Drumheller Springs

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The natural history of this park goes back to geological events that shaped this area including lava flows, glacial activity, and the Missoula Floods. All of these events helped form the basalt rock, springs, and deep hillside steppes that are characteristic of this area.

The Spokane Indians passed through this area on their way from the Little Spokane River to the Spokane Falls and back. The geography and presence of the springs made this a natural stopping point for travelers. The area was rich with food sources such as bitterroot, camas, arrowhead balsam root, wild onion, and salsify. Each of these plants have edible bulbs or roots.

The Drumheller Springs area was home to Spokane Garry's school. While the school building was near the Spokane House, the area at the springs had a long house used as a second school and gathering place. Because of the springs, once white men started settling the area, a man named Dan Drumheller decided to build a slaughter house. The springs was a natural source of clear, cold water needed for the operation. The springs became the best source of drinking water for the growing city of Spokane Falls and became a popular site for picnics and camping.

The Eastern Washington Historical Society bought the property in 1968, in addition the historical society provided $500 for a landscape architect and he created a study concerning the historical development potential of the site. Residents of the City of Spokane desperately needed and wanted a recreation area but it was determined the park was too small and lacked sufficient level ground for equipment to be installed.

The park is used by school groups to learn about nature and wildlife. Visitors can enjoy the changing of the seasons, the flowers, and the animal life in this park. Students will catch and release small water animals, take photographs of plants and make leaf prints.