5 Reasons I Believe Moscow Is Idaho’s Most Charming College Town in Fall

Just last week, I was exploring my old stomping grounds—northern Idaho. I currently live in southeastern Idaho, and I miss the Panhandle with all my heart. During my time in the northern part of the state, my family and I spent a few hours walking around the University of Idaho campus (go Vandals!) and visiting some of my favorite areas of Moscow.

After living in this college town for several years, I quickly remembered why I love this area in the late summer and autumn months. In fact, this was my favorite season in this corner of the state. So, in honor of my recent adventure, I want to take you on a walk down memory lane and share five reasons why I believe Moscow, Idaho, is the most charming college town to visit in the fall.

The Palouse Views Are Breathtaking During Harvest

I’ve written many times about how much I love the Palouse Region. Comprising more than 18,000 square miles and including parts of Idaho, Washington, and Oregon, the hills of the Palouse are made from dust and silt called loess and were formed by dust storms thousands of years ago. As you drive into Moscow, you’ll drive through these hills, which create the most gorgeous scene. While they are stunning any time of the year, I love the late summer months and into the fall when all you can see are rolling waves of gold—golden wheat fields that is. This is a scene you won’t find elsewhere in Idaho, and a view you can only receive this time of the year.  

The Back-to-School Excitement in the Community Is Contagious

Moscow is a town centered around the University of Idaho. This means that the excitement is felt everywhere you go at the beginning of a new school year and during some of the university’s annual events like Homecoming in late September or early October. When I lived in Moscow, I loved walking around downtown shortly after school started, and seeing Main Street filled with college students at the local restaurants, coffee shops, and bookstores. Even the Moscow Farmers Market, which runs through October, would be a buzz the last few weeks as students browsed the vendors.

Fall Foliage at the University of Idaho Arboretum and Botanical Garden Is Stunning

I spent many afternoons and evenings walking around the University of Idaho Arboretum and Botanical Garden. This was my favorite place to view the fall foliage in Moscow, and the cooler weather made walking the trail around this 63-acre garden magical. It was often a place where I could find quiet (which was hard for a mom with young children) and disconnect for a few moments in nature.

During my visit last week, I spent an hour walking around the Arboretum with my family. I could not visit Moscow without visiting this special place. While the leaves hadn’t changed colors quite yet, there were still sunflowers and golden Palouse views. You could tell autumn was on its way.

The Kibbie Dome Comes Alive

Fall in Moscow means students, locals, and Vandal fans flock to the P1FCU Kibbie Dome. Known by locals as “the Kibbie Dome,” this indoor athletic stadium is used for men's and women's athletics such as football, basketball, soccer, etc. In the fall, you can watch several sporting events inside the Kibbie Dome including women’s soccer and football. There’s no doubt this area of campus is one you don’t want to skip during a visit to Moscow in the fall.

Moscow's Weather Is Perfect for Outdoor Adventures

I love the fall weather in Moscow, and it is perfect for time outdoors. While you can always walk on the cute streets around town, I would spend many mornings running along the Bill Chipman Palouse Trail, a paved path between Moscow and Pullman. Multiple times a week, my husband would head to Moscow Mountain to ride one of the area’s many mountain biking trails. Just a short drive outside of town is also Mary M. McCroskey State Park, a lovely day trip destination, and Virgil Phillips Farm County Park, which hosts an annual fall festival. You’ll never be bored outdoors this time of the year.

I will always have a special place in my heart for Moscow, but I particularly love this Idaho town's late summer and early fall months. There’s so much to enjoy here—plan a getaway and see for yourself. Just be aware… you may fall in love with Moscow and never want to leave.