Riverfront Park
Interactive Park Map
About Riverfront Park
Natural Beauty in the City
The Upper Spokane Falls - actually the largest urban waterfall in the entire United States - sits at the heart of Riverfront Park, a 100-acre stretch along the Spokane River in downtown Spokane. It's quite a sight, especially during spring runoff when the water roars through the city center, wrapping around snxw meneɂ (pronounced sin-HOO-men-huh), a Salish name meaning 'Salmon People' Island - the smaller of the park's two islands, previously known as Canada Island.
The park naturally divides into a few distinct areas: the peaceful South Channel area, the island retreat of Havermale Island, and the activity-filled North Bank area. These spaces connect via the Howard Street Promenade, a lovely pedestrian walkway that also represents a crucial link in the 63-mile Centennial Trail that winds through the region.
From Railroads to Recreation
What's now a green haven was once all railroad tracks and industrial yards. The space transformed dramatically for the 1974 World's Fair, converting rusted rails into welcoming public spaces. Today, about 3 million people wander through the park each year, drawn by its blend of natural beauty, recreational options, and cultural attractions.
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In recent years, the park has gotten some serious TLC through renovation projects focused on making the space more accessible, environmentally sustainable, and respectful of its rich historical significance.
Can't-Miss Features
You can't overlook the U.S. Pavilion - its distinctive architecture rises above the park like a modern beacon, hosting everything from concerts to dazzling light displays all year long.
The Great Northern clock tower stands as a nostalgic reminder of the area's railroad days, offering an excellent photo spot and meeting place for locals and visitors alike. Equally worth a stop is the Looff Carrousel, a hand-carved 1909 piece built by Charles I.D. Looff - the craftsman also behind the first carousel at Coney Island and one of the carousels at the Santa Monica Pier - originally made as a wedding gift for his daughter Emma. After decades at nearby Natatorium Park, the carousel was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1977 and is still running today inside a purpose-built pavilion.
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Across the grounds, you'll discover peaceful meadows, thoughtfully preserved natural areas, and amphitheaters where community events unfold year-round. The park also honors the heritage of the Spokane Tribe, acknowledging that these ancestral lands hold deep cultural significance long predating the park itself.
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Photo Gallery (tap to enlarge)
Terraced stone steps lead down to the Spokane River
The Great Northern Clocktower stands tall beside the calm river
The iconic Big Red Wagon playground sculpture invites children to climb aboard
A historic brick building meets flowing water
Harold Balazs' Centennial Sculpture appears to float gracefully on the river
Colorful playground equipment with the United States Pavilion visible behind
Lower Spokane Falls cascades dramatically over the rock formations
The Monroe Street Bridge with the Salmon Chief sculpture visible at bottom right
Numerica SkyRide gondolas travel above the scenic riverside landscape
Calm blue waters and rock formations
A view of the park grounds from underneath the United States Pavilion
Visitors look down into the gorge
A beautiful elevated view of the park's greenery and waterways
The Rotary Fountain's columned plaza creates a striking gathering space
The Great Northern Clocktower is a remnant of the site's railroad history
Water rushes down into the river gorge
A modern curved underpass with riverside seating
The pedestrian path offers spectacular views of Monroe Street Bridge and the falls
The First Interstate Center for the Arts next to the Spokane River
Lush greenery frames the modern architecture alongside the water
Notable Sights (18)
Points of interest, landmarks, and things to see in this park
Monuments (2)
A totem pole on Canada Island commemorating Canada's participation in the 1974 World's Fair, formalized by a Spokane City Council resolution that year.
A 155-foot sandstone tower dating to 1902, the sole surviving piece of the former Great Northern Railway Depot, its 700-pound brass pendulum still hand-cranked weekly.
Sculptures (3)
An abstract aluminum sculpture by local artist Harold Balazs that appears to float in the Spokane River.
An interactive corten steel sculpture installed for Expo '74 by local nun and artist Sister Paula Mary Turnbull, featuring a vacuum that lets visitors 'feed' it trash.
