Manito Park

Use the central Loop Drive area for Gaiser Conservatory and nearby formal gardens. The south playground and splash pad have a separate seasonal parking lot. Use the city walking-tour map to locate the Japanese, Duncan, Rose Hill, Lilac, and Ferris gardens.

The park is open 6:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m. Gaiser Conservatory, the Japanese Garden, gated drives, seasonal parking areas, cafe, splash pad, and restrooms use separate schedules.

Choose parking near your destination. The south playground and splash-pad lot operates 8:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. April 1-October 31 and closes in winter. Portions of Loop Drive also have seasonal gates, so winter parking requires a different approach.

Yes. Manito has upper and lower playgrounds. The south family area also includes a seasonal splash pad, but its parking lot closes November through March.

The five signature areas are Nishinomiya Tsutakawa Japanese Garden, Duncan Garden, Rose Hill, Lilac Garden, and Joel E. Ferris Perennial Garden. Gaiser Conservatory and Mirror Pond add indoor horticulture and waterfowl viewing.

Manito is one of Spokane's exceptions to the standard first-weekend-in-May through third-weekend-in-September restroom season, but exact building and daily availability still varies by location and maintenance.

The south playground and splash-pad parking lot closes November 1-March 31, the loop between the Japanese and perennial gardens closes to vehicles in winter, and other drives use shortened winter hours. Gardens, cafe, conservatory, and splash pad also follow their own seasons.

For 2026, Manito Park's splash pad is scheduled May 22 through September 8 from 9 a.m.-8 p.m. It may close temporarily for maintenance; call Spokane's Aquatics Hotline for current status before making water play the purpose of the trip.

Yes. Manito is one of the Spokane parks where shelter reservations are required during much of the year. Rotary Shelter has a picnic area and built-in barbecue pits; garden ceremonies and larger events use separate reservations and fees.

Dogs may use ordinary outdoor park areas only under applicable leash and cleanup rules, but pets are prohibited inside Gaiser Conservatory and the Japanese Garden's event rules also prohibit pets. Service animals are allowed where required.

Mature trees shade many paths, picnic grounds, and garden edges, and the reservable Manito North and South shelters provide covered picnic space. Gaiser Conservatory offers indoor garden access only during its posted hours and may close for maintenance or events. Formal lawns, playgrounds, sports areas, open flower beds, and parking can be exposed; outdoor shelters and trees are unsafe during lightning or high wind, so use a confirmed-open substantial building or enclosed vehicle.

The City's walking map describes the primary Manito route as paved paths and sidewalks connecting Duncan Garden, Gaiser Conservatory, Rose Hill, Ferris Perennial Garden, playgrounds, pond, and picnic areas. The 90-acre park also includes lawns, garden beds, older steps, and informal edges that are less predictable, and snow, ice, leaves, roots, or irrigation can affect footing. A section of Loop Drive near the gardens is now pedestrian-only, while its parking lots remain accessible from 21st Avenue.

Spokane Transit Route 4 Monroe-Regal serves the Manito Park area, and weekday South Express Route 144 stops near 14th and Bernard for the park's west side. Choose the stop closest to Duncan Garden, the conservatory, duck pond, playground, or picnic area and check snow detours during winter weather.

Major gardens, conservatory approaches, parking areas, and many park paths have paved or firm routes, but grades, gates, seasonal parking closures, and older garden layouts vary by destination. Use the City's park map and exact garden pin, and contact Parks before a visit that depends on a particular step-free route or accommodation.

General park entry, the major public gardens, playgrounds, paths, lawns, Mirror Pond viewing, and Gaiser Conservatory entry are free. Food, reservations, weddings, commercial photography, programs, and special events can charge separately.