Moscow is cradled among the beautiful rolling hills of the Palouse, known as the "Tuscany of America." We invite you to visit and experience this undiscovered paradise.
The community of personifies the image of "small-town" friendliness. In addition to Moscow’s small-town charm, this college town also provides a rich assortment of cultural and recreational activities. With a mild climate, clean air, highly rated schools, and a low crime rate, Moscow attracts a diverse group of residents and visitors.
The Moscow Farmers Market is ranked in the Top 2 Farmers Markets in Idaho and the Pacific Northwest, and 12th in the United States. The local produce is mouthwatering, arts and crafts are phenomenal, food vendors offer a huge variety of ethnic delights, and the live entertainment is, well, always entertaining.
The University of Idaho Arboretum is a lovely place to stroll and view a variety of plants and trees any time of year. The arboretum is divided into four geographical areas: Asia, Europe, Eastern North America, and Western North America and is open daily, dawn to dusk.
Moscow is for Foodies
The Moscow has attracted many exceptional chefs and restaurateurs offering a variety of cuisines and farm-to-table menus. Several local restaurants have attracted national accolades.
This region is known for producing high quality wine. Tasting rooms dot the region offering a variety of styles and varietals.
Moscow is home to many craft breweries offering hand-crafted ales, lagers, belgians, and more. Many are created with local ingredients. No matter which brewery you visit, you'll always find the perfect pint in the perfect setting.
Spring, Summer & Fall Activities
Hiking, Biking, Running & Walking
Over 38 miles of paved pathways are in and near Moscow. The Latah Trail connects with the Paradise Path and runs parallel to State Highway 8 (Troy Highway) between Moscow and Troy. The Bill Chipman Palouse Trail consists of seven miles of smooth pathway between Pullman and Moscow along Highway 270, and is open dawn to dusk year-round. The Chipman Trail connects with Moscow’s Paradise Path, a 1.47 mile non-motorized trail between the UI campus and downtown Moscow. The Pullman Parks and Recreation Trail System and Downtown River Walk connect with the Chipman Trail.
Moscow Mountain has 60+ miles of trails for hiking, biking, and walking. Filled with cedars, pines, wildlife and colorful flowers, you can get a bird's-eye view of the Palouse. Mostly located on private land, and maintained by a volunteer group (MAMBA).
Reaching an elevation of 3,641 feet, Kamiak Butte offers breathtaking, panoramic views of the Palouse and over five miles of hiking trails through beautiful forests. Steptoe Butte is famous for its dramatic beauty and the panoramic view it provides of surrounding farmlands, mountains, ranges and peaks.
The Hobo Cedar Grove Botanical Area has old growth trees that were just seedlings in 1492. It is now one of the oldest cedar groves in the world.
Golf
The rolling hills of the Palouse also make for beautiful rolling green golf courses that are challenging and scenic. Palouse Ridge Golf Club has been voted “Best Course You Can Play” by GolfWeek Magazine every year since its opening in 2009. The University of Idaho golf course is adjacent to the scenic arboretum and offers 18 challenging holes and stunning scenery.
Fishing
Spring Valley Reservoir is a favorite fishing hole. It's regularly stocked with trout and bass.
Scenic Drives
The rolling hills of the Palouse are a photographer's dream destination. The Palouse Scenic Byway winds through the colorful patchwork of green and gold. The small farming towns are each a unique destination. Stop in for a bite to eat at the popular Palouse Caboose (Palouse, WA) or Pie Safe Bakery & Brush Creek Creamery (Deary, ID). View local artisans at work and shop at the Dahmen Barn in Uniontown.
Winter Activities
Ice Fishing
Ice anglers will love Spring Valley Reservoir, just north of Troy. It is heavily stocked with trout in the fall.
Winter Biking
The Moscow Area Mountain Bike Association (MAMBA) maintains a network of trails on, and around, Moscow Mountain. Nearly all of the 60+ miles of trails are located on private land so trail respect is paramount. Trail reports are regularly updated on their website. Bikers and nordic skiiers utilize the trails in the winter.
Cross-Country Skiing & Snowshoeing
Palouse Divide offers trails for skate skiers, traditional cross-country skiers, and backcountry skiers, as well as a snowshoeing area. Located just northeast of Moscow, most of the 18 miles of trails are groomed periodically.
53 miles east of Moscow, skiers and snowshoers will find the Elk River Nordic Ski Trails. The trails are rated intermediate to difficult, and include one primary loop trail and a spur from Elk River to the groomed loop.
Snowmobiling
The Elk River Snowmobiling Trail System, just minutes from the mountain town of Elk River, Idaho, has over 50 miles of groomed snowmobile trail providing for plenty of family fun.
Events
February - Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival
February - June - Moscow 3rd Thursday Artwalk
May - October - Moscow Farmers Market
May - Renaissance Fair
June - Camp Moscowanna
October - Downtown Trick-or-Treat | Moscowberfest
September - Latah County Fair