Spokane is a vibrant city filled with unique history, interesting facts, and fun stories. Located in the beautiful state of Washington, Spokane is known for its stunning scenery, friendly people, and rich cultural life. Many may think it’s just another city in the Pacific Northwest, but there are plenty of surprising things about this place that you might not know. From its Native American heritage to its quirks and oddities, Spokane has a lot to offer anyone looking to learn something new.
Today, we will share some fascinating trivia about Spokane that will help you understand what makes this city special. Whether you live in Spokane or are just curious about it, you’ll find some great tidbits to impress your friends. Get ready to uncover facts about local landmarks, fun events, and famous residents that have made an impact. You might even discover something about Spokane that makes you say, “Wow, I didn’t know that!” So, let’s jump into some fun trivia and see what interesting stories Spokane has to tell!
Spokane Trivia
Hidden Gems of Spokane Trivia
1. What is the tallest building in Spokane? (Answer: The Bank of America Financial Center)
2. Which Spokane park features a historic carousel? (Answer: Riverfront Park)
3. The Spokane River is known for what exciting activity? (Answer: Whitewater rafting)
4. What famous landmark has a red wagon as a sculpture? (Answer: The Radio Flyer Wagon)
5. Which local brewery is famous for its craft beers? (Answer: Spokane Brewing Company)
6. What annual event celebrates hot air balloons in Spokane? (Answer: The Spokane Balloon Festival)
7. What nickname is often associated with Spokane due to its natural beauty? (Answer: The Lilac City)
8. What is the name of Spokane’s largest hotel? (Answer: The Davenport Hotel)
9. In what park can you find the Spokane Falls? (Answer: Riverfront Park)
10. What river runs through the city of Spokane? (Answer: The Spokane River)
Historical Highlights of Spokane Trivia
1. When was Spokane officially incorporated as a city? (Answer: 1881)
2. What was the original name of Spokane? (Answer: Spokan Falls)
3. What year did the Great Northern Railway reach Spokane? (Answer: 1887)
4. Which famous Native American tribe originally inhabited the Spokane area? (Answer: The Spokane Tribe)
5. What significant expo took place in Spokane in 1974? (Answer: The World’s Fair)
6. Spokane played a vital role in what major event during World War II? (Answer: The production of aluminum)
7. What building was the first skyscraper in Spokane? (Answer: The Spokesman-Review Building)
8. Who was the first mayor of Spokane? (Answer: James Glover)
9. What year did Spokane first become known as the “Lilac City”? (Answer: 1930)
10. During which movement was the Spokane Community College founded? (Answer: The Civil Rights Movement)
Famous Faces of Spokane Trivia
1. Which actress, known for her role in “The Twilight Saga,” was born in Spokane? (Answer: Kristen Stewart)
2. What famous musical superstar hails from Spokane? (Answer: Bing Crosby)
3. Which influential author, known for “The Book Thief,” was born in Spokane? (Answer: Markus Zusak)
4. Who is the NFL quarterback raised in Spokane, known for his success in the league? (Answer: Drew Bledsoe)
5. Who was the notable civil rights activist from Spokane? (Answer: William Smith)
6. Which Spokane-born athlete became a famous basketball player in the NBA? (Answer: John Stockton)
7. Who was the first woman to become the director of the Spokane Symphony? (Answer: Lura D. McNair)
8. Which Spokane native is a popular television journalist and news anchor? (Answer: Lisa O’Keefe)
9. What Spokane-born musician is known for the hit “Fast Car”? (Answer: Tracy Chapman)
10. Who is the famous local chef recognized for his work in the culinary arts? (Answer: Adam Hegsted)
Spokane Events and Festivals Trivia
1. What festival in Spokane celebrates the arts with over 200 artists? (Answer: The Spokane Arts Festival)
2. When does Spokane hold its annual Lilac Festival? (Answer: Every May)
3. What event is held every September to promote local food and wine? (Answer: The Spokane Food Truck Festival)
4. What annual event showcases local talent in theatre and dance in Spokane? (Answer: Spokane Arts Month)
