Manito Park

A Natural Oasis in the City

Tucked away in Spokane's South Hill neighborhood, Manito Park spans a generous 90 acres of natural beauty and carefully cultivated gardens. Since its beginnings in 1904, this urban retreat has transformed from a simple recreational space into one of Spokane's most beloved parks, drawing over 150,000 visitors each year.

As you wander through the park, you'll notice how the landscape gently climbs about 100 feet from north to south, creating what locals affectionately call the "upper" and "lower" Manito areas. Towering ponderosa pines cast dappled shadows across winding paths, offering welcome shade on warm summer days and framing the park's natural beauty in every season.

Autumn trees cast golden reflections on Mirror Pond's surface

Garden Wonderlands to Explore

Manito's five distinct gardens are like chapters in a living botanical storybook. The tranquil Nishinomiya Tsutakawa Japanese Garden invites quiet contemplation, while the formal Duncan Garden dazzles with its geometric precision and vibrant blooms. Rose Hill perfumes the air with hundreds of varieties, the Lilac Garden celebrates Spokane's signature flower, and the Ferris Perennial Garden offers a ever-changing tapestry of colors and textures throughout the growing season.

At the heart of these gardens stands the Gaiser Conservatory, a glass-enclosed space where tropical plants, unusual succulents, and desert cacti thrive regardless of Spokane's outside temperatures. During the holiday season, the conservatory transforms into a magical light display that's worth braving the winter chill to experience.

Don't miss Mirror Pond, where the water's surface perfectly reflects the surrounding landscape while providing a home to ducks, turtles, and other waterfowl. Recent ecological improvements have enhanced the water clarity, and if you look closely, you can spot beneficial plants thriving along the pond bottom.

Curved wooden bridge across the garden pond

Something for Everyone

If you're seeking active recreation or peaceful relaxation, Manito has plenty of options. The park's expansive lawns invite impromptu games of frisbee, while dedicated playgrounds cater to different age groups - the upper playground works best for elementary-aged explorers, while the lower playground delights toddlers and includes a splash pad for summer cooling-off sessions.

You'll discover tennis courts and baseball fields for the sports enthusiasts in your group, and plenty of open grassy areas great for spreading a blanket or hanging a hammock between the majestic trees. Clean restroom facilities are conveniently located across the park (though note they typically close in the evening).

Hungry after all that fresh air? Picnic areas with tables and benches dot the landscape, including some sheltered spots with BBQ facilities for more elaborate outdoor meals. During summer months, The Park Bench café near the duck pond serves up coffee, ice cream, and light bites to satisfy mid-adventure cravings.

Seasonal Magic Year-Round

Manito's charm evolves with the calendar. Community events enliven the space throughout the year, from plant sales and art shows to impromptu concerts. On Thursday evenings when the weather's warm, you might stumble upon the regular drum circle, their rhythms echoing through the trees.

When snow blankets Spokane, the lower section near Grand Boulevard transforms into a beloved sledding hill where families create winter memories. Meanwhile, the holiday light displays in the conservatory and Duncan Garden add sparkle to the darkest season.

The park's visual symphony changes with each passing month - fragrant lilacs herald spring's arrival, roses reach their magnificent peak during summer, and autumn paints the landscape in fiery hues before winter's quiet beauty settles in. No matter when you visit, Manito Park offers a refreshing connection to nature's ever-changing palette.