Things to see in Spokane?

Going to be there for a week comin up. Does anybody have any suggestions for must-see things to see or do?

Idaho

What time of year will you be there?
I would drive east a few miles on I-90, and in Coeur d'Alene turn north on 95 and just meander northward, or head south of I-90, both will get you into nice country.

Next week.

Liberals?

Not sure but I think Seattle is the state liberal headquarters.

We might take Wags advice and go north of Cdl if weather is agreeable.

Olympia made my head spin.
Good advice on here about getting on over to Idaho.

Spokane is extremely conservative and not that bad.

Gary Idaho is indeed beautiful, but I will warn you that some roads may be closed due to weather. Colville Forest is a must see, Bonners Ferry is awesome , as well as Lewiston. We have spent a lot of time driving I 90 and staying all around that area.

Grand Coulee dam visitor center

Stop in at the White Boot Shop it's not to far off the freeway I'd also suggest a drive up to Colville then Kettle Falls I've got some family and friends still in that area .

If you drive across the bridge north of Kettle my cousin was the cat operator when it was built way back when .

Do they still do the midget toss? I have the t-shirt from years ago.

Nice restaurants and some skiing, but this time of year not much to do outdoors unless on snowmobile. Can just drive around and look at the countryside. Diners drive-ins and dives will give some ideas on restaurants.

Spokompton in your rear view mirror is the best thing to see. Beyond that there is Spokane Falls right downtown and Lake Coeur d'Alene 45 min east. Everything else is a bit of a drive and it's pretty stark this time of year. You can make some nice couple hour loop drives down to Plummer (take in the casino) or up thru Rathdrum to Newport/Old town and from there over/up to Colville and back or over to Sandpoint and back. If you're around the area on the 12th you should go to the F4WM banquet in Sandpoint. Worth the trip.

Unless you are a skier or snowmobiler not a lot to do this time of year. It has been a tough winter and any forest roads are snowed in though you can see a lot of nice country from state and county roads. Cabelas in Post Falls has a nice taxidermy display. Museum of arts and culture in Spokane is ok. Most of our tourist attractions close down in winter. Best bet might be to take a drive to Priest Lake or drive the Selkirk Loop up into Canada.

Jump summed it up pretty well, IMO.

Next week in the area, the temps are supposed to be on warming trend, but still cool...Spokane is in the hottest place in the valley. I only go through there on my way to GEG.

Unless there is some kind of event there you want to attend, such as an orchestra, or other city event, like the other sentiments here, I would advise getting on I-90 and put the pedal to due East.

The bigger the mountains, the better, so my thoughts always include those.

As JumpZ said, and to me too, the worthy places take some time and driving to get there , so be prepared to drive, in that case. The panhandle of Idaho from Spokane is around 60 miles wide, if I recall correctly, then once you hit Montana border, it isn't called big sky country for nothing.

One place I feel is worth the drive to see are the giant cedars ...one spot is in the Idaho Avery/Pritchard area . If you go that far, a stop at a very good place to eat, the Snakepit, is a must. Don't worry about the appetizing name. The hills around that area are all Natl. Forest , and full of history. Lots of pull outs off the main hiway that have historical signs to read while enjoying the views.

The other place is Ross Creek Cedars , in NW Montana . That is probably too much of a drive , but either place is worth seeing those massive one of a kind trees.

I would say either contact the info centers in Idaho, East WA., and see what things you can pull up, according to your interest and time. Take note of driving distances , and any weather changes . Next week is supposed to be fairly stable, with no big storms expected.

Have fun, but as in any city , be self aware of everything around you.

Ya, I checked reviews on the motel the lady has us booked at. Sounds like a hub for homeless and druggies. Might be looking elsewhere.

Gary, if you find an Inn to stay , outside of the city hub, on the outskirts, it will be no doubt safer, and quieter. Look towards what is called the Spokane Valley side, the parallel road that is near the hills, Spokane Mtn , etc. That area is much more business/residential , even ranch and farming country. Lots of decent hotels and Inns there. I wouldn't stay anyplace in the city proper.

