Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Moscow, Idaho

In a scenic expanse of lush rolling hills along the Idaho-Washington border, Moscow serves as the county seat of Latah County and hosts the University of Idaho, established in the early 1890s.

The city features a charming downtown area characterized by historic brick structures from the early 20th century, complemented by numerous community events, including a weekly farmers’ market from spring to fall and a vibrant artwalk in June.

As anticipated, the University of Idaho significantly contributes to the cultural, social, and athletic atmosphere of the city, with many attractions associated with the institution.

The surrounding Palouse landscape, adorned with expansive wheat fields, can be navigated via two paved rail trails extending east and west from the city.

1. University of Idaho Arboretum & Botanical Garden

The most attractive feature within the verdant university campus is the University of Idaho Arboretum & Botanical Garden.

Encompassing 63 acres, this garden is located south of the president’s residence and the university’s golf course, with the gently rolling Palouse hills in the backdrop.

Offering free admission to the public, the arboretum was established in the early 1980s on a former hayfield, although its roots extend back to the early 20th century.

You can also visit the original arboretum site, planted in the 1910s, which boasts majestic specimen trees, including a giant sequoia, situated north of the president’s residence.

The arboretum features over 17,000 plants from more than 2,400 taxa, primarily arranged by geographical regions, encompassing Europe, Asia, and both Eastern and Western North America.

At the southern end, visitors can enjoy exquisite display gardens featuring xerophytes, ornamental willows, irises, and heather, alongside a butterfly garden that flourishes in the summer months.

2. Latah Trail

Stretching twelve miles, this paved trail takes you east from Moscow to the neighboring city of Troy.

The Latah Trail was completed in 2008 on the alignment of a decommissioned BNSF railroad line that once connected at Arrow, located approximately 30 miles southeast.

The path is ten feet wide, providing ample space for walkers and cyclists during the summer, as well as for snowshoers and cross-country skiers in the winter months.

Due to its rail trail nature, the gradient is manageable, ensuring stunning vistas of the Palouse, with cultivated slopes interspersed with stretches of coniferous forests.

In Moscow, the Latah Trail seamlessly connects with the Paradise Path, which subsequently links to the Bill Chipman Palouse Trail, as discussed below.

3. Appaloosa Museum and Heritage Center

The Appaloosa horse, renowned for its distinctive spotted coat, is emblematic of the Palouse region, making it appropriate for a dedicated museum to be located precisely at the Idaho-Washington state line.

The museum explores various themes, including the history of spotted horses in art and literature, the diverse coat patterns of Appaloosas, and their significance to the indigenous Nez Perce people.

The exhibits are filled with intriguing items, from saddles and black-and-white photography to Native American artifacts. Additionally, there is an interactive area for children, a theater, and a comprehensive library.

4. Moscow Farmers’ Market

Held on Saturdays from 9 am to 1 pm, May through October, the Moscow Farmers’ Market has now been a staple for over 50 years.

Situated on Main Street, this market celebrates local farmers, artisans, and musicians, facilitating connections with residents and visitors.

For those interested in knowing the source of their food, the market provides an opportunity to learn about the origin of produce and gather tips on storage and preparation.

Vendors offer a wide variety of goods, including vegetables, fruits, plants, flowers, locally sourced grass-fed meats, pastries, honey, jams, cosmetics, home decor, hand-forged knives, and much more.

The market usually features live music, along with a selection of freshly prepared food options, ranging from tacos to samosas.

5. Bill Chipman Palouse Trail

Following the route of the former Union Pacific Railroad, the Bill Chipman Palouse Trail stretches west from Moscow, crossing the state line into Pullman, Washington.

Pullman is home to the main campus of Washington State University, the second-largest higher education institution in the state.

Spanning seven miles, this fully paved trail guides cyclists through picturesque Palouse scenery, running parallel to State Route 270.

The gradient is gentle, and rest areas along with interpretative signs enrich the experience. Beyond its stunning landscapes, the trail also serves as a practical commuting route for cyclists traveling between the two university campuses.

6. Prichard Art Gallery

This outreach facility for the University of Idaho is situated in downtown Moscow and has occupied its current location on Main Street since 1986.

The Prichard Art Gallery features a dynamic schedule of exhibitions, events, and educational programming, welcoming over 17,000 visitors annually.

Exhibits showcase the creativity of participants from the Idaho College of Art and Architecture, along with temporary displays featuring local, regional, national, and international artists across a wide range of mediums.

The exhibits rotate frequently, ensuring a fresh experience for visitors, while the gift shop offers unique items crafted by local artists and artisans.

7. McConnell Mansion

Located on scenic Adams Street, just a few blocks east of Main Street, the stately W. J. McConnell House stands out.

This elegant residence, designed in the Stick/Eastlake style, was constructed in 1886 for William J. McConnell (1839-1925), who served as Governor of Idaho from 1893 to 1897 and previously represented the young state as one of its inaugural United States Senators.

The mansion now serves as the headquarters for the Latah County Historical Society, offering guests a chance to explore a series of themed period rooms that showcase authentic furnishings and appliances.

The society also sponsors engaging exhibits and educational events, frequently collaborating with the University of Idaho, which are always worthwhile experiences.

