Moscow

Moscow is a city of about 22,000 people in north-central Idaho and home to the University of Idaho, the state's flagship university. Founded in 1889, the University of Idaho is the single dominant institution in the city — unlike larger Idaho cities where universities share the stage with other industries, Moscow is unmistakably a hard-core college town. The presence of Washington State University in Pullman, just 8 miles to the west in Washington state, only amplifies the college-town atmosphere.

Moscow sits in the heart of the Palouse, a region noted for its distinctive rolling hills of wheat and lentils. Once outside the city and university's sphere of influence, agriculture becomes the driving force of daily life. The surrounding area is generally referred to as the Moscow-Pullman area, a symbiotic twin-city region straddling the Idaho-Washington border.

The climate is semi-arid with four distinct seasons. Summers are warm and dry (July highs around 85°F); winters are cold and wet with regular snowfall (January highs around 33°F). Spring and fall are pleasant. The best months to visit are May through September, when the campus is vibrant and outdoor activities are at their peak.

By Plane

The closest airport for commercial flights is Moscow/Pullman Regional Airport (PUW), 5 miles (8 km) east along Hwy 8/Hwy 270. The next closest are Lewiston-Nez Perce County Regional Airport (LWS), 33 miles south, and Spokane International Airport (GEG), 90 miles north. Spokane International is the major regional hub, served by several airlines including Southwest, which offers cheaper and more competitive fares. Wheatland Express Airport Shuttle connects Spokane Airport to Colfax, Pullman, and Moscow. Horizon/Alaska Air serves all three airports from Seattle-Tacoma International, where rates can be comparable to the smaller airports and avoid the 1½-hour drive from Spokane.

By Car / Road

US-95 and Highway 8 both cross through Moscow. US-95 connects Coeur d'Alene (170 miles north) to Boise (280 miles south). Highway 8 connects east to Troy and west to Pullman, WA.

Northwestern Trailways (bus depot: Moscow Intermodal Transit Center, 1006 Railroad St; toll-free +1-800-366-3830) runs service to Spokane and Spokane Airport (via Colfax and Pullman) and toward Boise (via Lewiston, Craigmont, Cottonwood). Connections to Greyhound and Amtrak only in Spokane. Transfer to local SMART Transit Bus at the Intermodal Transit Center.

Wheatland Express (toll-free +1-800-334-2207) operates a regularly scheduled shuttle between Moscow, Pullman, Colfax, and Spokane Airport. Every Friday, their Weekend Express goes from Pullman and Moscow to Seattle, returning Sundays. Journeys take 6 hours to Seattle.

Bus services have improved significantly. Wheatland Express operates many stops on and off campus, plus a shuttle between Moscow and Pullman. Cars are not required — the town is fairly small and biking or walking can get almost anything done. Car rental is available at the airport (Budget +1 509-332-3511, Hertz +1 509-332-4485) and in town (Ambassador Auto +1-800-422-0297). Enterprise Car Rental (+1 208-746-2878) is available if flying into Lewiston.

A bike trail connects Moscow to Pullman. Bicycles are a common summer mode of travel (including commuting between the two cities), but less so in winter due to cold, wet weather. There is also a bike trail between Moscow and Troy. Two to three taxi services typically operate in Moscow at any given time.

• University of Idaho — The most notable landmark, with a large campus occupying a significant portion of the town.

• Appaloosa Horse Museum, 2720 Pullman Rd ☏ +1 208-882-5578 — M–F 10AM–5PM, Sa 10AM–4PM. Dedicated to the spotted Appaloosa horse. Free (suggested donation $2/person or $4/family).

• McConnell Mansion Museum, 110 S Adams St ☏ +1 208-882-1004 — An 1886 mansion now run by the Latah County Historical Society.

• Hiking — Various national forests within easy driving distance, including the Hoodoo Mountains and Saint Joe National Forest. Hikers should be well-prepared and wary of forestry roads.

• Rails-to-Trails — The 9-mile paved Chipman Trail connects Moscow and Pullman, popular with bikers, joggers, and rollerbladers. The 13-mile Latah Trail connects Moscow and Troy through wheat fields and pine groves.

• Mountain Biking — Moscow Mountain has a wide variety of trails for all skill levels.

• Farmer's Market — Summer parking lots near the town square host locals selling produce, jams, honey, crafts, pottery, textiles, and jewelry. Live music in the square.

• Lionel Hampton Jazz Fest — Annual local music festival.

• University of Idaho Golf Course — On-campus golf facility.

• Kenworthy Performing Arts Center — Live theater and performances.

• Hamilton-Lowe Aquatics Center — Public swimming facility.

There are a variety of restaurants, though many are chains. Restaurants serving food other than American, Mexican, Italian, or Chinese are harder to find.

• Nectar Wine Bar and Restaurant, 6th & Main St ☏ +1 208-882-5914 — Dinner: M–Sa. Fresh local ingredients, rotating wine list, artisan pizzas, baked mac n' cheese with WSU Cougar Gold cheddar, and bacon-wrapped meatloaf. F–Sa are busy; reservations suggested. Mid-range.
• Sangria Grille, Moscow-Pullman Highway ☏ +1 208-882-2693 — In the Palouse Mall. Chef-owned with South American, Asian, Spanish, and American dishes. Average meal ~$15/person including drink. Mid-range.
• Mikey's Gyros, Main St (downtown) — Greek gyros with many options; soups, salads, nachos, baklava. No hamburgers. A local staple with lines out the door at noon and 6PM. Budget.
• The Breakfast Club, Main St (Downtown) — 6AM–2PM. Excellent quality, generous portions, affordable breakfast and lunch. Friendly staff. Budget.
• Patty's Mexican Kitchen, 6th St (by U of I) — Famous for the Barbed Wire Burrito (extremely spicy), Fish Tacos, and vegetarian tamales. Also offers a 6-foot party burrito in a pine box for catering. Budget.
• La Casa Lopez, Main St (downtown) — Mexican food with full bar in a colorful plaza-style atmosphere. Lunch deals ~$6. Known for chicken en mole, complimentary bean dip, and "best margarita in town." Budget.

Moscow has quite a variety of bars catering primarily to college students, mostly downtown:

• The Corner Club — One of Moscow's unofficial historic landmarks. Free peanut night Wednesdays, excellent popcorn, beers in 32oz "tubs" that are incredibly cheap. Shuffleboard table and outdoor seating. Most frequented by the Greek student population.
• Mingles — Billiard bar with tables by the hour and by-the-game ($0.50). Listed in Playboy's top 100 college bars. Penny pool Sundays ($0.60/hour), free pool for ladies Thursdays. Lunch/dinner menu until midnight, Sunday brunch.

Vandal (University of Idaho sports team) souvenirs are widely available, along with local gems and outdoor gear. NRS, a premier river rafting clothing and equipment company, is headquartered here. Palouse Mall (1700–2230 W Pullman Rd/Hwy 8) features Bed Bath & Beyond, Michael's, Marshalls, Old Navy, Rite Aid, Ross, Target, WinCo Foods, Big 5 Sporting Goods, and more.

• Pullman, WA (8 miles west) — Home of Washington State University; the twin college town.
• Coeur d'Alene (170 miles north on US-95) — Lake resort community with Silverwood Theme Park.
• Lewiston (30 miles south on US-95) — Port city at the Snake-Clearwater confluence; gateway to Hells Canyon.
• Spokane, WA (90 miles north) — Regional hub with airport, shopping, and cultural attractions.
• Boise (280 miles south on US-95) — Idaho's capital and largest city.
• Troy (15 miles east) — Small town with the 13-mile Latah Trail and local charm.