North Idaho Attractions
 Get Above it All
Get a bird's-eye view of North Idaho on a high-flying
tour. Brooks Seaplane Service on Lake Coeur d'Alene has
scenic flights over North Idaho waterways. Helicopter excursions and private
charters are also available. For the more adventuresome,
Coeur d'Alene Parasail (765-5367, Independence Point on Lake
Coeur d'Alene) and Wind Walker Parasails (263-2136,
Sandpoint Marina on Lake Pend Oreille) offer a unique view.
Or plan to see the
Lake Coeur d'Alene BalloonFest, Labor Day
weekend. Local pilots are available for commercial flights
throughout the year.
Walk the Boardwalk
 The Boardwalk at The Coeur d'Alene Resort rims the hotel's 372-slip
marina and at 12 feet wide and 3,300 feet long, it is recognized as the
world's longest floating boardwalk. It was constructed in 1986 using 1,600
float logs (each 32 feet long), 28,000 pounds of spikes, 16,000 lag screws
and 8,000 pounds of bolts to complete. The boardwalk and marina are anchored
by 150 tons of concrete and a series of strategically placed pilings. The
boardwalk is the ideal place to view the 4th of July fireworks or the
Fantasy in Lights Thanksgiving weekend kickoff to the holiday season. Rest
your feet on a boardwalk bench or view watercraft of all sizes which are
moored at the marina. Open daily to the public.
Cruise or Live Aboard
 Experience the true beauty of the lakes and rivers of North Idaho by
taking a summer cruise on Lake Coeur d'Alene, Lake Pend Oreille, Spokane
River and St. Joe River. Daily, dinner, brunch and charter cruises are
available. Cruises depart from various locations several times each day
during the summer season, May -- October. For schedules call:
Lake Coeur
d'Alene Cruises 765-4000, Westcoast River Queen 773-1611,
Lake
Pend Oreille Cruises 255-LAKE, Heyburn State Park cruises
686-4030 or River Cove Dinner
Cruises. The
Serendipity
Houseboat and Events Center, located on Lake Coeur d'Alene, is
available for year-round charter cruises 651-6319
Or, float on the lake for a day or a week. The
Boardwalk Marina rents
Cobalt and ten person pontoon boats for private cruises around the lake.
Call 415-5600. Ten person pontoon boat rentals are also available at Red
Lion Templin's Hotel in Post Falls 773-1611. Live-aboard houseboats can
be rented from Excursions Northwest,
Serendipity Houseboat and Events Center (year round
luxury houseboat) on
Lake Coeur d'Alene or BC&M Houseboat Vacations on Lake Pend Oreille.
If you want to vacation on the waterfront,
Coeur d'Alene
Property Management has four season getaway rentals
featuring houses and cabins on Lake Coeur d'Alene, Hayden
Lake, Spirit Lake and Twin Lakes. 765-0777.
International Selkirk Loop
 Named the "West's Best New Scenic Drive" by Sunset Magazine, the
International Selkirk Loop is a 280-mile scenic drive traversing through
Northern Idaho, Eastern Washington and Southern British Columbia.
Starting in Sandpoint, Idaho the route goes through dozens of charming rural
towns. Experience small town friendliness, attractions at a relaxed pace
with no crowds.
You'll travel through classic glacial valleys, along 100-mile long lakes
surrounded by 7,000 foot peaks. The region is home for endangered species
such as the woodland caribou and grizzly bear as well as the white sturgeon
in the Kootenai River. Deer, elk and moose are prevalent.
Activities along the route include 17 top notch golf courses, 4 ski
resorts, world-class fishing, 2 National Wildlife Refuges and one Canadian
wildlife management area. There are hiking trails throughout the surrounding
Panhandle National Forest and Colville National Forest as well as hundreds
of miles of groomed snowmobile trails. In BC, the route goes by 5 Provincial
Parks. There is plenty of RV and tent camping.
Other attractions along this route are the worlds longest free ferry ride
(45 min), a brewery tour, a gold mine tour, hot springs, a mining ghost
town, a historical Russian village tour, award winning museums, a house made
of glass embalming bottles tour, nationally recognized small arts
communities with world class shopping and rails to trail cycling paths.
