Pullman Travel Guide

Explore Pullman, Washington with this comprehensive guide covering top attractions, outdoor adventures, accommodations, food, cultural customs, and tips for traveling safely and getting around.


Introduction to Pullman

Nestled in the heart of the picturesque Palouse region in Washington (state), Pullman is a quaint city that offers a relaxing and engaging retreat to visitors. Being home to Washington State University, Pullman is a lively college town with a vibrant atmosphere, diverse population, and rich cultural heritage.

From history and culture to adventure and scenic beauty, Pullman has it all. Whether you are looking for a weekend getaway or planning a longer vacation, Pullman is an excellent choice. Keep reading this ultimate guide to Pullman to discover the top things to do, places to visit, food to try, and tips for making the most of your trip.

List of Places to Visit in Pullman

As a charming college town in Palouse, Pullman has a rich array of historically and culturally important attractions that are worth exploring. Here are some of the must-see places in Pullman.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • WSU Museum of Art: This museum features a diverse range of exhibits, including contemporary and classical art, photography, and sculpture. With free admission and changing exhibits throughout the year, this museum is a great place to explore the art world.
  • Heritage Park: Admire the history of Pullman at this park featuring life-sized bronze statues interleaved with its memorabilia.
  • The Old Post Office building: An iconic Pullman landmark now renovated into a vibrant space for community gatherings as its stage is often home to local art, talks, concerts, and other events.
  • Nez Perce National Historic Trail: The Nez Perce National Historic Trail goes from eastern Oregon through Idaho and Montana to the Bear Paw Battlefield, near Chinook, Montana. This spot marks the final encounter of the epic Nez Perce War of 1877 and can take several days to complete.

Natural Attractions of Pullman: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Observatory WSU: Discover the wonders of the universe from the comfort of Pullman campus’s observatory. With accessible indoor seating, programs feature a 25-inch reflector telescope for sunset tours; student-driven research programs, and educational talks.
  • Sunnyside Park: An escape into nature awaits visitors at this picturesque park featuring trails, a playground, and sports facilities.
  • Palouse Ridge Golf Course: The award-winning 18-hole golf course, seemingly designed for advanced golfers!
  • Bill Chipman Palouse Trail: From north to south, The Bill Chipman Palouse Trail covers 7.2 miles between Pullman and Moscow, ideal for biking and hiking.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Pullman

Pullman is a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts looking for a good workout amidst nature. With stunning hikes and bike trails in the area, visitors can explore the natural beauty of the Palouse region. Here are some of the top hiking and biking routes in Pullman:

  • Wawawai County Park Trail: A challenging hike of the arid Wawawai County Park area but offers stunning views of the Snake River.
  • Pioneer Hill and McCormick Park Trails: Offers an easy to moderate hike with spectacular city views.
  • Pullman Riverwalk: Ideal for your casual biking needs or a leisure walk through town.
  • Koppel Farm Trail: A 3-mile loop trail located near Pullman great for hiking and bird-watching.

Best Things to Do in Pullman: Activities and Tours

From the outdoor adventure to cultural explorations, there is no shortage of exciting activities to indulge in during your stay in Pullman. Here are some of the best things to do in Pullman:

  • Join a Walking Tour of Downtown: Discover the history and architecture of Pullman with one of the many walking tours offered locally.
  • Visit the Farmer’s Market: Pullman’s seasonal farmer’s market offers fresh local produce year-round.
  • Take a Wine Tasting Tour: Washington is famous for its wine, and Pullman has a rich wine scene to explore. Participate in a wine-tasting tour and experience local wineries’ quality selection.
  • Experience the Halloween Celebration: A community favorite, join in on the Halloween festivities of costumes, pumpkins, and scares and enjoy the annual celebration.

Week-Long Itinerary for Pullman

Pullman has a lot to offer, so planning your trip ahead is vital to maximize your visit time. Here is how to spend a week exploring Pullman:

  • Day One: Start your trip with a campus tour of Washington State University. Later, visit The Old Post Office and Heritage Park, two iconic landmarks in Pullman, and get a first-hand look at Pullman’s rich history and culture.
  • Day Two: Begin your day with a hike along the Bill Chipman Trail. Later enjoy and explore some of the local art and culture at the WSU Museum of Art.
  • Day Three: Get your golfing needs met with a day trip to the Palouse Ridge Golf Course. Alternatively, if you’re feeling adventurous, try rafting and kayaking at Wawawai County Park!
  • Day Four: Take a day trip to Moscow, Idaho, located 10 miles to the east of Pullman, visit the Appaloosa Horse Museum, and enjoy the scenic surroundings.
  • Day Five: Visit the Sunnyside Park for a fun, relaxing day outside to enjoy nature. Later, treat yourself to an evening of wine tasting at one of Pullman’s wineries.
  • Day Six: Learn a thing from one of the outdoor amateur birder groups around town, or spend some time along the Pullman Riverwalk. In the afternoon, head to the Nez Perce National Historic Trail to experience a feel of the area’s history.
  • Day Seven: End your week with the annual Halloween celebration in Pullman- a special local event that spooks visitors with haunted houses and other Halloween-related activities.

Food and Drink Scene of Pullman

Washington (state) has a rich culinary heritage, and Pullman’s food scene reflects this diversity. From casual eateries to fine dining, there is something for everybody in Pullman.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Applewood smoked bacon: Bacon that is smoked using traditional cooking methods and locally sourced applewood.
  • Cascade-Style pizza: An original Washingtonian style of pizza created in Pullman.
  • Wild Huckleberry jam: Sourced from the Palouse region and made with traditionally grown huckleberries.
  • Palouse Stew: A staple dish inspired by traditional Native American stew made with elk, root vegetables, and wild rice.