8. Colter’s Creek Winery

The picturesque countryside south of Moscow possesses the ideal conditions for producing exceptional wine, and in 2016, the Lewis-Clark Valley received official AVA (American Viticultural Area) designation.

Colter’s Creek operates a storefront and tasting room in Moscow, cultivating grapes on the sunny hillsides where the Potlatch River meets the Clearwater River.

Vineyards planted between the 1980s and 2010s yield an extensive variety of grapes, from Riesling to Cabernet Sauvignon, resulting in locally crafted wines that have garnered widespread acclaim.

The sophisticated Moscow tasting room resides in the Hattabaugh building on Main Street, established in 1890, featuring a selection of estate wines on tap. Regular wine tasting classes are offered to enhance your understanding of different varietals.

9. Kenworthy Performing Arts Centre

This historically significant Spanish Revival cinema, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, dates back to 1926 and was originally established as a venue for vaudeville performances and silent films.

The present tiled facade, designed in a simplified Art Deco style, has existed since 1949, and until the late 1980s, it served as downtown Moscow’s primary movie theater.

Since 2000, the venue has operated as the Kenworthy Performing Arts Centre, which undertook extensive renovations during the 2010s. It features classic, independent, and international films, in addition to a range of community stage performances and various events.

10. Hamilton-Lowe Aquatics Center

Summers in Moscow would not be complete without the Hamilton-Lowe Aquatics Center, a public outdoor pool, splash pad, and water park that operates from June to September.

For those looking to swim laps, the center features a 25-yard, six-lane pool.

Additionally, parents can bring their children to an extensive play area, which includes a toddler-friendly slide, tumble buckets, interactive equipment, slides for older kids, and a small lazy river.

The facility is also equipped with picnic tables, barbecue grills, lounge chairs, and complimentary Wi-Fi, along with a full-service concession area, although visitors are welcome to bring their own food.

11. Idaho Vandals

The Kibbie Dome, a multipurpose arena with a capacity of 16,000, serves as the home field for several sports teams representing the University of Idaho, collectively known as the Idaho Vandals.

Depending on the season, visitors can enjoy exciting football, basketball (both men’s and women’s), women’s soccer, tennis, and indoor track and field events at this venue.

Completed in 1971 as an open-air stadium, the structure received its distinctive barrel-vaulted roof in 1975.

The football team competes in the Big Sky Conference in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS), having returned in 2016 after a two-decade period in the Big West, Sun Belt, and Western Athletic Conferences.

The Vandals experienced a period of prominence between 1985 and 1995, making the I-AA playoffs in ten out of eleven seasons.

Curiously, the moniker “Vandals” dates back over a century to when the university’s formidable basketball team displayed defensive prowess to the extent that they were dubbed the Vandals by the renowned coach Hec Edmundson (1886-1964).

12. Ghormley Park

Bordered on its southern side by Paradise Creek, Ghormley Park represents an ideal location for family enjoyment and outdoor activities during the summer months.

This park spans just over ten acres, with a significant portion shaded by mature trees.

Facilities include a picnic shelter equipped with BBQ grills, along with a children’s playground.

Additional amenities encompass baseball/softball fields, basketball courts, and horseshoe pits. Visitors can access the Paradise Trail that traces the creek, linking to various green spaces in Moscow, providing connections to the Latah Trail on the east and the Bill Chipman Trail on the west.

13. Palouse Ice Rink

Ice skating enthusiasts can visit the popular local rink located on the southeast side of town. The Palouse Ice Rink resembles an aircraft hangar and has been making efforts to raise funds for a permanent facility.

Regular public skating sessions occur early in the day, after school, and in the evenings, with reasonably priced skate rentals available.

Addititionally, casual stick-and-puck sessions, pick-up hockey, late-night curling, league curling, and Palouse Adult League Hockey are featured regularly. Consult the calendar for learn-to-skate sessions.

14. Moscow Artwalk

Originating in 2004, the Moscow Artwalk has become a significant event in the Palouse calendar. Each June, on a Friday evening, over 60 local businesses and 100 artists participate in a vibrant cultural and artistic celebration in downtown.

The Moscow Artwalk showcases a diverse range of exhibitions alongside live demonstrations by artists, workshops, live music, dance performances, and food vendors, populating Main Street and its intersecting streets.

Visitors can explore this cultural extravaganza by following a self-guided trail, utilizing a passport system that requires six stamps to qualify for a prize drawing. If some activities are missed, many participating businesses remain open on Saturdays for continued enjoyment.

15. Fondo on the Palouse

This cycling event, organized by the foundation responsible for the Latah Trail, is typically scheduled for the last Saturday in June.

The Fondo on the Palouse offers an opportunity to explore the beautiful rolling landscapes of the Palouse through a variety of group bike rides, all commencing from Moscow.

The Family Fondo features a 15-mile route from Moscow to Troy, while those seeking a longer, traffic-free experience can opt for a 50-mile ride along the Latah and Bill Chipman Palouse Trails.

Finally, the grand Moscow Fondo presents a 100-mile trek through the region, passing through Troy, Deary, Princeton, and Potlatch, crossing the state line into Pullman and Colfax, WA, before returning to Moscow.