The Cheney center point is approximately the area of Eastern Washington University and the area of Downtown Cheney.
Cheney experiences a semi-arid climate at the base of the Selkirk Mountains, with hot, dry summers that soar into double digits and wet, extremely frigid winters that dip into negative double digits with severe wind chill. These extreme temperature ranges mean that spring and fall are often the best times to visit Cheney, unless you're looking to take part in seasonal water sports or winter sports.
You may also wish to visit during one of Cheney's major annual events like the Lilac Bloomsday Run in May. The Cheney Rodeo Days are held in early July each year with three days of exhilarating rodeo competition: The Happy Hoofers Fun Run, the Cheney Rodeo Days Parade, and much more. The Spokane Hoopfest basketball tournament in downtown Spokane takes place in late June. Cheney Farmer's Market is also held from June through September. Be sure to book your accommodations in advance during these popular spring and summer events to ensure availability.
AAA members and seniors will find excellent hotel discounts at Best Western Plus Peppertree Airport Inn in Spokane. This pet-friendly property welcomes the whole family with style and comfort that far exceeds its affordable discounted rates. Here, you'll enjoy the ease and convenience of an in-room fridge and free wireless internet access, plus an indoor pool and on-site fitness center.
Wake up each day to a free, full breakfast, and wind down on select evenings with a complimentary reception. Guests can also shop for sundries and snacks at the gift shop or get tour and ticket assistance from staff before hopping on the complimentary area shuttle.
Holiday Inn Express Hotel and Suites Cheney-University Area offers an all-around value that's hard to beat, plus a location just minutes from Eastern Washington University. Guest rooms come equipped with welcome amenities like fridges and flat-screen televisions, safes, and desks. Your tech needs are also met with free satellite programming on a flat-screen television, phones with free local calls, and complimentary wireless internet access.
Beyond your room, the hotel keeps guests entertained and accommodated with an indoor pool, 24-hour fitness center, and free daily breakfast. You can also take advantage of the complimentary shuttle service that operates within seven miles of the hotel.
Cheney is rife with outdoor recreation opportunities year-round. Visit Columbia Plateau Trail State Park, a beautiful and historic destination that offers both challenging hikes and leisurely recreation, according to your pleasure. You can hike, bike, ride a horse, watch for birds, ski cross-country, or even snowshoes, depending on the weather.
Columbia Plateau Trail State Park visitors also like to walk the original rail bed of the Spokane, Portland, and Seattle Railway, which is now a 23-mile trail that leads from Cheney to the Tri-City area (Pasco, Richland, and Kennewick). The challenging trek is worth it, as along the way, you will encounter both interpretive kiosks and magnificent scenic vistas.
President Franklin D. Roosevelt established the Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge in 1937 with a stroke of his pen, thankfully preserving the unique "Channeled Scablands" ecosystem. The otherworldly landscape juxtaposes rugged canyons with ponderosa pine, lakes, marshes, and wetlands. This 16,000 acre stretch of glacial flood land was carved out at the end of the ice age, and has become a key nesting ground for migratory birds. That makes the Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge a haven for bird watchers.
In warmer months, you can play an 18-hole round at Fairway's Golf Course. Summer is also the perfect time to visit Riverside State Park, 10 miles east of Cheney, for rock climbing and rafting adventures. If you're traveling in the winter, you can snow ski at four different regional locations including Mount Spokane Ski and Snowboard Park, 49 Degrees North, Schweitzer Mountain, and Silver Mountain, Idaho.
Visit Hagelin Park in the summer for free open swimming, and stick around for free concerts in Sutton Park on select summer evenings. If you love to fish, clearly Fish Lake is the place for you. It's also a favorite spot for families thanks to the playground and swimming area with a sandy beach. Pack a picnic or bring supplies to barbeque at the on-site grills. Granite Lake also offers fishing away from the crowds, surrounded by serene views.
Endless recreation opportunities and all-season fun make Cheney the perfect year-round destination for outdoor lovers. The city's proximity to Spokane also makes it attractive to business travelers. Whatever brings you to Cheney, you'll enjoy your stay.
Below are reviews of the city of Cheney, WA from an actual visitor's perspective.
Cute college town
EWU Go Eagles!
Small town feel.
City was easy to navigate as we visited relatives.
Very clean and comfortable room. Staff was friendly and helpful.