Kathy ParSELLS

Real Estate Lewiston Idaho Clarkston Washington and surrounding areas.

Lewiston, ID Area Information

Lewiston is the largest city and county seat in Nez Perce County, Idaho and the second largest city in north Idaho.  As of the 2000 census, the population of Lewiston was approximately 31,000 and is the lowest geographical point in Idaho.  Lewiston is located on the Snake River and the area is home to a number of notable forests, agricultural production, scenic beauty, and an unusual concentration of higher education institutions in a rural area.  The people of the region welcome industry and encourage economic development and business growth.

National Geographic featured Lewiston in their article "A Paradise Called The Palouse."  The area is filled with contrasts with fertile cropland and forests nestled between mountain ridges, river valleys, and deep canyons.  This area lends itself to a wide variety of cultural opportunities, outdoor recreations, community events, arts and festivals.  In less than an hour's drive, you can be fishing, camping, hunting, skiing or sailing.  Lewiston also houses numerous business opportunities thanks to the region’s centralized location within four western states plus British Columbia and Alberta, Canada, combined with their intermodal transportation system, places the area in a desirable position. Access to local, regional and international markets is convenient and affordable. Lewiston provides a loyal and dedicated workforce.

History

Lewiston is rich with history dating all the way back to the Lewis and Clark Expedition in October 1805.  Originally the site was home to the native Nez Perce tribe.  The site was named after Meriwether Lewis and the town was officially founded in 1861 in the wake of a gold rush.  The first newspaper in Idaho, The Lewiston Tribune, began its publication in 1862. 

By 1863, Lewiston became the capital of Idaho, but this was short-lived.  With the gold rush reaching its end in northern Idaho, it was picking up steam in Idaho City in southern Idaho, which soon became the largest city.  A resolution was made to move the capital from Lewiston to Boise, which passed on December 7, 1864 and was officially moved in 1865.  Legend state that citizens were unhappy with this idea and government officials secretly took the territorial seal from Lewiston and immediately left for Boise to avoid public outrage.  Alternately, they hired river pirates to steal it for them.
In 1889, North Idahoans were somewhat placated when the University of Idaho was awarded to nearby Moscow.

From 1952 to 1974 Lewiston had a popular Northwest League professional baseball franchise.  The Lewiston Broncos were affiliated with various major league parents, including the Philadelphia Phillies, Kansas City Athletics, St. Louis Cardinals, Baltimore Orioles, and Oakland Athletics. Reggie Jackson was perhaps the most famous Lewiston Bronc of all-time; Mr. October played for Lewiston in 1966.

Parks and Recreation

Lewiston offers an excellent parks and recreation department that offer everything from play areas for children and great recreational programs.  The area’s warm weather and mild winters allow for such activities as golfing, water skilling, sailing, fishing, and swimming, walking or riding along miles of paved pathways or camping at a riverside park year round.  

Brackenbury Square
Located in the heart of Lewiston, Brackenbury Square offers a relaxing area to sit.  The park also offers an outdoor stage with shade trees and where local talent flourishes.  There is also a Ring Around the Rosey statue and a fountain created by local artist Dr. David Sears for visitors to enjoy.

Kiwanis Park
The Kiwanis Park is located along the Snake River and is a perennial favorite park in the valley.  The park has something for everyone with state of the art playground equipment chosen by students at Webster Elementary and includes a child’s climbing wall.  There is a covered shelter, year round restroom facilities, and interpretive plaques describing the Lewis and Clark journey that you can read as you walk, jog, or bike along the trails that are connected to the Lewiston levy system.

Ruth Rowell Modie Wildlife Park
Designed as a project to create an outdoor classroom, the park is run by the City and Modie Park Conservancy, Inc.  The park’s name came from Donald and Ruth Modie who donated the land in 1980.  Later donations from Doug and Susan Randall in 1996 brought the park to its present size of 15 acres.  The park includes parking, restrooms, three shelters for outdoor classes or picnics, Interpretative signage, the Lois Rowland Butterfly Garden, and the Regence BlueShield of Idaho Fitness Path.  To find out more information, please visit them on the web at: http://www.modiepark.org.

For a complete list of parks in the area click here http://www.cityoflewiston.org/index.aspx?NID=257

Events

Lewiston offers only the best when it comes to fun events for you and your family! Stay busy all year long with events such as the Annual Dogwood Festival, the Christmas Festival or the Lewiston Round Up.

Annual Dogwood Festival
Named for the abundant dogwood trees in fragrant bloom during the festival, the Annual Dogwood Festival is a magnificent experience.  During and shortly after the festival these pink blossoms blow through yards and streets like drifts of snow.  To find out more about the Annual Dogwood Festival, please visit their website at: http://www.lcsc.edu/dogwood.

"Hot August Nights”
A celebration to remember, “Hot August Nights” is held during late summer each year is filled with concerts by classic 1950s to 1980s musicians, such as .38 Special and Loverboy.  Also there is a show and shine for classic cars, followed by a night parade along Main Street. 

Christmas Festival
The Lewiston Christmas Festival is a sight to see with a number of lighted displays in the downtown area.  At Locomotive Park is the main attraction with the retired locomotive Steam Engine 92 and Camas Prairie RR Caboose on display in the middle, large trees, and pathways all decorated with lights from Thanksgiving to New Year’s.

Avista NAIA World Series
Hosted annually in May, the Avista NAIA World Series is a must for any baseball enthusiast.  To find out more, please visit the event site at: http://www.lcsc.edu/naia.

Lewiston Round Up
Held every September, the Lewiston Round Up is a member of the Big 4 and a top 50 PRCA rodeo.  To learn more about the Lewiston Round Up, please visit the event site on the web at: http://www.lewistonroundup.org.

Attractions

Lewiston has it all when it comes to attractions. Whether you’re looking for a day of relaxation on the golf course or a day at the museum, Lewiston has it for you.

Nez Perce County Historical Society and Museum
The Museum works to preserve the unique history of Nez Perce County along with the Nez Perce County Historical Society to share this history with residents and visitors alike.  The museum offers a glimpse of the past with its exhibits showing life in the Nez Perce area all the way back to the Nez Perce Indians and Lewis and Clark to the modern day.  To learn more about this exciting museum, please visit them on the web at: http://www.npchistsoc.org/\.

Lewiston Golf & Country Club
The Lewiston Golf and Country Club offers a challenging course, tournaments, private lessons, and year round golf for members.  The club also offers golf leagues and social memberships for avid golf enthusiasts.  For not so avid golf enthusiasts, Lewiston Golf and Country Club offers a swimming pool, great food, fun activities, and junior golf for the little ones.  To learn more, please visit them on the web at: http://www.lewistongolfcountryclub.com.

Bryden Canyon Golf Course
Bryden Canyon Golf Course strives for excellence in golf and is progressive in improving their golfing facilities to create a complete golf experience for everyone.  Providing value that keeps customers interested and challenged in every golf experience, Bryden Canyon encourages customers to not only play, but to “play better”.  To find out more about Bryden Canyon, please visit them on the web at: http://www.brydencanyongolf.net/golf/proto/brydengolf/.

For more information on Lewiston ID visit the official website by clicking here http://www.cityoflewiston.org

For the Lewiston Chamber of Commerce website click here http://www.lewistonchamber.org