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Coeur d’Alene Convention & Visitor Bureau
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Coeur d’Alene Convention & Visitor Bureau
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Coeur d'Alene Lake at sunset
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Coeur d’Alene Convention & Visitor Bureau
Sculling on the lake.
By Nicole Skinner
YOUR LAKESIDE PLAYGROUND
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho is often best known as the “lakeside playground.” The city is nestled along the shore of its namesake lake. The lake spans 40 km (25 mi) long, ranges from 1.5 to 5 km wide and has over 175 km (109 mi) of shoreline. It’s as if the pristine waters and sandy beaches just beckon to be visited.
In addition to the natural beauty of the area, Coeur d’Alene is also the hub of what is truly the “North Idaho” culture and lifestyle. It’s home to an active local arts scene, a unique downtown shopping district, plentiful nightlife opportunities with live music and several seasonal festivals and athletic events. Plus the Northwest’s largest theme and water park, Silverwood, is only a short drive north.
WATER ACTIVITIES AND OUTDOOR ADVENTURES
As a lakeside playground, visitors won’t be hard pressed to find a variety of water activities and outdoor adventures. While there’s nothing wrong with kicking back at the beach and swimming in the lake, don’t miss all the other opportunities within arm’s reach. There are several boat, personal watercraft and pontoon rental options available. Row Adventures offers one or half-day excursions like kayaking, rafting and fishing. Enjoy a tour of the lake from Lake Coeur d’Alene Cruises, including sunset or dinner cruises.
There are several golf courses in the area; two noteworthy ones are The Resort Golf Course and the Circling Raven Golf Club at the Coeur d’Alene Casino. Brand new for 2015 is the Timberline Adventures Coeur d’Alene Zip Line Tour. The first and only zip line on the lake offers a one-of-a-kind way to view the area. Soar from tree to tree for more than two hours before ending the course with a pretty epic surprise. The surrounding mountains offer several hiking areas. Silver Mountain has an impressive gondola ride and excellent mountain biking trails. And the Route of the Hiawatha Trail is a ride not to be missed as it traverses 24 km (15 mi) along the historic old railroad route, including numerous tunnels and trestles.
Get more details on these, peruse other outdoor activities and more at: http://www.coeurdalene.org/what-to-do
GRAB A BITE
Food and wine lovers will rejoice at the variety of choices for dining and sipping by the lake. After a day of playing on the water or outdoor adventures, head downtown to discover many fine or casual dining options. Stir up nostalgic feelings of summer’s past with a stop at Roger’s Ice Cream and Hamburgers. They’ve been family owned and serving up handmade burgers and delectable ice cream since 1940. For a fresh and local feel, drop in at Scratch for a meal completely made from scratch with many local ingredients. With entrées like Osso Buco, Duck, Grilled Quail or the Hot Pot, guests won’t be disappointed. Afterwards stop for a drink at the new Coeur d’Alene Taphouse – Unchained. The bicycle themed décor pays homage to the local cycling scene. A themed menu, 24 microbrews on tap daily and the “Margarita Bike” where guests can mix their own drinks, create a fun atmosphere to unwind from the day.
Those who love cuisine from around the world won’t be disappointed. There are several sushi and Asian dining options. If Italian or Greek foods are stirring up a craving, those are covered too. Wine lovers be sure to hit The Cellar or Coeur d’Alene Cellars for a glass from a local or regional winery. Head a few blocks north from downtown to the area known as Midtown to the iconic Capone’s Pub & Grill. As once seen on Food Network’s Guy Fieri’s Diners, Drive Ins and Dives, they make some of the best subs, burgers, pizzas and other pub eats around.
For more places to eat while in Coeur d’Alene visit: http://www.coeurdalene.org/what-to-do/dining
PLACES TO STAY
Tamarack RV Park
Tucked in the tall Ponderosa pines right on the city of Coeur d’Alene, Tamarack RV Park is great for visitors that want to stay close to shopping, the lake and the fun downtown district. They welcome RVs, tent camping and have guesthouses.
Tamarack RV Park is open year round. Each RV site is complete with 30 and 50 amp electric services, water, sewer, garbage, basic cable and wifi. Also available are fire pit, camper’s patio and laundry facilities.
Wolf Lodge Campground
This seasonal campground is open May through October. It is conveniently located just minutes outside of Coeur d’Alene. Relax in a fun, family-friendly environment that’s surrounded by mountains in a wooded setting. In addition to shaded RV sites, there are tent sites and some rustic cabins.
The park offers both 30 and 50 amp full hookups. Free wifi is available. Pets are welcome. Guests can enjoy many complimentary activities including a playground, feeding the fish in the creek, horseshoes, shuffleboard and more. Canoe and three-wheeled bike rentals available. There is a nightly group campfire with s’mores.
Crystal Gold Mine RV Park
A short drive from Coeur d’Alene, RVers can enjoy staying at the historical Crystal Gold Mine RV Park. Close to Kellogg, Idaho the mine was one of the first hard rock mines in the Silver Valley. With a history dating back to the 1880s, the mine was rediscovered in 1991 after being hidden and then reclaimed in 1996 to open as a historic attraction.
Guided tours are offered to gain a glimpse at what mining was like in the old days. The RV Park has full hookups, pets are welcome and there’s easy access from the I-90 freeway.
Farragut State Park
This state park is just 32 km (20 mi) north of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. It’s open year round and has bathrooms, showers, a dump station and electricity. Wifi is not available at this park. However, this site offers the best of both worlds, surrounded by endless outdoor activities but also just a quick hop and a skip in to town.
It’s also near Silverwood theme park, ATV trails and the Museum at the Brig on the world’s second largest naval training station. There’s a visitors center nature store that offers horseshoe rentals and disc golf supplies for purchase.
Find more details on the sites and other accommodations at http://www.coeurdalene.org/where-to-stay.