So, if you are like many others, when the word 'amusements' comes up, we think of amusement parks. Maybe arcades, miniature golf, water parks, and the like also tickle the imagination. Sandpoint and North Idaho have all of that and more. Maybe we don't have a Disney or Universal Studios, or even a Six Flags for that matter, but we do have the Pacific Northwest's largest theme park: Silverwood. We have water parks galore, and lots of other family and dating fun.

Winter Fun Guide

But expand horizons a bit, and think about the skiing, hiking, biking, and all the rest that goes along with great mountains, lakes, and rivers in one of natures truly spectacular areas: North Idaho. Since we have covered those other areas in this What to do in North Idaho section, this web page covers the rest of family fun and adventures. Listed below are many things to do, and links to them. Get some ideas here to cover your next great adventurous day out in our little slice of paradise. Plus, all summer long, you can listen to North Idaho Arts and Adventure hosted by Gary Lirette on KSPT and KBFI, 1400 in Kootenai and Bonner Counties covering Coeur d'Alene and Sandpoint, and 1450 on the AM dial covering Bonners Ferry and Creston.

What to Do in Sandpoint & Bonner County, North Idaho

Wow! What a run we have had here in the North Idaho Panhandle. Schweitzer has spent millions on improvements and finally made Skiing Mag's Top 25. Spring 2008 had AskMen.com naming Sandpoint and Schweitzer Mountain Ski Resort one of the nation's Top 10 Resort Towns. There's always something going one. Winter events like Holly Eve, Winter Carnival, and Mardi Gras added to some great downhill runs. Spring brought Lost in the 50s, Spring Festivals, and marathons, and the fun continued through summer, with art and festivals, fishing derbys, Summer Sampler, 4th of July, the Wooden Boat Festival, the Festival at Sandpoint two week concert series, and great lake fun. Now coming up is Lakedance Film Fest and the turning of the leaves. Can't wait for Oktoberfest!

We have seen some cool new restaurants, the Bonner Mall getting a makeover, and more things to do in our Calendar of Events than we have ever had before. Sports and doing things outdoors here ain't so bad either. From the CdA Ironman, to the NORBA Nationals, to the Long Bridge Swim, we have the national events. But with dozens of bike trails at every level, hiking, and boating, you can find what you like to do. Choose one of the activities on either side, or surf the rest of the website. You are surely going to find something cool to do in Sandpoint and North Idaho.

As for Sandpoint, you might have seen the sign, and yes, Sandpoint is a walking town. That is one of the most popular things to do in Sandpoint and up on Schweitzer Mountain in the village when coming to visit. In a half day, we can walk either village, seeing cool shops, visiting galleries, and dining in good restaurants. But there is much more to do in the outlying areas.

Here are a couple other things to consider.

First, Lake Pend Oreille is the second largest freshwater lake and the deepest in the West with 111 miles of shoreline. Watersports, sailing, and racing are common and several boat cruises are offered. Next is Schweitzer Mountain Ski Resort, a top winter destination rated in the Top 25 in Skiing Magazine and Top 10 in Sunset Magazine, with the finest skiing and snowboarding with unbelievable panoramic views overlooking Lake Pend Oreille. With over 2,900 acres, 2,400 feet of vertical, 67 named runs and seven chairlifts, Schweitzer Mountain is a dream for downhill enthusiasts. There's also 32k of cross country trails, beautiful snowshoe trails, and a brand-new tubing center plus shopping galore. Winter Sports feature snowmobiling and ice skating, and during the summer we host the NORBA Nationals and biking of every sort. We are home to Coldwater Creek with their HQ and biggest store. There are three golf courses, among them award-winning Hidden Lakes, now the Jack Nicklaus Idaho Club. Just a few miles away is Silverwood Theme Park, the Northwest’s largest theme park.

Sandpoint is a great, historic railroading town, with fantastic scenery on short or long trips within the Pacific Northwest. The Burlington Northern, Montana Rail Link, and Spokane International rail systems all converge to create "The Funnel," an amazingly active rail crossroads with more than 40 trains a day traveling through. Rail buffs come from around the world to see the many trains traveling through. We are home to the award-winning Pend d’Oreille Winery, and North Idaho and Eastern Washington have many wineries, and Coeur d'Alene and Sandpoint have no fewer than twelve wine bars. The area is filled with world-famous artists, galleries, antique stores, and shopping. We have great restaurants, including Sushi, Tapas, and eclectic as well as traditional fare that satisfies every taste.  As the saying goes, "Where do you find the best restaurants in Spokane? Sandpoint!" There are several wildlife refuges, national parks, nature preserves, and state parks within short driving distance. We also have some of the finest hunting and fishing in the nation. There are dams, horseback riding, sleigh rides, camping and hiking. We have the International Selkirk Loop, a 280-mile driving loop through two countries (U.S. and Canada) and two states (Idaho and Washington) considered to be one of the best drives in the country. Finally there are so many events that they are too many to mention. The historic Panida Theater has many of them, but others are city or county-wide such as our Madcap Mardi Gras during our Winter Carnival celebration and two Oktoberfests. To see a full Calendar of Events, click the link on the left. In short, North Idaho is a jewel, with Sandpoint and Coeur d'Alene sparkling bright. Come visit us and see why so many that do never leave.

Here is a little more about what the Sandpoint Area Offers

Click here to learn more about the Skinny on Sandpoint

Here is a great North Idaho Recreation Guide

We have two sections below: Amusements and Events

To get a complete picture of what's happening in North Idaho and Sandpoint, click North Idaho Calendar of Events

Parks and Recreation Guide – Sandpoint Central's Directory to all public campgrounds in area national forests.