Cheney can be explored through three distinct themes: the landscape of Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge, the architectural and local history of the Central Cheney Historic District, and theatre at Eastern Washington University. These highlights offer different starting points for planning your trip—from habitats and trails to historic buildings and stage productions.

Nature and Trails in Cheney

Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge covers 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 at the refuge. Visitors interested in nature and birdlife will find both a diverse landscape and documented species diversity here.

The refuge’s public use area has more than 10 miles of trails, including three accessible trails. There is also an accessible boardwalk at Blackhorse Lake. This information helps distinguish the options for a visit; trail conditions and access requirements may change, so check them before your visit.

On the Columbia Plateau Trail

At the Cheney Trailhead at mile marker 361.25, amenities include parking, including spaces for vehicles with 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. Amenities and trail conditions may change; check the latest information in advance.

Another nature spot is the Cheney Tertiary Wetlands, accessed via the Columbia Plateau State Park Cheney Trailhead. The trailhead has accessible restrooms and covered picnic tables. The accessibility information and amenities refer to this trailhead.

Local History and Architecture

The Central Cheney Historic District is listed in both the Washington Heritage Register and the National Register of Historic Places. It lies between the Eastern Washington University campus to the northwest and the former Northern Pacific Railroad tracks to the southeast; this is where the original town of Cheney developed. The district includes residential, educational, religious, commercial and industrial properties and buildings. This mix makes the historic area an interesting part of the town’s development: its history is not defined by just one building use.

The Sterling-Moorman House offers another specific architectural point of interest. It is listed in the Cheney Register of Historic Places and is the only surviving example of the Gothic Revival architectural style in Cheney. Visitors interested in architectural history can look beyond the broad mix of the Central Cheney Historic District to a single building that stands out for its style.

The area’s geological history also helps explain the landscape: Cheney’s geography was shaped by catastrophic floods at the end of the last ice age. This geological background adds another perspective on Cheney alongside its building and local history.

Theatre, Events and Recreation

Eastern Washington University is at the heart of Cheney’s academic and cultural life. EWU Theatre productions range from classic to contemporary plays and also include musicals. University Theatre opened in 1972. Since individual productions vary by season, check the current schedule if you’re planning to attend a particular performance.

Cheney Rodeo Days is a Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA)-sanctioned event held on the second weekend of July at Bi-Mart Arena. Check current event dates and the program before traveling. The timing is a useful point for planning, without assuming that individual program items will remain unchanged.

For outdoor recreation, Cheney’s park system includes nine parks. Online registration for season passes and swimming lessons is available at the Cheney Aquatic Center. Operations and schedules are seasonal and may change, so check in advance whether the activities you’re interested in are available during your travel dates.

Discover more destinations: Spokane Valley, Liberty Lake, Mica, Mead, Nine Mile Falls, Spokane, Airway Heights.

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