Outdoor Play: MAC 100 Stories: A Centennial Exhibition
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"Near Nature. Near Perfect." The tourism motto of Visit Spokane highlights outdoor recreation, an Inland Northwest passion for more than a century. Short winters, dry climate and a yearly average of 260 sunny days entice locals and visitors alike to fish for rainbow trout, bike the Hiawatha Trail and slice through fresh powder at five regional ski areas - not to mention the opportunities afforded boaters, golfers and birders. Many residents escape the summer heat by visiting one of 76 regional lakes, including Lake Coeur d'Alene, a local favorite.
MAC 100 Stories: A Centennial Exhibition is told on the Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture campus in Spokane's Browne's Addition, with additional highlights at 15 sites in Spokane and eastern Washington. The exhibit experience (February 22, 2014 - January 2016) weaves stories and programs about Inland Northwest people, places and events by capitalizing on the MAC's extraordinary collection. www.northwestmuseum.org
Spokane Historical presents 15 regional and city tours in partnership with the Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture and its 100 Stories exhibition.
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Overlooking the Spokane River
Located along the banks of the Spokane River, the city of Spokane has been known for its close proximity to outdoor escapes and recreational activities. Image L93-18.157 courtesy of the Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture.
Picnicking at Liberty Lake, c. 1910
Liberty Lake and Lake Coeur d'Alene are two of the most popular outdoor recreational sites in the Spokane area. Liberty Lake was a popular destination for company and society picnics. Image L87-1.752 courtesy of the Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture
Picnic Fun
Society picnics were often ways for individuals to enjoy some fun outdoors. Many picnics hosted a variety of friendly competitions as a way to bolster spirits and encourage community bonding. Image L97-63.110 courtesy of the Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture
Boating on Liberty Lake, 1913
Both Lake Coeur d'Alene and Liberty Lake were popular destinations for summer activities like boating. Image L97-63.111 courtesy of the Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture
Bicycle Races
The summer months were often a time for everyone to escape outdoors for some fun. Bicycling has been a popular form of outdoor recreation in the area since the 1890s. Image L83-59.1 courtesy of the Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture.