Celebrate Independence Day in North Idaho
The upside to most Independence Day celebrations this year is that they’re outdoors and typically free. Both are true throughout North Idaho, with festivities planned from prairie to lakefront to mountaintop.
Head south to HARRISON on the Fourth of July for old-fashioned fun in this charming lakeside town. Boat or drive in and spend the day swimming, exploring the town’s history, sampling from any number of restaurants — ice cream anyone? — and then settle in for live music from Jam Shack from 4-8 pm. Fireworks start at dark.
Farther south in Plummer-Worley, the COEUR D’ALENE CASINO is hosting a two-day celebration of America’s independence so consider staying overnight with one of their convenient stay-and-play packages. Fireworks will be held Friday, July 3, around 10 pm, and on Saturday, the casino is having a block party in the parking lot from 5-9:30 pm and featuring several area food trucks. A hometown favorite, the Rhythm Dawgs play at 6 pm, with fireworks starting at dark.
East of Coeur d’Alene, Kellogg’s SILVER MOUNTAIN is the place to be for fireworks and one-of-a-kind views of the Silver Valley. Bring the family and consider staying overnight — check out their stay-and-splash packages for a day at the water park. You’ll also find packages that include whitewater rafting, golf and mountain biking.
While the annual parade, festival and fireworks aren’t happening in downtown COEUR D’ALENE this year out of an abundance of caution, that doesn’t mean there aren’t reasons to plan your own family celebration in the Lake City. Rent a pontoon boat from RESORT BOAT RENTALS, CDA BOAT RENTALS or HARRISON PERFORMANCE PONTOON RENTALS and spend the day leisurely touring the lake. You can even find some rentals with waterslides! If you have a need for speed, look into their sport boat or jet ski rentals.
Plan a picnic in the park at MCKEUEN PARK or CITY PARK, or find your place in the sand at CITY BEACH or around TUBBS HILL. Don’t want the hassle of packing your own picnic basket? Pickup some barbecue from RELIC SMOKEHOUSE AND PUB or the veteran owned TRIPLE B BACKHILLS BBQ.
When the sun goes down, head to TRIPLE PLAY FAMILY FUN PARK. For only $17.76 plus tax per person (get it?!), you will have access to all available attractions and waterpark from 6 pm to close (11 pm for Triple Play and 10 pm for Raptor Reef Indoor Waterpark).
Riverstone Summer Concert Series
JULY 2
Proof that summer is finally here — Riverstone’s popular free, weekly outdoor concert series kicks off with headlining blues/jazz artist, CeCe Curtis and opener Pamela Benton. Free, 6-8 pm, at the Village at Riverstone.
Silver Mountain Ride & Dine
JULY 3
Every Friday in July and August enjoy a scenic gondola ride, live music, and a savory mountain top barbecue. Your lift ticket is included in the price. The menu usually consists of Huckleberry BBQ Ribs or blackened salmon, with sides of mashed potatoes, salad, beans and toast. Better yet, earn your feast with an afternoon of mountain biking. Visit cda4.fun for package pricing and details.
Toyota Tuesday at Silverwood
JULY 14
Mark your calendar Toyota owners! The driver of any Toyota gets in free at Silverwood Theme Park when they bring an admission coupon from any Inland Empire Toyota Dealer.
