• Post Falls Dam

  • Photographed by Tom Holman

The area’s breathtaking beauty and resort city status has attracted commerce from across the Inland Northwest. Over the last decade, the county has added many jobs across a vast range of industries. Coeur d’Alene was recently ranked No. 5 on Inc. Magazine’s list of the hottest cities for entrepreneurs. With this new diversification of industry and population increase, the town has become more sophisticated in its retail and dining offerings. The Kroc Center is a new 12-acre facility featuring a chapel/performing arts center, recording studio, teen activities center and game room, aquatics center, sports training and recreation center. However, the town still retains its local charm, and more importantly, has made preserving its open spaces and well-groomed trails and paths in and around the town a top priority.

Hungry? Join the locals for a mouth-watering, unforgettable Hudson Hamburger on Sherman Avenue. This family owned business has been in Coeur d’Alene for over a hundred years. A short stroll to the end of Coeur d’Alene city dock and you’re in the capable hands of Brooks Seaplane, established in 1946, famous for its breathtaking Lake Coeur d’Alene Loop Flight. History buffs will want to investigate Fort Sherman, located in and around North Idaho College, where several original buildings survive from the old fort. Named after Civil War General William Tecumseh Sherman, Sherman came west in 1877 to establish a military fort and chose this awe-inspiring and strategic spot where Lake Coeur d’Alene and the head of the Spokane River converge.

Community pride is on display at the plethora of area events. June’s sunshine brings the roar of the Car d’Lane Classic Car Show. 4th of July Fireworks light up the night sky with one of the best pyrotechnics show in the area. August shines for the Wooden Boat Show and regional artists’ handiwork at Art on the Green and try lip smacking tasty northwest cuisine at A Taste of Coeur d’Alene. The homemade huckleberry ice cream is a local specialty! Check the schedules for the Coeur d’Alene Summer Theater and the Lake City Playhouse for exciting productions and check out our events calendar for a full listing of community and cultural events.

For those who want to spend time on the links, the internationally acclaimed, award winning, Coeur d’Alene Resort Golf Course boasts the world’s first and only floating golf green. Several new luxury golf courses & communities are planned in Kootenai County. In addition, there are many fine, public golf courses to tee off.

Tubbs Hill is regarded by the locals as a wilderness haven right in the heart of downtown Coeur d’Alene. Hikers and walkers are rewarded with a spectacular view of the lake and the town when they tackle this Hill. Mountain bikers and hikers head towards the groomed trails at the Canfield Mountain Trail System. The 32-mile trail system was designed so the entire trail network can be accessed without traveling on roads open to cars or trucks.

On I-90, east of the city, stands the 300-foot high and 1720-foot long Veteran’s Centennial Memorial Bridge. Each year, from November to January, visit Wolf Lodge Bay for a spectacular view of bald eagles on their migratory flight (Exit 22 off I-90 east). The eagles stop here and at Beauty Bay to feed on spawning Kokanee salmon. Turn South on Hwy 97 and marvel at the sights and sounds of the Lake Coeur d’Alene Scenic Byway along the Lake until it ends at Hwy 3. Along the way, Mineral Ridge Recreation Area provides picnic facilities and spectacular lake views from hiking trails above the lake.

From Coeur d’Alene, Hwy 95 South passes the Blackwell Island Recreation Site, featuring four public boat launch lanes and picnic area. Continuing south on Hwy 95, you will pass the Cougar Bay Nature Conservancy with hundreds of acres of preserved wetland habitat. Try and locate some of the 146 species of birds that have been identified. Further south lies, The Club at Black Rock, a private community with jaw-dropping views of Lake Coeur d’Alene and an exceptional golf course named by Golf Digest as one of the Best New Private Course’s in 2003.

Just as you Head north to Hayden, you’ll find Triple Play Family Entertainment Center. There is a host of activities the whole family will love including, bumper boats, go karts, climbing wall, bowling, miniature golf, laser tag and even a water park. Hayden is a friendly, close-knit community, once home to Bing Crosby. Highlighting the tour is the beautiful 4000-acre forest fringed Hayden Lake.

Located fifteen miles north of Coeur d’Alene you won’t want to miss Silverwood Theme Park, the largest theme park in the Northwest offering thrilling roller coasters and the Boulder Beach Water Park, which features a gigantic wave pool, tube slides, a 3-slide high-speed body slide complex, a lazy river, and more.

With the oldest brick Catholic church (1890’s) and a jail also built in the 1890’s (soon to become a museum), the town of [8] Rathdrum is one of the oldest towns in the Idaho Panhandle, now one of the fastest growing in the state. The Northern Pacific laid its tracks through Rathdrum in 1881. It followed the trails used by the bands of Coeur d’Alenes and Spokanes who hunted and gathered in this area and further north. Fur traders and gold seekers also used the trail before the train came. In fact, it is said that historian and explorer, David Thompson, camped at the outlet of Lower Twin Lake.

