Northern Idaho Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Photo provided by The Idaho Club
Idaho’s Panhandle region is a wonderland of thrilling family attractions and adventurous activities within a swath of green, mountainous countryside.

Head into the mountains of Northern Idaho, a seldom-explored corner of the U.S. that offers a vacation packed with entertainment and excitement. The Panhandle region stretches up the Canadian border and reaches into the Coeur d’Alene and Bitterroot ranges of the Rocky Mountains.

The Coeur D’Alene region’s history lies in the landscape of the Pacific Northwest. Visit the Museum of North Idaho to learn about the roles that logging and agriculture played in the industry of the state. Explore the Bonner County Historical Museum or the Old Mission in the town of Coeur d’Alene for insight into the region’s indigenous communities.

Northern Idaho is a place where you can embrace the outdoors. Lace up your hiking boots and hit the walking trails around the lakes and rivers of the region. Trek through Kootenai Wildlife Refuge and look for bison, elk and other wild animals. Q’emiln Trail encompasses 14 different routes and winds through the Spokane River gorge.

Bring your family to Northern Idaho for fun at any time of year. In winter, Farragut State Park offers enjoyable skiing slopes for all abilities, while many of the towns offer sports such as snowmobiling and ice skating. In summer, plummet down the steep drops of the roller coasters in Silverwood Theme Park or ride mountain bike trails through untouched scenery.

Golfers flock to Northern Idaho to play 18 holes with the Rocky Mountains as a dramatic backdrop to their game. Ponderosa, Avondale and Priest Lake are just a few of the popular courses in the region.

Fly into Coeur d’Alene Airport to land in the middle of Northern Idaho. Alternatively, choose one of the regular flights to Spokane International Airport in neighboring Washington.

Northern Idaho is colder than the southern half of the state. Come in winter for heavy snowfalls and exhilarating winter sports. Peak season in Northern Idaho is in summer, when the sun shines brightly and the mountains break out into the colors of seasonal flowers.

Where to stay in Northern Idaho

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Garden District

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Garden District and surrounding area, you can visit McEuen Park and Independence Point.

Garden District
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Dover Bay

While Dover Bay may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Sandpoint City Beach Park and Lakeview Park.

Dover Bay
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Ponder Point

Though Ponder Point may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Sandpoint City Beach Park and Sandpoint Elks Golf Course.

Ponder Point
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Fort Grounds

While visiting Fort Grounds, you might make a stop by sights like Lake Coeur d'Alene and Driftwood Point.

Fort Grounds
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Hayden View Estates

If you're spending some time in Hayden View Estates, Honeysuckle Bay and Lake Hayden are top sights worth seeing.

Hayden View Estates
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Comeback Bay

While Comeback Bay isn't home to many top sights, Sandpoint City Beach Park and Lakeview Park are some notable places to visit nearby.

Comeback Bay

Popular places to visit

Cities near Northern Idaho