Spokane may be Washington’s second-largest city, but it has the heart and pace of a much smaller town, which is exactly why I love it.
Nowhere is that more apparent than Riverfront Park, a 100-acre greenspace right in the middle of downtown that manages to feel both peaceful and electric at the same time.
Set along the Spokane River and wrapping around one of the largest urban waterfalls in the country, this park is where nature meets whimsy and history meets public art.
I wandered through on a sunny morning and found myself enchanted by goats that eat trash, sky-high cable cars, giant red wagons, and sculptures hiding life advice in plain sight.
This place is full of surprises, and if you’re heading to Spokane, it deserves a spot at the very top of your itinerary.
Here are six standout experiences you can’t miss in Riverfront Park, plus a few seasonal events and secret extras that’ll take your visit to the next level.
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A Park Built for a World’s Fair
Riverfront Park wouldn’t exist if it weren’t for Expo ’74, the first environmentally themed World’s Fair.
Spokane had a bold vision. The city cleared the tracks, cleaned up the riverbanks, and created a sustainable public gathering space that would become the centerpiece of the Expo.
Over five million people visited during the fair, and Spokane, one of the smallest cities ever to host a World’s Fair, showed the world what forward thinking looked like.
The legacy of that moment still lives on in many of the park’s landmarks.
Feed the Garbage Goat
Yes, Spokane has a metal goat that eats trash. It’s actually quite famous.
Installed as part of the Expo ’74 cleanup efforts and designed by artist Paula Turnbull, the Garbage Goat is a whimsical sculpture with a vacuum inside. When you hold a piece of litter up to its mouth and press the nearby button, it sucks it up with a cartoonish gulp.
It’s functional public art for a cause. Feeding the goat is oddly satisfying and probably the only time I’ve ever been excited to pick up garbage.
You’ll find the goat near the Visitor Center, just across the bridge from the carousel.
Ride the Historic Looff Carousel
If you love a touch of nostalgia (or just appreciate beautiful craftsmanship), the Looff Carousel is a must.
Built in 1909 as a wedding gift and moved to Spokane in 1923, it’s one of the most stunning hand-carved carousels still operating in the U.S., by the same man who designed the first carousel for Coney Island.
Inside the climate-controlled pavilion, you’ll find a collection of intricate horses (plus a few bonus animals like giraffes and tigers) that rotate to classic carnival music.
They even have an operational ring toss game that you play while riding. It’s harder than it looks!
It’s family-friendly, yes, but I promise adults will enjoy it just as much.
The carousel is open year-round and located right in the center of the park. You can buy standalone tickets or bundle it with other park attractions like the SkyRide.
Take the SkyRide Over Spokane Falls
Hands down, this is the best view in Spokane.
The Numerica SkyRide is a cable car that glides you over the Spokane River and its dramatic lower Spokane Falls.
It’s short, just a few minutes each way, but it’s stunning, especially in the spring when the water is raging from snowmelt.
Bring your camera, chances are high you’ll see a full rainbow. This is your “wow” shot.
You board near the carousel. Rides run frequently and are weather-dependent.
Explore the U.S. Pavilion
The U.S. Pavilion was the crown jewel of Expo ’74, and today it’s a glowing architectural canopy that lights up Spokane’s skyline.
During the day, you can stroll beneath it to find a splash pad, a creative playground, and plenty of open space to chill with a book or picnic. At night, the structure comes alive with free LED light shows that ripple across the wire mesh dome, especially magical during summer nights.
There’s often something happening here, from fitness classes to concerts, so check the park calendar before you go. Pavilion concerts are typically ticketed but worth the experience.
Find the Secret to Life
Riverfront Park is home to dozens of sculptures and interactive art pieces, but there’s one with a hidden message that longtime Spokane locals love to point out, holding the secret to life.
That quote is etched into an abstract sculpture by Harold Balazs, a beloved regional artist known for sneaking this phrase into many of his public pieces.
It’s tucked away in a spot you’d only notice if you climb the statue, which is prohibited.
Hint: Look up. Don’t climb. When in doubt, Google. If you like this type of art scavenger hunt, Balazs has other secret messages scattered throughout the city.
Climb into the Giant Red Wagon
Officially titled The Childhood Express, the massive red Radio Flyer wagon in Riverfront Park doubles as a playground slide and photo spot.
At 26 feet long, it’s built to be climbed. You can slide down the handle utility the park’s central lawn area.
It is the second largest Radio Flyer Wagon in the world.
Extras & Seasonal Fun
If you’ve hit the big six and still have time (or energy), here are a few more Riverfront Park features to add to your list:
- The Skate Ribbon: A looping track that becomes an ice rink in the winter and roller zone in summer.
- Public Art & Sculpture Walk: Some of the best pieces are tucked along paths or embedded in the pavement, like the running sculpture in honor of Bloomsday.
- The Clock Tower: Built in 1902 as part of the Great Northern Railway Depot, it’s now one of Spokane’s most iconic landmarks. The chimes still ring on the hour.
- Visitor Center & Gift Shop: Grab maps, souvenirs, or ask about tours and upcoming events.
Park Hours, Access & Tips
Riverfront Park is free to enter and open daily, year-round. Activities like the carousel, SkyRide, and ice skating require separate tickets.
Leashed dogs are welcome, so feel free to bring your furry friend along.
Parking is available nearby, but it fills quickly on weekends so consider walking from your hotel if you’re staying downtown.
Riverfront Park plays host to some of Spokane’s biggest and most beloved annual events. Every summer, Pig Out in the Park draws crowds with dozens of food vendors, live music, and a festive atmosphere over Labor Day weekend.
Spokane Pride transforms the park into a vibrant celebration of LGBTQ+ community each June with a colorful parade and multi-stage festival.
The Fourth of July brings fireworks, family-friendly activities, and patriotic performances.
During the last weekend of June, Riverfront Park becomes a key backdrop for Hoopfest, the world’s largest 3-on-3 basketball tournament.
Throughout the warmer months, the park also offers rotating events like outdoor movies, fitness classes, and seasonal pop-ups, making it a dynamic destination year-round.
Final Thoughts
Riverfront Park is a space where the city’s past and future meet. I appreciated the interactive elements and was impressed by how big it was.
Every time I turned a corner, there was more to see. If the weather is nice, it’d be a shame to miss it.
So, grab a local coffee, walk across the bridge, and let the Garbage Goat guide your way.
Till next time, safe travels!