
Manito Park Spokane
A 78-acre urban oasis featuring diverse themed gardens, a conservatory, and Mirror Pond, offering free admission and stunning natural beauty.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Lilacs in full bloom

Manito Park Spokane
Best Time
Lilacs in full bloom

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 78-acre urban oasis featuring diverse themed gardens, a conservatory, and Mirror Pond, offering free admission and stunning natural beauty.
"Manito Park is pure magic! Absolutely loved everything — it’s so beautiful, you can’t stop staring at the flowers, trees, and ponds."

🌸 Catch Peak Blooms
Visit in late spring for lilacs & early summer for roses. Check planting schedules for Duncan Gardens!
📸 Perfect Photo Ops
Manito Park is a photographer's dream! Ideal for senior portraits, engagement shoots, and capturing nature's beauty.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Duncan Gardens
Central Manito Park
European-inspired formal gardens with stunning symmetry and vibrant floral displays.

Japanese Garden
Southwest Manito Park
A tranquil oasis featuring serene ponds, meticulously placed rocks, and lush greenery.

Gaiser Conservatory
Near Duncan Gardens
A botanical wonderland showcasing diverse and exotic plant species year-round.

Rose Garden
East Manito Park
A colorful spectacle of countless rose varieties in full, fragrant bloom.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Peak Blooms
Free Entry, Abundant Beauty
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🌸 Catch Peak Blooms
Visit in late spring for lilacs & early summer for roses. Check planting schedules for Duncan Gardens!
📸 Perfect Photo Ops
Manito Park is a photographer's dream! Ideal for senior portraits, engagement shoots, and capturing nature's beauty.
🚶♀️ Explore the Paths
Wander the numerous walking paths for stunning views and peaceful moments. Great for walks, runs, or bike rides.
🧺 Picnic Paradise
Pack a lunch and enjoy a picnic amidst the beautiful gardens. Plenty of scenic spots to relax.
Tips
from all over the internet
🌸 Catch Peak Blooms
Visit in late spring for lilacs & early summer for roses. Check planting schedules for Duncan Gardens!
📸 Perfect Photo Ops
Manito Park is a photographer's dream! Ideal for senior portraits, engagement shoots, and capturing nature's beauty.
🚶♀️ Explore the Paths
Wander the numerous walking paths for stunning views and peaceful moments. Great for walks, runs, or bike rides.
🧺 Picnic Paradise
Pack a lunch and enjoy a picnic amidst the beautiful gardens. Plenty of scenic spots to relax.
💧 Pond & Water Features
Enjoy the beautifully maintained pond and water features. The water clarity is impressive!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Manito Park for its breathtaking beauty, diverse gardens, and immaculate upkeep. The free admission is a significant draw, making it a cherished gem for both locals and tourists. While parking can be a challenge during peak times, the overall experience is overwhelmingly positive, with many describing it as a 'fairytale' escape.
"“Absolutely Stunning Park – A Must Visit in Spokane!”
I can’t say enough good things about Manito Park! The gardens are breathtaking—each one feels like stepping into a different world. The Rose Garden is so vibrant and colorful, the Japanese Garden is incredibly peaceful, and the Duncan Garden looks straight out of Europe with its perfectly designed symmetry.
I loved wandering around the walking paths and taking in the beautiful landscaping—everything is so well cared for. The Gaiser Conservatory was also a treat, with unique plants and flowers you don’t see every day.
What makes this park extra special is that it’s completely free, making it such a gem for locals and visitors alike. Whether you want to take photos, enjoy a picnic, or just relax and breathe in nature, this is the perfect spot.
I’d highly recommend visiting in spring or summer when everything is in full bloom, but honestly, it’s gorgeous year-round. Definitely a 5-star experience! 🌿🌸🌹"
Charu Bhandari
"Manito Park is pure magic! 😍 Absolutely loved everything — it’s so beautiful, you can’t stop staring at the flowers, trees, and ponds. Total fairytale vibes! The atmosphere is so cozy, like a hug for your soul. The park is perfectly maintained, with spots to chill, snap pics, or just soak in the nature. Amazing for family walks or solo escapes. I’ll be back a million times and recommend it to everyone! Spokane, you nailed it!"
the Puzankov family
"Fantastic park - Spokane is truly lucky to have this place. Multiple gardens to walk through and the care and upkeep effort really shows. Duncan gardens is a grand landscape of flowers, with a conservatory attached. Incredible amount of species inside this building. Rose garden was our favorite- incredible how many different roses can be found here. The Japanese garden was beautiful as well. Hard to believe this is all free- I have paid to enter botanical gardens that don’t come close to this. So many enjoyable walking paths, benches and shade can found throughout the park. There was a cafe as well! Parking could be a problem where you want it- but numerous small lots exist around the park."
Paul P
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Manito Park is located on the South Hill of Spokane, WA. It's easily accessible by car, with several small parking lots around the park. Public transportation options are also available.
