Coeur d’Alene, Idaho may not have been on your list of top places to visit, or you may have never heard of it. However, after reading through this article on the fantastic places to visit and exciting activities you can do, you’ll be sure to want to visit soon.
Coeur d’Alene is located in Northern Idaho, with Lake Coeur d’Alene being the center of attention. The area offers five-star resort accommodations for families or just friends wanting to relax, take in the sights, and have some fun.
Visitors to the area can enjoy everything from cycling through nature reserves to hiking through pine forest trails, fabulous golf courses, and of course, all of the fantastic activities surrounding the beautiful lake.
Keep reading for our top list of places to visit and things to do in Coeur d’Alene, and consider visiting Idaho soon.
Top Places to Visit and Fun Activities in Coeur d’Alene
Coeur d’Alene is filled with activities, places to visit, and things to do for almost anybody. As long as you like immersing yourself in nature or relaxing, then you will find what you find.
Listed below are a collection of activities and places to visit that might help you get started on your trip to Coeur d’Alene.
Lake Coeur d’Alene
The jewel of the area of Lake Coeur d’Alene. Whatever activities you want to do in the lake, you can rent it and experience it. If you wish to kayak, swim, or go on a chartered fishing expedition, the locals have you covered and will guide you to the best sports.
You can even just relax on the edge of the lake on one of the great beaches and watch everything happen out on the lake.
An experience in the winter is to watch the bald eagles as they feast on kokanee in the lake. Wolf Lodge Bay is the perfect place to experience this.
Cycle, Hike, or Job Along the North Idaho Centennial Trail
Along the North and North-Eastern shore of Lake Coeur d’Alene is the North Idaho Centennial Trail which is a popular trail to jog, hike, or ride your bike.
The trail is a 23-mile-long trail, offering some of the best sights in the region, and you can take your time strolling along or add some speed to the scenery by biking along with it.
There are also many scenic stops you make along the way into various parks, such as Heyburn State Park, McEuen Park, and the Mineral Ridge Scenic Area. You can even keep going and cross into Washington state on the Spokane River Centennial Trail.
Stop off in McEuen Park
McEuen Park is a great place to spend the day for the whole family. It’s home to the cities largest playground. It also features basketball courts, huge pavilions, and even a leash-free dog park for your happy pooch. In addition, the area has a lot of open grassy space so that you can play frisbee, have a picnic, or do anything else you feel like doing.
As you’re strolling around, you’ll notice an abundance of art on display, as well as a beautiful grand plaza with waterfalls and gardens to explore.
If you’re finished for the day or looking for somewhere to continue your hiking, then access to Tubbs Hills can be found in the southwest corner of the park.
Hiking through Tubbs Hills
Tubbs Hills is a great easy hike that allows you to view the lake from high up for a different viewing experience. In addition, you’ll be able to find miles of different hiking trails to explore, even a 2.2-mile lakeside hike that goes around the entire hill.
Tubbs Hills is located downtown and is accessible from various other trails in the area. Including McEuen Park. You’ll also find that Tubbs Hills has spectacular views in the evening as the sunsets.
Hike the Mineral Ridge National Recreation Trail
If Tubb Hills wasn’t enough of a view for you, consider hiking The Mineral Ridge National Recreation Trail. It’s a 3.3-mile long trail with sweeping views of Beauty Bay in Lake Coeur d’Alene. The trail has an elevation of 700 feet, so it’s an easy to moderate hike.
If you’re up for the hike, the views from the top are well worth the extra effort. You will have plenty of changes along the trail to see out over the lake, as well as a stop for picnics and pictures. This is also a great location to see bald eagles feast on fish during winter.
Visit Downtown Coeur d’Alene
If you need a break from all the hiking, you can visit downtown Coeur d’Alene. You can spend the day shopping, eating, or watching some live entertainment. You’ll find over 100 retail shops, and depending on your food tastes, you can have something quick and easy or go for fine dining at Beverly’s for dinner.
You’ll find seasonal activities, parades, and even a farmers market to get your local artisanal products during the summer months.
Visit the Seven Stars Alpaca Ranch
If you’re looking for something a little different, and even if you don’t have kids, the Seven Stars Alpaca Ranch is an excellent location to see some Alpacas up close and personal. You’ll have an opportunity to help move the Alpacas between their different feeding grounds.
You must book this, and kids under 12 can’t help with the move due to safety concerns.
Hire Something Fun
It’s always great to go hiking or visit animals, or even go shopping. However, sometimes you just want to have some fun. Many vendors in Coeur d’Alene will let you ride segways around the city, take you fishing, let you kayak or play with other water vehicles in the lake.
Take the opportunity to explore and have fun in the great outdoors. You can even rent ATVs and go on a big adventure with your friends.
Final Thoughts
Coeur d’Alene is a fantastic natural and hidden destination that you’ll want to spend as much time at as possible. The friendly people, incredible views, natural wonders, and the ability to explore them are truly remarkable.
