Spokaneinescapable northwest beauty

With 90 acres of lush green space, including five gardens, a conservatory and duck pond, Manito Park in Spokane’s South Hill neighborhood is a testament to the region’s green thumb. Originally established in 1904 as a zoo and popular picnic destination, Manito Park has transformed into a mixed horticultural collection of native and cultivated landscapes full of trails for strolling the immaculate diverse gardens. Given Spokane’s nickname “Lilac City,” a visit to the park’s Lilac Garden is an obvious must. Featuring 23 different species, the garden overflows with delicate purple, white and pink flowers and surrounds visitors with a seductively intoxicating sweet perfume.