Thanks for your insight Sharon...much appreciated.

I used to live in the Rathdrum/Twin Lakes area years ago, and made trips into Spokane for supplies. I rode endurance racing mules for Jacklin Seed Co. , who had beautiful stables in the foothills on that side of Spokane Valley . I could ride from there over Spokane Mtn, clear to Canada in Natl Forest if I chose to.

I do have to agree too, with SundanceMtnMan, Priest River area is very special . The Selkirk range just gets nicer, the more north you go, on I-95. Take I-90 express from Spokane, exit onto 95 in Idaho and due north all the way. Through CDA, Sandpoint, and exit over into Priest River. The drive along Priest Lake has beautiful big cedars , and Hills Resort especially , has place to eat and gorgeous big cedar and hemlock stands. I used to do art shows in mid December at Terri Hill's . Sort of like a vacation condo place in the woods, very well-kept. And safe.

But thats all a drive from WA too...so it all depends on your time.

X10

What in the world is so awesome about Lewiston, idaho???? Once the EPA stepped in, they took away the wind direction indicator (the Potlatch paper mill).

I live 30 miles north of Lewiston and can’t think of a single reason why any one would want to visit there. Except maybe the Lewiston Roundup, but that doesn’t happen until September.

Nancy, it's been years since I was last in the Palouse hills. Lots of rolling wheat . I do like the museum of the Appaloosa Horse Club, a bit north of there , if I recall correctly.

The wheat fields are pretty, especially when the wheat is ripe, just before harvest, and there is a slight breeze.

The Appaloosa Horse Club museum is right on the edge of town, almost on the Washington border. An interesting place, especially for a horse person!!

Can’t think of anything else fun to do in Moscow. Town sure has changed a lot in the 50+ years I’ve lived here. Just not the same. On a political map, you can always pick out Latah County - it is the one blue spot in a sea of red!!

Those wheat fields are mentioned in "America the Beautiful"......."rolling waves of grain"..
We're going there to see the lady's first-born Grandchild so the daytrips will be short.

Gary, those wheat fields really are beautiful . Especially when , as Nancy mentioned, they are ready for harvest , golden waves , in late afternoon, with a dark rain sky in the background but sun on the fields in front. They just glow.

I spent two years on wheat harvest.......from Oklahoma to North Dakota. I love a productive field of wheat going through a combine.

theres some fur trade history there, an old Northwest Co trading post interpretive centre with some artefacts and reenactments depending on time frame. David Thompson was involved:

http://www.riversidestatepark.org/spokane_house_interp_center.html

Come 90 miles west on I 90 and run my ‘rat line with me? PM me

Dick's burgers, Longhorn BBQ, Northern Quest casino. Stay in the Spokane valley. Nicer hotels there.

If you like basketball you could go see Gonzaga play if there is a game

You could practice for the Midjet toss by throwing beavers around.

Go East to Idaho.

I have heard some places in Spokane won't let you in unless you have "Papers"

I don't know about papers but you will have to have deep pockets to get Gonzaga tickets.

Thank you for the responses but the main reason for going there is to see a new Grandbaby. Doubt there'll be much distance traveling.

X20

I would hate to see your definition of liberal if you consider Spokane "extremely conservative".

Took the words right out of my mouth Bearcat 2.
I live in Post Falls on the south side of the river and can think of several spots to visit but being in the area for more important events like yours kind'a cuts it down to just a very few spots. Post Falls Dam might interest you.. Going downtown Cd'A to see the resort and board walk or the Cd"A Golf course with the floating green which both are on the lake in downtown . If you have a day trip planned head south a little ways to Saint Maries and drive up the St. Joe river up to a little berg of a place called Avery. Used to have a place there I called "happy Place" before my health went big time south. Pretty drive along the river but of course at this time of year kinda dreary looking. Gas, food & museum available.. Stay outa Spookkane for everything but family. Take care.

Last time I was there, seen lots of homelss, drugs, driggies, vandalism. Would not go back.