Visit Pullman

There are trails all around Pullman—perfect for skating, biking, running and walking, Bill Chipman Trail

Pullman, Washington is a bucket list destination for travelers with a variety of interests. Many choose this location for the wide selection of dining and lodging options as well as the proximity to outdoor activities in the area. Take a drive to a popular photo spot, or hike to the top of Kamiak Butte and be rewarded with fantastic views. Other visitors choose to take advantage of the 38-miles of paved trails or mountain biking opportunities in the area.

The Palouse region serves as both a farmer and photographer’s dream landscape, with rolling hills of wheat, pulses, canola and more. The city of Pullman is a home base to the Palouse Scenic Byway, 208-miles of beautiful roadways and eastern Washington communities. Also home to Washington State University, this college town is full of life and is a memorable place for so many alumni to come back to visit. Martin Stadium roars during football season and whether it is your first time or your tenth, Pullman will not disappoint! Every season brings something new and the town is constantly growing to reach its full potential. Pullman provides not only the residents, but tourists a place to enjoy no matter what you choose to do. Visit Pullman, where an adventure is around every corner!

Popular Tourist Attractions

Pullman is in the core of so many hot spots to visit on the Palouse. Whether it is in town or a short drive away, make sure to add these places to your “must-see” list.

The Palouse Scenic Byway is a popular tourist attraction for those who appreciate the great outdoors and spans across 14 communities in the 208-miles of roadways. This byway is unique because it runs in all directions, instead of north and south or east and west. Day trips and access to scenery for photography is what attract many visitors, or it happens to be a bonus when driving into town. One popular day trip to take advantage of is Palouse Falls State Park, one of the last standing waterfalls of the Ice Age flood path. Located near Washtucna, this waterfall is close to 200 feet tall and is a sight like no other. Other destinations along the Palouse Scenic Byway include trails and pathways for hiking and biking, and detours to take pictures and explore your creative side.

National Lentil Festival has been running since 1989 and brings in thousands of visitors every August. This festival gives the Palouse Region of eastern Washington and northern Idaho a way to celebrate their lentils, which make up a quarter grown in the United States. This two-day event is known for the Legendary Lentil Cook-Off, main stage music, a beer garden, sporting events, vendors, and more. Focusing on the local community, the National Lentil Festival recognizes community members with local artists, local microbreweries, and hundreds of volunteers. Celebrate the lentil and visit Pullman for a fun weekend of festival activities. Make sure to get a sample of lentil chili from the world’s largest bowl of chili!

Washington State University

This campus has fun destinations and activities for all ages. 

The WSU Bear Research, Education, and Conservation Center is a one of a kind facility for learning and supporting Grizzly bears. It is a popular spot to visit in hopes you will be able to see bears interacting or enjoying their newly built cave. As an endangered animal the conservation center is helping to find out as much as possible about the species.

WSU Creamery & Ferdinand’s Ice Cream Shoppe is another famous spot to visit on campus! Supplied by the university’s own dairy farm, this old-fashioned ice cream shop is also home to the favorite Cougar Gold Cheese. Pick up a treat here for a midday snack and even spend time in the Marc P. Bates Observation Room to watch how it all is made.

Martin Stadium, home to the Washington State Cougars is a fantastic way to spend a game day in Pullman! The spirit is hard to match in this stadium and the iconic fight song will get you cheering along for the home team.

Popular Activities in Pullman

Hiking and Walking

There are dozens of trails to enjoy a hike or walk near Pullman, but here are a few favorites:

A Walking Tour of Pullman is a perfect way to explore the town and learn about the history of the area, taking about 2 hours to complete

Kamiak Butte is a picture-perfect hike to take in the panoramic views of the Palouse. Choose the 3.5-mile Pine Ridge Trail and experience nature’s gift of birds, flowers, and rolling hills.

Steptoe Butte State Park is another Palouse special and the views here are unparalleled. Spend the day at this park and enjoy a picnic along the 3,612-foot summit.

Biking

A popular activity on the Palouse is biking the various trails, many of which can begin in Pullman.

Bill Chipman Palouse Trail – 7 miles of paved trail connecting bordering college towns Pullman, Washington and Moscow, Idaho.

Tour of the Palouse Loop – a 50-mile trek featuring inclines, declines, and flat roads on the Palouse.

Moscow Mountain – an authentic mountain biking experience for those who want a bit of a challenge.

Arts & Culture

History is rich in Pullman and museums, theatres, and artists provide locals and tourists with art in all forms.

The Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art at WSU is the largest fine arts facility in the area, featuring traditional and contemporary works of art. The museum is located on campus, right across from Martin Stadium!

Theatre companies include Pullman Civic Theatre and Regional Theatre of the Palouse which

The WSU Bear Research, Education, and Conservation Chave performances throughout the year. Check out their schedules and add a play to your Pullman itinerary!

Washington Idaho Symphony has been a premium orchestra for close to 50 years on the Palouse. Purchase tickets for the season to support local performers with their classical and contemporary music.

Things to Do

Attraction From Jan 01, 2024 to Dec 31, 2024
Olympic Discovery Trail
Location: Port Angeles, Washington

A magnificent scenic 130-mile trail, from sea level to 10,000 ft, beginning in Port Townsend and goes west to the...

Attraction From Jan 01, 2024 to Dec 31, 2024
Olympic Peninsula Waterfall Trail
Location: Port Angeles, Washington

The Olympic Peninsula Waterfall Trail offers year-round adventure and the dramatic beauty of 22 different waterfalls.