Lewiston, ID
Situated between the Snake and Clearwater rivers in southwestern Idaho, Lewiston is a city of approximately 31,000 people. It offers many outdoor activities due to its location near the water and its several area parks. The area is also proud of its heritage and its connection to the famous Lewis and Clark Expedition. The town is specifically named after Meriwether Lewis and isn't shy about celebrating its history.
Lewiston's community is closely intertwined with that of neighboring city Clarkston, Washington, located on the other side of Snake River. On both sides of the river are levees maintained by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to prevent flooding.
ECONOMY AND INDUSTRIES
Clearwater Paper Corp., a major lumber and paper manufacturer, is one of the city's biggest employers. Manufacturing and health care are also major industries, and Lewiston has also become a regional shopping destination in recent years, with the Lewiston Center Mall offering over 250,000 square feet of shopping.
EDUCATION
- Lewis-Clark State College: Founded in 1893, the college has an enrollment of more than 3,000 students. The college offers undergraduate and technical programs.
- Lewiston Public Schools: Lewiston has seven elementary schools and two junior high schools. Approximately 1,200 students in grades 10 through 12 attend Lewiston Public High School, and there is also an alternative high school with fewer than 100 students.
NEIGHBORHOODS AND DISTRICTS
Lewiston's notable neighborhoods include:
- Lewis-Clark State College/Snake River Avenue: This urban area is composed mainly of historic homes that were built before 1939. Many college students live in this artsy, walkable neighborhood.
- Lewiston Orchards: A quiet, suburban area with people from a variety of age groups. These medium-size homes were built mostly from 1940 through 1969.
- Waha/Zaza: This is a remote, quiet area with mostly midsize, single-family houses, home to many manufacturers and laborers.
- 17th Avenue/17th Street: Executives and managers live in this suburban neighborhood. Most of the medium-size, single-family homes were built between 1940 and 1969.
- Lindsay Creek Road/Burrell Avenue: This area is primarily home to families with children. It boasts primarily midsize, single-family homes.
- Cedar Avenue/Thain Road: This suburban area is home to people of all age groups and consists mainly of small, single-family homes.
- Thain Road/Preston Avenue: These small, single-family homes are occupied mainly by seniors over the age of 65. This area is quiet and walkable.
FAMILY FUN
- Hells Canyon National Recreation Area: Set on the border of Oregon and Idaho is North America's deepest river gorge, offering trails for hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, whitewater rafting, fishing and more.
- Hells Gate State Park: Jet boat excursions into Hell's Canyon leave regularly from the park's boat dock. Campsites are available for those who want to stay in the park.
- Hereth Park: The community has made a concerted effort to make this the nicest park in Lewiston. It houses new playground equipment, covered shelter and a softball field.
- Locomotive Park: The site of the retired locomotive Steam Engine 92 and Camas Prairie Railroad Caboose, this park also has playground equipment and picnic tables.
- Airport Park: Located next to the Lewis-Nez Perce County Airport, this park has several softball fields, a baseball field, tennis courts, covered shelter and a basketball court.
- Sunset Park: Sunset Park features a softball field, two T-ball fields, a tennis court, a basketball court and playground equipment.
EVENTS
- Annual Dogwood Festival: This month-long celebration in April honors the blossoming dogwood trees of the Lewis-Clark Valley.
- Hot August Nights: This event is held annually one weekend in August to the delight of car enthusiasts. The festival includes concerts by classic musicians, a parade of the cars down Main Street, and a "show and shine" for the cars.
- Winter Spirit Festival of Lights: This citywide display of holiday lights in December culminates with a lighting ceremony at Locomotive Park.
- National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics World Series: Lewis-Clark State College has hosted the series off and on for nearly two decades, with more than 300 World Series games having been played in the city. An average of 2,000 people attend each game of the series, which takes place in May.
ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT
Lewiston celebrates its developing artistic community and heritage:
- Lewis-Clark State College Center for Arts and History: Located in the heart of historic downtown Lewiston, the center's mission is to promote performing, visual and literary arts within the community.
- North Lewiston Gateway Project: Artwork designed by local artists is on display on the drive into Lewiston city limits. Statues and murals represent the town's history.
- Lewiston Civic Theatre: Lewiston's premier venue for the performing arts offers educational opportunities as well as performances.