Rides at Riverfront Park in Spokane.

Spokane, Tri-Cities & Yakima

One of the finest wine-growing regions in the world, Eastern Washington has roots that extend beyond the vine to tradition, culture and art. Here acclaimed wineries host art festivals and creative works can be viewed at riverside installations as well as outdoor and indoor galleries. Restored buildings showcase both art and architecture. Talented chefs turn harvest's bounty into beautiful, tasty cuisine. Art walks, jazz clubs, brew pubs, wine bars and boutiques add to a growing mix of attractions in historic downtown districts.

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    Day 1: Spokane

    Riverfront Park, Spokane Falls, St. John's Cathedral, Manito Park, Crosbyana Room at Gonzaga University

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    Day 2: Spokane - Tri-Cities

    Red Mountain, Tri-Art Gallery's Outdoor Sculpture Park, Cable Bridge, Franklin County Historic Courthouse

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    Day 3: Tri-Cities

    Hanford Reach National Monument, Columbia River Exhibition of History, Science and Technology Museum

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    Day 4: Tri-Cities - Yakima

    Downtown Kennewick, East Benton County Museum, Franklin County Historical Society Museum, Toppenish Mural Tour

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    Day 5: Yakima

    Fort Simcoe State Park, Yakama Nation Museum & Cultural Heritage Center

Day 1: Spokane

Riverfront Park in Spokane on a summer evening.

Riverfront Park

Begin with a short walk in Riverfront Park along the paths of the early settlers. Here you'll hear legends of the Native Americans and the creation of a historic downtown that followed the Great Fire of 1889.

Be sure to view Spokane Falls before taking a walking tour through neighborhoods of beautiful mansions.

St. John's Cathedral

One of the few North American examples of classical Gothic architecture with French influence. Guided tours of St. John's Cathedral are available Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. On Sunday, guided tours are available for one hour after the last morning worship service, beginning at 12 p.m.

Manito Park

Stop to stroll through formal sunken gardens, Japanese gardens and flora-filled Gaiser Conservatory at Manito Park. Admission is free and the conservatory is open daily from 8AM to 3:30PM, November to April.

Crosbyana Room at Gonzaga University

Complete the afternoon with a tour of Crosbyana Room to see more than 200 pieces of the world's largest public collection of Bing Crosby memorabilia.

Day 2: Spokane - Tri-Cities

An art museum in Richland, Tri-Cities.

Red Mountain

Take a loop drive along the Columbia River Gorge for a full day of breathtaking views and Native American History. Nearby, the Tri-Art Gallery's Outdoor Sculpture Park features the works of both well-known and undiscovered artists from around the country. Continue your exploration with a drive over the Cable Bridge, considered an engineering and architectural work of art.

Franklin County Historic Courthouse

At the Franklin County Historic Courthouse discover the gold leaf detail, stained glass, ornate plaster and artful design of a 1913 Second Renaissance Revival-style domed structure. Hours of operation are 12 – 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and by appointment.

Day 3: Tri-Cities

A tourist enjoys some amazing local wine in Richland.

Hanford Reach National Monument

Designated by President Clinton as a National Monument in June 2000, the Hanford Reach National Monument is the only free flowing, non-tidal stretch of the Columbia River remaining in the United States. The monument is a biological treasure, with important riparian, aquatic and upland shrub-steppe habitats that are rare or in decline in other areas. The best way to view the Reach is via a commercial boat or kayak tour, as it is in a federally protected area where vehicles are not allowed.

Columbia River Exhibition of History, Science, and Technology (CREHST) Museum

The Columbia River Exhibition of History, Science, and Technology Museum features exhibits on the history of the mid-Columbia region, agriculture and food processing, Hanford history, environmental restoration, nuclear technology and Columbia River salmon habitat and restoration efforts. Open Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sunday 12 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Day 4: Tri-Cities to Yakima

A woman samples a Spokane area variety at a downtown bistro.

Kennewick

Discover the city on the AHA! Tour of Kennewick, spotlighting the art, history and architecture of historic downtown Kennewick.

East Benton County Museum

The East Benton County Museum is home to the internationally famous "Kennewick Man" exhibit, which features a skull casting from the 9,200-year-old skeleton found along the banks of the Columbia River. The archeological find prompted renewed speculation and scientific debate about the migratory patterns of early people into North America.

Franklin County Historical Society Museum

Visit the Franklin County Historical Society Museum, housed in Pasco's 1911 Carnegie Library. The museum's exhibits highlight Plateau Indians, Lewis & Clark, pioneer life, railroading, aviation and agriculture. Hours of operation are 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and by appointment.

Toppenish Mural Tour

Experience "Where the West Still Lives" on the Toppenish Mural Tour, where you'll see the walls of the city that have been painted with historical murals by renowned Western artists. Horse-drawn wagon tours are available to view the murals.

Day 5: Yakima

Fort Simcoe State Park

Built by the military in 1856, Fort Simcoe State Park offers an interpretive center where visitors can learn more about the clash of cultures that took place when Native Americans and early settlers vied for the same territory.

Yakama Nation Museum & Cultural Heritage Center

Recognized as one of the finest Native America museums in the United States, the Yakama Nation Museum & Cultural Heritage Center features historical Yakama tribal life through dioramas and life-size exhibits. Open Sunday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for seniors and children ages 11-18 and $1 for children under 10.