For longer stays there are 5 Super Side Trip Loops that depart from the
main route returning back to the main section, varying in length from 50
miles to 110 miles. All roadways are two-lane paved with pull-outs and
periodic passing lanes. For more info 1(888)823-2626.
Take a Dam Tour
West of Priest River is the Albeni
Falls hydroelectric dam and visitors center. Free tours
are offered during the summer season, June - August at 10am, 11am, 1pm and
2pm. The dam and visitors center is open everyday (closed Christmas
and New Years), 7:30am - 6pm in the summer, 7:30am - 4pm from September to
May.
 Ride the Gondola
Take your vacation (or visitors) to new heights aboard the
Silver Mountain
Gondola. Stretching 3.1 miles and rising 3,400 vertical feet, the gondola
transports passengers in 16 minutes from the base village in Kellogg to the
Mountain Haus. During the summer, riders can enjoy mountaintop dining,
hiking, mountain bike riding and outdoor concerts. The new Morning Star
Lodge and Gondola Village are under construction and will add even more fun
to your day at the mountain! 1-800-204-6428.
Go Underground
Sierra
Silver Mine Tours, located in Historic Wallace takes you on a 1,000
foot guided walking tour through an actual depleted silver mine. Led by an
experienced miner, you will learn the historical and modern-day techniques
used to mine. In a little over an hour, you can experience this unique and
safe, one-of-a-kind adventure. Mine temperature stays at 48° so bring a
light jacket. A guided trolley tour of Historic Wallace is included.
752-5151.
Pan for Gold
Crystal Goldmine in
Kellogg is the only authentic gold mine in the Northwest, dating back to the
1880s. Lost for nearly 100 years, it was rediscovered and rejuvenated in
1996. Feel like a prospector with seasonal panning for gold! Bring your
camera and a sweater, the mine temperature stays at 48° all year. Easy
walking and no climbing makes this guided tour fun for the whole family. The
mine is open all year and offers free RV parking. Take Exit 54 off I-90 by
the Sunshine Miner's Memorial and travel two miles up Silver Valley Road.
783-4653.
A few miles up the road from Wallace you'll discover Murray, North Idaho's
living ghost town. A.J. Prichard first discovered gold in Murray in 1881
with more than 10,000 prospectors seeking their fortunes on the Coeur
d'Alene River by 1885. While in Murray, enjoy lunch in the shadow of Molly
b'Damn at the Sprag
Pole Inn and Museum, look over the famous Bedroom Goldmine
Bar and try your hand at gold panning (with gold guaranteed every time). Do
not pan local streams without permission. 682-3901.
Located between Prichard and Murray is Eagle City Park
(25 miles from I-90
via the Coeur d'Alene River Road - Exit 43), site of the first gold rush to
the Coeur d'Alenes. For a small fee, modern prospectors can search for gold
on the 35 acre park located in the Coeur d'Alene National Forest. 687-1533.
Fall for the Rock
Built on the Spokane River in 1906 by The Washington Water Power Company
(now Avista Utilities) the Post Falls Dam initially supplied power to
six mining companies in Wallace via a 100-mile, 60,000 volt transmission
line. The dam also controls the water flow of Lake Coeur d'Alene and can
raise or lower the lake level by 12 feet. The dam is accessible from Exit 5
or 6 off Interstate 90, then south on Spokane Street.
Albeni Falls
(all-ban-e) located near Priest River, produces 200 kilowatt hours of energy
annually. Construction on it began in 1951 and completed in 1955. A short
hike on a paved trail and a vista on Hwy 2 allow for viewing. For
information on a powerhouse tour and visitor center hours of operation call
437-3133.
Amuse Yourself, Silverwood!
 Silverwood Theme Park
is a town unto itself, housing theater shows, live
entertainment, a country carnival, midway arcade, thrill-seeking amusement
rides and a spectacular water park. Be sure to ride the narrow gauge steam
train and two of the largest wooden roller coasters in the west. Tempt fate
on the hair raising, 55 mph TimberTerror. Then, if you dare, climb aboard
Silverwood's fastest coaster, Tremors. Plummet 103 feet into the first of
four underground tunnels, then burst through the floor and roof of the gift
shop.
New in 2007 Avalance Mountain Family Raft Ride, Toddler Springs kid's area
and a VIP Cabana Island, along with a second wave pool. Popular Panic
Plunge...an adrenaline rush is guaranteed as you plummet towards the ground
at 47mph. Boulder Beach Water Park is included! Boulder Beach Bay (two wave
pools -- ride the wild surf) or Rumble Falls with 4 exciting slides. You can
float the 1,000 ft. long Elkhorn Creek through waterfalls and loops. At
Polliwog Park little ones can enjoy slides, pools, and a beach. Not for the
faint of heart is a gigantic, high speed 62-foot, pitch dark, vertical drop
water slide! (Located 15 minutes north of Coeur d'Alene on U.S. Highway 95)
683-3400
Fairly Good Fun
 The
Kootenai County Fairgrounds (corner of Government & Kathleen
in Coeur d'Alene) plays host to many events all year
including the North Idaho Fair & Rodeo held the last week of
August. Complete with an Open Horse Show, animal and home
arts exhibits, entertainment, demolition derby, PRCA Rodeo
and a carnival, the fair is fun for the entire family. Not
to be missed are North Idaho Fair favorites - Idaho Beer
Balls!
Also held mid to late August are the
Bonner County Fair
(located off Hwy 95 just north of Sandpoint), Benewah County Fair in
St. Maries 245-2408 and the
Boundary County Fair
in Bonners Ferry (located South of the Kootenai
River off Hwy 95) 267-7041. See the Calendar of
Events on pages 44-48 for more fairgrounds events.
Get WET
Head for Wild Water man-made mountain of fun, offering a
variety of refreshing activities including water slides,
heated pools, a game arcade and picnic area. The summer of
2007 brings exciting additions to the park. Celebrating 25
years with a brand new Sunnyside Lazy River, the largest and
longest anywhere, it features a float up bar.
Wild Waters
has special events, concerts and promotions all summer long!
A great place for kids of all ages. Centrally located at
2119 N. Government Way in Coeur d'Alene. 667-6491.
Silverwood Theme Park's Boulder Beach includes 2 wave
pools, exciting water rides and play areas. A new VIP Cabana
Island opens in 2007 for their 20th anniversary. 683-3400.
Silver Mountain Resort in Kellogg is scheduled to open the
Silver Rapids Indoor Water Park in late 2007 with a
flowrider surf wave. Raptor Reef indoor water park
is part of the Triple Play and Holiday Inn complex on US Hwy
95 with year ‘round family water fun.
 North Idaho is abundant with swimming beaches and water
holes. Independence Point Park at Coeur d'Alene's
City Beach has a water fountain and a nice sandy strip of
beach between the docks and the Coeur d'Alene Resort that's
perfect for wading and splashing without the larger crowds
on the park side beach. Hayden Lake's Honeysuckle Beach
is open to the public and family-friendly. From US 95
(between Hayden Ave. and Prairie Ave.) take Honeysuckle
eastbound right to the lake. If you've got a car full of
kids and are ready to take a break, Q'emiln Riverside
Park in Post Falls features a beautiful beach with
lifeguards, just 4 blocks from the Spokane Street Exit off
of I-90! City Beach in Sandpoint is surrounded on
three sides by Sand Creek and Lake Pend Oreille. Take Bridge
St. from downtown.
Plan to Pow Wow
Every July, the
Coeur d'Alene Tribe hosts the largest outdoor Pow Wow in
the Northwest. Complete with Indian Horse Parade, art auction and all of the
pageantry of Native American Dance. Call (800) 523-2464.
www.cdacasino.com
Art Fairs
 If you are here in August, don't miss Coeur d'Alene's
Art on the Green, a
three-day celebration of the arts on the North Idaho College campus,
complete with hundreds of booths, children's hands-on art projects, famous
ears of corn and clothes line art collections by local artists. At the same
time, Taste of Coeur d'Alenes in the city park has food
vendors and crafts people, and includes a downtown street fair in Coeur
d'Alene which all make for a full, exciting weekend. Also in August is the
annual POAC Arts & Crafts Fair in Sandpoint City Park. A weekend of
art, music and dance. For more information, call (208) 263-6139. The 3rd
weekend in July is the St. Maries smART Festival and St. Joe Valley
Car Club Show
and Shine Car Show at Cherry Bend Boaters Park and the St. Maries City Park.
