Located between City Hall and the historic Washington Water Power building (current location of Mobius Science Center), Huntington Park and the Gathering Place spans the south bank of the Spokane River near the heart of downtown. Avista redeveloped the area and dedicated it in 2014, providing visitors with spectacular 360-degree close-up views of the lower falls.
Visitors can choose from a number of restaurants within three blocks of Huntington Park and other points of interest along the river and the Monroe Street Bridge. The Gathering Place features tiered stone seating and Huntington Park features a beautiful grassy park, interpretive exhibits, metal sculptures, and three statues honoring the Native American tribes who fished for salmon along these riverbanks. Although this park is fun to visit any time of the year, the spring runoff and mist is so impressive, visitors suggest bringing a raincoat!
Attractions in close proximity. Here are five other top attractions – from natural wonders to theaters and museums.
Created for Expo ‘74 World's Fair, this 100-acre park boasts one of the best urban falls in the nation. Visitors will discover open greens, a lush canopy, paved trails, and a host of attractions including the Clock Tower, 1909 Looff Carrousel, Numerica SkyRide, Numerica Skate Ribbon, Providence Playspace, and the impressive Sculpture Walk. Its close proximity to the Spokane Convention Center, Spokane Arena, and numerous nearby downtown eateries and hotels are other good reasons why this park ranks consistently among the top five attractions in downtown Spokane.
Running through Riverfront Park, past Gonzaga University, and then meandering along the serene Spokane River, 2.5 million visitors annually enjoy biking, walking, running, and rollerblading on this scenic nature trail. The 40-mile paved, car-free trail is considered the backbone of the recreational trail system in eastern Washington and north Idaho.
Built in 1931 as the Fox Theater, this gorgeous art deco theater was completely renovated and reopened to great fanfare in November 2007. The stunning theater is owned and operated by the Spokane Symphony, serving as their permanent home and an incredible venue for other performing arts. It’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Spokane Register, and the Washington Heritage Register.
In addition to its winning NCAA basketball team, Gonzaga has a lovely campus near the heart of downtown Spokane. With bike friendly trails and attractive buildings, it’s a lovely place to relax or schedule an official campus tour. Must-see attractions include the Jundt Art Museum and the Bing Crosby House Museum. Housed on the main floor of his 1911 childhood home, you’ll discover more than 200 pieces of Bing Crosby memorabilia including gold records, trophies, awards, and his 1944 Oscar for Going My Way.
Located in a historic neighborhood with handsome Craftsman homes, this lovely park is only nine minutes’ drive from Downtown Spokane. A must-visit for lovers of English gardens, the meticulously cared for park boasts a delightful Japanese garden, magnificent rose garden, a plethora of lilacs, flowering trees, many other plants, and picnic-perfect grassy areas! Other features include an ice-skating pond, an indoor conservatory that is decorated during holidays, and special events.
Additionally, we're pleased to share with you a virtual walk in Avista’s Huntington Park. Thanks to the ingenuity of Spokane resident Roger Myers, you can now experience a 360-degree view of Huntington Park and City Hall Plaza.