Why Pullman, Washington is a Hidden Gem in the Palouse Region – A Visitor’s Guide

1. Washington State University

Founded in 1890, Washington State University as one of the oldest land-grant universities in the American West, Washington State University is a public research university in Pullman, Washington offering programs in a wide range of fields. it is the second largest institution of higher learning in Washington State.

The university Pullman campus is known for its open spaces, wonderful views, old conifer trees and a charming, old-fashioned buildings made of red brick and basalt, originally found on site.

The university is nestled among the rolling hills of rural eastern Washington.

It has developed close relationship with the town, the region, and the surrounding landscape. The university also has a number of campuses across Washington State and has launched an Internet-based Global Campus. which includes an online degree program.

2. Kamiak Butte County Park

Kamiak Butte County Park is a National Natural Landmark n Whitman County, between the towns of Palouse and Pullman in Eastern Washington. The park is a popular weekend destination, with a range of amenities such as picnic tables, cooking grills, campfire pits, three small shelters, one large group shelter, amphitheater and kids’ playground.

The park has more than five miles of forested hiking trails. The 3.5-mile long Pine Ridge Trail is part of the National Trails System.

The park’s highest elevation is 3,641 feet, offering a panoramic view of the entire Palouse region.

The park is home to over 150 bird, mammal and plant species. Park’s gate closes at dusk.

Palouse, WA 99161, Phone: 509-397-6238

3. Martin Stadium

Martin Stadium is an athletic stadium in the Pacific Northwest, on the Washington State University Campus in Pullman, Washington. The stadium is the home field of the Washington State Cougars. Since 2000, Martin Stadium uses FieldTurf.

Martin Stadium opened in 1972 with a 19-point loss to Utah in front of 20,600 fans. The WSU Cougars played all of their home games at Joe Albi Stadium in Spokane in 1970 and 1971 after Martin stadium was damaged in fire.

In its first season in 1972, the south grandstand, press box, lights, and artificial turf were replaced, and the remaining were replaced later. At that time, the seating capacity was 22,600.

The new concrete grandstand built in 1974 expanded the seating to 26,500.

The stadium has an unusual east-west alignment; instead of conventional north-south.

The stadium was ranked by Sports Illustrated as one of the most difficult stadiums for visiting college football teams.

1775 NE Stadium Way, Pullman, WA 99164

4. Bill Chipman Palouse Trail

The Bill Chipman Palouse Trail is a paved rail trail in the northwestern United States, near Pullman, Washington. The seven-mile long trail was completed in 1998 at the former Union Pacific Railroad right-of-way.

It connects the rural university towns in the Palouse area. From Pullman, the trail gently climbs along Paradise Creek, crossing the creek twelve times, using original railroad bridges.

Its highest point at the eastern terminus at the Perimeter Road trailhead is 2,535 feet.

The trail has two rest areas and a number of interpretive areas. Besides being a recreational facility, the trail is also a commuter route, connecting the campuses of the University of Idaho and Washington State University.

5. Day trip to Wawawai County Park

The 49-acre Wawawai County Park is located in the Snake River Canyon, about three miles from Lower Granite Dam, near the town of Colton, Washington. The park is a popular place for weekend recreation, family picnic and camping under the stars.

A nearby boat ramp allows access to the reservoir, where folks can fish and ride their boats.

There is an interesting earth-sheltered ranger residence within the park. There is also one large group shelter that can fit 100 people, with ten picnic tables and a barbecue, seven small shelters with a picnic table and grill, restrooms, bird-watching platform, and half mile long interpretive hiking trail.

There are interpretative signs along the trail that provide information about history, geology and natural resources of the park as well as Snake River Canyon.

A small bay just off of the Snake River, at the base of Wawawai Creek, is nice for kayaking, canoeing and fishing.

13501 Wawawai Rd, Colton, WA 99113, Phone: 509-334-3774

6. Charles R. Conner Museum

Located in Washington State University, Charles R. Conner Museum contains the largest collection of birds and mammals in the Pacific Northwest.

The origin of the Conner Museum were the exhibits from the 1894 Chicago World Fair, which were donated to the State of Washington once the exhibition was closed.

The exhibits were eventually donated to the new Washington Agricultural College.

The exhibits included several disciplines - anthropology, geology, biology and agriculture. Over time, the museum’s theme focused on vertebrate animals. The museum’s public exhibit today contains more than 700 mounts of birds and mammals. The scientific collection, which is not on display and is used by researchers, has over 65,000 specimens.

Pullman, WA 99163, Phone: 509-335-3553

7. Sunnyside Park

Spread over 25 acres, Sunnyside Park is one of Pullman’s largest parks. Completed in 1974, the park is a popular local green space for outdoor activities. It has kids’ playground, ball field, disc golf course, several tennis courts, large shelter, spacious picnic area and a number of ponds. The ponds are home to a family of turtles and ducks that the kids love to feed. The hiking trail is not very long but it winds through the park and its different parts. The Sunnyside Park is also the location of the community garden and it hosts a number of social events, including the very popular 4th of July celebration.

147 SW Cedar St, Pullman, WA 99163, Phone: 509-338-3227

8. Lawson Gardens

Lawson Gardens is the major formal garden complex in Pullman, Washington. The garden is designed around a large reflecting pool and gazebo, surrounded by a variety of seasonal plantings of colorful annuals that line the walkways, and terraced lawns. On the east side of the complex is the extensive perennial garden designed and built in 1991. The perennials, which bloom at different times during the year, provide lovely, colorful displays in all seasons. The future development of the gardens will include a conservatory for indoor and tropical plants, woodland, Japanese garden, lilacs and native plant gardens. The garden is used for many Pullman social events and celebrations.

Se Derby St, Pullman, Washington 99163

9. Palouse Discovery Science Center

The Palouse Discovery Science Center is a nonprofit facility established in 2003 in Pullman, Washington, to provide hands-on science activities, educational programs and exhibits to kids and people of all ages. The center’s purpose is to increase the understanding of science and technology through participatory and hands-on educational programs, exhibits, collections, and activities. From 1999-2002, before it was formally established, the science center operated as a center without walls. It provided a range of outreach science activities at various local venues. In 2002, Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Inc donated an 11,000-square-foot building to house the science center. In 2006, the company provided funds for the current 11,200-square-foot building in the Port of Whitman.

950 NE Nelson Ct, Pullman, WA 99163, Phone: 509-332-6869

10. Museum of Anthropology

The Museum of Anthropology rehabilitates and curates the university’s archaeological and ethnographic collections. The Museum is a repository for archaeological collections created by the work of Federal, State, and County agencies in Washington State. The Museum also has a collection of objects hat represent the culture of Native American tribes that lived in the Inland Northwest, since their contact with Europeans. The museum is not open to the public and its collections are available for examination only by qualified professionals who are researching the life of American Indian people. The museum works closely with American Indian groups

Washington State Univ, Pullman, WA 99164, Phone: 509-335-3441