Exploring Coeur d'Alene and Idaho Falls

Coeur d'Alene might sound like a place in France but it is a city in northwest Idaho. It is known for watersports on Lake Coeur d'Alene.

Coeur d'Alene City Park has lovely views overlooking the water. All kinds of watercraft can be rented to get you onto the water. Scenic cruises are available and possibilities for chartered fishing. There is also a beautiful beach to enjoy.

In the wintertime, Lake Coeur d'Alene is visited by hundreds of bald eagles flying in to feed on spawning kokanee salmon.

McEuen Park is home to the city's largest playground. There are spaces for basketball. You can see lovely pavilions and for your best friend a leash-free dog park. There is plenty of green space to relax, throw frisbees, and picnic.

There is a beautiful grand plaza area with landscaped waterfalls and garden beds. A place for reflection is the nearby Veterans Memorial.

Downtown Coeur d'Alene offers shopping, dining, and live entertainment. The area has a lovely backdrop of the waterfront and more than 100 retail stores.

Tubbs Hill is a natural space featuring a higher elevation overlooking Lake Coeur d'Alene. There are miles of hiking trails up and around the hill including a 2.2-mile lakeside interpretive loop circling the entire hill. The hill is accessible from various locations with the main trailhead next to the Rotary Harbor House in McEuen Park. There are concessions and restrooms.

The North Idaho Centennial Trail is a 23-mile pedestrian path that offers some of the best sights in the region. The tail stretches from the Idaho/Washington border to Higgins Point on the eastern shores of Lake Coeur d'Alene. The trail can be navigated by walkers, joggers, and bikers.

Mineral Ridge is a historic, scenic area located east of town. Part of it is the 3.3-mile National Recreation Trail overlooking Beauty Bay. The trail starts at the parking area with interpretive markers along the way that correspond to a guidebook by the Bureau of Land Management. You can learn about the flora and fauna of the area and the history of this site. There are picnic shelters to relax at and vault toilets. There are spectacular views atop Mineral Ridge. In the wintertime. you can see migrating bald eagles.

The Museum of North Idaho has exhibits about the history of the Coeur d'Alene region. There are photos and information about the 1941 Playland Pier and the introduction of Hydroplane Races on Lake Coeur d'Alene in 1958.

Between Coeur d'Alene City Park and McEuen Park overlooking Lake Coeur d'Alene, you'll find the impressive Coeur d'Alene Resort with more than 300 accommodations offering all kinds of choices like lake-view tower rooms and spacious suites.

There are spa options and several dining areas. There is an outdoor pool, fitness facility, and complimentary breakfast in the morning.

Cherry Hill Park is another beautiful open space northeast of downtown. This park includes a BMX track and a leash-free dog park. There is an 18-hole-disc golf course and tennis and pickleball courts are available.

The playground area is popular resembling a large firefighter's helmet and is dedicated as a 9/11 Memorial Playground. The surrounding Fallen Heroes Plaza offers interpretive information and memorials for fallen heroes from Idaho. It is a popular place in the winter with sledding and kid-friendly winter recreation.

Forty minutes north of Coeur d'Alene on the southern tip of Lake Pend Oreille, the largest lake in Idaho is Farragut State Park. The park was once home to the Farragut Naval Training Center during WW II. It is a great place for hikers, cyclists, and horseback riders with miles of trails.

The lake is great for boating and swimming with access from Beaver Bay Beach. There is access to many amenities like showers and restrooms. It is also a known disc golf destination with four professional 18-hole courses.

Coeur d'Alene National Forest encompasses a large swath of forest directly east of the city. It is part of the larger Idaho Panhandle National Forests covering land between Idaho, Montana, and Washington. There are multi-use trails, campgrounds, freshwater lakes, and a chance to fish and enjoy nature.

Hayden Lake is one of the most popular recreation spots just a 20-mile drive from the city. You can find Little Guard Lookout rental cabins or spend the night in the Honeysuckle and Bumblebee Campgrounds.

Hayburn State Park is the oldest state park in the Pacific Northwest and less than a 43-minute drive south of Coeur d'Alene. There are three lovely lakes Chatcolet, Benewah, and Hidden. Nearby is also the St. Joe River. Popular activities include hiking, biking, and bird-watching. On the water you can swim, kayak, canoe, and paddleboard. It is a popular place for camping and has full RV hookups. Cottages can be rented.

Idaho Falls By the Snake River

Visiting the city you'll enjoy taking the River Walk and seeing the spectacular views all around. Strollers, runners, and cyclists enjoy the path. The River Walk connects with many of the top attractions and natural spaces.

The Museum of Idaho has more than 25,000 artifacts and specimens that relate to history, biology, and the cultural importance of the state. The museum is known for its rotating exhibits and in-depth information on display. It hosts a variety of events for both children and adults.

Tautphaus Park is one of the oldest and largest parks in the city. There are plenty of trees and lots of green space. Here you can find baseball diamonds and picnic shelters. On-site is also the Funland Amusement Park with waterslides and miniature carnival rides.

The highlight of the park is the Idaho Falls Zoo which has animals from all around the world. Among the popular exhibits are lions, snow leopards, and penguins.

The Art Museum of Eastern Idaho features five galleries and an interactive art area for children. There are also special events and classes.

Russ Freeman Park is located on the north side of the city adjacent to the Snake River. The park has hiking trails, lots of green space, and access to the Snake River. There is an 18-hole disc golf course in the park as well as baseball fields, horseshoe pits, and a band shelter.

Visit the Vietnam Memorial.

The Civic Auditorium of Idaho Falls has seen concerts by such popular artists as Louis Armstrong and Johnny Cash. It opened in 1952 and is the central spot for Idaho Falls culture. The center hosts Broadway musicals, touring performances, and civic events.

Idaho Falls is home to one of the largest eagle monuments in the country. It is accessible via the River Walk. The huge statue depicts two eagles tending to their roost on top of a native Idaho rock with a mountain lion nearby. The memorial is called Giant Eagle Waterfall Nest or Eagle Rock Fountain but the artist, Vic Payne titles his work The Protector.

The East Idaho Aquarium is a non-profit organization that was founded in 2013. It offers hands-on exhibits and displays that relate to aquatic and non-aquatic ecosystems. Among the permanent exhibits are a shark tank, bird-feeding stations, and freshwater life on display. There is the opportunity to feed touch animals like stingrays, bearded dragons, and giant river fish.

Grand Teton National Park is located less than a two-hour drive from Idaho Falls. The park has glacier-fed lakes, alpine valleys, and the towering Teton Range. There is an abundance of wildlife like moose, bears, and marmots. There are many hiking trails to choose from and the park offers great campgrounds. It is minutes away from the valley of Jackson Hole including the resort town of Jackson and the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort.

Yellowstone National Park was the first designated national park in the country. Its west entrance can be reached from Idaho Falls in less than a two-hour drive. The park has great campgrounds like the Madison Campground. It has some of the best hiking trails in the area including the Upper Geyser Basin Boardwalk showcasing Old Faithful and hot springs, and geysers.