Spokane, WA Summary

photo by gusto

Spokane is located in the east-central part of the state less than 20 miles from Idaho. With about 186,000 residents, it is the financial, commercial, transportation, and cultural hub of a region called “the Inland Empire” that encompasses eastern Washington, northern Idaho, western Montana, and northeastern Oregon. It is known for its irrigated wheat fields, hydroelectric plants, aluminum manufacturing, mining, forest products, and Fairchild Air Force Base.

In the heart of its business district is Spokane Falls, for which the city was originally named. “Falls” was dropped in 1891. The name “Spokane” derives from the name of the Native Americans who once fished for salmon at the falls—it means “children of the sun.” In 1974 Spokane became the smallest city to host a world’s fair; the site of the event, the Riverfront Park, is the city’s centerpiece. It includes an opera house and convention center.

The Cheney Cowles Memorial Museum has exhibits on the history of the Inland Empire region and Native American arts and crafts. Manito Park has a conservatory and flower gardens, and a Japanese garden. There are six local wineries and the Gothic-style Cathedral of St John the Evangelist.

Spokane is located along I-90. Air service is available at Spokane International Airport. There is rail service to Portland, Oregon, as well as Seattle and Chicago. There is also bus service.