Dear Life Section, 

I have been stranded in Pullman this summer with no life on campus for the first time. My summer job compels me to stay back. 

I want to make this summer interesting and lively despite the limitations. Do you have any suggestions?

Sincerely, 

Summer-Stranded-Coug. 

Dear Summer-Stranded-Coug, 

Pullman is often considered a sleepy town during the summer months, especially with most of the WSU students heading home or off to an internship. However, this quieter period offers a great opportunity to explore the area without the usual hustle and bustle. 

For those who appreciate the outdoors during the vibrant summer, a trail meandering through the hills and farmlands, providing a beautiful view of the Palouse landscape, could be an interesting idea. 

The 7-mile Bill Chipman Palouse Trail stretching from Pullman to Moscow, ID allows a quiet route for biking, hiking or simply promenading. 

Obviously, the outdoors are not limited to this trail. Pullman has a number of open pathways to walk, sprint or bike, which include Terre View, Koppel Farm, City Playfields and the Jonson Road Spur.

Visit the WSU Bear Research Center, a conservation facility where bears can be seen playing in the exercise yard, their pool and during their outside runs. They hibernate during the winter, so don’t miss your chance to check them out over the summer! 

Pullman also has several parks perfect for a weekend play. Sunnyside Park features a jungle gym, baseball and football fields and a mini lake with a paved path. It also has an 18-hole disc golf course and pickleball courts. Reanny Park near College Hill has a public pool along with a skate park and running track. 

For those who love hiking, the Kamiak Butte County Park offers fantastic trails with views of the Palouse. Don’t forget Pooch Park, a wonderful place to bring your pets for a walk or some off-leash play. 

Visit Downtown Pullman to see the Pullman Walk of Fame plaques on the sidewalks spreading from all four corners of the Main Street and Kamiak Street intersection 

Visit the Moscow Farmer’s Market that stretches from May to October. It is a great way to experience local and fresh produce as well as support small businesses. They have delicious food and live music too. 

Summer is a great time to explore the Palouse Ridge Golf Club, which offers a Scottish links-style championship course. Learn a new sport or brush up on your golfing skills. Airway Hills Golf Center offers a 9-hole links and mini golf. They also offer teaching lessons as well as hold golf simulator events. 

Drive up to the Snake River for water sports and riverside activities.

For indoor activities, visit the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art before it shuts down for summer in July. It is said to be the largest fine art facility in the Inland Northwest. Visit the Charles Conner Museum to explore more than 700 specimens of vertebrate animals 

The Wortham-Johnson Veterinary Anatomy Teaching Museum offers anatomical specimens that are incorporated into teaching. This museum is open to both self-guided and staff-guided tours on Fridays. 

The Pullman Depot also provides displays on local heritage in their “AT the Freight Room” series. 

Pullman also offers a variety of family-owned restaurants and some of the oldest local bars. Ferdinand’s Ice-Cream Shoppe allows customers to see how ice cream and Cougar Gold cheese are made through their observation room. 

Craving a night out? Rico’s Public House offers a relaxed atmosphere with a game of snooker, while Etsi Bravo is ideal for signature cocktails. Beer lovers can sample rotating taps at Paradise Creek Brewery, and families can enjoy bowling and arcade games at Zeppoz.

In the stillness of summer, Pullman sheds its student buzz and reveals a slower, quieter charm, perfect for those who know where to look.

Sincerely, 

Life Section.