Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
downtown Spokane, and today crowds flock here to enjoy everything from sum-
mertime concerts to ice-skating in the winter. Activities for both adults and chil-
dren abound. The restored 1909
Looff Carrousel
, with its hand-carved
horses, is one of the most beautiful in the country. More contemporary enter-
tainment is offered at the
IMAX Theatre
(
&
509/625-6686
), where 70mm
films are shown on screens five stories high. A family-fun center includes kiddie
rides, miniature golf, and arcade games. Throughout the summer there are many
special events.
Serving as a spectacular backdrop for the park is the Spokane River, which
here cascades over Spokane Falls. The best view of the falls is from the Gondola
Skyride that swings out over the falls. However, due to bridge construction in
the area, the gondola is out of service until late 2004 or early 2005.
MANITO PARK
Manito Park
(
&
509/625-6622
), Spokane's other major green space, is a
far more traditional place than Riverfront Park and is located south of down-
town beginning at the corner of Division Street and 18th Avenue. Here at Man-
ito, which is located among rocks and pine forest, you'll find several of the most
beautiful public gardens in the Northwest. Foremost of these is the classically
proportioned
Duncan Garden,
a formal garden patterned after those of 17th-
century Europe. Adjacent to this garden is the
Gaiser Conservatory,
which
brims with exotic tropical plants. The perennial garden and rose garden are at
their exuberant peaks in June and should not be missed. The lilac garden is also
well worth a visit during the May flowering season. There is also the
Nishi-
nomiya Japanese Garden,
a strolling pond garden that is a tranquil spot for
contemplation. This garden is open from April through October daily from 8am
to dusk. Within this expansive park, you'll also find a picnic area, duck pond,
and playground.
MORE ATTRACTIONS
Crosbyana Room
Bing Crosby got his start here in Spokane, where he
spent most of his youth. When young Bing's aspirations soared beyond the
bounds of Spokane and he made his name in Los Angeles, the members of his
band who chose to stay safely at home must have long regretted their decision.
All of Crosby's gold records, his Oscar, and plenty of other memorabilia (includ-
ing a Bing-endorsed mousetrap and a Bing Crosby Ice Cream box) are on view.
You can also take a look at Crosby's boyhood home, which is now home to the
Gonzaga Alumni Association, 508 E. Sharp St.
Crosby Student Center, Gonzaga University, 502 E. Boone Ave.
&
509/328-4220,
ext. 4297. Free admission.
Mon-Fri 7:30am-midnight; Sat-Sun 11am-midnight. Closed holidays.
Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture
From the dramatic architec-
ture and landscaping to the eclectic collections and exhibits, this museum makes
a very big impression. One of the most unusual exhibits is a celebration of small-
town life that will run through June 2004. In this exhibit life in America's small
towns is put on display as a historical and artistic museum piece. In one section
of the exhibit, visitors get to sit in lawn chairs and watch a video playing in the
back of an old camper. You can also sit in the cab of a combine and see what it's
like to harvest wheat. There's also an extensive Plateau Indians exhibit. Other
galleries are used to mount temporary art exhibits. Next door to the museum is
the historic Campbell House; a tour of this old mansion is included in the
museum admission price. With its well-balanced blend of history, art, and culture,
