James J. Hill Park

A Piece of Spokane's Railroad History

Found in east Spokane, James J. Hill Park has been quietly serving the community since 1924. Named after James J. Hill - the ambitious railroad tycoon who founded Hillyard and built his empire with the Great Northern Railway - this little green space carries a big historical punch.

Sitting in the heart of the historic Hillyard neighborhood, the park stands as a leafy reminder of how the railroad industry shaped this corner of Spokane, with Hill's influence still echoing through the community over a century later.

What You'll Find Here

At 1.5 acres, this park isn't trying to compete with Spokane's giants, but instead offers something perhaps more valuable - a quick nature escape without leaving the neighborhood.

What it lacks in size, it makes up for with character. There are some seriously impressive trees that have been growing for decades, creating a natural canopy that provides welcome relief from the summer sun.

Kids have their own domain here with a playground that works well for both the preschool crowd and older children. Meanwhile, scattered picnic tables invite you to bring lunch or an afternoon snack to enjoy under the dappled shade of those magnificent old trees.

Neighborhood Favorite

Despite its compact footprint, this park serves the community well. It's the kind of place where neighborhood kids can burn off energy while parents chat on nearby benches.

The park has become something of a local living room - especially during warmer months when the shade from that thick tree canopy makes it one of the coolest spots around. It's not flashy or trendy, but it's exactly what a neighborhood park should be: accessible, comfortable, and genuinely useful to the people who live nearby.