North Central

The Palouse. Photo Credit: Visit Idaho

Embark on a three-day cultural journey, blending history with vibrant landscapes. From university gems and Nez Perce sacred sites to points of interest along the Lewis and Clark Expedition, you’ll discover a variety of enriching experiences in north-central Idaho.

Day One:

Moscow

University of Idaho Arboretum and Botanical Garden. Photo credit: Visit Idaho

Set the tone for your day of exploration and discovery with a morning meal at The Breakfast Club before wandering through the Moscow Farmer’s Market. Next, head to the University of Idaho campus to take in the creative wonders at the Prichard Art Gallery and the natural beauty of the Arboretum and Botanical Garden. In spring, the campus is home to the Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival—one of the largest and oldest educational jazz festivals in the world. For lunch, satisfy your hunger at Humble Burger and then saddle up to learn about the Appaloosa horse breed at the Appaloosa Museum and Heritage Center. When dinnertime calls, make your way to Maialina for farm-to-table flavors served up via Naples-style wood-fired pizzas. Tuck in for the night at The Monarch Motel.

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Day Two:

Lewiston

Rivaura Estate Vineyard & Winery, Lewis-Clark Valley AVA. Photo credit: Visit Idaho

Get ready for a big day with breakfast at One World Cafe in Moscow. Then hop in the car and head south through the rolling fields of The Palouse and on to Lewiston, where you’ll delight in the vineyard views of the Lewis-Clark Valley wine region. Start your cultural and historical exploration at the Nez Perce County Historical Society & Museum, where you’ll learn about the Nez Perce Tribe and the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Pull into nearby Brava’s for a seasonally inspired lunch before diving into the area’s Lewis and Clark history at Hells Gate State Park. Afterward, sit down to dinner and a glass of local wine at Jollymore’s before getting a great night’s rest at the Hampton Inn Lewiston.

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Day Three:

Spalding, Orofino, Kamiah & Grangeville

Nez Perce National Historical Park Visitor Center. Photo credit: Visit Idaho

Power up with breakfast at Mystic Cafe in Lewiston before hitting the open road on the Northwest Passage Scenic Byway. Idaho’s longest byway follows the Nez Perce and Lewis & Clark National Historic Trails, providing a glimpse into the cultural heritage of the Nimiipuu as well as the Corps of Discovery’s route through north central Idaho. Explore the Nez Perce National Historical Park Visitor Center in Spalding and Canoe Camp before stopping for a sandwich and ice cream at Augie’s in Orofino. Continue your trip past Kamiah to the Heart of the Monster site, where the Nimiipuu creation story begins. End your day trip in Grangeville, where you can tour the Bicentennial Historical Museum and view the mammoth skeleton replica before sitting down to dinner and a slice of pie at Seasons Restaurant. When it’s time to crawl into bed, head to Super 8 by Wyndham.

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