 

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Local Facts
Population: 138,494
Fort Sherman established in 1878.
Lake Coeur d’Alene 120 ft. deep, 25 miles long & over 135 miles of shoreline.
Coeur d’ Alene - Early French explorers, impressed by the North Idaho Schee-Schu-Umsh Indians’ sharp trading practices, proclaimed the Schee-Schu-Umsch possessed hearts (Coeur) like an awl (d’Alene) – a sharp tool used to pierce and sew leather. Locals now abbreviate, writing it as CdA.

If you find a few shekels in your pocket there is no better place to be than in this area that offers so much to visitors. You can spend your coin while perusing eclectic shops, enjoying delectable restaurants, collecting at art galleries, sipping coffee, taking a spin on the lake or teeing up that little white ball. Or you can also participate in activities that only require an investment of your time- strolling the world’s longest floating board walk, exploring Tubbs Hill, or climbing on the Fort Sherman Playground.

Take a stroll down Sherman Avenue, Coeur d’Alene (pronounced core-da-lane) and be surprised that this once-upon-a-time 1870’s outpost for Fort Sherman is now a thriving mini-metropolis with all the amenities of a large cosmopolitan city. Sitting pretty on Lake Coeur d’Alene’s north shore, along with distinctive northwest shops, antique stores, casual and gourmet restaurants, and art galleries, this picturesque town offers a vibrant waterfront with beaches, parks, public docks, cruise boat rides, & the opportunity to walk on the world’s longest floating boardwalk at the award-winning Coeur d’Alene Resort.

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Kootenai County - Post Falls

Post Falls is named for Frederick Post, a German immigrant who constructed a lumber mill along the Spokane River in 1871 on land he purchased from Andrew Seltice, Chief of the Coeur d'Alene Tribe. The purchase of the land is preserved in a pictograph on a granite cliff in Treaty Rock park.

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In less than an hour's ride from the City of Coeur d'Alene along the Lake Coeur d'Alene Scenic Byway, you'll find yourself in the charming little town of Harrison.
This town has become the ideal destination among the fishing, boating, and outdoor enthusiasts who don't like crowds. Located at the mouth of the Coeur d'Alene River, in the early 1900s Harrison was a main port for big passenger steamers. Harrison also offers a sandy beach, a protected swimming area, lakeside camping, public docks, boat and jet ski rentals, restaurants, a motel, and a nicely appointed Bed & Breakfast, the Osprey Inn. Hwy 97 ends south of Harrison at the junction of Hwy 3. Take Hwy 3 north, past the chain of lakes and back to I-90, or continue south to St. Maries on the
White Pine Scenic Byway.

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Local Facts
Population: More then 70 species of mammals and over 260 species of birds
Preserves over 1,000,000 acres of National Forest lands.
Over 700 miles of maintained trails.

Majestic landscapes set among pristine waters, abundant wildlife sanctuaries, and breath-taking mountainscapes set the backdrop for one of the most beautiful places in the Rocky Mountains. Glacier invites you to explore a spectacular region preserved with a natural charm all its own. A visit to the park will allow you to experience the fascinating history, exquisite beauty and rich culture that Glacier has to offer. Travelers, ready for a captivating adventure may choose from three scenic routes, collectively known as the Glacier Loop Tour. This global treasure, sculpted over millions of years by the harsh forces of nature has retained its soft beauty now emanating from this picturesque paradise will welcome and delight you throughout your stay.

Lake McDonald is the largest (10 miles long) and deepest (464 feet) body of water in the park. Stretching northeast for some 10 miles from near the west entrance to the park, Lake McDonald has a natural beauty with dense forest sloping down to the crystal clear lake.

Celebrating 100 Years
During the summer of 2010, Glacier National Park celebrated their 100th Year Anniversary of when President Taft signed a bill to establish this area as the 10th National Park in the United States. Ever since 1911, when the park drew 4,000 visitors and tourists would ride the train to Glacier and travel by horseback to stay at chalets in the high country, people have been inspired and recognize the value of the spectacular scenic beauty. Glacier’s 1,600 square miles offer visitors a variety of activities, including biking, backpacking, camping, fishing, boating, and horseback riding. The spectacular glaciated landscape is a hikers paradise containing 700 miles of maintained trails that lead deep into one of the largest intact ecosystems in the lower 48 states. Visitors to the park traveling on the “Going-to-the-Sun” road marvel at how such a road could have been built. At 50-miles long, the final section of the Going-to-the-Sun Road, over Logan Pass, was completed in 1932 after 11 years of work. The road is considered an engineering feat and is a National Historic Landmark. It is one of the most scenic roads in North America. The construction of the road forever changed the way visitors would experience Glacier National Park. Future visitors would drive over sections of the park that previously had taken days of horseback riding to see.

