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Things to Do in Moscow Idaho | Including Free Things!

There are plenty of things to do in Moscow Idaho, and you will fall in love with this charming city. No matter what time of the year you decide to visit Moscow, you will have a unique experience.

With a population of just over 25,000, Moscow is home to the University of Idaho and is the largest city in Latah County. Set amongst rolling hills dotted with verdant farmlands, the city boasts 17 parks offering plenty of outdoor fun.

I love these small towns that revolve around the community. So when you are in town, make sure to enjoy local events and get to know the warm and inviting people who live there.

There are plenty of interesting and exciting things to do in Moscow Idaho. I hope that you enjoy our list!

Free Things to Do in Moscow Idaho

It’s not all about money in Moscow, there are surprisingly many free things to do in Moscow, Idaho. Fun for the family that doesn’t cost a cent.

Appaloosa Museum and Heritage Center

Free things to do in Moscow, Idaho - Apploosa in the autumn colours

The Appaloosa Museum and Heritage Center is named for the Appaloosa horses bred by indigenous people. The name was first coined in the 1800s to describe the horses bred in Palouse County in valleys of the Palouse River in the Washington/ Idaho area.

The horses are quite extraordinary boasting spotted pelts and striped hooves. The museum relates the history of these horses and of the native Nez Perce people who used these horses. Displays include cowboy gear, saddles, and native American artifacts.

Children can learn from interactive displays. The museum also hosts a theatre and a large library. The museum is open Monday to Friday from 9 am to 2 or 3 pm depending on the day of the week and on Saturday from 11 am to 3 pm.

Take a Stroll in the University of Idaho Arboretum and Botanical Gardens

Fall colors in University of Idaho Arboretum - Things to do in Moscow, Idaho this weekend

Pay a visit to the University of Idaho Arboretum and Botanical Gardens. You won’t regret it. Sixty-three acres of verdant gardens sprawl across the grounds of the University of Idaho.

The gardens contain 17,000 plants representing 2,500 plant species. The university has grouped the plants geographically. Plants from Asia, Europe, and Western and Eastern North America each have their own space.

In addition, the gardens have three lovely lakes and benches so you can sit down and enjoy the tranquil surroundings. The arboretum also has a butterfly garden and a number of gorgeous display gardens that feature irises, heather, and ornamental willows.

Take the 1.5-mile trail through the gardens and enjoy all it has to offer. There are also a number of subsidiary trails. You can park in the gardens or at the University of Idaho Golf Course to the north.

Visit all year round at no cost.


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Join the Locals at the Moscow Farmer’s Market

Moscow lies in the middle of farmlands. Much of the produce, along with crafts, beer, homemade bread, and more is up for sale at the Moscow Farmers Market every Saturday.

The market has served the community since 1977. It’s a vibrant market that draws good crowds. Here you can shop to rhythm and tones of great live music and the compelling aroma of delicious home cooking.

The market runs from May to October between 8 am and 1 pm on Saturday. Don’t miss it. It’s right in the center of downtown Moscow Idaho.

Hike Up Moscow Mountain

Idaho. McGown Peak Sawtooth Mountains - Hiking near Moscow Idaho

McGown Peak Sawtooth Mountains.

Looking for hiking in Moscow Idaho? Moscow Mountain offers one of the prettiest routes up the mountain slope.

East Moscow Mountain has a 1.2-mile trail. The trail is moderate with an elevation of about 1,000 feet. The climb should take you less than an hour as long as you don’t wander off onto one of the secondary trails.

During the warmer months, you’ll find dozens of pretty wildflowers that pepper the boundaries of the trail shaded by lush green forests. This really is a pretty walk and your reward at the end is splendid views of the valley below.

Arrange a Picnic in Ghormley Park

Free things to do in Moscow, Idaho - a cozy picnic in nature at Ghormley Park

Just to the south of Paradise Creek, lies ten acres of shaded parkland. The Park boasts a kiddie’s playground and a picnic area complete with barbecue grills. Sports fields round up the amenities on offer.

While you’re here, take a hike on the Paradise Trail that follows Paradise Creek. The trail forms the link between the Latah Trail and the Bill Chipman Palouse Trail. These long rail-trails are on either side of Moscow.

Explore the Past at McConnell Mansion

McConnell Mansion, situated in Moscow’s historic neighborhood, harks back to 1886 and is definitely one of the things to see in Moscow Idaho. Once the home of William J McConnell, the governor of Idaho from 1887 to 1893.

