Spokane, Washington

Reading Time: 6 minutes

Spokane, Washington

USA


Geographic Coordinates: 47.667100, -117.433000
Temperature Range: -40.0°C to 40.0°C (-40°F to 104°F)
Climate: Spokane experiences four distinct seasons with warm summers and cold winters. The city receives an average of 17 inches of precipitation per year, with most of it falling as snow during the winter months.
Population: 440270
Language: English

Spokane is a city located in the eastern part of Washington State, United States. The city is known for its natural beauty, Outdoor activities and vibrant downtown area. It is situated on the Spokane River and surrounded by mountains and forests, Making it an ideal destination for nature lovers. One of the most popular attractions in Spokane is Riverfront Park. This park was built for Expo ’74, A world’s fair that was held in Spokane. Today, It offers visitors a variety of activities such as walking trails, An IMAX theater, A carousel and gondola rides over the river.

Another must-visit attraction in Spokane is Manito Park. This 90-acre park features several gardens including a rose garden, Japanese garden and dahlia garden. Visitors can also enjoy walking paths through lush greenery or have a picnic on one of the many lawns.

For those interested in history and culture, There are several museums to visit in Spokane including the Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture which showcases regional art and history exhibits; The Bing Crosby House Museum which celebrates the life of famous crooner Bing Crosby; and The Martin Woldson Theater at The Fox which hosts live performances ranging from Broadway shows to symphony orchestras. Spokane also has an impressive food scene with local restaurants offering farm-to-table cuisine featuring fresh ingredients from nearby farms. Craft breweries are also abundant throughout the city with many offering tours and tastings.

Sports fans will enjoy watching games at Avista Stadium where minor league baseball team The Indians play or at Gonzaga University’s McCarthey Athletic Center where their men’s basketball team has become nationally recognized as one of college basketball’s top programs. Overall, Spokane offers something for everyone whether you’re looking to explore nature or immerse yourself in culture or simply relax with great food and drink options while enjoying beautiful scenery all around you!



Important Landmarks

  1. Riverfront Park
  2. Spokane Falls
  3. Manito Park
  4. Bing Crosby Theater
  5. Martin Woldson Theater at The Fox
  6. Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture (MAC)
  7. Gonzaga University Campus and St Aloysius Church
  8. Spokane Civic Theatre
  9. Mobius Children’s Museum
  10. Washington State Pavilion (now INB Performing Arts Center)

Noteable History

  1. The Spokane Indian Reservation was established in 1881, which led to the forced relocation of the Spokane Tribe from their ancestral lands.
  2. The Great Fire of 1889 destroyed much of downtown Spokane, but also led to a period of rapid rebuilding and growth.
  3. In 1907, labor activist and Industrial Workers of the World (IWW) leader Elizabeth Gurley Flynn was arrested in Spokane for her role in organizing a free speech campaign.
  4. In 1974, serial killer Ted Bundy abducted and murdered two young women from Lake Sammamish State Park near Seattle before driving to Spokane where he committed several more murders.
  5. Gonzaga University’s men’s basketball team has become a perennial contender for national championships under coach Mark Few since the early 2000s.
  6. Former U.S. House Speaker Tom Foley represented Washington’s Fifth Congressional District (which includes Spokane) from 1965-1995.
  7. The city hosted Expo ’74, an international exposition focused on environmental issues that drew over five million visitors during its six-month run.
  8. In recent years, several prominent musicians have emerged from or been associated with the local music scene including Modest Mouse frontman Isaac Brock and indie folk artist Fleet Foxes’ Robin Pecknold.
  9. The Davenport Hotel opened in downtown Spokane on September 1st,1914.It is considered one of America’s grandest hotels outside New York City.
  10. In May-June1945,the first Japanese prisoners-of-war arrived at Fort George Wright,nearby airbase-turned-Army-post during World War II.Many were sent there after capture by American forces fighting on Pacific islands.This event marked an important chapter not only for Fort George Wright,but also for all Americans who had lost loved ones fighting against Japan during WW II.

Museums and Things To See

  1. Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture
  2. Spokane Falls & Riverfront Park
  3. Martin Woldson Theater at The Fox
  4. Bing Crosby House Museum
  5. Manito Park and Botanical Gardens
  6. Gonzaga University Art Center
  7. Campbell House
  8. Jundt Art Museum at Gonzaga University
  9. John A Finch Arboretum
  10. Washington State Pavilion (The U.S Pavilion from Expo ’74)