For animal lovers, wildlife abounds here, and black bear, elk, moose, and white-tail deer. Explore the rustic wilderness or just enjoy the pine covered hills surrounding the crystal blue water of Bowman Lake. Tour an area home to a vast Native American culture brimming with tradition and discover two native reservations occupied by the Confederated Salish and the Kootenai Tribes filled with natural beauty all their own. The park contains over 350 structures listed on the National Register of Historic Sites and six National Historic Landmarks.

Newest Gateway to Glacier

This is a wonderful scenic route to take if you’re headed east on I-90. Just travel eastbound on I-90 until you reach the Kingston Exit #43. Follow Forest Road 9 until you reach Pritchard. At Pritchard, turn right at the sign that says Murray/ Thompson Falls/Thompson Pass. Follow this road over the pass and you’ll come to Hwy 200. Take a right onto Hwy 200 and travel to Plains, Montana. At Plains, take a left onto Hwy 28 and follow it until it turns into Hwy 93. Follow 93 to Kalispell, Montana. In Kalispell, get onto Hwy 2 and follow it through Columbia Falls to West Glacier.

You can take an easy 1-mile hike to Rivet Lake from the top of Thompson Pass. Or for the more adventurous, there’s also a 2.8 mile hike from the Thompson Pass trailhead into Blossom Lake.

For another scenic drive before you get to Glacier, take the Silver Loop Tour. Past Thompson Pass lies the town of Thompson Falls. From there, follow the Clark Fork River for a scenic backroads tour to St. Regis, Montana. At St. Regis, head back west on I-90 and stop at the 10,000 Dollar Saloon for a unique old-time shopping experience. The loop continues west through Wallace, Kellogg, and Kingston.

ROUTE A:
Of the three routes heading to Glacier, this is the fastest. This loop takes you through Post Falls, Coeur d’Alene, Kellogg and Wallace, and is known for its spectacular mountain peaks and the 52-mile high Going-To-The-Sun Road.

Directions to Route A1:
Travel east on I-90 through Coeur d’Alene, Kellogg, and Wallace, and drive over Lookout Pass into Montana. Exit at St. Regis. Take Hwy 135 along the St. Regis River until you reach the junction with Hwy 200. For a shorter route, turn left and go through Paradise until you reach Plains. From Plains, follow Hwy 28 north until it turns into Hwy 93 and proceed to Kalispell, Montana. From Kalispell, take Hwy 2 through the towns of Columbia Falls, Hungry Horse and Coram. Next is the town of West Glacier, the gateway to Glacier National Park.

Directions to Route A2:
Upon reaching the junction of Hwy 135 and Hwy200, take a right onto Hwy 200 and follow it past the National Bison Range and through the Mission Mountain Valley. Take a left onto Hwy 93 and follow the remaining directions for Route A1.

ROUTE B:
This drive takes travelers through the scenic wilderness of the north, and offers a lengthier sub-route past Lake Koocanusa.

Directions to Route B1:
From Coeur d’Alene, drive north on Hwy 95 through Sandpoint, Naples, and Bonners Ferry. At the junction of Hwy 2, turn east (right) toward Moyie Springs. Don’t miss this opportunity to see the spectacular Moyie Falls and Dam. Continue on Hwy 2 along the Kootenai River through Troy and Libby, Montana. Go through Kalispell and on to Glacier National Park.

Directions to Route B2:
Follow the directions of Route B1 until reaching Libby, Montana. At Libby, head north towards Rexford on State Route 37. Libby Dam and Lake Koocanusa offer beautiful scenic views on the way up to Rexford. Once you pass Rexford, continue east to the junction of Hwy 93 and then head southeast through Eureka. Go through the Stillwater State Forest and on to Whitefish, Montana. After Whitefish, take Hwy 2 to Columbia Falls and on to Glacier National Park.

ROUTE C:
Follow Hwy 95 from Coeur d’Alene up to Sandpoint. Drive through Sandpoint and go east on Hwy 200, which is a State Scenic Byway along the north shore of Lake Pend Oreille. The clear blue water of the Lake and the green pine forest of the surrounding mountains provide excellent photo opportunities.

Just before you cross the border into Montana, you’ll see the Cabinet Gorge Dam. Just east of the town of Heron, Montana is the turn-off for State Route 56, through Troy and Libby. This Route takes you through the Cabinet Mountains, past the grove of ancient cedars at the Ross Creek Scenic Area, and to Hwy 2. As you wind through the spectacular beauty of the two National Forests on the way to Kalispell, Hwy 2 offers many campsites, lakes, and recreation areas along the way. Gorgeous scenic views and historical sights lie along this route.

From Kalispell, continue on Hwy 2 to Glacier National Park.

Returning from Glacier
You can reverse any of the previously listed routes, or retrace your tracks through Columbia Falls and continue northwest through Whitefish and the Stillwater State Forest on Hwy 2 to Eureka. At Eureka, take State Route 37 towards Rexford. You’ll pass Lake Koocanusa and the Libby Dam on the right. Once you reach Libby, rejoin Hwy 2 going west. Follow the Kootenai River all the way to Bonners Ferry back into Idaho.

 

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