St. Maries, Idaho
St. Maries developed as a steamboat stop
and major distribution center for raw logs, at the
confluence of the St. Maries and St. Joe rivers. Named by
Father Pierre DeSmet, who built the original mission on the
St. Joe just north of town before flooding caused him to
move it to Cataldo. St. Maries timber industry involvement
continues. Boats maneuvering large brailles of logs to
sawmills can still be seen moving along the St. Joe. St.
Maries is the home of Vernon Baker, the first African
American awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor.
Beauty and Recreation
 The natural beauty and outdoor sporting
opportunities of St. Maries (pronounced St. Marys) are an
appealing combination to visitors and residents alike. Each
season provides new and different possibilities for play and
relaxation. Several boat ramps, including one at St. Maries
Aqua Park, make it easy to launch your boat on the St. Joe
River. A day on the water can include kayaking, water skiing
or cruising on the St. Joe, St. Maries River, Lake Chatcolet
or Round Lake. Cherry Bend boaters park is an excellent
picnic location and home to many community events.
White water enthusiasts will find the
upper St. Joe a challenge. Expert route advice and
information on water levels are available from the St.
Maries Ranger District.
Just one mile east of town is the St.
Maries Golf course, a challenging, well maintained nine hole
course, with cart rental and a restaurant available.
 Nearby Heyburn State Park includes
cabins, campgrounds, beaches, boating and evening programs.
The St. Joe National Forest also has camping facilities and
easy access hiking trails. The Marble Creek area is a
tourist mecca for it's mountain bike trails for all ages and
skill levels, as well as camping and hiking through ancient
cedar groves. The US Forest Service has established a
historical site along Marble Creek that enables visits to
turn of century logging camps and sites.
In winter months snowmobiling enthusiasts delight in
miles of groomed trails and good snow. Guided tours are
available.
Sportsman's Paradise
A number of small lakes, streams and
rivers surround St. Maries, assuring fisherman their quotas
of bass, trout, kokanee, northern pike and perch.
The St. Joe National Forest, which
supports the third largest elk herd in North America, is
popular with big game hunters. Deer, bear, moose, mountain
goat, pheasant, turkey and migratory waterfowl are abundant
for the photographer's pleasure as well.
Diversified Economy
St. Maries has diversified its economy,
traditionally dependent on the timber industry, by
capitalizing on the region's tourism and expanding it's vast
recreational opportunities.
A strong economic development
organization is ready to share "one of the few frontiers"
still available for outstanding recreation and businesses of
all kinds. St. Maries residents enjoy a high quality of life
and a hometown spirit not found in larger cities.
Within walking distance of downtown
visitors will find the Historic Hughes House, a city park
with tennis courts, picnic facilities, a swimming pool,
fairgrounds with a well groomed horse arena, an art gallery,
RV hookups and a dumping station, a bowling alley, eight
softball fields, and a riverfront park with beach, picnic
and docking facilities. St. Maries has many small specialty
shops and retail and service businesses for the shopper or
sportsman.
St. Maries Links
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