Mesmerizing fields of wheat and barley, pea and lentil, greet visitors throughout the Palouse, but there’s gold well beyond the region’s distinctive natural scenery. Tucked away in North Central Idaho and Southeast Washington, the Palouse is a geologic wonder unlike any other area. Home to three Universities, this area offers urbane sophistication tucked between turn-back-the-clock towns. Rich in culture and arts, spirited college athletics, and abundant in outdoor recreational opportunities this area captivates travelers. They soon understand why this is one of the Northwest’s most photographed regions.
Today Moscow is home to 22,000 residents and students. The area boasts a highly skilled and educated work force employed by Moscow’s many thriving businesses and the University of Idaho. Merchants offer an extensive selection of quality products and services.
In addition to Moscow’s fine business and educational reputation, the city’s arts community has gained national attention. The Lionel Hampton International Jazz Festival, Festival Dance, Idaho Repertory Theatre, Renaissance Fair, Rendezvous in the Park, Artwalk and the Prichard Art Gallery are reasons why Moscow is known as the “Heart of the Arts.” Moscow has also been rated as one of the “Best 100 Small Art Towns in America.”
History
Moscow History
Settlers were first drawn to the area in 1871, with abundant grassland and available timber for building the area was first named “Hog Heaven” which was later changed to “Palouse Valley.” In 1877, Samuel Neff filed for a postal permit under the name of Moscow because the area reminded him of his hometown of Moscow, Pennsylvania. In 1875, the city’s first store was opened on what is now Main Street. Moscow grew with the arrival of the railroad in 1885. The town became incorporated in 1887 and was chosen as the site for a land-grant institution, the University of Idaho, in 1889. Idaho achieved statehood in 1890.
History of the Palouse
The Palouse is a region in the northwestern U.S. that encompasses southeastern Washington and north central Idaho, and is known for the majestic landscapes of rolling farmland and wilderness areas. There is no clear origin of the name “Palouse,” but one theory is that French-Canadian fur traders converted the name of the Palus tribe to the more familiar French word pelouse, which means “land with short and thick grass.” Since that time, the area has become renowned for growing wheat and legumes, and has held the title of the Pea and Lentil Capital of the World. This beautiful area is home to several different communities, with Pullman, Washington and Moscow, Idaho being the main hub communities.
In 1889, the State of Idaho named Moscow as the home of the state’s land grant institution, the University of Idaho. Just across the state line, Pullman, Washington was named in 1890 to be the home of the land grant institution of Washington State University. These vibrant communities are home to friendly people, world class Universities, and unparalleled natural beauty. Residents enjoy “big city” access to the cultural and recreational events provided by two university cities, while experiencing the charm and safety of small towns with a mild climate, clean air, highly rated schools, and a low crime rate.
Attractions & Recreation
Stay and play a round of golf on the picturesque public course, take in a play, marvel at the magnificent dancers and drummers at a pow wow organized by the Indian students or pick up sportswear and other university mementos at our Vandal Bookstore.
This area enjoys four distinct seasons throughout the year, allowing for a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities that are within a day’s trip of Moscow or Pullman; including mountain biking, telemark and cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, hunting, fishing, golfing, garnet digging and white water rafting. There’s always something interesting to do amidst the bountiful and picturesque Palouse Prairie.
Here are a few more popular options:
Bike the Palouse
Moscow boasts over 30 miles of paved and non-paved biking trails. Whether you are looking for an adventurist trail or easy going ride, Moscow is a place to enjoy the sunshine and get outdoors! Paved trails in Moscow include the 7 mile, Bill Chipman Trail, that runs between Moscow and Pullman, WA; the 1.5 mile Paradise Path that will take you through the University of Idaho campus and town; and the 11 mile Latah trail that connects goes from Moscow to Troy, ID. All three of these paths are connected, so any length you are looking for is there! Looking for more of a challenge? Moscow Mountain offers various length rides of single or double track trails. Don’t want to bring your bike along? Head downtown to rent one for the day or even the weekend!
The Pritchard Art Gallery and Gallery Store
Located among quaint shops in downtown Moscow, the gallery annually hosts up to 11 exhibitions featuring a full-spectrum of visual arts. Its gift shop is stocked with local artisans’ creations. The gallery is open five days a week (including weekday evenings and Saturdays) and admission is free. Find more at www.uidaho.edu/caa/prichardartgallery/.
