Sometimes even smaller communities can be surprisingly visit-worthy and Moscow, Idaho is one such place. Moscow is a perfect destination for a day trip for travelers who are within two hours, maybe two-and-a-half hours’ travel distance, which means Moscow is ideal as a day trip from as far away as Spokane, Moses Lake, Tri-Cities, and Walla Walla, Washington, Sandpoint, Idaho, and Missoula, Montana.

University of Idaho Arboretum and Botanical Gardens

The 45-acre site displays 2500 kinds of plants arranged by geographic region of origin, including plants from Asia, Europe, and Eastern and Western North America. Spring flowers bloom Apr-May, fall colors Sep-Oct. A graveled path winds through the garden and arboretum, forming a 1.5 mile loop; additional bark-covered walking trails of more than a mile lead to beautiful views within the site.

The arboretum and garden would be a treasure in any community as a site to walk or to sit in quiet contemplation. Frequent birdsong is a pleasant addition to the tranquil nature of the site, as is the wildlife to be found in the garden: we saw squirrels, rabbits, ducks, geese, and turtles. Be sure to walk to the northern end of the arboretum where you will find a memorial grove of trees dedicated to the 32 UI students who were lost in WWI.

Head out early and visit the arboretum in the morning to avoid the daytime heat. Plan on 1.5 hours for your visit. Admission: Free. Note: no pets allowed.

Here are details you will need, including the address to enter into your navigation app:

University of Idaho Arboretum and Botanical Gardens, 1200 West Palouse River Drive, Moscow, ID 83844. Open: daily, dawn to dusk. Admission: Free. No pets allowed. A portable restroom is available next to the red barn at the south parking lot; public restrooms are also available in the golf course clubhouse at the north end of the arboretum.

Appaloosa Museum & Heritage Center

Come learn about the spotted horse breeds from ancient history and how the Nez Perce, Cayuse, and Palouse tribes bred the Spanish spotted horses to become today’s much beloved Appaloosa breed.

Much of the museum is dedicated to teaching about the Nez Perce tribe and the tragic Nez Perce War, during which the Nez Perce, many of them led by Chief Joseph, attempted to flee to Canada rather than move from their native lands to a reservation. A highly detailed relief map shows the route of the Nez Perce and the pursuing cavalry and shows where each battle occurred. Interpretive panels around the map provide more details of significant events. The map also shows the interesting fact that much of the route of the Corps of discovery followed the same route as the flight of the Nez Perce.

Be sure to go out the back door to read the larger interpretive panels about the Nez Perce, placed by the flower gardens. Plan on 45 minutes to one hour for your visit.

Here are details you will need, including the address to enter into your navigation app:

Appaloosa Museum & Heritage Center, 2720 Pullman Rd, Moscow, ID 83843, 208-882-5578. Open: Mon-Fri 8:30-1:30, Sat 11-3. Admission: Free, but a donation of $3 per adult, $1 per child, or $5 per family is encouraged. Gift shop on site.

Lunch

Want to try a local restaurant for lunch? Paradise Grill and Café, 1902 W Pullman Rd. Seasons Public House, 1516 W Pullman Rd. Breakfast Club, 501 S Main St (closes at 2). JackJacks Diner, 203 W 3rd St.

McConnell Mansion

The McConnell Mansion is a historical landmark constructed in 1886 by William J. McConnell, the man who was known as North Idaho’s “Merchant Prince.” McConnell served as Idaho’s first US Senator and the state’s third governor. He also played a key role in Moscow’s incorporation and the city’s selection as home of the University of Idaho.

The historic McConnell mansion has been restored to it’s former Victorian splendor and is well worth a visit. Plan on 45 minutes for your visit. Your safest plan is to call ahead and make an appointment to guarantee that a pleasant and knowledgeable volunteer will be present to host your visit.

Here are details you will need, including the address to enter into your navigation app:

McConnell Mansion, 110 S Adams St, Moscow, ID 83843, 208-882-1004. Open: Tue-Fri 9-4, also some Saturdays with the same hours (call to confirm open dates if planning a Saturday visit; a call to verify appt may be safe for any visit). Suggested donation of $2 per person or $5 per family. Gift shop on site.