Map of Spokane, Washington Area
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Spokane boasts the perfect mix of city life and natural beauty to appeal to any visitor. Whether you’re looking to explore as many restaurants and breweries as you can or trying to hike all the trails on your list, Spokane has it all.
Nestled on the eastern edge of the state of Washington, the city is situated near the Selkirk Mountains. You can immerse yourself in the city’s natural wonders along the Spokane River and Spokane Falls or explore the local shops and restaurants.
Where is Spokane located on the US map?
Spokane is a part of the Pacific Northwest and is located 279 miles east of Seattle, 92 miles south of Canada’s edge, and 18 miles away from the Washington-Idaho border. It’s the second-largest city in Washington state, yet it is still surrounded by the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, the Spokane River, and all the natural beauty of the landscape.
The city is along a transition area between the empty landscape of the Columbia Basin, and the forests to the east. The area is surrounded by hills, mountains, prairies, and coniferous forests and is excellently located to experience the distinctive weather patterns of all four seasons.
How big is Spokane?
The city of Spokane is home to over 220,000 people, which places it as the second-largest city in Washington. The city covers almost 70 square miles, filled with restaurants, museums, bars, and shops waiting for you to explore.
Is Spokane a good place to visit?
The city is a dream come true for nature lovers and city dwellers alike! Spokane hosts many sporting events throughout the year and has several first-rate golf courses to unwind or challenge yourself.
City Living
If you prefer to spend your time in the city, the downtown is littered with beautiful historical buildings. In fact, about half of the buildings downtown are officially registered as historic. Riverside Place is a historical site where President Roosevelt attended a ground-breaking ceremony in 1903. Riverside Place is now a stunning event and wedding venue.
Spokane is also the home to many wineries, and as the second-largest producer of wine in the United States, the wine scene is ever-growing. If you’re someone who loves to find the perfect bottle wherever you go, there are many wine tastings in the Cork District to choose from.
The Great Outdoors
The second-largest urban waterfall is Spokane Falls. There are many great viewing points to see the falls, including by foot on the pedestrian bridges and lookouts or hopping on the SkyRide gondola to get an overhead view.
If you want to leave the city and immerse yourself in the wilderness completely, you have so many options to choose from. Spokane is just a one-hour drive away from 76 lakes, including the stunning Lake Coeur d’Alene.
Spokane has access to the Centennial Trail – a 37-mile path that runs from Idaho to Nine Mile Falls, Washington. It’s the perfect place for running, walking, biking, or even skating in the winter months.
What are the best areas to see in Spokane?
Some of the most enjoyable places in the city will depend on what kinds of things you love the most, but here are some of the most popular sites to check out in Spokane.
Riverfront Park
Riverfront Park has been described as an urban oasis by some. It was the 1974 World’s Fair site, and since then, it has been developed to be the charm of downtown Spokane. The Spokane River is surrounded by historical buildings, many attractions, and the perfect opportunity to enjoy the beauty and people-watch.
If you plan to travel in the winter, the Riverfront Park creates the Numerica Skate Ribbon, a 650-foot long ribbon of ice rink. You can rent some skates, enjoy a warm drink at the nearby fire pits and enjoy the winter atmosphere.
In the summer, there is the Rotary Fountain to enjoy. Five steel columns shoot 24 feet up with 40 overhead jets. The fountain creates a dome-like waterfall which makes the perfect spot to cool down on hot days. Whether you have kids or you’re still a kid at heart, the fountain is a fun attraction to check out on your visit.
River Park Square
If you’re a shopaholic, the River Park Square in downtown Spokane is the home to all your favorite stores. It’s the perfect location to check out some local and independent businesses to discover something new.
Spokane Valley Heritage Museum
The Spokane Valley Heritage Museum is the perfect place for you to dive into the local history. It has engaging exhibits where you can learn about the region’s settlement, the Coeur d’Alene tribe, and view archived photos of the region through time.
Whether you’re a history buff by nature or want to hear the local stories, the museum exhibits the local culture and educates tourists and the community about the region’s history. It’s located in the Opportunity Township Hall, which is a historic building. It’s the last remaining Township Hall in the entire state.
What is Spokane known for?
The City of Spokane has many claims to fame, both big and small. It’s the smallest city to host a World’s Fair; it’s the birthplace of Father’s Day and holds the largest 3-on-3 basketball tournament in the world.
The city’s motto is “Creative by Nature,” and it’s known for being an economic and cultural hub. It was the gateway to the American West and has transformed into a vibrant metropolis with outdoor and cultural activities to draw in many crowds.
The Riverfront Park and Spokane Falls are among the most notable natural features of the city. The historic sites draw people to the city, and there is much to learn about the history of the people who lived there.
Final Thoughts
Spokane is a diverse city that has something for everyone. Whether you’re an amateur food critic, a wine-lover, an outdoorsman, or a people watcher, you’ll definitely find something that suits you in the city. If you love the Pacific Northwest but don’t know where to visit, skip some of the bigger cities and travel to Spokane and the surrounding areas.
