Moscow is home to the University of Idaho, and this vibrant city is rich with Idaho history, hiking and biking trails and is close to activities and attractions for a quick day trip. The eclectic mix of small-town friendliness and college-town energy found in Moscow offers plenty to do. Whether you’re traveling to watch a game, attending an event or just spending some time with your student, here are some suggestions for a fun-filled visit.
Go Vandals!
Sports are a big draw at the University of Idaho, so find your favorite event by checking the latest athletic schedules for upcoming home games and meets.
Culture, History & Entertainment
Appaloosa Museum and Heritage Center
The Appaloosa Museum and Heritage Center showcases Idaho’s state horse, the Appaloosa. The museum offers a self-guided exploration of exhibits that include a theater, a hands-on Kid’s Area, a library and a comprehensive archive featuring books, magazines and videos. Exhibit themes address the early evidence of spotted horses in art and literature, the relationship between the Appaloosa and the Nez Perce tribe and highlights of the modern Appaloosa Horse Club. Visit the website for more information including hours and admission.
Catch a Show at the Hartung Theater
This 417-seat auditorium on campus is a great place to catch a show or musical during a visit. The academic program, which is affiliated with the renowned Oregon Shakespeare Festival, puts on shows throughout the year.
Moscow Farmers Market
This vibrant market is a staple of the community and serves up all sorts of produce, cheese, wine and artisan pieces on Saturday mornings from May through October.
Hike & Bike
The University of Idaho Arboretum & Botanical Garden
Stroll through the University of Idaho Arboretum & Botanical Garden for a full-color immersion. This 45-acre collection is home to 2,500 kinds of plants originating from Asia, Europe and Eastern and Western North America—it’s a floral experience well worth the visit.
Latah Trail
Bike or stroll along the paved Latah Trail, which stretches the 12 miles between Moscow and Troy following the historic former Moscow to Arrow railroad route. The trail parallels State Route 8 before winding north through a forest to Troy’s City Park. During winter, the trail can be used for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Bikes and winter rentals are available in town.
Snow Adventures
Cottonwood Butte Ski Area
If you’re looking to hit the slopes during the winter months, drive 1.5 hours south from Moscow to the Cottonwood Butte Ski Area, located in the heart of the Camas Prairie near the town of Cottonwood. This local ski area offers four major groomed runs and several powder-filled trails served by a 3,000-foot-long T-bar. For more ticket information and seasonal hours of operation click here. There are two other ski areas within a two-hour drive of Moscow: Bald Mountain Ski Area and Snowhaven.
Looking for winter fun other than skiing? Check out Winchester Lake State Park where you can Nordic ski, snowshoe, ice fish and ice skate, all within an hour-and-a-half drive from Moscow. In the warmer months, it is a great location to hike, fish or simply relax in nature.
Nearby
Looking to venture outside the city limits? Here are a couple of day-trip destinations to add to your itinerary.
Coeur d’Alene
About an hour’s drive north is the resort town of Coeur d’Alene. Coeur d’Alene features a charming downtown with a variety of restaurants, cafés and shops to fill an afternoon. Make sure to leave time to see Lake Coeur d’Alene. Take a cruise across the calm waters to learn about Idaho wildlife and Coeur d’Alene’s history or simply enjoy the fresh air and sunshine.
The Lake Coeur d’Alene Scenic Byway offers a great way to explore the area. This approximately 36-mile stretch of road boasts beautiful mountain and lake views and offers a variety of wildlife viewing opportunities for animals like deer, moose and elk. Bald eagles are regularly spotted along this route from November to February.
If you prefer to head high above the trees, check out an adventure with Timberline Adventures based out of Coeur d’Alene. This company has a variety of zipline experiences including a treehouse lunch or treehouse s’mores.
Lewiston
The Lewis-Clark Valley, hailed as the birthplace of Idaho’s wine industry before prohibition, is now home to the state’s newest American Viticultural Area (AVA). Taste your way through the area at tasting rooms in Lewiston or in the small towns of Juliaetta. Enjoy the local wines and variety of restaurants where chefs are serving creative menus with locally sourced products.
Ready to explore more of Idaho? Order or download your FREE copy of the Official Idaho Travel Guide to find more adventure inspiration.
Published on May 28, 2021
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