17 Best Things to Do in Pullman, Washington

By VacationIdea Staff on August 14, 2022 - Updated

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Pullman is the largest city in Whitman County, located within the Palouse region of the Pacific Northwest in southeastern Washington State. Pullman is located in a fertile agricultural area known for its rolling hills and fields of wheat and legumes. It is home to Washington State University, a public research land-grant university. It is also the location of the international headquarters of Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories. Pullman is located eight miles from Moscow, Idaho. Martin Stadium is an athletic stadium on the Washington State University Campus, the home field of the Washington State Cougars. The 49-acre Wawawai County Park is located in the Snake River Canyon, about three miles from Lower Granite Dam. Located in Washington State University, Connor Museum contains the largest collection of birds and mammals in the Pacific Northwest.

We recommend that you call the attractions and restaurants ahead of your visit to confirm current opening times.

1.Washington State University, Pullman, WA

Founded in 1890, WSU 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.

Pullman, WA, Phone: 509-335-3564

2.Kamiak Butte County Park, Pullman, Washington

Kamiak Butte 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, Pullman, Washington

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, Pullman, Washington

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.

Pullman, Washington

5.Wawawai County Park, Pullman, WA

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, Pullman, Washington

Located in Washington State University, Connor 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.Things to Do in Pullman, Washington: 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, Pullman, Washington

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.Things to Do in Pullman, WA: Museum of Anthropology

Located in Washington State University in Pullman, Washington, 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

11.Physical Science Building, Pullman, Washington

At 169.52 feet height and 14 floors above ground and one below ground, the Webster Physical Science Building of the Washington State University is the tallest building in Pullman. It was built in 1974 to provide more space for research and teaching. The goal was to bring the physics and geology classrooms to a larger building that could also house chemistry and biological sciences. As a result, this massive building allows WSU students to study a number of sciences - chemistry, physics, astronomy and others. Since it was completed, the building had interesting history. As one example, Tom Dickenson, a professor of physics and astronomy, watched ash and dust fall after the Mt. St. Helens eruption about 30 years ago from the building’s roof.

YMCA AT WSU, 105 NE SPRING STREET, PULLMAN, WA, 99164

12.South Fork Public House, Pullman, WA

Located in Wheatland Shopping Center in Pullman, Washington, South Fork Public House is a cozy and pleasant bar and grill with private booths and separate bar area where guests can enjoy their drinks while watching their favorite team on one of many flat screen TVs. The menu includes many favorites such as fish and chips and mac and cheese, rib eye steaks, ribs, burgers and sinful desserts. Their fresh sheet specials change every few days and always have nice surprises. The bar offers a rotating selection of craft beers on draft, a small but nice selection of wines and classic and original cocktails. South Fork often organizes live music events that bring locals together.

1680 S Grand Ave, Pullman, WA 99163, Phone: 509-332-3675

13.Things to Do in Pullman, WA: Zoe Coffee and Kitchen

Zoe Coffee and Kitchen is a popular restaurant in downtown Pullman, Washington, known for its superb coffee and great menu of everyone’s favorites. The restaurant is modern and full of light and has a lovely deck in front, for those warm sunny days. In addition to breakfast and lunch, Zoe Coffee offers the espresso drive-thru, a cocktail bar and a dinner menu. Washington State University Students, locals and visitors can enjoy hot breakfast with omelettes, flavorful bacon, hashbrowns, eggs, or crepes with their award-winning coffee and espresso drinks. Lunch and dinner menu includes artisan hand-crafted burgers, gourmet hot sandwiches, fresh salads and prime ribs for dinner on the weekend. There is an extensive selection of the area’s best beers, ciders or wines and a range of hand-crafted cocktails. Their coffee supplier is Caffe D'arte coffee roaster.

1005 E Main St, Pullman, WA 99163, Phone: 509-338-9632

14.Paradise Creek Brewery, Pullman, WA

Paradise Creek Brewery was established in early 2010 in Pullman’s Old Post Office building. Their beers were crafted in the building’s remodeled basement on a seven-barrel brew house. Most of their beer was served out of their own taps but some was distributed throughout Eastern Washington and Northern Idaho. In 2017.the production facility moved to a large facility on Riverview Drive and purchased a 15-barrel brewhouse, doubling their brewing capacity and quadrupling fermentation capacity. The new production facility is also home to their Trailside Taproom. Their hops are sourced from the Yakima Valley, and their grains are mostly grown in the Northwest region. The brewery’s downtown Restaurant is located at the original location in the Old Post Office. Its creative menu is diverse and offers something for everyone, from half pound Angus burgers to smoked BBQ-style plates. Besides their own beers on tap, the restaurant offers wines and cocktails with the meals.

245 SE Paradise St. , Pullman, WA 99163, Phone: 509-338-9463

15.Pizza Perfection, Pullman, Washington

Pizza Perfection is a local pizzeria chain established in 1985 in Moscow, Idaho. It now has shops in Moscow, Idaho and Pullman, Washington. Pizza Perfection is best known for their offer of “Buy One, Get One Free”, to all their carry-out customers. Their large pizzas are 16 inches to provide more value. Every pizza is made with the high quality ingredients from fresh, never frozen dough. Their pizzas have soft flavorful crust topped with their homemade sauce made with real Italian fresh tomatoes, not concentrate. Pizzas are topped with a mixture of mozzarella, provolone and cheddar. Pizza Perfection also serves wings and pasta. Their Pullman shop is small and unpretentious and most customers take their pizzas home..

231 E Main St, Pullman, WA 99163, Phone: 509-332-2222

16.Palouse Ridge Golf Club

Located on the campus of Washington State University within the rolling hills, Palouse Ridge Golf Club is an eighteen-hole golf course with a dramatic and bold design created by architect John Harbottle III. Complete with the Round Top Public House restaurant, the course serves as the university golf team's home course and made its debut in August of 2008 after replacing the golf course originally created back in 1925. Configured with three par-three holes, three par-four holes, and concluding with three par-fives; the back nine holes of the course have a shorter playing time than the front nine.

1260 Palouse Ridge Dr, Pullman, WA 99164, 509-335-4342

17.Airway Hills Golf Center

The Airway Hills Golf Center offers the region’s only self-service driving range, Par-3 nine-hole Pasture Golf Course, an eighteen-hole miniature golf course, three indoor golf simulators, Golf Shop, and more in Pullman, Washington. The pasture golf course follows the Palouse’s natural curves and is ideal for anyone wanting to play an affordable, quick round of golf. It’s also great for those just learning golf, families, or really anyone seeking a stress-free golfing experience. The golf center is also home to the only delux mini golf course in the region, featuring sand traps, water features, and challenging boulder obstacles.

4811 Pullman Airport Rd, Pullman, WA 99163, 509-872-3092