Welcome to the Spokane Mural Website!

Commissioned by the Dornsife Center for Community Engagement and crafted in the fall of 2014 by the Art in the Community class with Prof. Katie Creyts. “Spokane Mural” was designed by Annie Feurstein ’16 and is a part of Whitworth’s permanent collection.

pin image Pins like this appear all over the mural. Click on them to learn more about Spokane!

Garbage Goat

The “Garbage Goat” has been a peculiar but well-loved part of Spokane’s Riverfront Park since 1974. It was originally installed for the Expo ’74 and created by Sister Paula Turnbull, who has many art pieces around Spokane. The Garbage Goat faced some controversy with dairy goat owners who were unhappy with how the sculpture shows a goat eating trash. Nevertheless, the Garbage Goat was and still is a delight for visitors to feed trash into!

Read more about the history of the Garbage Goat:
Spokane Historical article,
Spokesman Review article

Visit the Garbage Goat:
Visit Spokane article

Pavilion

When visiting Downtown Spokane, it is hard to miss the Pavilion in Riverfront Park. The U.S. Federal Pavilion was a gift to Spokane from the U.S. government for Expo ’74. Renovations in 2019 transformed the Pavilion into what it is today – an open-air venue with a 40-foot-tall viewing platform, tiered seating, and LED light blades. The Pavilion is host to a variety of concerts and events but is interesting to visit regardless.

Want to take some cool pictures? Visit the Pavilion at night to see how it lights up in a variety of colors!

North Clocktower

The Great Northern Clocktower – commonly known as the Clock Tower – stands in the middle of Riverfront Park in Downtown Spokane. A century ago, it was surrounded by railroads as part of the Great Northern railroad station. The railroads first connected Spokane to other mining and agricultural towns in the late 1800s, but soon became part of transcontinental lines as Spokane grew into a city. The station was a source of pride and essential in Spokane’s industrial and social development. As new structures, such as the Monroe Street Bridge, were built, Spokane’s railroads were contributing less to the city and were becoming more of a nuisance. The railroads and the station were removed for Expo ‘74 and the Clock Tower remains as a reminder of the city’s history.

Bloomsday

On the first Sunday in May every year, thousands of runners run 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) around Downtown Spokane as part of the Lilac Bloomsday Run. It was first held in 1977 and has become an annual event that attracts runners near and far. The running route starts in Downtown Spokane and ends at Monroe Street Bridge, offering runners a view of the Spokane River for most of the course with the Spokane Falls greeting runners at the end.

City Blocks

The Spokane City Blocks along the downtown portion of the Spokane River are a sculpture reminiscent of wooden alphabet blocks. These blocks are among walking paths and greenery by the river, with the Clock Tower visible in the background, creating a beautiful view amid Downtown Spokane.

Try this! Visit the City Blocks downtown and stop at the giant Red Radio Flyer wagon next to the blocks to see another one of Spokane’s unique interactive sculptures!

Hiking Trails

Spokane’s location in the Inland Northwest allows for easy access to many beautiful hiking trails, with variety in difficulty levels and views. One of the trails with access within Downtown Spokane is the Centennial Trail – a 40-mile trail with 18 trailheads spanning eastern Washington and Idaho. The convenient trailhead located in Downtown Spokane winds along the river for easy access to local shops, eateries, and views. Another popular location for trails is the Riverside State Park – the largest state park in Washington! The Bowl and Pitcher area of Riverside is particularly popular for picturesque views of a suspension bridge and the surrounding geological formations around the river.

Walk along the Downtown portion of the Centennial Trail for a view of the Monroe Street Bridge or follow it to Kendall Yards to grab some donuts from Hello Sugar or crepes from Crepe Café Sisters!

