Manito Park Botanical Gardens: A Complete Guide to Spokane’s Most Beautiful Park

Manito Park Botanical Gardens is one of Spokane’s most visited and beloved outdoor spaces. Located in the historic South Hill neighborhood, this 90-acre park features formal gardens, walking paths, playgrounds, and year-round attractions that make it a favorite for both locals and visitors.

Why Visit Manito Park in Spokane

Manito Park is a scenic and thoughtfully designed urban park that offers a peaceful escape in the heart of Spokane. Conveniently located on the South Hill, it is surrounded by historic homes and mature trees, giving the area a timeless and welcoming feel.

We visit Manito Park several times a year and continue to appreciate how each season brings something new to experience. Fall is especially popular, as the surrounding deciduous trees fill the park with vibrant color, creating an ideal setting for walking, photography, and quiet reflection. The park’s beauty has made it a popular location for special occasions and photography over the years.

The Gardens of Manito Park

What truly sets Manito Park apart is its collection of diverse botanical gardens. Rather than focusing on a single garden style, the park features several distinct garden areas, each with its own character and design. Together, these gardens contribute to Manito Park’s reputation as one of the premier public gardens in the Inland Northwest.

The park welcomes more than 150,000 visitors annually and is widely regarded as a place to relax, learn, and enjoy nature.

Gaiser Conservatory

The Gaiser Conservatory is open year-round and free to the public. Named in honor of longtime Park Board member Dr. David Gaiser, the conservatory houses a wide variety of tropical, subtropical, and temperate plants from around the world.

Inside, visitors will find everything from succulents and cacti to orchids and seasonal floral displays. The conservatory provides a warm and inviting environment, especially during colder months, and is a popular place to pause, sit, and enjoy a quieter moment within the park.

Seasonal exhibits rotate throughout the year. Each December, the conservatory is decorated with tens of thousands of holiday lights, creating a festive display that is open to the public at no cost. Visiting hours may vary, so it is recommended to check the park’s official website before planning your visit.

Duncan Garden

Duncan Gardens is a three-acre formal garden designed in the classical European Renaissance style. Its symmetrical layout, central fountain, and geometric planting beds create a refined and elegant atmosphere.

Throughout the growing season, Duncan Gardens showcases colorful annual flowers that are carefully maintained by park staff. The garden is especially popular in late spring and summer, when the beds are fully planted and in peak bloom. Visitors often bring cameras or enjoy quiet strolls along the paths while taking in the seasonal displays.

Ferris Perennial Garden

The Ferris Perennial Garden offers a more natural and relaxed contrast to the formality of Duncan Gardens. Home to more than 300 plant species, this garden features perennials that change with the seasons, including spring bulbs, summer blooms, and fall asters.

A forested garden area winds through the landscape, giving visitors the feeling of walking through a natural woodland setting. Butterflies, birds, and pollinators are commonly seen throughout the garden, adding to its appeal for nature lovers and photographers.

Rose Hill

Rose Hill is widely considered one of the finest rose gardens in Spokane. Developed in partnership with the Spokane Rose Society and Spokane Parks and Recreation, the garden features approximately 150 varieties of roses, including hybrid tea, floribunda, grandiflora, miniature, and heritage roses.

In 2007, Rose Hill received national recognition when it was named the best rose garden in the United States by All-American Rose Selections. During peak bloom, visitors are treated to vibrant colors and fragrant air, making it a popular spot for leisurely walks and family outings.

Lilac Garden

The Lilac Garden celebrates Spokane’s identity as the “Lilac City.” It features more than 100 named cultivars from 23 species, including the unique double pink Syringa vulgaris ‘Spokane’.

Spring is the most popular time to visit, when lilacs are in full bloom and the garden is filled with fragrance. The garden includes groomed walking paths, seating areas, and picnic-friendly spaces. It is dog-friendly when pets are kept on a leash and is largely ADA-accessible.

Nishinomiya Tsutakawa Japanese Garden

The Nishinomiya Tsutakawa Japanese Garden symbolizes the sister-city relationship between Spokane and Nishinomiya, Japan. Completed in 1974, the garden was designed by Japanese landscape architect Nagao Sakurai and later completed by architects from Kobe, Japan.

The garden features a pond, waterfall, carefully placed stones, and traditional plantings. Wildlife such as birds, fish, turtles, and pollinators are commonly seen throughout the space. Evening visits are especially popular, as lighting enhances the calm and reflective atmosphere.

The garden was renamed in 2007 in honor of Ed Tsutakawa, who helped establish the sister-city relationship. A commemorative cherry tree was planted during a rededication ceremony in 2008.

Enjoying All Four Seasons at Manito Park

Manito Park offers unique experiences throughout the year. Spring brings garden preparation, planting, and seasonal events, including plant sales hosted by Friends of Manito. Summer is the most active season, featuring concerts, weekend food service at the Park Bench Café, and peak floral displays.

Fall is a quieter time, with colorful foliage and seasonal plant sales drawing visitors who enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere. Winter remains active as well, with holiday light displays in the conservatory and opportunities for sledding and winter walks.

Why Manito Park Is a Must-See Spokane Attraction

Manito Park Botanical Gardens offers a rare combination of natural beauty, thoughtful design, and accessibility. Whether visiting for a short walk or spending an entire afternoon exploring the gardens, the park provides a welcoming experience in every season.

For anyone planning a visit to Spokane, Manito Park remains one of the city’s most rewarding and memorable destinations.

About the Authors

We are lifelong residents of the Inland Northwest who enjoy sharing travel guides and outdoor destinations to help visitors discover meaningful and enjoyable experiences in the region.