Natatorium Park
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 4, 2025
Natatorium Park was a popular amusement park located in Spokane, Washington, that operated from 1889 to 1967.
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Summary
The park was known for its large swimming pool, roller coasters, and other thrilling rides. Today, the park no longer exists, but there are still many reasons to visit the area.
Visitors to Spokane can still see remnants of the park, such as the tall stone columns at the entrance and the historic Natatorium building, which now houses a community center. The park was also known for its beautiful gardens and landscaping, which can still be enjoyed at the nearby Manito Park.
Other points of interest in the area include Riverfront Park, which features a carousel, a clock tower, and a gondola ride over the Spokane Falls. The Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture also offers exhibits on the history of the region.
Interesting facts about Natatorium Park include that it was originally built as a swimming complex, and the roller coasters were added later as a way to attract more visitors. The park was also the site of the first baseball game played under lights in the state of Washington.
The best time of year to visit Spokane is during the summer months, when the weather is warm and many outdoor activities are available. However, the fall and winter months can also be enjoyable, with colorful foliage and holiday events in the area.
Overall, Natatorium Park may no longer exist, but the area still offers plenty of attractions and history to explore.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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