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Attractions & Sightseeing

Attractions & Sightseeing

Idaho, USA

Iconic Landmarks

Lake Coeur d'Alene, stretching 25 miles, is the city's centerpiece. It is known for its clear waters and many recreational opportunities.

Public access points, beaches like McEuen Park and City Park, and boat launches are available.

Lake Coeur d'Alene Highlights

  • Lake Coeur d'Alene Cruises offer scenic tours of the lake, providing a relaxed way to view its expanse.
  • Early mornings on the lake feature the calmest waters, ideal for paddle sports like kayaking or Stand-up paddleboarding.
  • Early mornings also provide serene photo opportunities on the water.
  • Public access points and beaches are open for visitors.

The Coeur d'Alene Resort & Tubbs Hill

The Coeur d'Alene Resort

  • Famous for its unique floating golf green.
  • World-class spa facilities.
  • Extensive boardwalk with shops.
  • Several dining options are present.
  • Prominent luxury hotel directly on the lakefront.
  • Walk the boardwalk for free lake views and people-watching.

Tubbs Hill

  • A 120-acre natural preserve extending into Lake Coeur d'Alene.
  • Over 2 miles of well-maintained trails.
  • Free access from dawn to dusk, right at the city's doorstep.
  • Multiple viewpoints of the lake and city.

Go early to avoid crowds and find easier parking. Wear comfortable shoes.

Museum of North Idaho

  • Focuses on the history of Coeur d'Alene and northern Idaho counties.
  • Exhibits on Native American heritage, timber industry, and steamboats.
  • Historical photographs, artifacts.
  • Location: 115 Northwest Blvd.

Historical Sites

  • Archaeological Sites:

    No specific archaeological sites commonly visited by tourists. Coeur d'Alene Tribe history is preserved through their cultural center.

  • Historical Districts:

    Downtown Coeur d'Alene features several historic buildings, especially along Sherman Avenue.

  • Religious Sites:

    The Fort Sherman Chapel (built 1880) is Idaho's oldest standing church, on North Idaho College campus.

  • Memorial Sites:

    Veterans Memorial in McEuen Park honors veterans and provides a reflective space with lake views.

  • Industrial Heritage:

    Museum of North Idaho details logging and mining industries. Fort Coeur d'Alene (now NIC) marks military past.

Natural Attractions

Coeur d'Alene's natural beauty presents many opportunities for outdoor enjoyment and scenic views.

Parks & Viewpoints

  • McEuen Park

    Downtown lakefront park with splash pad, playground, dog park, access to Tubbs Hill and Centennial Trail.

  • City Park & Beach

    Adjacent to The Coeur d'Alene Resort, with sandy beach, playground, and picnic areas. Free access.

  • Riverstone Park

    In Riverstone development, open spaces, playground, direct access to Spokane River. Free access.

  • Mineral Ridge Trail

    3.3-mile loop trail east of Coeur d'Alene with panoramic lake and forest views.

  • Higgins Point

    Popular spot on eastern Lake Coeur d'Alene for bald eagle viewing (Nov-Feb). Free access.

  • Lake Coeur d'Alene

    Significant geological feature formed by glacial activity, deep, clear waters.

Farragut State Park, 20 miles north, on Lake Pend Oreille, provides extensive trails, camping, disc golf.

Art Galleries

Several private art galleries along Sherman Avenue downtown. They showcase regional artists, featuring landscapes, wildlife, and local themes.

The Art Spirit Gallery

A prominent example of an art gallery, known for its diverse collection of contemporary art.

Performance Venues

The Lake City Playhouse offers local theater productions, including dramas, comedies, and musicals.

Outdoor Features

Experience the natural beauty and recreational opportunities.

  • McEuen Park, downtown lakefront, with splash pad, playground, dog park. Access to Tubbs Hill and Centennial Trail. Visit GetYourGuide for Tours
  • Mineral Ridge National Recreation Trail (3.3-mile loop east of Coeur d'Alene) for panoramic lake views. Book an Excursion
  • Riverstone Park in Riverstone development, open spaces, playground, direct access to Spokane River. Explore More

Hidden Gems

Venture beyond the popular spots to discover lesser-known attractions and local favorites.

Off-the-Beaten-Path

Explore unique attractions often missed by typical visitors.

Unique Finds

  • The Fort Sherman Chapel is Idaho's oldest standing church, on the North Idaho College campus.
  • CdA Bungee for adrenaline seekers, offering a unique thrill with views (seasonal).
  • Local fishing spots: Inquire with local bait shops or anglers for less-trafficked areas.

Emerging Destinations & Photo Spots

Discover new experiences and capture stunning visuals.

New Experiences

  • Less-trafficked sections of the Centennial Trail for quieter, scenic stretches.
  • Views from Tubbs Hill and The Coeur d'Alene Resort Boardwalk for stunning photos, especially at sunrise/sunset.

Parks & Wildlife

Explore Coeur d'Alene's outdoor spaces and observe local wildlife.

Outdoor Recreation

  • Public beaches at City Park and McEuen Park provide swimming areas.
  • The Spokane River, flowing from the lake, offers calmer waters, ideal for kayaking or paddleboarding.
  • You may spot deer and various bird species on trails like Tubbs Hill.
  • Higgins Point offers prime opportunities for viewing bald eagles in winter.

Cultural Institutions

Engage with the history and arts of the region.

Arts and History

  • Art galleries along Sherman Avenue showcase regional artists.
  • The Lake City Playhouse offers local theater productions.
  • The Museum of North Idaho focuses on the history of Coeur d'Alene.

Additional Sites

Historical Significance

  • The Fort Sherman Chapel is Idaho's oldest standing church.
  • Veterans Memorial in McEuen Park provides a reflective space.
  • The Museum of North Idaho offers insights into the region's industrial past.

Geological Features

  • Lake Coeur d'Alene, a significant geological feature, formed by glacial activity.
  • Its deep, clear waters and surrounding U-shaped valleys display the power of ancient ice sheets.
  • Farragut State Park sits on Lake Pend Oreille.

Insider Insights

Lake Cruises

For comprehensive lake views and historical insights, take a Lake Coeur d'Alene Cruise.

Resort Boardwalk

Walk the Resort boardwalk for free, direct lake views and people-watching.

Photo Spots

The boardwalk is a pleasant stroll for photos, especially at sunset.

Art & Culture

Art Galleries

Several private art galleries along Sherman Avenue downtown showcase regional artists, often featuring landscapes, wildlife, and local themes.

Find Art Tours

The Art Spirit Gallery

A prominent example of an art gallery, known for its diverse collection of contemporary art.

Explore Exhibitions

Cultural Centers

The Coeur d'Alene Public Library hosts various community events and occasional cultural programs.

Discover Programs

Performance Venues

The Lake City Playhouse offers local theater productions, including dramas, comedies, and musicals, for local artistic talent.

See Showtimes

Cultural Immersion

Consider supporting local independent businesses, artists, and farmers at markets.

Support Local

Museums & Institutions

Dive into the history and cultural fabric of Coeur d'Alene.

Museum of North Idaho

  • Focuses on the history of Coeur d'Alene and the five northern counties of Idaho.
  • Includes exhibits on Native American heritage, the timber industry, and steamboats.
  • Located at 115 Northwest Blvd. Check their website for current hours and admission fees.

Historical Sites

Uncover the stories of the city's development and past.

Significant Locations

  • The Fort Sherman Chapel, built in 1880, is Idaho's oldest standing church, located on the North Idaho College campus.
  • Downtown Coeur d'Alene boasts several historic buildings, specifically along Sherman Avenue, showing late 19th and early 20th-century architecture.
  • Veterans Memorial in McEuen Park downtown honors veterans.
  • The Museum of North Idaho offers insights into the region's industrial past, including logging and mining.

