This post was most recently updated on July 9th, 2019
Spokane is located in eastern Washington near the border of Idaho, only 34 miles from Coeur D’Alene. It is home to several colleges, including Gonzaga University, Whitworth college, Spokane Falls Community College, and the Riverpoint campus of Washington State University. While you may not have heard of it, it IS the second largest city in the state of Washington, after Seattle. If you’d like to have a GPS-guided version of this article, check out my app on GPSmyCity!
The surrounding valley was historically desirable because it was the most viable location for a railroad connection between the east and west, and that’s really how it got its start.
There’s also a river that runs through the valley and the heart of downtown Spokane. The Spokane river attracted settlers for its hydroelectric potential as well as its rugged beauty and life-sustaining qualities. Spokane was primarily known for its natural resources: farms, forests, fur, and mines, as well as being a railroad hub for shipping.
Spokane, Today
Today, it’s a melding of its past and future. With a large historic downtown district, museums, railroads, state parks and the 1974 Expo site, there’s a lot of the past to discover and explore. But Spokane is growing, too, and you’ll find modern industries, new expansions to their college campuses, and growth in the biotech, high-tech, and healthcare industries. Mining and agriculture still play a key role. Tourism might not be the top industry, but that just means it’s a gem, waiting to be fully discovered!
I had the opportunity to visit my father, who had recently moved to Spokane. Other than a quick jaunt there for a debate tournament in high school (yes, I was kind of a nerd!), I had not really seen much of Spokane. Since my father and I both like to explore new places, we set out to see what makes Spokane unique and interesting today.
Lots of historic brick & stone buildings
Like many other more famous cities (Seattle, Chicago, San Francisco and Toronto) Spokane had a devastating fire in the late 1880’s. As a result, most buildings built from that time forward were built of brick and/or stone. Not just boring brick boxes, but beautiful, embellished and trimmed, brick buildings. And a lot of them are still standing today because they have withstood the elements. Most have a new purpose these days. For example, the former Empire State Bank building is now an office building with its original vaults, mail chute, ornate staircase, and wire cage for the original elevator.
The original Masonic Temple is now the Riverside Place and is a special events venue, hosting weddings and meetings.
The Review building still serves as the location of the Spokane Review newspaper, with modern additions.
Every once in a while you run into a historic statue as well.
This is just a few I’ve highlighted for you. Drive around downtown Spokane, and you’ll see lots of beautiful brick and stone buildings.
A river runs through it
A very beautiful, and at times raging and rocky, river runs through the middle of the city. Appropriately, it is called the Spokane River.
It makes sense that the town would have settled and grown with the river at its center. The flat valley through which the river winds attracted the railroads. Later, it also attracted power plants as a source of hydroelectric energy. And in 1974, the Spokane Falls and the islands above it became the site for the World Expo.
This area is now known as Riverfront Park, and it attracts many tourists and locals alike. There are groomed walking paths, the US pavilion, the Great Northern railroad clock tower, a sculpture walk, a military memorial, a 1909 carousel, the Spokane Falls Skyride (closed in winter), the Ice Ribbon skating path, and the world’s largest Radio Flyer wagon (which doubles as a slide). There’s also an IMAX theater, fountains, and a Totem Pole.
Spokane has preserved a lot of history for future generations to enjoy
As we drove through the streets of Spokane, I could see history unfolding in its neighborhoods, downtown district, and on the hills overlooking the city.
If you check out the Visit Spokane website, you’ll find everything you ever wanted to know. While perusing the website, I found five historic walking tours. We checked these out and learned so much about early Spokane history; I highly recommend doing this!
I was also impressed that the majestic Cathedral of St John the Evangelist was built in the early 1900’s and still stands as a monument to the devotion and dedication of its parishioners. It reminded me a lot of European cathedrals as I explored all of its beautiful details — a rose window, carved front doors, vaulted ceilings, and stories told in the stained glass panels.
We enjoyed the beautiful Cathedral of Our Lady of Lourdes close to the river, too.
hookedonhouses.net
There are many neighborhoods of beautiful 1920’s-era Craftsman-styled homes. And there are bungalows built in the 1950’s; they have not been razed to create modern apartment buildings.
The Spokane County building, built in the late 1800’s, is a magnificent tribute to old-world European architecture, built in a 16th Century French Renaissance design and still serving as the county office building.
We also enjoyed a visit to Bing Crosby’s early 1900’s childhood home, which stands at the edge of Gonzaga University to honor the man and his legacy. The home houses the country’s largest collection of Bing Crosby memorabilia.
I got the feeling that Spokane embraces all aspects of its history and does not tear one part down to create a newer one.
Spokane is an outdoor lover’s paradise
You don’t have to drive very far in Spokane before you see the terrain change from valley to gentle hills to more rugged pine-covered mountains.
A visit to Riverside State Park revealed a more rugged version of the Spokane River and some stunning rock formations shaped like a pitcher and bowl. A suspension bridge crossing the river is a thrill to cross.
Continue driving west and you’ll eventually come to the Cascade mountains. Drive east and you’ll cross the Idaho border to Coeur D’Alene. You can fish, hike, kayak, camp, and ski. Or snap photos like I did! In the summer, you can add water-skiing, boating, swimming, and picking fruit to your list of outdoor activities.