A wonderful weekend of arts, crafts, food, music and fun.
Visit a Gallery
 North Idaho is a haven for the arts. With over 40 art dealers, galleries
and consultants to choose from, you're sure to find a piece of art that
suits your style. At
the Plaza Shoppes in downtown Coeur d'Alene, visit the Thomas Kincade
Gallery and across the street, on the corner of Third and Sherman, is The
Painters Chair Gallery, a showcase of the finest art in the Northwest as
well as that of gallery owner Stephen Shortridge. For paintings from local
artists, The Frame of Mind (at 2nd and Lakeside, Cd'A) features one of the
largest selections in the area. The Lyman Gallery (First Avenue in
Sandpoint) will not disappoint with it's selection of Bev Doolittle, the
late Stephen Lyman and more. Artists shows at The Art Spirit, Gallery of
Fine Art on Sherman Ave. in Coeur d'Alene. The receptions are open to the
public. Call 765-6006.
Dig it! Garnets or Fossils
Idaho and India are the only two places on earth where
star garnets -- the Idaho state gem -- are found. In Idaho,
the garnet digging area is located on
Emerald Creek, south
of St. Maries on State Highway 3 to Road 447. Digging
requires a permit, available at the digging site. Permits
are $10 for adults and $5 for 14 and under and may be
purchased from Memorial Day through Labor Day. While most
gems are small crystals, garnets weighing seven ounces and
more have been found in the Emerald Creek area. 245-2531.
If your schedule doesn't allow for a dig, contact
Clark's Jewelry, a family owned store in downtown Coeur d'Alene. The
store sells the largest selection of unset stones and
finished, star garnet jewelry. 664-4615
Find fossils at Clarkia Miocene Lake at the
Fossil Bowl
dig
site. Clarkia has some of the best preserved and oldest
leaf, insect and fish fossils. Over 125 specimens can be
found including Bald cypress, Chinese Pine, fir, Dawn
redwood among many others types of leaves. The Fossil Bowl
is open to the public for digging from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00
p.m. daily in summer months. Fee is $8 per person, under 5
is free. Bring butter knives and pulaski to dig with and
newspaper to preserve your fossil. Tools on loan at site for
no charge. 245-3608
Kick Up Your Heels
 For the young and hip, and the not-so-young-but-still-hip looking to
break loose on the dance floor, North Idaho has a place for everyone.
The perennially popular Iron Horse, between 4th and 5th on Sherman Avenue in
downtown Coeur d'Alene, has the dual draw of live music or a DJ with
sidewalk tables for socializing and people watching in the summer... or just
for cooling off after time on the dance floor. 667-7314. For the just-legal
drinking age crowd, Mik-n-Mac's on 4th delivers a cut loose atmosphere and
high-energy social scene.
The Coeur d'Alene Resort's upscale Shore Lounge rivals the Iron Horse as a
landmark for locals, with all ages enjoying the always current live band or
DJ. Sunday karaoke night is entertaining for spectators and participants.
The cachet of mingling with guests of the Resort adds to the experience.
765-4000
The country crowd flocks to Big Al's, formerly Kelly's Grand Ol' Opry, in
Stateline. One of the few places where dancing on the tables is not only
allowed but encouraged, it's a great place for groups of revelers to
two-step and chicken dance. 777-8312. The historic Slab Inn in Post Falls
also caters to the country music fan, with live music every weekend and free
dance lessons before bands take the stage. 773-5440. With the largest beer
garden in the Inland Northwest, Curley's on Highway 53 at Hauser Lake,
cranks up live classic rock bands on Fridays and Saturdays. 773-5816
If you prefer a smoke and alcohol free environment, you can find public
dancing locations and lessons in Sandpoint.
www.aboutdancesandpoint.org.
The Crossroads is a country western dance club in Post Falls located on Hwy
41. It is also smoke and alcohol free. Open dancing Friday nights 9 to
midnight.
If country western or rock isn't your style,
DanceTales on Sherman Ave. in
Coeur d'Alene offers private and group lessons in everything from Ballroom
to Salsa and Jazz.