The house has been lovingly furnished to represent various time periods. The architectural style mixes Queen Anne and Eastlake and this is the last Eastlake house in Idaho. The McConnell Mansion entered the National Register of Historic Places in 1974.

At the mansion, you’ll find interactive exhibits to keep the children interested.

Refreshments are served in the back garden when the weather permits. Stop and buy mementos at Museum Shop. It is surprisingly well-stocked and contains a number of real treasures.

Book a tour from Tuesday to Friday between 1 pm and 4 pm. There is no charge for admission.


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Things to Do in Moscow Idaho This Weekend

We have put together some lovely activities for you to enjoy a weekend away in Moscow, check it out:

Commune with Nature at the Palouse Clearwater Environmental Institute

Spend a relaxing day at the PCEI. It’s not as serious as it sounds. Here, you’ll find plenty of pastimes for the whole family. The nature center offers tranquil, open environments and some adventure.

Bring a picnic basket and a blanket and enjoy lunch in the fresh air. An easy trail meanders through the park so take a walk and commune with nature. There is over a mile of trails and dogs are welcome. For bird lovers, the Rose Creek Nature Preserve at the institute is a must.

Bring your bikes. The pump track offers young and old an opportunity to build up some cycling speed without too much effort. The Park is open during the daylight hours seven days a week.

Sip Award Winning Wine at Colter’s Creek Winery

Situated on Main Street the Colter’s Creek Winery offers visitors award-winning wine by the glass. Choose from six different varietals. There is also a great collection of local draft brews if you’d prefer a cold lager.

You may as well have a meal while you’re there, Colter’s Creek offers delicious meals off an interesting seasonal menu.

The tasting room is in the historic Hattabaugh Building which was built in 1890. It is open from 3 pm to 5 pm on Thursday and from midday to 5 pm Friday to Sunday. The restaurant serves meals until 9 pm.


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Keep it Cool at the Moscow Ale House

 

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Right in the middle of downtown Moscow Idaho the Moscow Ale House has around 20 craft beers on tap. They also offer cider and wine for those less inclined to drink ale.

The Alehouse also has an extensive menu that includes everything from burgers to wraps and flatbreads to pasta. Dine inside or on the deck.

The Ale House runs featured brewery nights and an annual Brew Fest featuring more than fifty craft beers and plenty of live music. The proceeds go to charity.

The alehouse is open every day from 11 am to 10 pm.

Catch a Show at the Kenworthy Performing Arts Center

Find out what’s on at the Kenworthy Performing Arts Center. This theatre has been open for business since 1926. A section of the theater was, in fact, the Crystal Theater, which served as the Moscow Opera House from 1908.

The Kenworthy was initially used for Vaudeville shows and for silent movies. During the silent movie era, the theatre pipe organ provided dramatic musical effects to keep audiences on the edge of their seats.

In 1999, the Kenworthy family gave the theatre to the community.

Things to Do in Moscow Idaho in Winter

Things to do in Moscow, Idaho in Winter -Winter rural landscape in Moscow, Idaho.

Take the Family to Defy Trampoline Park

Things to do in Idaho - 2 girls jumping on a trampoline park

Spend an afternoon in jumpers’ paradise. Defy Trampoline Park is a national franchise and they have a branch in Moscow. The venues have trampolines of every type and size. They even have slanted trampolines that ramp the walls.

A dodgeball field made of trampolines is also good fun. You can buy socks at the venue and there is vendor selling snacks and cold drinks.  An hour on the trampolines will cost you $11.99. The price excludes the socks. If you enjoy a frequent jump, season tickets could save you a few dollars.

Share an Ale at the Moscow Brewing Company

The Moscow Brewing Company produces small-batch craft beers from freshly harvested wheat and barley that grow in the area. The brewery welcomes visitors to its tap house from 4 to 9 pm Monday to Thursday and from 2 to 10 pm on Friday and Saturday.

The Moscow Brewing Company is almost as old as Moscow itself. Opening in 1882, it was one of the first businesses in the town. The alehouse is located on Main Street. It offers a wide range of beers from pale ale to stout. The company prides itself on its combination of warm atmosphere and cold beer.

Definitely one of the best things to do in Moscow Idaho in winter.


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Make Plans for the Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival

Saxophone player playing in orchestra at night outdoor concert - What to do in Idaho

Calling all jazz lovers. The Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival held at the University of Idaho is the biggest and oldest educational jazz festival on earth. This jazz festival has run each year since its inception in 1960.

You can expect world-class jazz artists along with more than 400 student recitals. There are also almost 100 workshops and exhibitions on offer. The festival runs for three days in February. Time to start making plans, so you don’t miss out.

