Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho

The largest city in North Idaho is strategically located on the northern shore of a vast glacial lake bordered by dense, forested mountains.

Therefore, Coeur d’Alene serves as an ideal destination for outdoor recreation. Visitors can hike or bicycle through picturesque landscapes, soar on ziplines across forest canopies, or enjoy a round of golf amidst rugged scenery resembling the American West.

Moreover, while the natural beauty is ever-present, this rapidly developing city entices guests with a lively downtown, encompassing attractions such as a theme park, family amusement center, casino, water parks, and museums within convenient reach.

1. Lake Coeur d’Alene

The city’s premier attraction is this stunning 30,000-acre lake, which was formed during the last Ice Age and is surrounded by forested mountains.

Lake Coeur d’Alene is likely to be integral to your itinerary, whether you choose to embark on a sightseeing cruise, hike or cycle along the lakefront, camp, boat, relax on a beach, fish, or golf at one of the numerous waterfront courses.

During winter, a spectacular natural phenomenon occurs as thousands of kokanee salmon migrate to the lake’s gravelly shores for spawning and subsequent death.

At the onset of this occurrence, typically around November and December, bald eagles arrive in substantial numbers to feed on the kokanee. Excellent viewing points for bald eagles include Mineral Ridge and Higgins Point, both situated just east of the city.

2. Coeur d’Alene City Park

The heart of the Coeur d’Alene waterfront is this delightful 17-acre park located just west of downtown.

City Park is a staple of the city’s active event schedule, featuring free outdoor movies during July and August, a spectacular fireworks display on the Fourth of July, and a series of concerts at the bandshell throughout the season.

The tree-lined promenade along the lakeshore is among the most attractive locations around, offering beautiful views of the steep, wooded slopes adjacent to the lake.

Particularly notable is a sandy beach, impressive given its proximity to downtown. The boardwalk on the east side of City Park serves as the departure point for cruises from Coeur d’Alene, as well as adventurous activities such as parasailing around the lake.

Furthermore, a quaint clapboard structure within the park houses the permanent exhibit of the Coeur d’Alene Carousel, which was hand-carved in North Tonawanda, New York in 1922.

3. Silverwood Theme Park

The largest amusement and water park in the American Northwest is a pleasant drive up US 95 from Coeur d’Alene.

Spanning over 400 acres, Silverwood Theme Park features more than 70 attractions, encompassing classic rides, water attractions, roller coasters as well as numerous options for younger visitors.

For those seeking thrill rides, the park boasts an array of roller coasters, including the wooden Tremors and Timber Terror, the exhilarating Stunt Pilot, and Corkscrew—originally located at Knott’s Berry Farm and recognized as the first inverting roller coaster in the world.

A charming narrow-gauge railway traverses the park, providing entertainment for smaller children who can choose from numerous rides. Admission also grants access to Boulder Beach Water Park, which includes two wave pools, a lazy river, a toddler play complex, and slides suitable for all age groups.

4. Tubbs Hill

Located within walking distance of downtown, this steep peninsula juts out from the northern shore of Lake Coeur d’Alene, flanked by water on three sides.

This area, known as Tubbs Hill, encompasses 165 acres of publicly-accessible nature, interlaced with miles of trails winding through coniferous forests that lead to stunning overlooks and secluded spots along the lakeshore, such as the beautiful Tubbs Beach on the peninsula’s southwestern side.

If you prefer to cycle the trails, multiple bike rental shops are conveniently located nearby, including Coeur d’Alene Bike Co. and Coeur d’Alene Adventures, both offering electric bicycles.

5. Kootenai County Farmers’ Markets

This North Idaho initiative has been in operation since 1986, supplying Coeur d’Alene and Hayden with seasonal, locally-sourced produce.

The farmers market operates on Saturday mornings in Hayden, while the Coeur d’Alene market, located at Sherman Ave. and Fifth Street, operates Wednesday evenings from May through September.

In addition to seasonal fruits, vegetables, herbs, plants, and flowers sourced directly from growers, you can also find a constantly shifting selection of local products such as cheese, jams, honey, meats, pastries, pies, and bread.

There is typically a selection of artisans and crafters if you are searching for a unique gift or keepsake.

6. Timberline Adventures

Situated near the waterfront in Coeur d’Alene, this company provides opportunities to soar among the mountainous forest landscapes, approximately 12 miles east of downtown.

Here, visitors can glide through the canopy on seven of the most breathtaking ziplines you will ever experience, along with two thrilling sky bridges and two auto-belays, all featuring panoramic views of Lake Coeur d’Alene.

The seven-zipline tour lasts about 3.5 hours, while a shorter experience featuring four ziplines is available for those with limited time.

A perfect conclusion to your adventure is a Treehouse lunch, which takes place 30 feet above the forest floor.

7. North Idaho Centennial Trail

This cherished paved trail spans 23 miles, commencing at the Idaho/Washington state line to the west, running alongside the Spokane River and lakefront, concluding at Higgins Point, six miles east of Coeur d’Alene.

In 2017, 30 years following the project’s inception, the trail received a Recreational Trails Program Grant, facilitating a comprehensive renovation.

Along the lakefront, the trail connects several picnic areas with breathtaking views of the water and its wooded shores, accompanied by interpretive signs.

For adventurous seekers venturing into Washington, the trail can be extended for an additional 37 miles along the Spokane River Centennial Trail.

8. McEuen Park

As one of a series of parks connected by the Centennial Trail, this 22.5-acre area located just behind Tubbs Hill was recently enhanced by a $20 million renovation.

What distinguishes McEuen Park from a standard downtown park is its extensive range of facilities. Coeur d’Alene’s largest playground can be found here, accompanied by a vibrant splash pad that attracts families during the summer months.

