Lewiston Travel Guide

Explore the best places to visit in Lewiston, Idaho, with this comprehensive travel guide. Discover the top attractions, itineraries, food, transportation, and safety tips.


Introduction to Lewiston

Lewiston, a beautiful city in North Central Idaho, nestled in the lap of the Rockies, welcomes you with open arms. This charming community has a rich history that dates back to the mid-19th century, when it was a bustling river town. Today, it is a delightful blend of the old and new, offering visitors a unique cultural and outdoor adventure.

List of Places to Visit in Lewiston

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Nez Perce County Historical Society Museum - A comprehensive museum that highlights the history and culture of the Nez Perce people, the pioneers of Lewis and Clark, and the settlers of the region.
  • Lewis-Clark Center for Arts & History - A center dedicated to showcasing the local heritage and art of the region through various exhibitions and events.
  • Chief Timothy Park - A historical park dedicated to Chief Timothy of the Nez Perce Tribe, featuring an interpretive center and memorials commemorating the chief’s legacy.

Natural Attractions of Lewiston: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Hells Gate State Park - A beautiful park situated on the Snake River, offering visitors hiking, biking, fishing, and water sports activities, as well as scenic views of the river valley.
  • Lewis and Clark Discovery Center - A center that offers displays, exhibits, and programs about the famous explorers’ journey through North Central Idaho.
  • Clearwater Canyon Cellars - A winery and vineyard that offers wine tasting and scenic views of the Clearwater River Valley.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Lewiston

  • Lewiston Levee Parkway Trail - A trail that runs along the Snake River and offers scenic views of the river and surrounding mountains.
  • Waha Trail - A challenging trail that offers breathtaking views of the Waha Mountains and ends at Robinson Bar, a historic site from the early 1900s.
  • Kiwanis Park Trail - A trail that takes you through the park and offers views of the city and surrounding hills.

Best Things to Do in Lewiston: Activities and Tours

  • Snake Dancer Excursions - A river tour company that offers guided rafting and jet boat tours that take you through the Hells Canyon National Recreation Area.
  • Lewis-Clark Valley Wine Tours - A tour operator that offers wine tours of the Lewis-Clark Valley wine region, which is known for producing some of the best wines in Idaho.
  • Spirit Ridge Vineyard and Winery - A winery and vineyard that offers wine tasting, tours, and beautiful views of the Clearwater River Valley.

Week-Long Itinerary for Lewiston

Day 1 Nez Perce County Historical Society Museum
Day 2 Hells Gate State Park and Lewis and Clark Discovery Center
Day 3 Clearwater Canyon Cellars and Chief Timothy Park
Day 4 Lewiston Levee Parkway Trail and Kiwanis Park Trail
Day 5 Snake Dancer Excursions
Day 6 Lewis-Clark Valley Wine Tours
Day 7 Spirit Ridge Vineyard and Winery

Food and Drink Scene of Lewiston

Must-Try Dishes

  • Huckleberry Pancakes - A regional dish made with fresh huckleberries, typically served for breakfast or brunch at many local diners and restaurants.
  • Trout - A popular dish in North Central Idaho due to the abundance of freshwater streams and rivers, served grilled or fried.
  • Mussels - A dish that highlights the local seafood of the region, typically served steamed with white wine and garlic.

Local Beverages

  • Wine - The Lewis-Clark Valley wine region, with over 20 wineries, is known for producing some of the best wines in Idaho, specifically Syrah, Cabernet and Riesling.
  • Beer - With several local breweries, Lewiston has a thriving craft beer scene, offering everything from IPA’s to stouts.
  • Huckleberry Lemonade - A refreshing drink made with fresh huckleberries, lemon, and sparkling water.

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

  • Red Lion Hotel Lewiston - A comfortable 3-star hotel located in the heart of downtown Lewiston, with a fitness center and swimming pool.
  • Inn America - A budget-friendly 2-star hotel located near the Lewis-Clark State College, offering free breakfast and Wi-Fi.
  • The Bridgewater Hotel - A charming historical boutique hotel located in the Lewiston Orchards, featuring stylish rooms and a relaxing courtyard.