Local Beverages

  • WSU Creamery Ice Cream: Made using locally sourced natural ingredients, the vibrant and unique flavors will blow your taste buds.
  • Palouse Wineries: Washington (state) is known for its wine production, and Pullman has a collection of great wineries.
  • Cougar Gold Cheese: This local favorite, available at all WSU Creamery and Markets, is a high-quality all-natural cheddar cheese.

Where to Stay in Pullman: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Pullman has numerous options when it comes to accommodations. Visitors can choose from a range of hotels, lodges, guesthouses, and hostels, which cater to different budgets and preferences. Here are some of the top hotels to consider:

  • Residence Inn by Marriott Pullman: This hotel is close to WSU campus and downtown Pullman and offers complimentary breakfast and evening receptions.
  • Hilltop Inn: With just 53 rooms, the region’s first non-smoking luxury hotel also offers a great view and blissful convenience to campus.
  • Quality Inn Paradise Creek: Long Road offers versatility as visitors explore Pullman, and The Paradise Creek is here to accommodate.

What to Buy in Pullman: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Pullman has many unique and local products to offer that visitors can take home as souvenirs. Whether it’s wines and cheeses, fresh produce, or traditional artisanal crafts, Pullman has it all. Here are some of the best things to buy in Pullman:

  • WSU Merchandise: Show your cougars’ pride by buying some classic merchandise proudly promoting Washington State.
  • Fresh Produce: Farmers around Pullman offer fresh produce all year round, so sample and take some home as souvenirs.
  • Local Handicrafts: Artisanal crafts are a unique way to take home a bit of Pullman, local markets and shops are a great place to get some.

Local Culture and Customs of Pullman

As a college town, Pullman has a young, vibrant culture that draws in visitors from all over the world. Pullman’s strong local culture is reflected in its food, arts, and festivities. The area’s uniqueness in its blend of traditional Native American and contemporary western culture is evident in events like the annual Halloween celebration and cuisine often mixed with local ingredients.

Best Time to Visit Pullman

The best time to visit Pullman is during the summer months from June to August, and fall months from September to early November. These months offer excellent weather conditions for exploring the town and outdoor activities amidst the beautiful autumn colors.

Do’s and Don’ts of Pullman

As with any destination, visitors should be aware of cultural customs and local etiquettes to ensure a memorable trip for all. Here are some essential do’s and don’ts to keep in mind while visiting Pullman:

Do:

  • Do be respectful of local customs and traditions when exploring the rich culture in Pullman.
  • Do pack comfortable yet stylish clothes to enjoy the local festivities and attractions in Pullman.

Don’t:

  • Don’t litter or leave garbage while exploring nature, hiking, biking, or sightseeing.
  • Don’t openly consume alcohol in public or be too rowdy during your outdoor activities.

Safety and Health

Pullman is a safe and healthy destination for visitors. However, visitors always take extra precautions to ensure their safety while traveling. Here are some safety and health tips to keep in mind during your visit:

Safety in Pullman

  • Stay alert when walking or biking on unfamiliar trails or busy streets. Additionally, carry safety equipment such as pepper spray, especially when hiking in the wilderness.
  • Lock your car and valuables in vehicles or when taking transport.

Health in Pullman

  • Carry masks and hand sanitizers and observe all health protocols to help curb the spread of COVID-19, which is still a global pandemic.
  • Treat mosquito bites and sunburns by packing sunscreen lotion and insect repellents during warmer weather.

Getting to Pullman: Transportation Options and Logistics

Getting to Pullman is hassle-free, with multiple transportation options available to visitors. However, visitors will need more logistics planning to move around Pullman as it is a small town. Here are some transportation options and logistics to keep in mind:

Airports Near Pullman

The closest airport to Pullman is Pullman-Moscow Regional Airport (PUW).

Bus Stations Near Pullman

The closest Bus station to Pullman is the Pullman Greyhound Station, which offers several bus trips and drop-off services from different locations.

Other Options

Visitors can also opt for car rentals, taxi-riding services, or ridesharing mobile apps to navigate Pullman town. Furthermore, Pullman’s compact size indicates visitors can opt for walking or biking options to explore.

How to Get Around in Pullman

Walking, biking, and hiring taxis and ride-sharing services are popular ways to get around in Pullman. Because Pullman is a small city, visitors can easily move around by foot too.

Where to Go Next from Pullman: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Pullman is a gateway to adventure and other beautiful nearby destinations in the Palouse region. Here are some of the top places to explore nearby:

  • Spokane, Washington: With its rich history and thriving arts scene, Spokane is an excellent destination to explore next.
  • Columbia River Gorge, Oregon: Marvel at the stunning views of lush forests, waterfalls, and multicolored hills. Located just two hours from Pullman, it is worth a day trip drive.
  • Moscow, Idaho: Only 10 miles from Pullman, Moscow offers a great academic and artistic scene. Don’t miss the Appaloosa Horse Museum for equine lovers visiting Moscow.

Conclusion

From outdoor excursions and scenic views to museums, historic sites, and wineries, Pullman has something special for everyone. Whether you’re planning a short weekend getaway or a longer stay, there’s no shortage of things to see and do in Pullman. Plan ahead to maximize your time in this unforgettable college town and experience for yourself all that Pullman has to offer.

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