In addition, the park includes amenities for basketball, tennis, a boating launch area, a trailhead for Tubbs Hill, and a 4-acre lawn suitable for outdoor events accommodating up to 5,000 attendees.

For those visiting Coeur d’Alene with canine companions, McEuen Park features a spacious off-leash dog park equipped with agility apparatus.

9. Seven Stars Alpaca Ranch

Situated on the picturesque slopes east of Coeur d’Alene, this operational alpaca farm warmly welcomes visitors for guided and self-guided tours.

The property’s ridge-top location, nestled within coniferous forests, adds to the allure of Seven Stars Alpaca Ranch, providing an engaging and informative agritourism experience.

The ranch maintains a herd of Huacaya and Suri alpacas in various shades, prized for their high-quality wool.

Sharing the farm’s environment are llamas, goats, horses, chickens, rabbits, dogs, cats, and charming miniature horses and mini-donkeys.

During a self-guided tour, you can enter the paddocks with the goats, mini-donkeys, rabbits, and chickens while observing the other animals through the fencing.

Guided tours are available in spring and summer for expert insights, and a visit to the farm shop for alpaca clothing and toys is highly recommended.

10. Triple Play Family Fun Park

Located approximately ten minutes along US 95 in Hayden, the Triple Play Family Fun Park primarily targets children and teenagers but features an array of attractions suitable for family members of all ages.

Briefly, the park offers 14 bowling lanes, 36 holes of mini-golf (both indoor and outdoor), a ropes course, go-karts, laser tag, a laser maze, bumper boats, bumper cars, a dark ride, and an interactive touch wall game.

Additionally, the complex houses the Raptor Reef Indoor Water Park, which includes a variety of slides catering to all ages, a wave pool, and an aqua play area designed for younger children.

11. Museum of North Idaho

For a more introspective activity on a rainy day, you can explore the region’s history at the museum located near the lakeshore.

Adjacent to City Park, the Museum of North Idaho covers numerous intriguing subjects, including exploration, fur trading, the railroad, steamboats, agriculture, logging, sawmills, local Native Americans, Scandinavian settlement, and the evolution of the Coeur d’Alene cityscape.

The permanent exhibits are rich with artifacts, such as steamboat equipment, beadwork, and tools created by the Native American Coeur d’Alene People.

Each year, there is a temporary exhibit focused on a specific theme, exploring topics such as the stories of women in Coeur d’Alene’s past and the history of North Idaho’s film industry.

12. Golf

One of the best methods to immerse yourself in the stunning nature of Coeur d’Alene is to tee off at one of the five nearby golf courses.

The Coeur d’Alene Resort, a 6,803-yard par 71 course, stands out for offering a view of the lake from every hole. Notably, the 14th hole features a green that literally floats on the lake.

Other remarkable local options include Circling Raven Golf Club at the Coeur d’Alene Casino Resort, recognized by Golf Magazine as one of the Reader’s Choice Top 50 Resort Courses, and the fir-lined Coeur d’Alene Golf Club, a public course managed by a non-profit organization.

Further afield, Prairie Falls Golf Club boasts waterfalls and breathtaking mountain views, while the par-3 Ponderosa Springs Golf Course in Coeur d’Alene is perfect for honing your approach shots.

13. Coeur d’Alene Cellars

This boutique, family-owned winery produces award-winning wines from grapes cultivated in Washington’s Columbus Valley AVA.

Coeur d’Alene Cellars has garnered an excellent reputation, particularly for its Viogniers and Syrahs, both of which have received numerous awards.

The tasting bar, located in the atmospheric Barrel Room No. 6, allows you to savor portfolio wines accompanied by light refreshments and perhaps some live music.

Moreover, wine specialists and experienced winemakers offer valuable insights into the winemaking process for each bottle produced.

14. Bird Aviation Museum and Invention Center

Located within a hangar at Coeur d’Alene Airport, this museum is dedicated to the themes of aviation and broader innovation.

Recently relocated from Sagle, Idaho, the museum was established in 2007 by aviator and inventor Dr. Forrest Bird (1921-2015).

Dr. Bird made significant contributions to the fields of pulmonology and intensive care, notably developing the earliest reliable mass-produced mechanical ventilators for both acute and chronic cardiopulmonary care.

Additionally, Bird amassed and restored an impressive collection of aircraft and vehicles, which are featured in the museum. Among the displays are a 1968 Bell 47, a 1947 Republic RC-7 “Sea Bee,” and a 1940 Boeing B75N1 Stearman.

One highlight is a 1927 WACO biplane, the same model in which Bird conducted his first solo flight at age 14.

Visitors can also explore Bird’s pioneering medical inventions and innovations in various fields, including Ruth Handler’s Barbie concept and the Apple II computer, primarily developed by Steve Wozniak.

15. Farragut State Park

For those seeking additional stunning natural scenery, this state park in the Coeur d’Alene Mountains is a straightforward drive to the north.

Here, you will find yourself on the southern shore of Lake Pend Oreille, the largest lake in Idaho, flanked to the east by steep mountain slopes.

During WWII, this area served as a naval training station, where approximately 300,000 sailors received basic training. Spanning 4,000 acres, Farragut State Park is ample space for a multitude of activities, including swimming, camping, horseback riding, hiking, mountain biking, fishing, disc golf, archery, boating, and water sports.

Commence your exploration by visiting the visitor center at the western entrance to learn more about the park’s ecosystems and military history.

There are over 40 trails awaiting you within this beautiful landscape, with the Highpoint Trail being a recommended route—a six-mile round trip that leads to a fantastic viewpoint overlooking the southern portion of the lake, which stretches over 40 miles to the north.