, bubbles. The center is in the historic Washington Water Power building. 

Spokane's museum for children is in the lower level of River Park Square and has six interactive galleries for hands-on learning. Exhibits include a miniature city with safety education features, an art studio, a science exhibit called Geotopica, a forest-themed play area for infants and toddlers, and a stage with theater equipment and costumes. A partner facility, Mobius Science Center, is across the street.

Affectionately known as the MAC, the museum is in an impressive six-level glass-and-wood structure filled with audiovisual displays and artifacts that trace Spokane's history. There's also a fine Native American collection that includes baskets and beadwork of the Plateau nation. Wander to the adjacent Victorian home, the Campbell House, to admire the interior or view mining-era exhibits.

Over the years, this winery—founded by Don Townshend in Green Bluff—won awards for its Cabernet Sauvignon. Now a second-generation winery, current owner Brendon Townshend moved it to Spokane in 2022 and opened a tasting room in the midst of the wine-making operations, giving visitors a closer look at the process.