If you’re familiar with Spokane’s history, you may have heard that it was once home to a popular amusement park. In fact, Natatorium Park was a major attraction up until its 1968 closing. And most Washingtonians barely remember it exists, must less its long and complicated history.

In 1996, KSPC produced an hour-long documentary detailing all there is to know about Natatorium, including some interviews from some of its past employees and guests. The entire thing is available for viewing on YouTube, and it’s truly worth the watch.

Natatorium Park was once located right on the Spokane River, on the west end of Boone Avenue.

KSPS Public TV / YouTube These days, the area is a quiet community of mobile homes. But a century ago, it was so much more.

It all started in 1887, when a Spokane capitalist financed a cable car line across the first wooden Monroe Street Bridge.

KSPS Public TV / YouTube The cable car required a destination at the end to attract riders, so the park was born. The name was changed to Twickenham Park in 1890, and a baseball field, casino and bar were all added that year.

In 1892, the park became Natatorium Park. And that’s when things really started to take off.

KSPS Public TV / YouTube A swimming pool was added that year, and the amusement park rides soon followed.

The park continued to adapt to the changing times, offering anything the owners felt would attract guests…

KSPS Public TV / YouTube

… and in 1920, the Jack Rabbit Roller Coaster was constructed.

KSPS Public TV / YouTube The Jack Rabbit cost $60,000 to build, which was no small amount in 1920. It paid off, however, as it was thought to be the park’s most popular attraction.

Natatorium Park continued to grow and change, but people lost interest over time.

KSPS Public TV / YouTube It closed for good in 1962. Efforts were made to recover it, but it never happened, and in 1968, it was burned to the ground. However, we did get to keep one precious memento – the Loof Carousel, which you’ll still find at Riverfront Park today.

KSPS Public TV / YouTube

These days, the area is a quiet community of mobile homes. But a century ago, it was so much more.

The cable car required a destination at the end to attract riders, so the park was born. The name was changed to Twickenham Park in 1890, and a baseball field, casino and bar were all added that year.

A swimming pool was added that year, and the amusement park rides soon followed.

The Jack Rabbit cost $60,000 to build, which was no small amount in 1920. It paid off, however, as it was thought to be the park’s most popular attraction.

It closed for good in 1962. Efforts were made to recover it, but it never happened, and in 1968, it was burned to the ground. However, we did get to keep one precious memento – the Loof Carousel, which you’ll still find at Riverfront Park today.

Check out this fascinating documentary on Nat Park. We guarantee you’ll learn a few things!

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Address: Spokane, WA, USA