Overview
Cheney is a small city of roughly 12,000 people situated about 16 miles southwest of Spokane on the Columbia Plateau. It occupies a broad, open landscape of wheat fields, ponderosa-pine pockets, and shallow lakes — a terrain that surprises visitors accustomed to western Washington's evergreen forests.
The city's identity is closely tied to Eastern Washington University (EWU), whose campus anchors the downtown and brings a steady pulse of academic and cultural activity to an otherwise quiet community. Outside of EWU events, Cheney moves at an unhurried pace that suits travelers looking for an authentic slice of small-town eastern Washington rather than a polished tourist destination.
The surrounding area — part of the Channeled Scablands formed by ancient Ice Age floods — offers genuine natural interest, most notably at Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge, a short drive south of town. For most visitors Cheney works best as a purposeful stop or an affordable base when Spokane hotels are full or expensive.
Before You Go
Visas
Cheney is a standard US destination. For visa requirements, consult TravelerPulse's Visas section and the official US Customs and Border Protection or State Department website for guidance specific to your nationality.
Climate
Cheney has a semi-arid, four-season climate. Summers are warm and dry (highs often in the mid-80s°F / low 30s°C), while winters are cold with regular snow and temperatures that can dip well below freezing. Spring and fall are transitional and generally pleasant but can bring sudden temperature swings. Pack layers for any season.
What to bring
- Sturdy walking shoes or light hiking footwear for wildlife refuge trails
- Binoculars if you plan to visit Turnbull NWR
- A car or confirmed ride-share arrangement — public transport options are limited
- Sunscreen and water, especially in summer; the plateau sun is strong and shade is sparse
Getting There
By air
The nearest commercial airport is Spokane International Airport (GEG), served by multiple major US carriers. From the airport, Cheney is roughly a 20-minute drive west on US-2 and SR-904. Rental cars are available at GEG and represent the most practical option.
By car
Cheney sits just off Interstate 90. From Spokane, take I-90 west to the Cheney exit and follow SR-904 into town. The drive is straightforward on a divided highway.
By bus
SporTran, the Spokane Transit Authority's intercity service, has historically operated a route connecting Spokane and Cheney, primarily serving EWU students. Schedules, fares, and current route status should be verified directly with Spokane Transit Authority before you travel, as service levels change seasonally.
Getting Around
Cheney's downtown and the EWU campus are compact enough to walk between once you have arrived. However, reaching Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge, Chapman Lake, or other surrounding natural areas requires a vehicle.
Ride-share apps (Uber and Lyft) operate in the Spokane region and may reach Cheney, but availability can be inconsistent — do not rely on them as your sole transportation option. Bicycles are practical on campus and in the flat downtown core, and the EWU campus has bike-friendly paths.
If you are day-tripping from Spokane, a rental car from GEG is the simplest and most flexible approach.
Where to Stay
Cheney has a limited number of accommodation options, typically including budget chain motels along the main highway corridor. Availability tightens significantly during EWU move-in weekends, graduation, and home football games — book ahead if you plan to visit during those periods.
Spokane offers a far wider range of hotels at various price points and is close enough (about 20 minutes by car) to serve as a comfortable base for exploring Cheney and the surrounding Scablands. Verify current options and rates on standard booking platforms before your trip, as the local accommodation landscape changes.
Things to See & Do
Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge
This is the area's standout natural attraction. Located about 4 miles south of Cheney, Turnbull protects more than 16,000 acres of wetlands, lakes, and ponderosa pine habitat across the Channeled Scablands. It is an important stopover for migratory waterfowl and supports resident populations of white-tailed deer, trumpeter swans, and a variety of raptors. An auto tour route and walking trails make it accessible to most visitors. Verify current hours and any access fees directly with the US Fish & Wildlife Service before your visit.
Eastern Washington University Campus
EWU's campus is attractive and open to the public. The Cheney Cowiche-Creek Nature Trail and campus green spaces are pleasant for a stroll. Check the university's events calendar for public lectures, theatre productions, and sporting events that may coincide with your visit.
Chapman Lake
A small, quiet lake northwest of town, Chapman Lake offers basic fishing and non-motorized boating access. It is a low-key spot that reflects the unassuming character of the surrounding region.
Channeled Scablands exploration
The broader landscape around Cheney is geologically remarkable — shaped by the cataclysmic Missoula Floods of the last Ice Age. Driving the back roads south and west of town reveals dramatic dry coulees, basalt outcrops, and pothole lakes. No formal tour infrastructure exists; a good regional map and some curiosity are all you need.
Food & Drink
Cheney's dining scene is modest and oriented toward the student and local community rather than visitors. You will find a handful of casual American restaurants, pizza spots, and fast-food chains along the main commercial strip. A few locally owned diners and cafes serve reliable everyday food at reasonable prices — verify what is currently operating before you arrive, as turnover in small college-town restaurants can be high.
For a broader range of dining — including international cuisine, craft breweries, and fine dining — Spokane is only 20–25 minutes away and offers a much wider selection. Many visitors find it practical to base meals in Spokane and use Cheney as a daytime destination.
Grocery options in town include at least one full-service supermarket, useful if you are self-catering or packing a picnic for the wildlife refuge.
Practical Information
Emergency services
Dial 911 for police, fire, or medical emergencies anywhere in the United States.
Medical care
Cheney has limited medical facilities. For non-emergency care, a walk-in clinic may be available locally — verify locally. For serious medical needs, Spokane has major hospital systems including Providence and MultiCare Deaconess.
Money
ATMs are available in town, and most businesses accept major credit cards. Cash is useful for small local vendors.
Connectivity
Cell coverage from major US carriers is generally good in town. Wi-Fi is available on the EWU campus and at some local businesses.
Tipping
Standard US tipping conventions apply: 15–20% at sit-down restaurants, $1–2 per drink at bars.
Safety
Cheney is a generally safe, quiet college town. Standard urban common-sense precautions apply: secure valuables in your vehicle, be aware of your surroundings at night, and avoid leaving bags unattended.
When visiting Turnbull NWR or exploring rural areas, let someone know your plans, carry water, and check weather forecasts — summer heat and winter ice can both create hazardous conditions quickly on the open plateau. Cell coverage may be spotty in the most remote parts of the scablands.
