Things to do in Coeur d'Alene?

[Zary's-Mustache]

I did a quick search and last thread was 13 years ago.

Driving there and staying there about a week.

Any good restaurants anyone can recommend? We're going to be spending a lot of time on the water and also visit the Silverwood theme park but anything else we can do that isn't well known? Are there any natural hot springs around there that aren't connected to any resort?

[Ben_in_Canada]

There's a fairly big casino there. They don't use cards though, everything is on Ipads.

[Locke]

I think theres a Target? Potentially even a Wal-Mart and surely a Swiss Chalet!

[Huntingwhale]

Watching this thread too since we're also headed there for the long weekend. Spending a night in Sandpoint before venturing to CD. Was thinking of Silverwood too. My cousin was there recently and said it was awesome. Only in the area for the long weekend, so still deciding if it's worth spending an entire there or more worthwhile to see the surrounding areas.

Not sure what route you are taking there ZM, but I am greatly looking forward to driving the Going-to-the-sun road on the way there.

[Coach]

Some great golf courses around. Can't remember specific spots or names as I was pretty young, but we did a little tour through there and eastern Washington for some golf.

[Zary's-Mustache]

Originally Posted by Huntingwhale

Watching this thread too since we're also headed there for the long weekend. Spending a night in Sandpoint before venturing to CD. Was thinking of Silverwood too. My cousin was there recently and said it was awesome. Only in the area for the long weekend, so still deciding if it's worth spending an entire there or more worthwhile to see the surrounding areas.

Not sure what route you are taking there ZM, but I am greatly looking forward to driving the Going-to-the-sun road on the way there.

I've never been there so going to take whatever google tells me to take haha. I saw there was another route that was about an hour longer and I've heard the longer route is the one that has more scenery but I'm going to take the shortest route.

[Reggie Dunlop]

Isn't that where the Aryan Nations are based?

[Erick Estrada]

Spokane is only 25 minutes away if you want to do more shopping or checking out restaurants.

[PepsiFree]

The Spokane/CDA area kind of secretly slaps tbh. Great little destination that’s far enough away that feels different but close enough that it feels easy.

Downtown/Riverfront Park in Spokane with the falls and everything is really cool. CDA has a real beach town vibe to it near the water and is also great to just explore on foot (specifically Sherman Ave between Independence Point and the east end of McEuen Park).

I wouldn’t say there’s a standout restaurant or anything, they aren’t that kind of place (nothing that you couldn’t get here and nothing that’s like a MUST), but there’s a lot of options. Trader Joes is great for groceries and snacks.

Surrounding area: Wallace is neat. Sandpoint.

Bonners Ferry sucks. Weird spot. Idaho and Washington are actually just weird in general in that area but ymmv. There are some areas where you can just hear the Deliverance banjo tune start playing in the back of your mind.

[troutman]

https://www.silverwoodthemepark.com/...BoCys4QAvD_BwE

[Sliver]

Originally Posted by PepsiFree

The Spokane/CDA area kind of secretly slaps tbh. Great little destination that’s far enough away that feels different but close enough that it feels easy.

Downtown/Riverfront Park in Spokane with the falls and everything is really cool. CDA has a real beach town vibe to it near the water and is also great to just explore on foot (specifically Sherman Ave between Independence Point and the east end of McEuen Park).

I wouldn’t say there’s a standout restaurant or anything, they aren’t that kind of place (nothing that you couldn’t get here and nothing that’s like a MUST), but there’s a lot of options. Trader Joes is great for groceries and snacks.

Surrounding area: Wallace is neat. Sandpoint.

Bonners Ferry sucks. Weird spot. Idaho and Washington are actually just weird in general in that area but ymmv. There are some areas where you can just hear the Deliverance banjo tune start playing in the back of your mind.

Not saying you're wrong 364 days of the year, but I stayed there this past fourth of July (I try to do July 4 in the States in different locations) and it was outstanding. Best fireworks I've ever seen. The people were so fun to party with. My kids made friends galore...we played volley ball, ate awesome food at the fair grounds or whatever it's called and just hung out with the locals. There was no rah rah red state Trump crap. Just good old fashioned Norman Rockwell-style Americana.

They also did a really tasteful and appropriately lengthed tribute to their troops, sang two songs (anthem, of course, and god save America or something). IDK, seemed really nice and patriotic without being nationalistic.

Straight white family of four with with one boy and one girl driving a pick up truck probably made us fit in like crazy, so I understand my perspective may not be everyone's, but I really loved it.

Most fun I've had for a fourth of July was Whitefish, though. They partied haaaard.

OP: Silverwood is super fun if you like rides. I wouldn't dream of missing that since you're going to drive right past it.

[FlamesAddiction]

It's really beautiful country there if you are into the outdoors. The town itself is nice, but not overly exciting.

[P-Rugby]

Texas Roadhouse! Montanas meets the Keg

[troutman]

Missoula is 2.5 hours away. They get some great concerts.

[Sylvanfan]

At Lake Pend Orielle just North of Couer D'Alene there is a submarine base.

It's a good area if you like outdoor hiking and the like. I've never really been South of there within Idaho, but there are a lot of spots on the Lake in the city that people love for hiking or biking.

You can always go to Spokane to see an impressive tent city for a place that size.

Those places have grown a lot in the last 35 years...Cranbrook where I used to live is still the same schite hole.

[dubc80]

Will you have bikes with you?
We did this the last time we were in the area, and it was awesome.

They might have rentals? You'd have to check.

https://www.ridethehiawatha.com/

[D as in David]

I'm a big fan of amusement park rides so put me in with the other posters recommending Silverwood. The water park is just okay but provides a nice break throughout the day if it's a hot one.

[PepsiFree]

Originally Posted by Sliver

Not saying you're wrong 364 days of the year, but I stayed there this past fourth of July (I try to do July 4 in the States in different locations) and it was outstanding. Best fireworks I've ever seen. The people were so fun to party with. My kids made friends galore...we played volley ball, ate awesome food at the fair grounds or whatever it's called and just hung out with the locals. There was no rah rah red state Trump crap. Just good old fashioned Norman Rockwell-style Americana.

They also did a really tasteful and appropriately lengthed tribute to their troops, sang two songs (anthem, of course, and god save America or something). IDK, seemed really nice and patriotic without being nationalistic.

Straight white family of four with with one boy and one girl driving a pick up truck probably made us fit in like crazy, so I understand my perspective may not be everyone's, but I really loved it.

Most fun I've had for a fourth of July was Whitefish, though. They partied haaaard.

OP: Silverwood is super fun if you like rides. I wouldn't dream of missing that since you're going to drive right past it.

Honestly, 4th of July almost anywhere in the US is just the best and something everyone should experience. Small towns do it differently than big cities (and arguably better?) but it’s just so fun and can be a really inspirational day.

I have no doubt Bonners Ferry was amazing that day. I’m usually there when it’s quieter and I just kind of hate it. The vibe is off. I don’t stop anymore.

[Paulie Walnuts]

Is this the place a bunch of KKK attacked a womens basketball team during March Madness?

[PepsiFree]

Originally Posted by troutman

Missoula is 2.5 hours away. They get some great concerts.

Hell, Seattle is only 4 hours away.

Visit Coeur d’Alene: “Imagine everywhere else you could visit!”