Buildings (5)
A North Bank playground themed after the prehistoric Missoula Floods, featuring a three-story slide tower, a splash pad, and a climbing wall and boulder.
A hand-carved 1909 carousel built by Charles I.D. Looff as a wedding gift for his daughter, listed on the National Register of Historic Places and still operating.
Events (2)
An annual summer celebration held in the park honoring the living culture of Native peoples who gathered here for the annual salmon run.
A beloved annual food and music festival held in the park over Labor Day weekend, drawing large crowds for local and regional cuisine.
Garden (1)
A sculpture garden featuring works representing Spokane's sister cities, including a glass-encased golden harp, an 11-foot replica lighthouse, and a fish sculpture.
Fountain (1)
A columned fountain plaza at the southern entrance to the Howard Street Promenade, designed by local artist Harold Balazs, serving as a gateway into the park.
Trails (2)
A 37-mile National Recreation Trail that meanders through the park along the Spokane River, from the University District to Nine Mile Dam.
A pedestrian walkway connecting downtown Spokane to the North Bank, offering open views of the Spokane Falls and serving as a key north-south spine.
Viewpoint (1)
A natural amphitheater on the south side of Havermale Island, set against the calmer south channel of the Spokane River, used for gatherings.
Water Feature (1)
The park's defining natural feature, one of the largest urban waterfalls in the United States, best viewed from two pedestrian suspension bridges at the west end of the island.
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Top Restaurants Near Riverfront Park
Outsider
908 N Howard St, Spokane, WA 99201
Creative American restaurant featuring wood-fired pizza, seasonal dishes, and craft cocktails with fresh ingredients.
Shiki Sushi Bar & Japanese Grill - Spokane
808 W Main Ave Ste 105, Spokane, WA 99201
A Japanese restaurant offering fresh sushi, hibachi grills, and ramen in a friendly dining atmosphere.
Queen of Sheba Ethiopian Cuisine
621 W Mallon Ave #426, Spokane, WA 99201
Authentic Ethiopian restaurant featuring traditional vegetarian and meat dishes served with injera flatbread in atmospheric surroundings.
Indigenous Eats
808 W Main Ave Suite FC-5, Spokane, WA 99201
Regional restaurant serving authentic Indigenous cuisine featuring fry bread tacos, bison dishes, and traditional preparations.
Mizuna Restaurant and Wine Bar
214 N Howard St, Spokane, WA 99201
Upscale New American restaurant featuring expertly seasoned dishes with extensive vegetarian and vegan options.
Wiley's downtown bistro
421 W Main Ave Suite 104, Spokane, WA 99201
Intimate fine dining establishment serving elevated New American cuisine with expertly crafted cocktails and wine.
Top Hotels Near Riverfront Park
Oxford Suites Spokane
115 W North River Dr, Spokane, WA 99201
Comfortable suites hotel featuring indoor pool, spa facilities, complimentary breakfast, and scenic riverside location.
The Davenport Grand, Autograph Collection
333 W Spokane Falls Blvd, Spokane, WA 99201
Modern upscale hotel featuring contemporary rooms, two restaurants, fitness facilities, and a sophisticated whiskey bar.
Riverfront Park Travel Apartments
218 N Bernard St, Spokane, WA 99201
Extended stay apartments offering modern rooms with full kitchens and convenient downtown location.
Davenport Hotel, Autograph Collection
10 S Post St, Spokane, WA 99201
Historic luxury hotel featuring elegant accommodations, upscale dining options, spa services, and modern amenities.
Montvale Hotel Spokane
1005 W 1st Ave, Spokane, WA 99201
Historic 1899 hotel featuring elegant rooms with Victorian charm and classic architectural details downtown.
Ruby Suites Spokane
1120 N Division St, Spokane, WA 99202
Extended stay suites featuring full kitchens, fitness facilities, and convenient downtown location near the river trail.