Sports Teams

  1. The Spokane Chiefs are a Western Hockey League team that was founded in 1985. They have won three WHL championships, in 1991, 2008, and 2011.
  2. The Spokane Indians are a Minor League Baseball team that was founded in 1903 and has been affiliated with the Texas Rangers since 2003. They have won six Northwest League championships, most recently in 2018.
  3. The Spokane Shock is an Indoor Football League team that was founded in 2006 and played in the Arena Football League from 2010 to 2015. They won the ArenaBowl championship twice, once in both the years of their participation.
  4. Gonzaga Bulldogs is Gonzaga University’s NCAA Division I Basketball program which has made numerous NCAA Tournament appearances since their first appearance back in1987.
  5. The Whitworth Pirates consist of both men’s basketball and football teams at Whitworth University which compete regularly for conference titles while also being a consistent presence at NCAA D-III tournaments over recent years.
  6. Spokane Shadow SC is a semi-professional soccer club established by local soccer enthusiasts back on March of1996 with an aim to promote soccer development across all age groups within the Spokane region while giving players an opportunity to compete at high levels within their hometown community.
  7. The Spokane Empire indoor football franchise came into existence after its predecessor AFL franchise moved out due to financial issues but unfortunately played just two seasons before folding due to financial losses incurred during those two seasons.
  8. Spokane Thunder was an arena football team active between year1999-2000 before being dissolved due to internal management issues they faced during their operation period.
  9. The Spokane Spiders were a minor league baseball team active between year1973-1974 before being dissolved due to financial losses incurred during their two seasons of operation.


Cultural Events

  1. Spokane Lilac Festival is a celebration of the city’s official flower. It features a parade, food vendors, and live entertainment.
  2. Spokane County Interstate Fair is an annual fair that showcases agriculture, livestock shows, carnival rides and games, live music performances and more.
  3. Pig Out in the Park is a six-day food festival held in downtown Spokane featuring over 50 food vendors offering diverse cuisines from around the world.
  4. ArtFest is an annual art festival showcasing works by local artists and artisans including paintings, sculptures, pottery, jewelry and more.
  5. Hoopfest is one of the largest 3-on-3 basketball tournaments in the world held annually in downtown Spokane attracting thousands of participants from all over the country.
  6. Northwest Bach Festival is a classical music festival celebrating Johann Sebastian Bach’s legacy with concerts performed by internationally acclaimed musicians.
  7. Winter Glow Spectacular is a winter holiday event at Riverfront Park that features light displays throughout the park as well as ice skating rinks for families to enjoy during winter months.
  8. Bloomsday Run is an annual running event that attracts thousands of runners each year to run through scenic routes throughout Spokane while enjoying live entertainment along with way.
  9. Spokane Pride Parade & Rainbow Festival – An LGBTQ+ community event which includes parades highlighting diversity and inclusion along with various activities such as drag shows,dance parties,music performances etc.
  10. Spokane International Film Festival- A week-long film festival featuring independent films from around the world screened at different venues across town including feature-length films ,short films ,documentaries etc.

Cuisine

  • The Wandering Table – offers a unique dining experience with farm-to-table dishes and eclectic flavors.
  • Clover – serves contemporary American cuisine with locally sourced ingredients.
  • Frank’s Diner – a historic diner that has been serving breakfast and lunch since 1906.
  • Durkin’s Liquor Bar – offers craft cocktails and small plates in a cozy atmosphere.
  • Wisconsinburger – serves classic burgers made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
  • Sante Restaurant & Charcuterie – offers French-inspired cuisine using local, seasonal ingredients.
  • Ruins – a hip restaurant that serves creative dishes inspired by global street food.
  • Central Food – specializes in farm-to-table cuisine with an emphasis on sustainable practices.
  • Italia Trattoria – serves authentic Italian dishes made with fresh, seasonal ingredients from the Pacific Northwest region.
  • Wild Sage Bistro- Offers Contemporary American Cuisine using locally sourced products from the Inland Northwest Region of the United States

  • Parks and Recreation

    1. Riverfront Park is a large park located in downtown Spokane. It features a carousel, an IMAX theater, a skyride over the Spokane Falls, and many walking trails.
    2. Manito Park is a beautiful park with gardens, walking trails, and a conservatory.
    3. Finch Arboretum is a 65-acre park with walking trails and gardens showcasing various species of trees and plants.
    4. John H. Shields Park is a popular spot for hiking and mountain biking with scenic views of the Spokane Valley.
    5. Riverside State Park is an expansive park offering camping, fishing, boating opportunities along the Spokane River.
    6. The Centennial Trail runs through downtown Spokane along the riverfront for 37 miles and it’s perfect for cycling or leisurely walks.
    7. Indian Canyon Golf Course is one of the best public golf courses in Washington State located in an idyllic canyon setting on the outskirts of town.
    8. Dwight Merkel Sports Complex features soccer fields & baseball diamonds as well as picnic tables & playgrounds for families to enjoy outdoor activities together.
    9. Spokane County Fairgrounds hosts many events throughout the year including fairs & festivals.
    10. Mirabeau Point Park- Located in nearby city of Liberty Lake this beautiful nature area offers hiking trails,& picnic areas among other amenities.

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