There are plenty of fun things to do in Pullman, Washington for people of all ages. Pullman is located in the Inland Northwest region of Washington state, close to the Idaho state border. The rolling hills surrounding Pullman make for a beautiful backdrop to the gorgeous brick campus. The Palouse region is a great place to explore the unique landscape of rolling hills, wheat fields, and the many surrounding farming communities. If you're looking for a challenging game of golf, the Airway Hills golf course is the spot for you. And if you're looking to get away from it all, Kamiak Butte County Park and Lawson Gardens are both great places to relax and enjoy the scenery. Here's a little bit about the area and our favorite places in cougar country.
What is Pullman, Washington famous for?
Pullman is the largest city in rural Whitman County, Washington, in the Palouse region of the Inland Northwest. The population was around 34,000 people in 2020. Of course, being the home of Washington State University (WSU), a public university, the population increases during the school term. Founded by land-grant legislation in 1890 and named after industrialist George Pullman, Pullman is noted as a particularly well-planned community, and one of only a few company towns in the United States. It was designated a National Historic Landmark District in 1974 for its well-preserved downtown core, gorgeous period brick buildings, and early 20th-century residential neighborhoods.
How did Pullman WA get its name?
Pullman is named after George Pullman, the American railroad magnate and inventor who created the Pullman Palace Car Company. George Pullman founded the company in 1867, and the first Pullman cars were put into service on the Illinois Central Railroad.
What is living in Pullman Washington like?
Pullman is a vibrant, exciting college town located in Washington State. The town is home to Washington State University, and the population is made up of mostly students and faculty. The town has a small-town feel, but there are plenty of things to do. 30 minutes away from Pullman, is Moscow, Idaho, home to the University of Idaho Vandals, which adds to the atmosphere surrounding the area. There are restaurants, cafes, bars, and shops lining downtown Pullman, as well as parks and trails for hiking and biking nearby. The weather is mild throughout the year, although it can be quite cold in the winter.
What are winters like in Pullman Washington?
Winter in Pullman is typically cool and dry, with temperatures averaging in the low to mid-30s. However, snowfall is not uncommon in the area, so residents should be prepared for some cold weather and potentially treacherous driving conditions.
When is the best time to visit Pullman?
The best time to visit Pullman is in the spring or fall. The weather is mild and there are plenty of activities to enjoy. Summer, when the college lets out, would be a great time to visit if you're not so hot on the crowds and prefer to explore at your leisure. Lawson Gardens and the Eastern Washington hiking trail are both beautiful places to visit during these seasons.
Palouse Discovery Science Center
The Palouse Discovery Science Center is a great place to visit if you're looking for hands-on science activities. It's located in Pullman, WA and has exhibits that are perfect for kids of all ages. The best thing about the science center is that it's always changing, so there's always something new to see and do. If you're interested in technology, check out the nano exhibit, which explores the science of nanotechnology and how we use it today and in the future. Or if your little one is interested in a health care future, the EveryBody Healthy exhibit will have them living out their dreams with dress up and play.
Washington State University Campus Tour
Driving down into Pullman, the first things that capture your eye are the beautiful old, brick buildings that make up the campus. There are self-guided tours that you can take that will take you past many o the landmarks that make up the historic campus like the Library Dome and the President's house. Visit the Museum of Anthropology to take in the history of the Columbia Plateau and the Nimíipuu (Nez Perce) Tribe and the Palus people. The Museum houses artifacts from over 1,600 archeological sites in Eastern Washington. Also on campus is the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art. There are over 4,000 permanent exhibits throughout the museum as well as the visiting artworks. Another museum to catch is the Charles R. Conner Museum, who's public exhibit has over 700 mounts of different animals and birds. The vast specimen collection of over 60,000 is made up of mammals, reptiles, fish, and more. The museum itself is free. It's a great place for kids to get up close to animals of the Pacific Northwest. WSU has a great fine arts program so check out the performing arts center for current offerings. You will not be disappointed. While you're on campus, don't miss a great photo op at the Cougar Pride statue, with a beautiful, bronze Cougar. And bring home a couple cans of Cougar Gold cheese. The dill-garlic variety is also amazing. Trust us.
