Manito Park

Manito Park remains a favorite cultural and aesthetic feature of Spokane. Located on Grand Boulevard between 17th and 25th avenues, this park showcases a variety of gardens.

Right at the main 17th Avenue entrance, sightseers can visit the famous Duck Pond, where geese, ducks and swans can be found, along with a popular picnic shelter/grill area.

Nearby is the Nishinomiya Japanese Garden, a symbol of friendship between Spokane and its sister city, Nishinomiya, Japan. This tranquil garden is open from spring to fall.

Loop Drive and the historic Stone Bridge allow access to several scenic views, including Rose Hill - the highest point and home to 1,500 rose bushes.

In the center of the park is the Gaiser Conservatory, a series of greenhouses that showcase tropical, sub-tropical, and temperate plants from around the world. It is free to visit.

Duncan Garden is a formal, 3-acre space built in a classical European Renaissance style.

The Perennial Garden greets visitors with bulbs and primroses in the spring, and beds of asters in the autumn.

Lilac Garden displays many varieties of Spokane's official flower; the Park Bench Café, which serves light fare in summertime, and the Upper Manito Playground, which includes a wading pool and playground equipment.

Information: (509) 363-5455 or visit www.Spokaneparks.org.