Additional Tips

Go early to Tubbs Hill to avoid crowds and find easier parking. Wear comfortable shoes suitable for uneven terrain.

For Museum of North Idaho, check their website for current hours and admission fees.

Natural Landscapes

Explore the stunning natural beauty that defines Coeur d'Alene.

City Parks

McEuen Park and Coeur d'Alene City Park & Beach are downtown lakefront parks with amenities like splash pads, playgrounds, and direct lake access.

Scenic Trails

Mineral Ridge National Recreation Trail offers panoramic views of Lake Coeur d'Alene. Tubbs Hill has over 2 miles of trails right downtown.

Wildlife & Lakes

Higgins Point is known for bald eagle viewing (Nov-Feb). Lake Coeur d'Alene is a significant geological feature with clear waters.

Outdoor Highlights

City Park Amenities

Coeur d'Alene City Park offers a sandy beach, a playground, and picnic areas, perfect for a relaxed day by the lake.

Find City Park Activities

Riverstone & Spokane River

Riverstone Park provides open spaces, a playground, and direct access to the Spokane River, a pleasant spot for a stroll.

Explore Riverstone

Farragut State Park

Approximately 20 miles north of Coeur d'Alene, this large state park sits on Lake Pend Oreille and provides extensive hiking trails, camping, and disc golf courses.

Plan Park Visit

Geological Power

Lake Coeur d'Alene's deep, clear waters and surrounding U-shaped valleys display the power of ancient ice sheets.

Learn More

Spokane River Activities

The Spokane River, flowing out of the lake, offers calmer waters, ideal for kayaking or paddleboarding, especially near its outflow.

River Adventures

Hidden Gems Explored

Discover unique attractions often overlooked by standard itineraries.

Uncommon Finds

  • The Fort Sherman Chapel, Idaho's oldest standing church, is a peaceful visit on the North Idaho College campus.
  • For adrenaline seekers, CdA Bungee offers bungee jumping experiences (seasonal, advance booking needed).
  • Inquire with local bait shops or seasoned anglers about less-trafficked fishing spots along the Spokane River or smaller nearby lakes.

Emerging Experiences

Explore new and growing attractions in the Coeur d'Alene area.

New Tourism Trends

  • The growing craft brewery and winery scene offers an emerging form of tourism, with many small breweries and wineries providing tasting rooms.
  • Unique photo opportunities: Views from Tubbs Hill, The Coeur d'Alene Resort Boardwalk, The Floating Golf Green, and Veterans Memorial in McEuen Park.
  • The Art Spirit Gallery is a prominent example of art galleries, known for its diverse collection of contemporary art.

Traveler's Tip

Tubbs Hill offers multiple viewpoints of the lake and city. Go early in the morning to avoid crowds, especially in summer, and to find easier parking.

The Coeur d'Alene Resort boardwalk is a pleasant stroll at any time of day, offering great photo opportunities, especially at sunset.

Museums & Culture

Explore the rich history and arts scene of Coeur d'Alene.

Museum of North Idaho

Focuses on the history of Coeur d'Alene and northern Idaho counties, with exhibits on Native American heritage, timber, and steamboats.

Fort Sherman Chapel

Built in 1880, Idaho's oldest standing church, located on the North Idaho College campus.

Historical Districts

Downtown Coeur d'Alene, specifically Sherman Avenue, features historic buildings showing late 19th and early 20th-century architecture.

Arts & Performance

Art Spirit Gallery

A prominent art gallery known for its diverse collection of contemporary art.

Lake City Playhouse

Offers local theater productions, including dramas, comedies, and musicals, for local artistic talent.

Local Art Galleries

Several private art galleries along Sherman Avenue downtown showcase regional artists, often featuring landscapes, wildlife, and local themes.

Cultural Tip

Support local, independently owned businesses, artists, and farmers at markets. This contributes directly to the local community.