Pick Huckleberries
 The mountains of the Coeur d'Alenes are known for their abundance of
huckleberries, a round, purple berry native to North Idaho. Sunlight
enhances production, so the best berry picking is usually found along
abandoned logging roads, in areas where timber has been harvested or where
forest fires have occurred. When venturing into the forest, remember bears
like berries, too. High in carbohydrates, they are one of the primary food
sources for grizzly and black bear. If you encounter or see a bear, it is
best to retreat and not to infringe on the bear's berry territory. The
huckleberry is an erect shrub ranging from one to five feet tall. By
mid-June, berries on south facing lower slopes are ripe. Good picking is as
late as October on north slopes. Abundant huckleberry picking spots are
available throughout North Idaho. Best picking is between late July and
early August. Visit www.idahoparks.org
or contact Priest Lake Ranger District, 443-2512
www.fs.fed.us/ipnf/priestlake.
Dive the Steamboats
Join local divers in exploring the wreckage of the early-day steamers
that rest beneath the waters of Lake Coeur d'Alene. Guided tours can take
you to the site of the Georgie Oaks, a sternwheeler with a 100-ton capacity
that carried passengers and freight on the lake until 1917, or the Idaho,
one of the largest steamers on the lake with twin side wheels and a capacity
of 1,000 passengers. Adventurous divers may use a number of clear, high
mountain lakes. For more information, lessons or equipment call Tom's Diving
664-0852.
Taste the Local Brew
 Relax in one of North Idaho's award winning pubs and watch brewing history
in the making. Coeur d'Alene Brewing Company at 2nd & Lakeside Ave. in
downtown Coeur d'Alene offers beer brewed on site and facility tours. If
time is short, visit Capone's (located on 4th in midtown Coeur d'Alene and
on Ross Point Road in Post Falls) for the largest selection of area
micro-brews on tap. Laughing
Dog Brewery in Sandpoint features a tap room,
daily tours and a gift shop For the barley-hop connoisseur don't miss
the annual Blues, Brews and Micro-brew Festival at Silver Mountain in
Kellogg, the micro-brew tasting event at Festival at Sandpoint or Wine,
Stein and Dine at the Greyhound Park Event Center in Post Falls. There are
many popular North Idaho wine tasting events but if you aren't here to catch
one, Pend Oreille Winery (265-8545) in Sandpoint offers daily tastings of
their award winning wines.
The Wine Cellar and Barrell Room #6 (downtown Coeur d'Alene) and Daanen's
Deli (corner of Prairie and Government in Hayden, 772-7371) offer tastings
year round.
Holidays In North Idaho
 Beginning
on Thanksgiving weekend, the Coeur d'Alene Resort
lights up the lake with over a million sparkling lights.
Throughout the holiday season you can experience America's
largest floating holiday light show on the boardwalk at the
resort. Cruise boats take you on Lake Coeur d'Alene to view
animated light displays and holiday scenes along the Coeur
d'Alene Resort shoreline including a journey to the North
Pole to visit Santa himself. Other events include breakfast
with Santa, Sunday brunches with Dickens Carolers and Mrs.
Claus, Santa Cruises for the young and old, a downtown
Christmas lighting ceremony, fireworks shows and lighted
parade. The Resort Plaza Shops host a unique display of
hundreds of homemade gingerbread houses on Gingerbread
Mountain.
www.cdadowntown.com.
The Friday following Thanksgiving Day begins Kootenai
Medical Center's fabulous Festival of Trees with
four days of events for all ages. The Senior Social, Kids
Day, Festival Fashion Show and the sell-out Festival of
Trees Gala all revolve around dozens of spectacularly
decorated Christmas trees. Held at the Coeur d'Alene Resort,
the Festival of Trees is a fundraiser for the KMC
Foundation...and the spirit of Christmas is evident
throughout the event. 666-TREE
Many businesses throughout the area offer special promotions
during the season, making North Idaho
a truly memorable family holiday experience.
The quaint downtown of
Sandpoint
is a winter wonderland. Horse-drawn carriages full of
holiday shoppers create a Currier and Ives painting come to
life. Enjoy a holiday production at the Panida Theater, dine
in a cozy restaurant or stroll hand-in-hand down the city
sidewalks while snowflakes dance on your nose and eyelashes.