Lawson Gardens
If you're looking for a calm oasis where you can sit, meditate, or just enjoy the outdoors, the gardens are the place for you. Beautiful in any season, even in the snow, it's a great place to relax and watch the world revolve without you. It's also a beautiful place to get married, especially in the fall and summer months. Add to the romance is that the land was dedicated by Gerald Lawson in loving memory of Alice, his first wife. The garden, reflecting pool, and gazebo make for gorgeous backdrops between the multitude of seasonal flowers. Our favorite spot is the rose garden with over 600 assorted rose bushes.
Kamiak Butte County Park
Those interested in the great outdoors will want to make a stop at Kamiak Butte. While Kamiak Butte is located in Palouse, Kamiak is still very near Pullman, just 14 miles away. This is a beautiful spot to view what the Palouse is famous for: it's beautiful, rolling hills of wheat and grass. Being that it's the second highest elevation point in Whitman County, you'll be able to capture stunning photographs of the vista. Take advantage of over 5 miles of forested hiking trails which are home to a variety of trees, vegetation, bird, and mammal specials. Pine Ridge Trail is a nationally recognized recreation trail. It's only 3.5 miles long, and depending on season, should take you one to two hours. You can also camp here but there is only 8 sites available so you'll want to arrive early since it's a first come, first serve situation. There are also shelters , picnic tables, restrooms, and a playground which makes it a great place to take the kids. Keep your eyes peeled for the Golden-crowned Kinglet or the Saw-Whet Owl. Make sure you pick up a self guided tour map to spot all that nature has to off her.
Pullman Farmers Market
Pullman is known for being an agricultural, farming town and the farmer's market is a great place to check out all the fresh off the farm goodies, handmade, and artisan goods. Like most farmer's markets, it's seasonal: the season runs from mid-May through mid-October only on Wednesdays so circle your calendars. The Winter Market events are held indoors once a month between November and April so check those out as well for some great holiday gifts. It's our first stop for huckleberry season.
Palouse Ridge Golf Club
Those who want to hit the greens couldn't find a better spot than at Palouse Ridge. Located on the sprawling campus of Washington State University, the 18-hole course expertly maintained and operated. Never golfed before? Don't let that stop you. They offer semi-private and private lessons so you'll be playing like the pros in no time. It can get a bit windy there so check the weather before you go If you work up an appetite battling the back 9, take a stop at the Round Top Public House afterwards for sustenance.
Pooch Park
This one is for the four-legged best friends in our life. Dog parks, especially off-leash parks, can be hard to find and disappointedly, some are just a small, fenced off area. If you're looking for a place for Sir Muttonchops to get their zoomies out, Pooch Park is the only off-leash dog park in Whitman County. The park has separate locations for large and small/shy dogs so you don't have to worry about your mini pin getting run over by that St. Bernard. It's got plenty of shaded areas which is great on those hot summer days. Plus, it's open from dawn-dusk, 365 days of the year. It is membership based but Pooch Park is run by the Whitman County Humane Society so your money is going to help all the animals they save and support. A yearly membership is only $60 and it's well worth the money with your first visit. How can you be unhappy around a gaggle of dogs?
Sunnyside Park
If you're looking for a great family park to recreate your childhood memories, Sunnyside Park is a perfect spot. Take a picnic lunch and make a day of it. There are large, expansive green lawns that are perfect for laying down and reading. There are two ponds, complete with a waterfall. Feed the ducks and turtles that call the pond home. Bring some frozen peas for the ducks and some leafy greens for the turtles. They'll love you for it. Sunnyside also has a playground for kids, tennis courts, baseball field, disc golf, and walking trails. Sunnyside is home to Pullman's great 4th of July celebration, so hurry down and get a good spot.
Airway Hills Golf Center
For those golfers who prefer the mini variety, Airway Hills is a great time for family, friends, and couples. Not only just mini golf, they offer an outdoor driving range, indoor golf simulators, a par 3 course, and more. It's a great place for birthdays, meetings, parties, and more. There is also a beer and wine menu so you can have a pint with your putter.