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

  • Huckleberry Jam - A flavorful jam made with fresh huckleberries, local specialty food stores throughout Lewiston offer a variety of huckleberry products.
  • Nez Perce Art - The Nez Perce Tribe is famous for their intricate beadwork, woven baskets, and carvings, which can be found at local markets and gift shops in Lewiston.
  • Lewis and Clark Books - A variety of books about the famous explorers’ journey, including guides and historical accounts, can be found at the Lewis-Clark Center for Arts & History and other local bookstores.

Local Culture and Customs of Lewiston

Lewiston is a multi-cultural community, with a rich history and a blend of traditional and contemporary lifestyles. The Nez Perce Tribe, whose ancestral land encompasses the region, has a significant influence on the area’s culture and customs, along with the history of the early pioneers, settlers and immigrant communities.

Best Time to Visit Lewiston

The best time to visit Lewiston is during the summer months of June through August when the weather is warm and sunny, and outdoor activities are at their peak. However, autumn and spring seasons offer milder temperatures and fewer crowds, ideal for scenic drives and exploring local heritage and natural sights.

Do’s and Don’ts of Lewiston

Do:

  • Respect Native American traditions and customs and be sure to learn more about the history of the Nez Perce Tribe.
  • Enjoy the vast array of outdoor activities and be sure to experience the local food, wine and craft beer scene.
  • Use eco-friendly practices and leave no trace when exploring the natural beauty of the region.

Don’t:

  • Do not litter, pollute or disturb the natural environment, including waterways, public spaces, and wildlife.
  • Do not engage in any activity that is harmful to the historic structures and cultural heritage sites of Lewiston and the Nez Perce Tribe.
  • Do not forget to wear comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and extra layers of clothes, as Lewiston’s weather can be unpredictable.

Safety and Health

Safety in Lewiston

Lewiston is a generally safe city, but visitors should be aware of their surroundings and take precautions to ensure their personal safety, such as avoiding poorly lit areas, staying in well-lit areas, and locking car doors.

Health in Lewiston

Lewiston Regional Medical Center is the major hospital in the region, providing comprehensive medical services to residents and visitors alike. Visitors should keep their health concerns in check and practice safe food and water habits to avoid any health risks.

Getting to Lewiston: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Lewiston

  • Lewiston-Nez Perce County Regional Airport (LWS) - Served by Delta Air Lines, this airport offers daily flights to Salt Lake City and Seattle-Tacoma International airports, providing easy access to connecting flights to other destinations across the globe.
  • Pullman-Moscow Regional Airport (PUW) - Located about 30 miles from Lewiston, served by Horizon Air and Alaska Airlines, with daily direct flights to Seattle.

Bus Stations Near Lewiston

Greyhound Bus Lines offers daily buses to and from Lewiston Bus Station, providing convenient connections to other major cities in the region.

Other Options

Driving to Lewiston is also a great way to explore the scenic beauty of North Central Idaho and the Rocky Mountains. Several scenic highways connect Lewiston to other major cities in the area, such as Boise, and Spokane, WA.

How to Get Around in Lewiston

Lewiston Transit provides public transportation in the city, with hourly routes on weekdays and limited weekend service. Taxi services and rental cars are also available, providing easy access to nearby attractions and outdoor adventure areas.

Where to Go Next from Lewiston: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Hells Canyon National Recreation Area - A vast and pristine wilderness area that offers incredible outdoor adventure opportunities, such as rafting, fishing, hiking, and camping.
  • Moscow, ID - A nearby college town that offers art galleries, bookstores, restaurants, and other unique and family-friendly attractions.
  • Winchester, ID - A historic town that offers a glimpse into the past of the area’s homesteading traditions, with quaint shops, antique stores, and other unique boutiques.

Conclusion

Lewiston, a hidden gem of North Central Idaho, offers visitors a perfect blend of natural scenery and cultural charm. From exploring local history and heritage to adventuring in the great outdoors, Lewiston has something for everyone. With this comprehensive guide, plan your trip to this remarkable city and leave with memories to last a lifetime.