There is much to see and do when you visit Eastern Washington University. Nestled in the heart of the bustling city of Cheney, Washington, the university provides a unique and refreshing experience with its beautiful campus, its endless opportunities for student involvement, and its wide range of activities and attractions.
From exploring the outdoor recreation opportunities to discovering the local dining spots, there are plenty of ways to make the most of your visit to Eastern Washington University. With the help of this guide, you will be able to explore the campus and the surrounding area, find the best places to eat and shop, and learn more about the various activities and events available.
Whether you are a prospective student, a parent, or a visitor, Eastern Washington University is a great place to explore and experience all that it has to offer.
Overview of Eastern Washington University
Eastern Washington University is a public university located in the city of Cheney, Washington. It is home to about 15,000 students and employs about 1,300 faculty members. The university got its start as a land-grant institution in 1896 and has been growing ever since.
Today, it is one of the state’s largest higher education institutions and is known for its strong programs in the sciences and health sciences. Students come from all over to enjoy the vibrant campus culture and the wide variety of extracurricular activities available.
The campus is also a great destination for visitors, who can enjoy all that it has to offer. The campus is divided into three main areas. The first is the Central Campus, which includes the Academic Quad and adjacent residence halls.
The second is the North Campus, which boasts several athletic facilities and the Paul G. Allen Center for Excellence. And the third is the South Campus, which is home to the School of the Sciences and the recently-completed Health Sciences Building. Visitors can enjoy a wide variety of attractions and activities on campus, including the Museum of Wild Culture, the EWU Art Museum, and the EWU Observatory.
Exploring the Campus
The Academic Quad is the heart of Eastern Washington University’s campus. This picturesque green space is flanked by historic buildings, including the beautiful Waechter Hall, with its Romanesque architecture, and the stately Martin Hall, which was designed in the Collegiate Gothic style.
The Academic Quad is also home to the iconic bell tower, which rings at the top of every hour, serving as a familiar landmark and a reminder of the importance of passing on knowledge. Beyond the Academic Quad, visitors can explore the extensive network of trails that crisscross the university grounds.
Outdoor Recreation Opportunities
Eastern Washington University is located in the heart of the Inland Northwest, which provides an abundance of outdoor recreation opportunities. From skiing and snowboarding in the winter to hiking, mountain biking, and whitewater rafting in the summer, the area has something to offer everyone.
For those visiting during the winter months, the campus is a short drive from many ski resorts, including the nearby Schweitzer Mountain, one of the state’s most popular winter destinations.
Shopping and Dining
Eastern Washington University is located in the heart of the city of Cheney. Here, visitors can explore the city’s charming downtown district, which features a wide selection of local shops, restaurants, and theaters. Cheney’s downtown area is home to a wide selection of local shops, including C & S Resale, a vintage-inspired clothing store, and Hideaway Leather, a western-themed gift shop.
The city also has a wide range of dining options, including local favorites like the Golden Waffle and the Original Pancake House. For those looking to shop and dine a bit further away from the city, Spokane is just a short drive away.
This nearby city has a wide variety of attractions and activities, including the world-famous Gonzaga University and a selection of museums, including the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture, the Children’s Museum, and the Spokane Art Museum. Visitors will also find a wide selection of shops and restaurants in Spokane.
Attractions and Activities
Eastern Washington University’s campus is home to a wide variety of attractions and activities for visitors of all ages. For those interested in nature and wildlife, the campus is home to the Museum of Wild Culture, which features an impressive collection of live animals from around the world.
The museum also offers a wide variety of educational programs for school groups and visitors of all ages. Another popular attraction for families is the EWU Observatory, which offers unique views of the night sky thanks to its remote location, away from the light pollution of the city.
The campus also has several historical sites and buildings, including the Governor Martin Mansion, the Haga Library, and the original Red Apple Café. Visitors can also enjoy many athletic events and activities, including the annual Hot Pink game – a football game played in October to celebrate breast cancer awareness – and the Women’s Volleyball Tournament, which is open to the public and held in February.
Arts and Entertainment
Eastern Washington University’s campus is home to a wide variety of cultural events and activities throughout the year. For guests interested in the arts, the campus is home to the EWU Art Museum, which features a wide and eclectic collection of artwork from artists around the world.
Visitors can also enjoy the annual Apple Festival, a popular fall event that features local arts and crafts, live music, food, and more. During the spring, guests can enjoy the annual Poetry Festival, which is a celebration of poetry and spoken word.
And during the summer, the campus is the site of the annual JazzFest, a multi-day music festival that brings in top performers and provides an exciting finale to the academic year.
Student Involvement Opportunities
Eastern Washington University offers a wide variety of opportunities for student involvement. Students can join one of the many academic organizations for special interests or academic disciplines, or they can become a part of one of the many social or service organizations that promote community service and philanthropy.
GUPS, the student government, is always looking for new members interested in leading and representing their peers. The university also hosts a wide variety of events and activities throughout the year, from the annual Apple Festival to the Hot Pink game and other special events and celebrations.
Accommodations
Visitors seeking accommodations while visiting the campus can stay in one of the nearby hotels or bed and breakfasts. One of the closest hotels is the Best Western Plus Heritage Inn, which is just a short drive from the campus.
The Heritage Inn offers a wide range of rooms and amenities, including free breakfast, free high-speed internet, and a hot tub. Another nearby hotel is the Home Sweet Cheney Inn, which is located just a few blocks from the campus and the downtown area.
The Home Sweet Cheney Inn offers a variety of accommodations, including indoor water parks and outdoor hot tubs. For those looking for a unique and memorable experience, the EWU Recreation Center offers special accommodations for visitors staying on campus.
Guests can enjoy the recreational opportunities offered by the campus recreation center, including the indoor climbing wall, indoor tennis courts, and more.
Transportation
Eastern Washington University is located in northwestern Washington state, near the Idaho border, about two hours from Seattle and the airport. The city of Cheney is a short drive from the university, which is easily accessible from the surrounding areas via car or public transportation.
Those driving to the university can find directions on the university website, and those taking public transportation can find directions and schedules on the Washington State Department of Transportation website.
The closest airport to Eastern Washington University is the Spokane International Airport, which is about a two-hour drive away. Visitors can find directions to the airport on the airport website, and they can find more information about flights and airlines on the airport’s website.
Events at Eastern Washington University
There is always something happening at Eastern Washington University, from the annual Apple Festival to special events and activities throughout the year. Here are a few of the most popular events at the university.
Apple Festival
Eastern Washington University’s Apple Festival is a fall event held every October that celebrates the campus’s agricultural roots. The festival includes games, activities, and food, including the famous Apple Crisp.
Poetry Festival
The EWU Poetry Festival is a spring event that celebrates poetry and spoken word. The festival features workshops and performances from local and national poets and writers.
Homecoming
Eastern Washington University’s annual Homecoming is a fall event that celebrates the campus’s heritage and community. The event includes tailgate parties, football games, and special community events.
