Cheney: Discover Nature, Culture, and History

Cheney brings together historic development, an academic and cultural setting, and opportunities to enjoy nature. These highlights are easy to distinguish when planning your trip: the Central Cheney Historic District represents the town’s origins, the area around Eastern Washington University offers theater and culture, while Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge focuses on habitats and trails.

Local History and Architecture

The Central Cheney Historic District lies between the Eastern Washington University campus to the northwest and the former Northern Pacific Railroad tracks to the southeast. The original town of Cheney developed in this area. The district is listed on both the Washington Heritage Register and the National Register of Historic Places. Its properties and buildings encompass residential, educational, religious, commercial, and industrial uses.

The Sterling-Moorman House is also part of the local architectural heritage. It is listed on the Cheney Register of Historic Places and is the only surviving example of the Gothic Revival architectural style in Cheney. Thus, the historic district brings together buildings with a range of uses and one distinct, clearly identified architectural example.

Theater and Culture

Eastern Washington University is the center of Cheney’s academic and cultural setting. EWU Theatre productions range from classical to contemporary plays and also include musicals. Individual productions change with the season, so if you want to see a particular play, check the schedule for your travel dates. The University Theatre opened in 1972.

Landscape and Trails

Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge encompasses more than 23,000 acres. Its landscape is shaped by the Channeled Scablands ecosystem, as well as ponderosa pines, wetlands, meadow steppe, and riparian habitats. More than 200 different bird species have been recorded in the refuge. Together, these details describe different aspects of the area: its large size, the diversity of its habitats, and the bird species recorded there.

The public use area of the refuge has more than 10 miles of hiking trails, including three accessible trails. An accessible boardwalk at Blackhorse Lake adds to the offerings. Access requirements and trail conditions may change; check them before your visit.

Another option is the Columbia Plateau Trail. At the Cheney Trailhead near mile marker 361.25, there is parking, including spaces for horse trailers, restrooms, picnic shelters, tables, and an information kiosk. The 19.25-mile section from the Cheney Trailhead to the Martin Road Trailhead has a gravel surface and can be used by horseback riders, mountain bikers, and hikers. Trail conditions and facilities may change, so it is worth checking the latest information before planning your visit.

The Cheney Tertiary Wetlands are accessed via the Columbia Plateau State Park Cheney Trailhead. This trailhead has accessible restrooms and covered picnic tables. If you plan to visit the wetlands, check current access and parking conditions in advance.

Parks, Swimming, and Events

Cheney’s park system includes nine parks with opportunities for outdoor recreation. You can register online for season passes and swimming lessons at the Cheney Aquatic Center. Since operating seasons and dates may change, check the latest information in advance.

Cheney Rodeo Days is an event sanctioned by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) and takes place on the second weekend in July at the Bi-Mart Arena. Check the dates and program again before your trip. Cheney MayFest is an annual downtown event featuring live entertainment, local vendors, and family-friendly activities; dates and program details may change.

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Go to the main travel overview: Spokane.