With its abundance of urban staples and stunning natural landscapes, Spokane is a destination for those seeking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. Whether you are looking for green space for activities, breathtaking views, or want fresh air—Spokane’s parks offer something for everyone.
In this blog post, we will introduce some of the best parks, including Manito Park, Riverfront Park, Finch Arboretum, and other top-ranked parks, with an eye towards any particular features or highlights make these parks stand out amongst all other recreational spots in Spokane. Whether you live in or near Spokane or plan on visiting soon – consider this your comprehensive guide to the parks best suited to your outdoor needs!
Manito Park
Manito Park, established in 1904 on 78 acres of breathtaking landscape, is a delightful retreat for visitors. It stands out for its captivating visuals that span 20 acres, boasting five botanical gardens filled with beautiful blossoms and vibrant blooms that are sure to delight the eye. With such an abundance of natural beauty and serenity, Manito Park makes for the perfect place to escape from everyday life and experience something truly special.
Gaiser Conservatory is perfect for those wanting to experience the splendor of each season; during the holidays, visitors can get a special treat in the form of delightful and cheerful decorations illuminated by holiday lights.
Mirror Pond (formerly Mirror Lake) provides scenic views for visitors who come to view the various waterfowl and wildlife it attracts, as well as additional entertainment from the two playgrounds, Upper and Lower Playground.
Riverfront Park
In 1974, this majestic 100-acre park was opened to the public for the World Expo and has since been a popular destination for locals and tourists. Its many attractions include winding trails that beg to be explored, serene fountains that offer an ideal spot to relax and unwind, an impressive theater, and numerous other exciting features. This picturesque park is perfect for those looking to spend a leisurely day soaking up fresh air and sunshine.
On Tuesday evenings, one finds several vendors of different cuisines gathered around the Picturesque Great Northern Clocktower in Spokane. Delicious food is available to shoppers as they stroll through the luxuriant verdant zones while admiring the iconic monument.
Riverfront, which is close to mission park, is the perfect choice for an exciting day out, from going for a long walk on 3 km long walking trails along the Spokane river and indulging in a plethora of nearby activities, like playing miniature golf and watching an immersive movie at IMAX, to enjoying outdoor skating in the colder months – it’s got something to offer everyone! Experience some
Spokane Falls, a spectacular site, which can also be seen from Comstock park, is a prominent feature of Riverfront Park. Not to be confused with its original name of the city, the dual-drop waterfalls accompanied by a dam provide an impressive mesmeric scenery and can easily be admired while visiting.
Riverfront Park in Spokane valley is the ultimate destination for those seeking to capture breathtaking photographs, take tranquil walks, and enjoy a wide range of activities. It is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful parks in Washington, offering an array of experiences that make it worthwhile to pay a visit. Whether you are looking for serenity or excitement, Riverfront Park has something to offer everyone!
Finch Arboretum
Vast in size and scope, this terrain will require the majority of the day to explore fully. Meandering along one’s chosen pathway, designated tracks help steer visitors through the area -promising hours of entertainment that cannot be completed in a single visit as there are always additional areas awaiting discovery.
At the entrance of this leisurely oasis, you’ll discover its creek and small pond blooming with a range of different tree varieties. Unlike Riverside State Park, there aren’t as many recreational pursuits, rendering it relatively uncrowded. Don’t be intimidated by the sheer vastness of nature. Please take this opportunity to enjoy and relax in it! Stroll through the varied landscapes from rugged coastlines, overflowing rivers, deep forests, and lasting deserts; observe wildlife roaming in its natural habitats while indulging in a peaceful environment away from the city’
If you’re fortunate enough to be in the city during October, take advantage of the opportunity and don’t pass up a visit to Finch Arboretum. A walk up the gradual slope of this picturesque landscape will allow you to appreciate breathtaking views as the trees transition into their magnificent autumnal hues. The spectacular fall foliage makes it an unforgettable experience!
Cannon Hill Park
Cannon Hill Park, located in Spokane, offers visitors a breathtaking visual menu featuring meadows with vibrant hues, trees exhibiting elegant height, the soft wind stirring up the foliage, quaint stone bridges, and a tranquil duck pond. Relaxation-seekers gravitate towards this haven of serenity for its remarkable setting that possesses
In the 1880s, the area now known as a lovely neighborhood park was once a brickyard. Here clay bricks were manufactured and used for building structures downtown after the catastrophic Great Fire of 1889 rocked the city.
The brickyard ceased operations in 1907 due to the lack of clay when the Olmsted Brothers, landscape architects, unveiled their design plan for the park’s layout.
The area, named after local businessman A. M. Cannon, formally known as Adams Park, is a small and picturesque spot, perfect for exploring nature in less than an hour. The grandson of John Quincy Adams, who was associated with cliff park, initially owned the park.
Cannon South Hill is situated only a few blocks from Lincoln Park and can be easily reached by taking a pleasant walk along the picturesque tree-lined sidewalks. It’s an enjoyable journey of approximately five blocks, traversing through the revitalizing avenues full of life. The stroll offers a great opportunity to take in your surroundings while breathing in the fresh air and feeling energized by the natural beauty around you.
Minnehaha Park
Minnehaha Park had been known as a party place, primarily around the end of the 19th century. The city founders sought to change this perception of it through various initiatives and efforts.
Minnehaha was once the locale of lawyer Edgar J. Webster’s summer residence before its reputation as a party town. Upon discovering a mineral spring in the 1890s, he converted the property into a refreshing spa built around the natural springs. Over time, ownership changed, and instead of offering a relaxing experience to customers, the mineral water was utilized for producing beer at a private brewery.
Between 1909 and 1913, the ownership of this land underwent a transition before it became a public park in 1924. During this phase, the area also saw a budding movie industry, making it an ideal filming site for various motion pictures.
Minnehaha Park residents enjoy recreational activities, including tennis, baseball, softball, and mountain biking trails. Not forgetting, it has basketball courts similar to those of Audubon park. All ages can enjoy the playground equipment and picnic tables, providing ample opportunities for families to gather.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a place to picnic, take a stroll, or enjoy the great outdoors, Spokane has some beautiful parks that are perfect for any activity. From serene Minnehaha Park to Cannon Hill Park, with its stunning views of the cityscape, there’s something for everyone in Spokane.
And if you’re a nature lover, don’t miss Finch Arboretum – it’s one of the best places in town to appreciate all that our natural world has to offer. So get out there and explore these amazing parks!