Mobile Walking Tour: Expo 50+ and Riverfront Park

Tour | Wednesday | 4:15–5:30 PM | FREE | No sign up is required 

When people think Spokane, they think Riverfront Park. Home to Expo '74, Spokane became the smallest city in history to host the World’s Fair. With the goal of revitalizing the downtown core and removing the tangled web of train tracks and parking lots from decades of industry, Riverfront Park was created as a central city park with the river at its heart. The Spokane World’s Fair sparked a transformation that became the catalyst for sustainable growth in our region. As the downtown changed over time, Riverfront Park did as well, with periods of growth as well as decline. Riverfront Park has been beautifully renovated and revitalized to honor its history and provide modern attractions.

Today the park is where the city’s past and present merge in unique ways. Join this mobile tour to learn about the community’s investment and unique public-private partnerships for the complete redevelopment of Riverfront Park. Experience the Spokane River and Spokane Falls at Avista’s Huntington Park; learn about significance to the Spokane Tribe at the Tribal Gathering Place and Snxw Meneɂ; take in views of the Spokane skyline from the Pavilion’s sky bridge; see the restoration and upgrades to the hand-carved Looff Carrousel; and hear about the Numerica Skyride, Skate Ribbon, and plans for a future zipline. With the Expo 50th Anniversary coming up in 2024, attendees will also learn about preparations being made to celebrate the next 50 years and beyond.    

Tirrell Black, AICP

Assistant Director, City of Spokane: Planning & Economic Development

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