Things to See and Do in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho

 

Are you looking for things to see and do in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho? I’ve put together a helpful guide on what to see and do for the first time visitor to Northern Idaho. I learned about Coeur d’Alene Lake from my grandfather who was an avid outdoorsman. He lived in Pulman, Washington and traveled often to Coeur d’Alene to hunt and fish. Now that I’m an active outdoor woman, I enjoy visiting this part of Idaho for its equestrian opportunities, in addition to so many other outdoor activities. It’s a year-round, family-friendly destination in North Idaho.

 

Coeur d’Alene Lake is the crown jewel of north Idaho

The first place I take a visitor from out of town is to Coeur d’Alene Lake. My husband loves this location for its golf courses and the famous floating golf green on Coeur d’Alene Lake. My grandpa loved it for fishing and boating, as do I. If you want to to escape work or enjoy a romantic outing, take a sunset kayak ride on the lake.

Of course, if you come to Coeur d’Alene in the summer time, get your picture taken on a boat. If you are a golfer, get your picture taken on the floating tee on Lake Coeur d’Alene. They have great postcards of the floating golf green in the gift shot at Coeur d’Alene Lake Resort.

 

Where to eat in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho

In addition to plenty of things to see and do in Coeur d’Alene, there are lots of dining choices. From formal to kid-friendly, you’ll find lots of restaurant options. When I’m feeling cash-strapped I go to Dockside at Coeur d’Alene Resort and order an ice cream sundae from Gooeys Dessert Bar. Gooeys peanut butter cup sundae is my personal favorite. Hudson’s Burgers on 207 East Sherman Avenue, has great old time road food. If you have to order one thing off the menu at 315 Martini’s and Tapas Restaurant, get the herbal martini. While Bardenay Restaurant is the spot for distilled spirits made on site and live musical entertainment.

For a huge splurge, I go to Beverly’s Restaurant at Coeur d’Alene Resort. When I crave local cuisine, along with great beer, I turn to Moontime Restaurant.

Photo ops in Coeur d’Alene include a picture with Mudgy the Moose or Millie.

 

 

Things to see and do in Coeur d’Alene for the outdoor adventurer

In Coeur d’Alene, an active day outdoors involves sailing, walking, hiking, mountain biking or horseback riding. One of the best ways to see Coeur d’Alene  is to walk. My favorite walking route is Tubbs Hill, a beautiful trail along Coeur d’Alene Lake.

The best vantage points are had by taking the downtown walking tour. Local artist Terry Lee brings author Susan Nipps’ Mudgy the Moose character to life in a full size bronze statue.

Coeur d’Alene is a year round destination. To find out what’s going on a night or on weekends, read the Coeur d’Alene Press. Here are some annual activities taking place in Coeur d’Alene. In the summer you should check out the Coeur d’Alene Ironman. In the fall you should watch the leaves change colors. While the winter season brings out an entirely new set of outdoor activities. Perhaps go skiing at Silver Mountain Resort and ride the world’s longest gondola.

Just outside of Coeur d’Alene you can visit Red Horse Mountain Ranch in Harrison, Idaho. This is an all inclusive dude ranch with horseback riding.

If you have kids, you won’t want to miss Silverwood Theme Park. They have awesome roller coasters and a water park. Save time for a Pirate lake cruise.

 

What are your favorite things to do in Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho?

Thanks to Lisa Gerber and the Coeur d’Alene Visitor’s Bureau for assistance with this post.

Things to see and do in Coeur d’Alene Lake article and photos by Nancy D. Brown