Manito Park | Spokane

Manito Park is a historic and expansive urban park located in Spokane, Washington’s South Hill neighborhood, covering approximately 90 acres. It stands as one of the city’s premier green spaces, highly regarded for its exquisite gardens, scenic landscapes, and peaceful environment. Designed in 1904 by the renowned Olmsted Brothers landscape architecture firm-whose work shaped many famous parks across the United States-Manito Park combines formal garden design with naturalistic landscaping to create a harmonious and versatile public space that has been cherished by Spokane residents and visitors for over a century.

Historical Significance and Design

Manito Park’s origins date back to the early 20th century when Spokane sought to develop a major public park that would serve as a horticultural showcase and recreational haven. The Olmsted Brothers were commissioned to design the park, drawing inspiration from classical European garden styles as well as incorporating native plants and local topography. The park’s name, “Manito,” is derived from a Native American term meaning “spirit” or “mystical force,” reflecting a connection to the natural world and indigenous heritage.

In recognition of its historic landscape design and cultural importance, Manito Park was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2015. This designation highlights the park’s architectural integrity, horticultural significance, and enduring role in Spokane’s community life.

Gardens and Landscape Features

Manito Park is most famous for its five distinct and meticulously maintained garden areas, each offering a different thematic experience and plant collection:

Duncan Garden: This is a formal garden designed in the European Renaissance style, characterized by symmetrical flower beds, carefully trimmed hedges, and elegant pathways. The centerpiece is a large granite fountain framed by a colonnaded pergola and a wrought-iron gazebo. Duncan Garden bursts into vibrant color during the growing season with thousands of annuals and perennials, making it a favorite destination for wedding photos, quiet contemplation, and garden tours.

Nishinomiya Tsutakawa Japanese Garden: Established in 1974 to celebrate Spokane’s sister-city relationship with Nishinomiya, Japan, this tranquil garden exemplifies traditional Japanese landscaping. It features koi-filled ponds, stone lanterns, flowing water elements, bonsai displays, and carefully pruned maples and pines. The garden’s serene atmosphere invites visitors to meditate, enjoy seasonal blossoms, and experience Japanese culture through nature.

Rose Hill: Rose Hill is home to over 1,500 rose bushes, encompassing more than 150 rose varieties. This garden is one of Spokane’s horticultural jewels, earning national recognition in 2007 when it was named the top rose garden in the United States by the All-America Rose Selections organization. The fragrant, colorful blooms cover the hill in late spring and summer, drawing gardening enthusiasts, photographers, and casual visitors alike.

Lilac Garden: Reflecting Spokane’s nickname as the “Lilac City,” this garden contains more than 100 lilac cultivars, including the “Spokane” lilac, developed locally. The Lilac Garden is a riot of scent and color during May and June when the lilacs bloom. It also includes shrub beds and walking paths that invite exploration and relaxation.

Ferris Perennial Garden: This informal garden is a dynamic showcase of perennial plants that bloom at different times throughout the year. The design emphasizes natural plant groupings, seasonal color changes, and textures, providing visitors with a continually evolving floral display. It is less structured than Duncan Garden but equally rich in botanical diversity.

In addition to these signature gardens, Manito Park includes Mirror Pond, a serene water feature that attracts ducks and other waterfowl, enhancing the park’s natural ambiance. Adjacent to the pond is the Gaiser Conservatory, a glass greenhouse that houses an extensive collection of tropical, subtropical, and desert plants. The conservatory is open to the public daily (except Wednesdays) and offers a warm, lush retreat in all seasons, featuring orchids, palms, and seasonal floral displays.

Recreational Facilities and Amenities

Manito Park is designed to accommodate a broad spectrum of recreational activities and visitor needs. It features two well-equipped playgrounds that provide safe, engaging play areas for children, including modern play structures and accessible equipment.

A network of paved walking and biking trails weaves through the park, connecting the gardens, picnic areas, and natural spaces, encouraging healthy outdoor activity. The Loop Drive-a circular road with scenic viewpoints and benches-offers a pleasant route for leisurely drives or walks, with sweeping views of the gardens, especially Rose Hill.

For visitors seeking refreshments, the seasonal Park Bench Café operates during warmer months, serving light meals, snacks, coffee, and pastries. This café provides a convenient and comfortable place to pause while exploring the park.

Manito Park also features memorials and historical markers, including a statue honoring George Washington and a tribute to Lawrence Rist, a local soldier who lost his life in the Korean War. These elements add cultural depth and a sense of community memory to the park experience.

Community Engagement and Events

Manito Park is not only a place of beauty but also a vibrant center for community activities and horticultural education. The Friends of Manito organization plays a key role in maintaining the park, organizing events, and fostering public involvement.

Regular events include plant sales held in spring and fall, which feature a wide array of flowers, shrubs, and garden plants. These sales support park maintenance and improvements while encouraging gardening enthusiasm among the local population.

During the winter holiday season, Manito Park transforms with a festive Holiday Lights Display, illuminating pathways and garden features with thousands of colorful lights. This seasonal event attracts families and visitors seeking a magical nighttime experience in a natural setting.

The park also hosts workshops, guided garden tours, and educational programs aimed at promoting horticulture, environmental stewardship, and appreciation for the park’s botanical collections. These initiatives help cultivate a strong community connection and inspire conservation efforts.

Visitor Information

Manito Park is easily accessible and open to the public every day from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM, with free admission. Its location at 17th Avenue and Grand Boulevard places it conveniently within Spokane’s South Hill district, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists.

The park’s layout, well-maintained pathways, and accessible facilities ensure that visitors of all ages and abilities can enjoy its features. Ample parking is available nearby, and the park is often used for recreational walking, jogging, photography, picnicking, and quiet reflection.

Summary

Manito Park is a quintessential example of thoughtful urban park design, combining historical landscaping principles with diverse botanical displays and modern recreational amenities. Its elegant gardens, peaceful water features, and community-driven events create a welcoming environment that nurtures a deep appreciation for nature and horticulture. Whether visiting for a quiet stroll, family outing, or garden tour, Manito Park offers an immersive experience that highlights Spokane’s commitment to green spaces and cultural heritage.