As Washington's second largest city, Spokane has grown up from its early roots as a trading post and center of life for the Native American tribes that lived along the Spokane River, the city's greatest asset. Beside the river one can find a paved hiking trail as well as numerous parks. The city is also a great jumping-off point to several Idaho ski areas and the northern Idaho Rocky Mountains thanks to its proximity to Lake Coeur d'Alene. Visitors have a choice of several wineries they can check out along with the Bing Crosby Memorabilia Room, the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture, and families with children might like to check out Mobius Kids, an interactive museum with lots of things to keep the little ones busy.