Get Some Exercise at the University of Idaho Climbing Wall

Sports Dome in a university town with morning sunrise - University of Idaho

Idaho University Sports Dome – Morning Sunrise

Need some exercise but it’s cold out? Take a trip to the University of Idaho and start climbing unless, of course, you’re scared of heights. The Climbing Center features 6,000 feet of the climbing wall. It also has a 55-foot pillar and a 24-foot instructional wall.

A day pass will cost you $8. You’ll need a harness and belay device which costs $3 and climbing shoes at $4. Regular users can buy longer-term membership tickets.

Enjoy Works of Art at the Third Street Gallery

Wondering what to do in Idaho? Third Street Gallery in downtown Moscow Idaho welcomes art lovers. The art gallery itself is of historical interest as the former Moscow Federal Building has a warm and airy feel that harks back to earlier times. It was built in 1911 and entered the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. The gallery occupies the second and third floor of the building.

The gallery displays the works of local artists. It also holds various exhibitions throughout the year.

Wild @ Art

 

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Bring out the artist in you. Wild @ Art offers you the opportunity to paint a pot or make a beautiful canvas. Here you can buy a pottery item and create your own customized artwork. Choose from a range of mugs, plates, and kitchenware and get creative.

The studio also keeps acrylic paints and canvases of various sizes. They run adult evening where you can sip a glass of wine while learning how to paint.

The Palouse Ice Rink

Things to do in Moscow, Idaho in Winter - Ice skating on the rink, ice skating with reflection

The new Palouse Ice Rink is open for business so get out those blades and have some fun on the ice. The new 40,000 square foot building has plenty of space for budding figure skaters.

The full-size ice sheet will host ice hockey matches. Public and figure skating lessons all form part of the agenda. Check the schedule before you go.

Prichard Art Gallery

This contemporary art gallery is located on Main Street in downtown Moscow Idaho. The Prichard Art Gallery exhibits local artworks including the student works from the Idaho College of Art and Architecture.

The museum also hosts traveling exhibitions to keep things interesting. Make sure to stop in at the shop. You’re bound to find something to buy amongst the arts and crafts. Admission is free.

Things to Do in Moscow, Idaho in Summer

The Hamilton-Lowe Aquatic Center

Male feet on slide in a water park while descending - Things to do in Idaho in Summer

If you’re in Moscow Idaho between June and September, take the children to the Hamilton Lowe Aquatic Center. Waterslides, a diving board, and two pools offer cool respite for the whole family in the heat of summer.

Hire a tube and take a ride on the lazy river that loops around the island of springs. The deeper pool has six lanes, a diving board, and a basketball hoop. The area around the pools has plenty of space for you to relax and enjoy the outdoors on the provided loungers. Pack a picnic basket to enjoy at the picnic tables and barbecues, or buy a treat from the snack bar.

A day ticket costs $7.11 for adults. Children from 4 to 17 and seniors over 65 pay $5.50. The pool is open for family use from 12 noon to 7.30 pm. It opens an hour earlier on the weekend. The facilities are open for adults only from 9 am to 11 am on the weekend.

Cycle the Latah Trail

 

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Make some time to take in at least some of the Latah Trail. It covers the 12 miles between Moscow and Troy. The paved path is fairly easy as it follows what was once the right-of-way railway track from Moscow to Arrow. You can cycle or walk the route.

After Troy the track changes to gravel, running along Bear Creek. The path becomes more difficult to navigate since some of it runs through private property. Signage on the trail indicates exactly which sections belong to the Latah Trail Foundation.


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Fondo on Palouse

Close up of sporty young man with strong legs standing on road with black bike. Fondo on Palouse in Moscow, Idaho in Summer

There’s nothing quite like a cycle through verdant hills and valleys of Palouse. Fondo on Palouse takes place in July each year. Choose a trail of between 15 and 100 miles, through hill and dale, stopping over at local communities. All routes start in Moscow.

The Family Fondo follows a 15-mile course along the Latah Trail all the way to Troy where contestants can take part in a pancake feast at the end of the ride. There are also 50 mile and 100-mile courses for more serious cyclists.

Course fees cost between $35 and $85 on the race day. Discounts apply for early payment. It’s all in a good cause so why not join in the fun.

Things to do in Moscow Idaho

Whether you’re in the area for a day or a week, you’ll find plenty of things to do in Moscow Idaho. This rural area with its rolling green hills and warm friendly people could offer you respite from the hustle and bustle of big city life. So, why not pack your bags, take to the hills and find out more about Moscow Idaho!