5. What is the name of the popular Spokane event featuring Asian heritage? (Answer: Spokane Lantern Festival)
6. What winter festival celebrates the snow in Spokane? (Answer: The Spokane Winterfest)
7. What is unique about the Spokane Bloomsday Run? (Answer: It is a 12k run that began in 1977)
8. What festival in Spokane highlights indigenous culture? (Answer: The Spokane Tribal Gathering)
9. When is the Spokane International Film Festival typically held? (Answer: February)
10. What festival celebrates local breweries in Spokane? (Answer: Spokane Beer Week)
Spokane Nature and Parks Trivia
1. What is the name of Spokane’s famous riverfront park? (Answer: Riverfront Park)
2. What type of wildlife can you find at the Spokane County Regional Animal Services? (Answer: Domestic and wild animals)
3. What Spokane park is known for its beautiful gardens? (Answer: Manito Park)
4. Which state park near Spokane is known for its hiking trails and views? (Answer: Riverside State Park)
5. What natural feature is the centerpiece of Riverfront Park? (Answer: Spokane Falls)
6. What type of tree is commonly found in the parks of Spokane? (Answer: The Ponderosa Pine)
7. What is the largest natural lake near Spokane? (Answer: Lake Coeur d’Alene)
8. Which park in Spokane is known for hosting outdoor concerts? (Answer: Riverfront Park)
9. What is the name of the island located in the Spokane River? (Answer: Liberty Island)
10. Spokane is home to a popular botanical garden. What is its name? (Answer: The Nishinomiya Tsutakawa Japanese Garden)
Spokane Food and Drink Trivia
1. What is the most famous dish served in Spokane? (Answer: The Spokane-style barbecue)
2. Which local dessert is a favorite in Spokane? (Answer: The Spokane cheesecake)
3. Spokane is known for what unique drink? (Answer: Huckleberry lemonade)
4. Which coffee chain started in Spokane? (Answer: Starbucks)
5. What local dish features fresh salmon from the region? (Answer: Cedar plank salmon)
6. What restaurant is known for its farm-to-table dining in Spokane? (Answer: The Wandering Table)
7. Which Spokane brewery has a popular IPA? (Answer: No-Li Brewhouse)
8. What local Farmers Market in Spokane is well-known? (Answer: Spokane Farmers Market)
9. Which popular beverage is made using local blackberries? (Answer: Blackberry cider)
10. What is a popular breakfast item in Spokane? (Answer: Biscuits and gravy)
Transportation and Infrastructure Trivia
1. What transportation agency serves public transit in Spokane? (Answer: Spokane Transit Authority)
2. What major airport serves the Spokane area? (Answer: Spokane International Airport)
3. Which interstate highway runs through Spokane? (Answer: Interstate 90)
4. What is the main train station in Spokane? (Answer: Spokane Amtrak Station)
5. What bike trail is known for its scenic views in Spokane? (Answer: The Centennial Trail)
6. What type of transportation system is the Spokane Streetcar? (Answer: Light rail)
7. Spokane has what kind of public transport option for visitors? (Answer: Taxis and ride-sharing services)
8. What ferry connects Spokane with its neighboring areas? (Answer: The Spokane Ferry)
9. What local bus service offers airport shuttles in Spokane? (Answer: Spokane Airport Shuttle)
10. Which bridge in Spokane is known for historical significance? (Answer: The Monroe Street Bridge)
Final Thoughts
Spokane, an incredible city in Washington, truly stands out with its unique events, rich history, and remarkable people. The trivia shared here sheds light on Spokane’s hidden gems, well-known faces, and various festivals that make it a vibrant place to live and visit. The local parks and nature also enhance the charm of this city, providing recreational spaces for residents and tourists alike. Lastly, Spokane’s culinary scene offers delicious dishes and beverages that everyone should try. We hope you enjoyed this exploration of Spokane trivia and feel inspired to learn more about this wonderful city.
If you liked discovering Spokane, you might enjoy exploring other topics. Consider checking out our guides on different locations. For instance, learn more about the best bars in Seattle or dive into Seattle trivia for even more interesting facts.