Read more about Spokane’s top hiking trails:
Visit Spokane article

Spokane River

The Spokane River is important to Spokane and the life that resides there because it provides affordable power, along with a variety of resources. There are great historical events that allowed Spokane to grow into the city it is today, with the Spokane River playing a role in the city’s growth. Historically, Native Americans used this river to fish for salmon and travel to feed their families. In 1807, an Englishman named David Thompson created the first trading post along the Spokane river, which created a multi-cultural trading system that led to increased development.

Lilacs

Spokane is known as “The Lilac City”, as community leaders encouraged lilacs to be planted throughout the city in the 1930s.The first two known lilac bushes in Spokane were recorded to be planted in 1906 in Browne’s Addition, by J.J. Browne. Every year, Spokane proudly hosts the Lilac Festival in honor of the hundreds of lilac bushes residing in the city

Try this! Head to the lilac garden in Manito Park to enjoy some of Spokane’s lilacs!

Title 1 Schools

Title 1 schools are the largest federal K-12 program with a mission is to provide all children a fair, equitable, and high-quality education. The focus is to increase access to extracurriculars and an enriched curriculum for students of families in poverty, to better support their growth and learning.

Interested in getting involved as a volunteer in K-12 schools in the Spokane School District? Visit serve.whitworth.edu to sign up for current opportunities!

Manito Park

Manito Park, originally named Montrose Park, was originally built with other attractions, such as a zoo and other activities for the family. The 90-acre park can be accessed by anyone in the community who is looking for a beautiful place to take a stroll or have a nice picnic. Historic buildings and a variety of gardens within the park has lots to offer community members and visitors!

Doyle's Icecream Parlor

This friendly neighborhood ice cream parlor, located in the West Central district, has been open since the 1940s. Originally serving the neighborhood as a barber shop and beauty salon, Doyle’s was started and run by Arthur Doyle and now hosts an incredible history (including antique ice-cream equipment and classic treats). Despite closing during the mid-1990s, Doyle’s Ice Cream has remained a consistent presence and hospitable business since its re-opening in 2010.

Try this! Stop by and enjoy Doyle’s famous huckleberry cone or other fan favorites!

Garland Theater

Opening with just under 1,000 seats in 1945, this classical movie theater was one of the most successful attractions in Spokane for young individuals. This historic movie theater received congratulatory telegrams from celebrities such as Bing Crosby and Dorothy Lamour and contained many market innovations, like having a record and gift shop inside the theater). After closing briefly during the early 1960s, this theater was restored in 1999. Its original charm is retained whilst also modernizing the sound/visuals and remaining family-friendly and affordable.

Want to watch a movie? Kick up your feet in one of the comfortable reclining seats at the Garland Theater and enjoy a movie (both new and old)!

Green Bluff

The Green Bluff farms are known as the “Spokane’s Original Farmers’ Market” for good reason. They serve as a source of education about sustainable farming, as well as an agri-tourism area. There are over 30 independent family-owned farms that operate as Green Bluff Growers and work to provide the Spokane community with tasty and healthy fresh produce. Green Bluff farms always have something going on for people of all ages and the pick-your-own-produce sprees are highly sought after.

Try this! Get a group of friends together and head over to a Green Bluff farm during September and October to enjoy hot apple cider, pumpkin picking, and corn mazes!

St. John's Cathedral

Completed in 1954, this gothic revival-styled cathedral contains a magnificent collection of stained-glass windows created by Charles J. Connick and Associated of Boston and Willet Stained Glass Studio of Philadelphia. St. John’s Cathedral has been serving the people of Spokane for more than ninety years as a center for prayer, worship, music, and more. Offering a variety of programs for congregation members and community members, this cathedral serves as a theologically progressive community seeking a contemporary understanding of faith.

Looking for gorgeous stained-glass creations? Stop by St. John’s Cathedral and take a tour of the cathedral!

Whitworth Volunteer

With so many organizations in Spokane, Whitworth students have an abundance of opportunities to get involved in related areas they are passionate about. Whitworth is especially invested in the West Central neighborhood to serve the residents and organizations based on their needs. To get involved, visit serve.whitworth.edu.