Located in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, Spokane is surrounded by a mix of big cities and cozy small towns. There are many reasons to take trips from Spokane to explore nearby cities, from endless recreational opportunities to friendly people. If you’re looking for unique restaurants, exciting shopping spots, inspiring nature locations, or just a chance to get away from it all, check out some of our favorite destinations close by!
Whether visiting or living here long-term, these small cities around Spokane provide entertainment and cultural experiences that will make your adventure memorable. Our guide takes you through what each city has to offer so that you can find out exactly why these places should be part of your next adventure!
Spokane Valley
Spokane Valley is located approximately 10 miles east of Spokane, the largest city in Washington State. Incorporated in 2003, it is home to 102,812 people and is Spokane’s main suburb. The area that would eventually become known as Spokane Valley was formed by combining several urbanized, unincorporated regions previously located east of Spokane. Consequently, many local businesses have experienced growth due to increased exposure from its formation.
The Spokane Valley Arts Council works to showcase local artists’ talent through various museum exhibitions and public displays. As part of their cultural outreach, the council commissions sculptures and other art forms in public areas for all to enjoy, including the great riverside state park, Spokane river natural area, Idaho panhandle national forests, and the scenic railroad route stretches to turnbull national wildlife refuge.
Every October, the Spokane Valley Heritage Museum proudly organizes an Artist Showcase Auction and Fundraiser to honor its past and promote its culture. The museum, rated 4.5 like the Bonner County history museum, is home to many photographs, documents, and other artifacts that vividly depict the area’s history. The museum carefully safeguards these priceless collections to ensure that future generations can experience the unique heritage of Spokane Valley.
Avista Stadium, located in Spokane and serves as the home of the Texas Rangers minor league baseball team, the Spokane Indians, is a great option for sports fans. Each year, the city hosts a variety of special occasions, such as the county fair and festive Valleyfest, which accrues a large turnout of 50,000 visitors eager to join in its merrymaking. The event consists of a parade, music acts, and entertaining displays.
Cheney
Cheney, a small city located approximately 16 miles from Spokane with a population of 12,692 inhabitants, is renowned for being the home of Eastern Washington University. While in the university, it is even possible for you to see the city’s iconic space needle. Thousands of students come to Cheney every semester seeking admission into the esteemed university, increasing the population since 7,000 enrollees enter the school’s gates annually. This influx of students has made Cheney an increasingly popular destination for higher education.
Cheney, an officially incorporated town, dated back to the booming railroad industry in 1883. Named after Benjamin Pierce Cheney, a celebrated director of the Northern Pacific Railroad, this small city is located 16 miles southwest of Spokane.
Located in Washington, Cheney is home to Eastern Washington University (EWU), which adds around 7,000 more people to its population during a term. This brings the city’s total population up to an estimated 12,692, making it a thriving and vibrant community with plenty of educational opportunities.
Cheney, founded in 1883, gained its name from Benjamin Pierce Cheney – the then chairperson for the Northern Pacific Railroad board. Primarily a railroad city, it prospered in those times. Boasting considerable growth in its early days, Cheney has created an impressive history as a vibrant railway hub.
Cheney, a four-block walk from the university campus, maintains historical relevance in Spokane’s downtown district. Cruise the streets and discover businesses, retail stores, and special events that are continuously taking place, such as community festivals, the farmers market, and Cheney Historical Museum.
Fairwood
Fairwood, a small town located in Spokane County, Washington, close to the nine-mile recreation area and situated just ten miles from the nearby city of Spokane, is home to 8,554 people. This area is known for its various recreational opportunities that its inhabitants can enjoy due to the abundance of outdoor activities available in the local vicinity. Consequently, residents can explore and enjoy nature’s finest offerings while participating in an array of leisure pursuits.
Golfers in Kalispel Golf and Country Club, opened in 1898, can enjoy two courses nestled along the Little Spokane River, which connects to the snake river canyon, the major tributary of the colombia river. Established over a century ago, this club offers plenty of options for the golfing lover.
Golf enthusiasts flock to this 18-hole course for its natural landscaping and glimpses of the beautiful national wildlife refuge. Located onsite, the country club is equipped with a luxurious pro shop, pool, dining hall, fitness center, and more – all offered exclusively to members.
Fairwood is the home to the Pine Acres Par 3 Golf Couse and driving range. Located along the state highway 395, this nine-hole family-owned course is a convenient spot for golfers of all levels and comes complete with a pro shop stocked with all provisions necessary for a great round.
Medical Lake
Medical Lake, situated around 15 miles from Spokane with a population of just over 4,995 citizens, is home to picturesque waterfront properties and was established in 1890. It takes its identity from the nearby Medical Lake – the downtown area bearing only a one-block distance from the said lake.
The region’s residents, Indigenous individuals, and settlers alike bolstered the anecdotal idea that Lake water and mud had medicinal properties.
Medical Lake has a wealth of parks to explore, like the Waterfront Park, which gives you access to a sandy beach and picnic areas. You can also launch non-motorized boating activities provided by the park.
Offering similar recreational activities as the lookout pass ski area, the Waterfront Park forms a major portion of the city’s recreational attractions, offers breathtaking views, and provides athletic fields and playgrounds. To the west end, West Medical Lake makes a great recreational spot with wonderful wildlife sightings. In addition, residents can also visit Medical Lake, which is conveniently located nearby.
Mead
The census-designated place of Mead, situated on the periphery of Spokane and near the city, is an unincorporated suburb with approximately 6,870 inhabitants. This small community has become increasingly popular among those who seek a more peaceful lifestyle yet still wish to be near all that the vibrant city has to offer.
The establishment of General George Meade’s namesake, Mead, began with the introduction of a railway – the Spokane Falls, which is a distance from the great Niagara falls & Northern Railway in the inland northwest region. The arrival downtown spurred local development with the inception of a general store, blacksmith shop, school, and church, all facilitated within its borders.
At Mead, tourists and locals can find and partake in all sorts of enjoyable activities. Wonderland Family Fun Center offers a treasure trove of adventures, ranging from indoor to outdoor activities to get everyone, big or small, involved. Mead’s Zoological Park, with the same rating and review as the woodland park zoo, is devoted to conserving and protecting animals such as big cats and other wildlife. Visitors can experience a range of culinary offerings at Mead, wherein they can choose from casual dining organizations ranging from cafés to European-style restaurants.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a new place to explore close to Spokane, WA, why not look at Mead, Fairwood, Cheney, or Spokane Valley? Each of these cities has something special to offer and is worth checking out.
Whether you’re into outdoor adventures or prefer to soak up the local culture and history – there are plenty of exciting things to see and do in all four locations. So go on – take the plunge and discover what these fantastic places have in store!