Things To Do
in Cheney
Cheney is a small college town in eastern Washington, nestled in the Palouse region. It is home to Eastern Washington University, which brings a lively student population and cultural events to the downtown area. Outside the city, rolling farmland, rivers, and pine forests shape the landscape, inviting outdoor adventures year-round.
Visitors will find affordable dining, pleasant trails, and a relaxed pace that makes Cheney a great base for exploring the region.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Cheney Historical Museum, where you can explore the rich history of this charming town. Enjoy a guided tour that highlights key events and figures that shaped Cheney. Take a leisurely stroll around the vicinity to enjoy the scenic beauty and quaint architecture.
After lunch at a local cafe, head to the Eastern Washington University campus for a walk through its beautiful grounds. Don't miss the chance to visit the university's art galleries, showcasing works by talented students and faculty. Spend some time relaxing at the nearby Lincoln Park, where you can enjoy a picnic amid lush greenery.
As the sun sets, immerse yourself in the local dining scene at one of Cheney's family-owned restaurants. Try out some regional specialties while interacting with the friendly locals who love sharing stories about their hometown. End your evening with a community event or local music night at a nearby venue.
Start your day by exploring the stunning Pine River Ranch, where you can hike along scenic trails surrounded by nature. Breathe in the fresh air and appreciate the tranquility of the rolling hills and picturesque landscapes. Keep an eye out for local wildlife as you wander through this beautiful setting.
Bring a packed lunch to enjoy at one of the designated picnic spots within the area, where you will have great views and the sounds of nature surrounding you. Take a guided horseback riding tour to further explore the expansive trails and learn about the local ecosystem. After your ride, consider trying out fishing at a nearby lake.
After returning to Cheney, have dinner at one of the charming bistros that offer a farm-to-table dining experience. Enjoy the cozy atmosphere as you savor locally-sourced dishes prepared with seasonal ingredients. Finish your day with stargazing at a nearby open area, marveling at the clear skies away from the city lights.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| 🏨One night in a mid-range hotel | $90-150 |
| 🧺Groceries (weekly estimate) | $60-120 |
| 🚗Gasoline per gallon | $4-5 |
| 💊Medical visit | $100-200 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Close-to-campus energy and affordability
- Access to Turnbull Refuge and Palouse scenery
- Friendly small-town feel and walkable downtown
- Budget-friendly lodging and dining
- Limited nightlife compared to bigger cities
- Smaller selection of specialty cuisines
- Rural roads can be quiet and require a car
- Weather can be extreme in winter
Places to Visit in Cheney
Visit one of these nice places.
Open wetlands, wildlife-rich marshes, and long-distance sightlines perfect for sunrise and wildlife photography.
Modern and classic campus photography with lawns, piers, and distinctive buildings framed by trees.
Colorful storefronts, signage, and a distinctive water tower provide character shots.
Wide-open fields, farmhouses, and gold/green hues at harvest time offer expansive landscape photography.
Food in Cheney
Cheney Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A Northwest staple featuring locally sourced salmon served with seasonal potatoes and herbs.
Must-Try!
Hearty, warming comfort food often found in local diners and pubs.
Stone-fruit and berry desserts made with local berries when in season.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Seasonal market offering local produce, baked goods, and crafts in the downtown area.
Pop-up stalls and street food events along Main Street during market season.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Wait your turn in lines, especially at markets and campus facilities.
Safety
Tipping in Cheney
Ensure a smooth experience
Standard US practice of 15-20% at restaurants; round up for small takings at casual spots; tip jar allowed in some cafes.
Credit/debit cards are widely accepted; many places also take cash and some mobile payments.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm days with long daylight hours; expect outdoor events, farmers markets, and pleasant hiking; occasional thunderstorms in the late afternoon.
Crisp air and vivid fall colors; great for photography and outdoor walks; harvest season can bring roadside produce stands.
Cold temperatures with possible snow; plan for icy roads and short daylight; indoor activities and cozy eateries are popular.
Mild temperatures with rain showers; budding plants and green landscapes make outdoor exploration enjoyable.
Cheney at Night
Hiking in Cheney
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Extensive boardwalks and loops through wetlands and woodlands, ideal for wildlife photography and peaceful hikes.
Elevated viewpoints offering sweeping Palouse countryside panoramas; a short but steep climb.
Iconic waterfall and scenic overlook within a short drive, great for day trips.
Airports
How to reach Cheney by plane.
The primary regional gateway for Cheney residents and visitors; about 25 miles west, with connections nationwide and internationally.
A smaller regional airport in Moscow, Idaho, offering limited services for nearby travelers and frequent bus connections to the Palouse region.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A strong student population from EWU, with a steady influx of new and returning students year-round.
Families living in Cheney and nearby rural communities.
University staff, researchers, and service workers in the local economy.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
EWU Eagles and local community games provide fall sports entertainment.
College basketball at EWU and local rec leagues.
Seasonal running events and training around campus and rural roads.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Cheney.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many Cheney eateries offer vegetarian options; look for veggie burgers, salads, grain bowls, and seasonal vegetable plates. When in doubt, ask for substitutions with local produce.