Bundle up and enjoy Christmas as it was in yesteryear.
The first Saturday in December visitors to
St. Maries
can enjoy games for children, pictures with Santa, hay rides
and a lighted Christmas Parade on Main Street. 245-3563.
Priest River youngsters enjoy the annual
Children's Christmas Party on Main Street. Complete with
entertainment, carolers and a visit from Santa, this chamber
of commerce sponsored event is guaranteed fun for all!
448-2721.
What Winterfest would be complete without Santa in the
Park and a Christmas Tree Lighting. Harrison City Park
is filled with holiday spirit as revelers celebrate the
season. 689-3669.
The crowning of Little Miss and Master Snowflake
highlights the Wallace Yuletide Celebration held the
first Saturday of December. A Christmas Cookie bake-off,
carolers, photos with Santa and the Winter Walk through
brightly lit neighborhoods rounds out this festive day.
753-7151.
Winter Carnivals
Every January in the height of winter Sandpoint cooks up
a sure antidote to cabin fever. It's the
Sandpoint
Winter Carnival, a long week of pure fun celebrating
the best of the snowy season ... indoors and out. A slate of
fun events take place all around town, and on Schweitzer
Mountain, too. First launched ‘way back in 1974, it's how to
have fun in winter! The signature Winter Carnival event is
the annual, Winter Carnival Parade of Lights. The
downtown parade route gives onlookers a great view of fun
floats created by businesses and community organizations.
After the parade, head over to the City Beach for the annual
bonfire at the Beach House. The Taste of Sandpoint brings
some of Sandpoint's finest restaurants all under one roof at
the Cedar Street Bridge to showcase their finest taste
treats while art, music and drama
 tantalize
your senses.
Schweitzer Lights
Up the Night during Sandpoint's Winter Carnival. The
mountain is the scene of a continuous party with the annual
Torchlight Parade, a fireworks display and a bonfire.
Silver Mountain
is the best place to celebrate a new year with their
spectacular New Years Eve and Torchlight Parade.
Ring in 2008 from the top of the mountain and enjoy the
fireworks and fun.
Cars, Cars, Cars...
 In July, join about 25,000 of your friends and neighbors at Hot Rod Cafe
in Post Falls for the annual River City Rod Run. There are over 16 classes,
from antique to muscle car and custom to pick-ups, in which to enter the
shiny pride of your garage. Trophies and prizes along with other special
awards for Ladies choice, Hard Luck, and Longest Road Trip. Three days of
fun including the Miss Hot Rod Contest, Burn-out Contest, Tricycle Races,
Sock Hop Parking Lot Dance and Fireworks show. There is something for
everyone with pancake feeds, balloon tosses and hula hoop contest, so bring
the whole family. Big name artist concerts are the grand finale at
Greyhound
Park just minutes from downtown Post Falls. Contact
Hot Rod Cafe at (208)
777-1712 or
www.hotrodcafe.com for
information and entry forms.
Stateline Speedway has stock and open class
racing seasonally on paved track. Special events, demolition derby and more
are available. Call (208) 773-5019. An addition to the Annual Wooden Boat
Show Festival are the Woody Cars. Over 50 classics line the streets of
downtown Coeur d'Alene in August for the three day event. Don't miss the
annual Car'd Lane Auto Show in Downtown Coeur d'Alene in June of each year.
Over 300 autos line Sherman Ave. (Coeur d'Alene) for a two day event. Food
prizes and street dance mean fun for the whole family. (208) 667-4040. The
Rally In The Valley held each July, brings dozens of cars to Kellogg for
food, prizes, music and more.
Priest River's Hot Neon Nights car show and cruise is
held the last weekend in July. The St. Joe Valley Car club show and shine is
held the third weekend in July. Each May Lost in the 50's Sandpoint and
Depot Days in Wallace have dozens of classic cars adding to this "spring
fling" weekend of fun.
Draft Horse Show
For a unique North Idaho spectator event, attend the 28th Annual Idaho
State Draft Horse International. Young and old enjoy the beauty, strength
and talent of these fine animals. Add special events, food and fun to the
visit and even non-horse lovers are in for a great time. During this event
also enjoy the Cowboy Cartoonists International Rendezvous. Call (208)
265-0181 or (208) 263-7797.
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