When you think of a weekend getaway in Washington, there are many towns that likely come to the front of your mind like Seattle, Olympia, and Leavenworth. However, there is one town in the Evergreen State that is often overlooked but, surprisingly, makes for an excellent getaway destination — Pullman. From incredible food to outdoor adventures, Pullman, Washington, is one of the best small towns in Washington and deserves to be on your bucket list!

Pullman is located in the southeastern part of the state, right along the Washington and Idaho state line.
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More than 32,000 people call this beautiful town home, and we're sure that if you ask any of them, they'll say that it is one of the best small towns in Washington!
Most people know Pullman for one thing — Washington State University. This Washington town revolves around the university, where approximately 30,000 students enroll each year.
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As college towns go, it is really cool! Students come from all over the state and further afield not only for a great education but because of the overall Pullman ambiance which is very warm and welcoming.
While you can always walk around the beautiful campus, there is so much more available in this charming town.
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You can begin by exploring both Pullman and the surrounding area on the Bill Chipman Palouse Trail. This paved path takes you from Pullman to Moscow, Idaho, approximately eight miles away. Ride a bike, run, or walk, and just enjoy the beauty around you.

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You can also go for a short drive and see some of the hills of the Palouse.
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The Palouse is more than 18,000 square miles and includes portions of north-central Idaho, Washington, and Oregon. The hills of the Palouse were actually formed thousands of years ago and are made from dust and silt called loess that blew into the area from dust storms.
For a family-friendly and neat stop in Pullman, visit the WSU Bear Research, Education, and Conservation Center. This is the only grizzly bear research center of its kind in the entire country.
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It is better than going to the zoo! Here, you can watch the bears eat, sleep, play, and more. Stay for as long as you like and even better, this attraction is free. You can learn more on Washington State University's website.
For a delicious snack, make sure to stop by the WSU Creamery.
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If you love ice cream, this is among the best you'll find in the state!
Oh yeah! We know you're salivating now!
WSU Creamery Facebook Page
The Creamery first opened its doors in 1948 and has been making and selling the popular Ferdinand’s Ice Cream ever since. Make sure you also try the award-winning Cougar Cheese — you won’t regret it. This place is just one more thing that makes Pullman one of the best small towns in Washington.

With all there is to do in this southeastern Washington town, you’ll find that you are busy your entire weekend. And if you can’t stay for the weekend, you’ll still find that it is one of the best day trips in Washington!

Have you ever spent time in Pullman? If so, what were some of your favorite things to do in this town? If not, do you plan to visit? We’d love to know your thoughts or about your experiences in the comments section below!

You may not know it, but Pullman is also a terrific place to eat. In fact, there are several restaurants in this town that are worth your time. Feast your eyes on just a few of these tasty places to eat in town.

If you’re into hiking, you’ll definitely want to explore the Dog Mountain Trail as shown in this video:

 

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More to Explore

Adventures in Washington

Lysa Allman-Baldwin | April 03, 2023

Where can we find other small towns in Washington?

  • Stanwood, located about an hour north of Seattle, is steeped in rich Scandinavian history.
  • Blaine, which borders British Columbia, is a friendly fishing community known as “The Peace Arch City.”
  • La Conner, located about a 20-minute drive from Mt. Vernon, sits right on the Salish Sea with Puget Sound on both ends.

Read on to learn more about the many charming small towns in Washington.

Where can we find lakes in Washington?

  • Colchuck Lake in Chelan County is accessible via the four-mile Stuart Lake Trail.
  • Lake Chelan in Chelan County is Washington’s deepest lake and offers a wide array of recreational water activities.
  • Summit Lake in Thurston County is a popular spot for water sports, swimming, and fishing.

Read on to learn more about the many outstanding lakes in Washington.

Where can we find historic sites in Washington?

  • Fort Nisqually in Tacoma is a living history museum that started as the first European trading post on Puget Sound.
  • The Burial Site of Chief Seattle in Suquamish is one of 38 sites situated in the Nez Perce National Historic Park.
  • The Fort Vancouver National Historic Site in Vancouver, established in 1824, was an important 19th-century fur trading outpost.

Read on to learn more about the many fascinating historic sites in Washington.

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Pullman, WA 99163, USA