Arboretum and Botanical Garden
The jewel of the university campus is a 63-acre Arboretum and Botanical Garden, which fills the valley south of the President’s Residence on Nez Perce Drive. In addition to native plants, 120 dedicated trees and groves, water features and 27 granite benches make it a wonderful spot for wildlife viewing.
Walking trails, from easy to more challenging climbs, meander through the gardens. Maps and more at www.uiweb.uidaho.edu/arboretum/.
The University of Idaho
Founded in 1889, the University of Idaho is the state’s public land grant and flagship university. On its 1,585-acre main campus in Moscow, more than 12,000 students annually enroll in one of 10 colleges offering 225 degrees. A doctoral-level institution, the University of Idaho earned the Carnegie Foundation classification for high-research activity. Today, the University reaches statewide with additional centers in Boise, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho Falls, Twin Falls and its McCall Field Campus.
Athletics
Known as Vandals, the university’s sports teams compete in 16 men's and women's NCAA Division I sports, in the Western Athletic Conference. Depending on the time of year, you can cheer student athletes in football, basketball, women’s soccer, track and field, golf, tennis, volleyball, swimming, diving and cross country. Team mascot Joe Vandal is often stirring up Vandal Pride on the sidelines. Schedules and more at govandals.com.
Wine Tasting
Spend the day wine touring! Enjoy four locally owned and operated wineries all within minutes of downtown.
Camas Prairie Winery, Moscow
Located in the heart of downtown Moscow, Camas Prairie Winery began in 1983 as a hobby, and is now Idaho’s oldest independent winery. The family operation produces all wines on the premises with grapes field-crushed at the vineyards. This is a great place to stop by the tasting room to enjoy a sampling of Camas’ 24 wines, and if wine is not your style, they offer the largest selection of imported specialty beers in the northwest (over 90 varieties from all over the world!) as well as a selection of premium Micro brews.
Colter’s Creek, Julietta
The vines of Colter’s Creek are nestled along the Potlatch River near its confluence with the Clearwater. Unbeknownst to many, the Clearwater River Valley was once home to a prosperous grape and wine industry, until Prohibition in the early 1900’s, leaving one to wonder what might have been, had the industry been allowed to excel. The goal of the Colter’s Creek winemakers is to produce outstanding wines from locally grown grapes, to involve the community in the process, and to engage a wide range of wine drinkers. A great place to visit and enjoy a glass of wine!
Merry Cellars, Pullman
Merry Cellars is a family-owned winery which began in Pullman in 2004 with their first crush. Winemaker Patrick Merry produces both red and white premium varieties, all from Washington fruit. Located on the outskirts of Pullman at 1300 NE Henley Ct., it is surrounded by rolling wheat fields and beautiful vistas. You are invited to sample finely crafted wines on their lovely patio or mingle in the barrel room and tour their state of the art facility. The tasting room is open Tues-Sat noon-6pm and Sun 11am-4pm.
Wawawai Canyon Winery, Pullman
Wawawai Canyon Winery opened in the fall of 2006 with the release of their 2004 Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon, made with Washington grapes grown on the steep slopes of the canyon lands at Wawawai. These grapes tend to be smaller, with more intense and concentrated flavors producing earthy wines. Taste the newest releases and view changing fine arts exhibits in their gallery/tasting room located along the Moscow-Pullman Highway.
Festivals & Events
Moscow Farmers Market
A popular Moscow tradition that was established in 1977. This Saturday morning event celebrates local farmers, artists, craftspeople and musicians by providing them with an opportunity to interact directly with the community and its visitors. Highlights include fresh produce, meat, delicious homemade baked goods, healthy nursery plants, beautiful flowers and quality handmade crafts. The Market is located downtown in Friendship Square next to the Moscow Hotel. It is held each Saturday, May through October, from 8:00am – 1:00pm. Local musicians perform from 9:30am – 1:00 pm each week.
The Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival
This annual February tradition brings some 10,000 young musicians and collegians as well as internationally-revered jazz artists to campus for four days of performances, workshops, and world-class evening concerts. From Feb. 22-25, enjoy music from such greats as the Blind Boys of Alabama, Paquito D’Rivera, Tower of Power and many more. Details at uidaho.edu/jazzfest.