A relatively small city with plenty of room to grow
It’s kind of unusual to find a city with several colleges and universities, a thriving downtown, a major railroad hub, and a tourist attraction like the Riverfront Park that is not overcrowded. Yet, it still feels like a small town and acts like a small town. With all the modern amenities you could ask for. Another really unique thing about Spokane is its airport; it is an international airport, yet you can park right in front of the entrance for only $2.00 an hour!
- Oh there’s definitely more…
There’s no way I could have seen everything Spokane has to offer in a three-day winter visit. But when I return, I’d love to visit their popular Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture. There’s also the Mobius Children’s Museum and the Manito Park and Botanical Gardens. - A self-guided city driving tour will take you to all of the must-see sights in the comfort of your car.
- The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints has built a beautiful temple in Spokane.
Spokane temple on a winter day
Spokane temple at night - There’s also a growing foodie culture. While I got to enjoy delicious home-cooked meals during our visit, we did venture out once to eat at Anthony’s, with the best view ever of the Spokane Falls (and great food, too!).
If Spokane wasn’t on your radar, perhaps it should be now. It’s a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts, families, and even couples who just want to escape from a larger city’s chaos. There was plenty for us to see and do in the winter. I can only imagine how much more there will be in the summer!
I loved seeing & snapping St John’s Cathedral!
I remember driving by the Tea Kettle Dome monument out by Spokane. Jenn’s favorite part is definitely the river and the cute shops around the water front. It’s a cute little town that is worth stopping for.
I agree…the area near the river is filled with all kinds of treasures!
some gorgeous photos! I didn’t think Spokane had much to offer but I now think differently!
The history and architecture throughout Spokane is something which would draw me – amazing that so many incredible buildings are still standing! The Review building totally looks like it would be a newspaper building – such a beautiful structure! Will definitely have to pick one of those walking tours to explore the neighborhoods – thanks for the intro to Spokane 🙂
My sister lived there a long time ago. That view at Anthony’s is so pretty. Bing Crosby’s home looks really nice and well maintained. Didn’t know that is where he lived as a kid.
I love the photos you took! Spokane is absolutely stunning with this beautiful river flowing across. What a perfect day to indulge in delicious food while overlooking the gorgeous view. I also love hiking, so this place is perfect!!
Thanks for the great post about Spokane! I’ve not been to Washington state for a very long time. Your post has made me want to plan a revisit!
I’m sure there’s probably chocolate there too!
David and I have been many places but we’ve yet to make it to Northern CA, Oregon or Washington. I see a west coast road trip in our future.
Oh, I’m sure you’d like Spokane — what a beautiful area!
What a great way to spend your visit with your dad: exploring Spokane together! 🙂 I’d be honest and say that this is the first time I’ve heard about Spokane and I must say it is pretty interesting! I think the history alone will draw me to it. Good to know that despite the devastating fire in the late 1880’s, the city has thrived and even built beautiful buildings to replace those that were destroyed. That river too looks great with its Riverfront Park. The statues on it looks good!
Spokane with history,,architecture and a growing foodie culture is something I would look forward to. Seems like a good way to spend time with family.
I’m going this october —- might add this to the itinerary
We were looking at flying into Spokane and then driving to Walla Walla. Now, it’s definitely a possibility and would love to spend time here. I had no idea it had so many beautiful buildings and so many colleges.
I love how even places you don’t expect have something interesting about them, and that you took the time to explore with your Dad his new home. I had no idea Bing Crosby was from Spokane, you learn something new every day!
I agree that Spokane has some beautiful brick buildings. It is interesting to learn that is from rebuilding from a fire in the 1880’s. We stayed in a lovely city park to the north of the city and drove in to explore during the day. I like a medium sized city with plenty to do, but not crazy like some of the huge cities in America. Spokane was just the right size to provide a great time, without an insane amount of traffic.
The cascade mountains look so beautiful and scenic. I would also love a photo on that bridge. Although, I’m a bit scared of height! Hahahaha!
I am ashamed to say that I had not heard of Spokane before now. Looking at your wonderful pictures, I think it is worth a visit. We are planning a longish vacation in the US .
Spokane is off the beaten path, but it is a gem!
Never heard of Spokane but you had me at historic brick & stone buildings! Also, a lovely little river running through the little town only adds to the beauty of it. I love small towns with history and nature, Spokane seems to fit the bill!
How lovely to be able to share this with your dad. I’ve come across the place name Spokane but didn’t have any image in my head about what it was like! Am really interested in history, and historical architecture, and I love anywhere that has great good, so I’m sure I’d enjoy!
Spokane looks grand! Good to know that it is so close to Idaho so I could “kill two birds with one stone!”. The architecture is grand but those downtown statues are really cool! I absolutely LOVE a city with a river running through it. This is so gorgeous! Thanks for sharing a place I knew nothing about.
Oh yes, Spokane is a gorgeous city!
I was born at Fairchild Air Force Base and lived in Spokane Valley until my family moved to St Louis MO. We lived briefly in Spokane in 1956. I would make yearly visits to Spokane to visit family that still call Spokane home
It’s a welcoming place to return to, I’m sure!
To think I’ve been in the area several times and never even heard of this town. Thanks!