Okay, I'll be honest – when I first visited Moses Lake years back, I didn't expect much beyond a quick pit stop. Boy was I wrong! This central Washington gem has become my regular escape from Seattle's hustle. People ask me all the time: "What's actually fun to do there?" Well grab a coffee, because I've got the real local scoop on the best things to do in Moses Lake.
Water Adventures You Can't Miss
Let's start with the obvious – that massive 6,500-acre lake isn't just for show. On my last summer trip, the water temperature hit 75°F... absolute perfection.
Moses Lake State Park
This is ground zero for lake fun. The swimming area's sandy bottom surprised me – no rocky surprises underfoot. Their boat launch gets packed by 10am on weekends (trust me, I learned the hard way).
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Address | 401 WA-171, Moses Lake, WA 98837 |
| Hours | 6:30am - dusk (year-round) |
| Parking | $10 day pass or Discover Pass |
| Pro Tip | Rent kayaks from Lakeside Surf & Skate downtown ($35/hr) |
I'm not much of a fisherman, but my buddy Dave swears by the smallmouth bass near Confluence Park. He texts me photos every July that almost make me jealous.
Potholes State Park (Short Drive Away)
Okay technically 30 minutes west, but locals consider this part of the Moses Lake experience. Those eerie basalt formations create killer photo ops. Last fall I spotted over 50 bird species before lunch.
Land-Based Exploration
Got tired arms from paddling? Me too. Here's where to stretch your legs.
Hiking & Biking Trails
The 12-mile Moses Lake Loop Trail saved me during pandemic cabin fever. Starts downtown near Surf 'n Slide Waterpark (more on that later) and wraps around the lake. You'll see:
- Marshlands with blue herons (bring binoculars!)
- Industrial areas (less scenic but interesting)
- Quiet neighborhoods with cute gardens
For mountain bikers, Crab Creek Trail kicks your butt with elevation changes – my quads burned for days after trying it last spring.
Golfing Options Compared
As a mediocre golfer who loses balls constantly, I appreciate courses forgiving to hackers like me.
| Course | Price (18 holes) | Best Feature | My Take |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Links at Moses Pointe | $42-58 | Lake views on 14 holes | Worth the splurge - immaculate greens |
| Moses Lake Golf Club | $25-35 | Mature trees | Good value but crowded weekends |
| Desert Aire Golf Course | $30-40 | Desert landscape | Drive required (45 mins) but unique |
That water hazard on Pointe's 7th hole? Yeah, it's eaten three of my Titleists. Consider yourself warned.
Family Fun Central
Traveling with kids? I've dragged my nieces around enough to know what works.
Surf 'n Slide Waterpark
This place shocked me – way better than generic municipal pools. The lazy river is my personal happy place. They've got:
- Three wild waterslides (the blue one is fastest!)
- Zero-depth toddler area with mini slides
- Concession stand with surprisingly decent pizza
- Four-story jungle gym
- Toddler zone separated from big kids
- Café with decent coffee (parent survival essential)
- Free admission (donations appreciated)
- Open Tue-Sat 11am-5pm
- Rotating local art displays
- Peach jam from Valley Fruit
- Heirloom tomatoes at Johnson's stand
- Handmade tamales near the fountain
- Water sports reign supreme - rentals available everywhere
- Concerts in the park Thursday evenings
- Book lakefront accommodations 3+ months ahead
- Ice fishing on northern bays (check thickness!)
- Holiday lights at McCosh Park
- Indoor pool sessions at Moses Lake High School
- Railroad crossings causing delays
- Farm equipment on rural roads
- School zones during 7-8am & 2-3pm
- Spring Bird Fest (April) - Thousands of migrating sandhill cranes
- Summer Air Show (July) - WWII planes buzzing the lake
- Farmers Day (September) - Parade and pie-eating contest
- Holiday Lighted Boat Parade (December) - Boats decked in Christmas lights
- Get on the water early before winds pick up
- Talk to locals at coffee shops – they'll share hidden spots
- Embrace the small-town pace instead of fighting it
- Pack layers – desert temps swing 40+ degrees daily
Essential Info: Open daily 12pm-6pm June-August ($12 adults, $9 kids). Arrive right at opening to snag shady lounge chairs.
Kids' Play Paradise
When temperatures hit 95°F last August, we fled here for AC relief. Massive indoor play structure with:
Admission: $10/child (adults free). Clean bathrooms and free wifi sealed the deal for my sister.
Culture & Learning Experiences
Need a break from sunscreen? Moses Lake has some cool indoor options.
Moses Lake Museum & Art Center
Their "Ice Age Floods" exhibit blew my mind – did you know this whole area was shaped by apocalyptic floods? Way more exciting than it sounds. Plus:
The gift shop sells beautiful pottery from local artists. I still use the mug I bought there two years ago.
Civic Center Theatre
Caught a community theater production last winter expecting amateur hour. Holy cow – their "Music Man" could've rivaled Seattle shows. Check their schedule at moseslakecac.com. Tickets usually $15-25.
Eating Like a Local
Food matters, right? After dozens of meals here's my hit list:
Must-Try Restaurants
| Spot | Specialty | Price Point | Local Secret |
|---|---|---|---|
| Michael's on the Lake | Walleye tacos | $$$ | Sunset views from terrace |
| Tacos El Rey | Carne asada burritos | $ | Ask for "spicy green sauce" |
| Porterhouse Steakhouse | 28-day aged ribeye | $$$$ | Sunday prime rib special |
| Rock Top Coffee | Hazelnut latte | $ | Homemade cinnamon rolls sell out by 10am |
Michael's outdoor patio during golden hour? Pure magic. Though service can slow down when they're busy – bring patience with that view.
Farmer's Market Finds
Saturdays 9am-1pm (May-Oct) at Sinkiuse Square. Don't miss:
Pro tip: Get there before 10am for best selection. Last July I slept in and missed the cherry pies – still bitter.
Seasonal Considerations
Timing dramatically changes what activities make sense:
Summer (June-August)
Winter (December-February)
That January ice storm last year? Made everything sparkle but roads were awful. Pack chains if visiting winter months.
Your Moses Lake Questions Answered
What are some free things to do in Moses Lake?
Walk the dunes at Potholes, browse the museum, fish off public docks, or picnic at McCosh Park. Tuesday movies in the park during summer are totally free!
Where's the best place for sunset photos?
Top of the dunes at Potholes State Park or the fishing pier at Cascade Park. Bring wide-angle lens!
Is Moses Lake worth visiting in winter?
If you like quiet landscapes and cozy cafes, absolutely. Just skip if you hate temperatures below freezing.
What's the closest airport?
Moses Lake has a small regional airport (MWH), but most people fly into Spokane (GEG - 90 mins) or Seattle (SEA - 3 hours).
Where should I stay near water activities?
Lakefront Inn has private docks ($145/night) or try Moses Lake Sandhill Inn for budget option ($89). Both fill fast in summer.
Insider Wisdom: That "lake smell" on windy days? Comes from nearby farms, not pollution. Locals joke it's the "smell of money." You get used to it after a day.
Getting Around Practicalities
Rental cars are essential – Uber exists but waits can be 30+ minutes. Downtown parking is easy and free (shocking coming from Seattle!). Watch for:
GPS works fine until you hit dunes area. Grab a paper map at visitor center.
Special Events Worth Planning Around
Mark these on your calendar:
The boat parade sounds cheesy but sipping cocoa while watching glittering boats glide past? Surprisingly magical.
Final Thoughts From Someone Who's Been There
Look, Moses Lake won't compete with Disneyland. But if you want real Washington with friendly locals and outdoor access without crowds? It's gold. My advice:
Last thing: That "Moses Lake glow"? It's real. Something about desert light reflecting off water. You'll see.
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