Coeur d'Alene, Idaho
The Lake is Just the Beginning
 Much of the fun-filled action in North
Idaho can be found in the city at the center of the Idaho
Panhandle - Coeur d'Alene.
The French name Coeur d'Alene (pronounced
core Da lane) was given to the Schee-Chu-Umsh Indians by
early French Canadians or by French-speaking Iroquois
Indians, who traveled through the area in the 1790s. Its
literal translation is "heart of awl," meaning hearts like
the point of an awl (a leather-working tool). The reason it
was applied to the tribe is still a mystery. The most common
explanation is that it was an attempt to describe their
shrewd, sharp, tough trading practices.
The Center Of It All
The Lake City, the sparkling jewel of the Gem
State, is always abuzz with activity, including art shows,
athletic events, outdoor fun and an endless list of things
to see and do. Coeur d'Alene is the county seat of
Kootenai County and is the sixth largest city in the state.
Located at the junction of Interstate 90 and U.S. 95, Coeur
d'Alene is bound on the south by Lake Coeur d'Alene, which
serves as the major attraction for downtown. With city
beaches, parks and docks, the lake is easily accessible for
swimming, boating, picnicking and water-related sports. Lake
Coeur d'Alene, called one of the world's most beautiful
lakes by The Encyclopedia Brittanica, extends 23 miles to
the south and has 109 miles of shoreline.
Shopping in Coeur d'Alene
The retail and service center for North
Idaho, Coeur d'Alene provides hundreds of shopping
experiences. Towne Center Mall (located at Appleway & Gov't
Way) has chain book and quality discount, sport and card
stores. Silver Lake Mall (indoors at Hwy 95 and Hanley) has
over 60 retail and food stores including JC Penneys, Macys,
Sears, PacSun and more. Recent additions to the list of
national favorites are T.J. Maxx, PetCo, Fred Meyer, Lowes
Hardware, Home Depot, Costco, Office Max, Sportsman's
Warehouse and many Starbucks
Coffee shops. Unique boutique and gift stores dot the
mid-town (South of Harrison on 4th Street) area of Coeur
d'Alene.
Downtown Coeur d'Alene
For over a hundred years, locals and
visitors alike have enjoyed shopping downtown because of the
friendly service, immense selection, and unique lakeside
atmosphere for which downtown Coeur d'Alene has become
famous. Stroll down Sherman Avenue's "lamp-post and
cobblestone" small town main street. There you'll find
specialty shops of every type including jewelers, clothiers,
antique shops, and art galleries. At every corner, discover
quaint shops and restaurants tucked away on side streets.
Planned Growth
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With the recent completion of the 15
story condominium project, city planners are embracing a
vision of developing the downtown corridor with residential
as well as cultural and business oriented tenants. A $6
million dollar library broke ground
overlooking McEuen Park at 7th and Front, in 2006. Boasting
an auditorium, state of the art electronic media center,
arts and cultural areas and food court it is destined to be
a regional landmark.
As additional multi-family residential buildings and
condominium projects are presented the downtown area is
poised for dramatic changes in the near future.
Riverstone
is a true "live, work, and walk" development composed of
office, retail, entertainment, open space waterfront and
single family homes on the Spokane River in Coeur d'Alene.
The Village at Riverstone, comprised of fifty-two custom
condominium homes, will balance luxury living, business,
entertainment, shopping and recreation. Recently named one of the "Top 5 Emerging Cities" by USA
Today...Coeur d'Alene is no longer an undiscovered treasure.
Endless Activities
 While some prefer the treasures found in
the variety of shops in the downtown area, others may find
nature's treasures more to their liking. Heartier hikers
will find the city's most scenic views from the world's
largest floating boardwalk (at The Coeur d'Alene Resort),
Tubb's Hill (it's trail head is where 3rd Street meets the
lake) or the Coeur d'Alene City Park, complete with a 6,000
square foot wooden play structure and public swimming beach.
From five star dining and wine shops to brew pubs, specialty
coffee houses, ethnic food and family fare, downtown has
something for everyone.
 Frequent travelers to downtown will find
something new with each trip. Exciting events, family
activities and special promotions have drawn a renewed
interest as well as new retailers to downtown. Don't miss
the summer concert series (free to the public) Sunday
afternoons at the band shell in the Coeur d'Alene City park
or Wednesday evenings at Sherman Park. For a full calendar
of events or information on business relocation, contact the
Downtown Association (208) 667-4040 or
www.cdadowntown.com.
Ironman USA Triathlon
 Coeur d'Alene is proud to play host for
the next five years to the Ironman USA Triathlon. The 2.4
mile swim will be a 2-loop rectangle entering and exiting
Lake Coeur d'Alene from the city beach. The 112 mile bike
ride will go through downtown, along Cd'A Lake Drive then
through Hayden and Post Falls and finish back at the Cd'A
City Park. The 26.2 mile run goes along Lake Cd'A and
through the North Idaho College campus. The event will bring between
1,500 and 1,800 of the world's top athletes as well as thousands of
friends, family and spectators to Coeur d'Alene. For Ironman USA Triathlon info.
www.ironmancda.com.
Coeur d'Alene Links
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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