Manito Park – A Beautiful Way to Spend an Afternoon

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When we first began thinking about moving to Spokane, one of the biggest selling points of the area was the scenery. The changing leaves in fall, the gorgeous places to hike, and the abundance of flowers, trees, and healthy grass (hey, we are from Phoenix – healthy grass is rare there!)

One of the places we loved to visit the most? Manito Park on the South Hill. Once we moved here, we realized Manito Park is also the perfect gateway park to get other people to love Spokane as much we do, too.

If you’re looking for a peaceful way to spend a morning or afternoon, or you want to bring out-of-town guests to a beautiful park in Spokane, look no further than Manito. Manito Park in Spokane is the perfect place to bring the family, or to find a relaxing, peaceful area for yourself.

Manito Park is located at 1702 S. Grand Blvd, Spokane, WA.

A few weeks ago when my parents were in town, we took them to Manito Park. They had been a few other times when they visited me while I was at Gonzaga, but a visit to Manito is worth it every visit, so we went again!

Manito Park was established in April 1904 and has evolved from an undeveloped recreational area with a few flower beds and picnic spots to one of Spokane’s gems. Manito has five major garden areas, including:

• The Japanese Garden
• Duncan Garden
• Rose Hill
• Lilac Garden
• Ferris Perennial Garden

Manito also has Gaiser Conservatory and a duck pond (Mirror Pond).

In addition to the gardens and the conservatory, Manito Park offers playgrounds, walking and biking paths, and of course, tons of flowers.

There’s a lot to cover in Manito, and it’s tough to see it all in one day. However, if you’re ready to put on your walking shoes and make the most out of Manito in an afternoon, you can! The Friends of Manito have put together an amazing walking tour of Manito, covering the entire park. Check it out for yourself below and get access to the map here. You can also download this walking map PDF from the City of Spokane here.

Where Should We Eat at Manito Park?

If you’re looking for places to eat, don’t worry – you can eat right within Manito Park at the Park Bench Cafe. The Park Bench Cafe is open seasonally, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. May through June. From June through September, the Park Bench Cafe is open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. to account for the warmer and longer days.

Manito Park Bench Cafe is located between Mirror Pond and the Ferris Perennial Garden and serves Alpine Bakery pastries, fresh made sandwiches, wraps, salad, espresso drinks and more.

If the Park Bench Cafe is closed, you can never go wrong with the Rockwood Bakery, which is a 3 minute walk from Manito Park at the 17th Ave. and Grand entrance (near the Lower Manito Playground).

At Rockwood Bakery (open year round), you can get delicious pastries, coffee, tea, sandwiches and more.

Events in Manito Park

Manito Park is busy year round – yes, even in the winter! The Friends of Manito put on a variety of classes (and plant sales!) year round for children and adults. You can find all their latest events here.

The City of Spokane also displays holiday lights at the Conservatory in the winter. The dates have not yet been announced, but you can keep an eye on them here.

In the summer, the City of Spokane also hosts the Friday Night Music Series at the Park Bench Cafe. You can find information on the dates and performers here.

What’s your favorite part of Manito Park? Share your thoughts with us on our Facebook page here!

Also, don’t forget to subscribe to Everyday Spokane’s newsletter! We’ll send out the latest when the City of Spokane announces the holiday lights, plus upcoming events from the Friends of Manito. Subscribe today!