Yes, there are numerous small parking lots located around the perimeter of Manito Park. Parking can be challenging during peak times, so arriving early is recommended.
Manito Park is located less than 15 minutes from downtown Spokane, making it a convenient destination for visitors.
Absolutely! Manito Park is a great destination for biking, with enjoyable scenery along the way and paths within the park itself.
The park features well-maintained walking paths that connect all the major gardens and attractions. A map can be helpful for first-time visitors.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Manito Park offers free admission to all its gardens and grounds, making it a wonderful and accessible attraction for everyone.
Manito Park is generally open from dawn until dusk. The Gaiser Conservatory has specific operating hours, which are usually posted on the Spokane Parks website.
The planting schedule for Duncan Gardens typically begins in the spring. For exact dates, it's best to check with the Spokane Parks Department or local gardening resources.
The fountain at Mirror Pond usually turns on with the warmer weather, typically in the spring. Specific activation dates can vary year to year.
While the park itself is free to enter, certain areas or pavilions might be available for rental for special events like weddings or parties. Inquire with Spokane Parks for details.
📸 📸 Photography & Videography
Manito Park is exceptionally popular for photography, especially for senior portraits, engagement shoots, and capturing the vibrant floral displays.
Generally, personal photography and videography are welcome. However, commercial shoots or large-scale productions may require permits. It's always wise to check with park management if you have specific needs.
The Rose Garden, Duncan Gardens, Japanese Garden, and the area around Mirror Pond are all highly photogenic. The Gaiser Conservatory also offers unique indoor backdrops.
Drone usage in city parks is often restricted or prohibited to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all visitors. It's best to assume drones are not permitted unless explicitly stated otherwise by Spokane Parks.
The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset offer beautiful, soft light for photography. Midday can be harsh, but the conservatory provides shade and consistent lighting.
🎫 🌳 Onsite Experience
Manito Park features several distinct gardens including Duncan Gardens, the Japanese Garden, the Rose Garden, and the Lilac Garden, along with the Gaiser Conservatory and Mirror Pond.
Yes, Manito Park is excellent for families. Kids can enjoy exploring the gardens, the conservatory, and the open spaces for play.
Restroom facilities are available within Manito Park, typically located near the main garden areas and the conservatory.
Originally named Montrose, the park was renamed Manito (meaning 'The Spirit of Nature') by Jay P. Graves, who gifted 90 acres to Spokane. It opened in 1904 and has been a cherished landmark since.
Yes, historical accounts suggest that Manito Park once housed a zoo, featuring various animals.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a cafe located within Manito Park, offering refreshments and light meals for visitors.
Absolutely! Manito Park is a fantastic spot for picnics. You're welcome to bring your own food and enjoy it at one of the many scenic locations.
The cafe typically offers a selection of snacks, beverages, and light lunch options. It's a convenient place to grab a bite while enjoying the park.
The South Hill area surrounding Manito Park has various dining options, from casual cafes to more formal restaurants, easily accessible by a short drive.
Alcohol consumption in city parks is often regulated. It's advisable to check Spokane city ordinances regarding alcohol in public parks to ensure compliance.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📸 Photographers & Content Creators
❤️ Couples & Romantic Getaways
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Enchanting Gardens of Manito Park
The Japanese Garden offers a stark contrast with its serene atmosphere, featuring tranquil ponds, carefully placed rocks, and lush, native plantings designed for contemplation and peace. Nearby, the Rose Garden bursts with color and fragrance, showcasing an impressive collection of rose varieties that are at their peak in early summer.
Beyond these, the park also features a Lilac Garden that is spectacular in late spring, and the Gaiser Conservatory, a glasshouse filled with exotic and tropical plants, providing a beautiful escape regardless of the season. The park's commitment to horticultural excellence ensures a stunning display throughout the year.
A Stroll Around Mirror Pond
During special events, the pathway around Mirror Pond can be illuminated with luminaries, creating a truly magical and fairytale-like atmosphere, reminiscent of scenes from popular movies. This transformation makes an evening visit particularly enchanting. The pond and its surroundings provide a peaceful setting to relax, observe local wildlife, and enjoy the natural beauty of Spokane.
The Historical Echoes of Manito Park
Interestingly, historical accounts and local lore suggest that Manito Park once housed a zoo, complete with a variety of animals, adding another layer to its storied past. Today, while the zoo is long gone, the park continues to embody its namesake, offering a vibrant sanctuary of nature and a cherished landmark for Spokane residents and visitors alike.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit