Old fashioned fun can be found in abundance throughout North Idaho
Take a step back in time to experience Coeur d’Alene and the surrounding region in a whole new way this summer, with immersive historical experiences you might not know existed.
In Coeur d’Alene, the past is very much present in so many places. “Idaho Women in Leadership” is the newest exhibit at the MUSEUM OF NORTH IDAHO and family passes are only $10. Experience historical Coeur d’Alene in the permanent exhibit, from the first peoples who called themselves Schitsu’umsh to early settlers, logging and mining companies, or schedule a walking history tour with a local historian. Visit museumni.org.
Experience Coeur d’Alene history one artwork at a time with a SELF-GUIDED TOUR OF THE AREA’S PUBLIC ART, including several sculptures commemorating important contributors to the region’s history like The Idaho Farmer bronze statue at McEuen Park or Chief Morris Antelope along the campus of North Idaho College. Visit maps.cdaid.org/art for an interactive and comprehensive map. You’ll also find one of the most impressive collections of authentic Native American art and artifacts at CISCO’S, in the heart of downtown Coeur d’Alene.
Experience Coeur d’Alene history one bite at a time in one of any number of businesses located in repurposed buildings. Try VAULT COFFEE in a former bank or COEUR D’ALENE COFFEE inside a gorgeously renovated former Elks Club building. Pop over to Sherman Square Park at Sherman and Sixth Street to view an artist rendering of old school Coeur d’Alene’s Playland Pier, then go over to Fort Grounds and ride the restored Playland Pier CAROUSEL for only $2 (cdacarousel.com).
Head east on Interstate 90 to visit the oldest building in Idaho: The 1850’s Mission of the Sacred Heart, better known as the CATALDO MISSION. For $5/car or $10/family, explore the mission, cemetery and restored parish house. You don’t want to miss Sacred Encounters: Father De Smet & the Indians of the Rocky Mountain West, a multimedia exhibit addressing the earliest relationship between the local tribes and arriving Jesuit missionaries. Visit parksandrecreation.idaho.gov/parks/coeur-d-alenes-old-mission.
Keep going on I-90 to experience WALLACE, Idaho, listed on the National Historic Register — the whole town! Catch a quirky production of whatever’s playing at the Sixth Street Melodrama (sixthstreetmelodrama.com), where shows are running in July and August with limited audience capacity for safety. Tour the Northern Pacific Railroad Museum, open daily (free; donations accepted, npdepot.org) or descend into the Earth for the Sierra Silver Mine Tour (Tickets: $9-16, silverminetour.org) to learn about the area’s natural resources past. Of course there are places to explore, from fun little eateries like City Limits Brew Pub to loads of antique shops. Visit wallaceidahochamber.com.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Coeur d’Alene Flea Market
JULY 26
Head to Coeur d’Alene’s charming Roosevelt Inn on the last Sunday of every month, and browse from more than 20 vendors selling handmade goods, antiques and food at this outdoor market. Free; 10 am-2 pm;
The Roosevelt Inn
Sunset Dinner Cruise
DAILY
Escape to the lake, and indulge in a sunset dinner cruise. This two-hour long cruise on Lake Coeur d’Alene features a gourmet buffet dinner and unparalleled views. Adults $59; departs from Independence Point at 6:30 pm; prepaid reservations are required.
Bands on Boats
JULY 26
Ready to rock out on Lake Coeur d’Alene? The Bands on Boats series is back! The July 26 three-hour cruise features the ever-popular Hayes Carll. Tickets $27.50; boarding begins at 6:30 pm at Independence point. Ages 21+.
