Things to Do in Kootenai County, Idaho

Kootenai County in northern Idaho is chock full of things to do, indoors and out, all year round. Whether you’re looking for tantalizing dining experiences, shopping destinations, amusement parks, or places to hike, bike, camp, swim, fish, boat, or other activities, Kootenai County is prepared to deliver. From antique malls and museums to golf, spas, and modern creature comforts, there’s always something to do for people of all ages and interests.

Silverwood Theme Park

Kootenai County’s crowned jewel is the Silverwood Theme Park, 221 acres of family fun and plenty of sun.

The Pacific Northwest’s largest theme park, situated in the small town of Athol, is about 47 miles from Spokane, Washington, and features more than 70 rides and attractions.

In addition to the theme park, the venue is also home to Boulder Beach, a water park with all sorts of adrenaline-pumping, water-splashing, thrill-seeking adventures.

The Coeur d’Alene Resort

When resort-style fun is the goal, The Coeur d’Alene Resort is the destination. Aside from being a luxurious place to stay, it’s also a great place to play! Enjoy spa treatments, salon services, golf, lake cruises, swimming pools, a fitness center, and on-site shopping.

The resort also hosts several highly-anticipated annual events, such as Spring Happenings, Whiskey Barrel Weekend, Holiday Light Show, Hot Winter Nights, and a Blues Festival.

Lakes in Kootenai County

There are plenty of things to do on, in, and around the waters of Kootenai County. The four lakes, Lake Coeur d’Alene, Lake Hayden, Lake Pend Oreille, and Spirit lake, create an abundance of opportunities for swimming, fishing, boating, jet skiing, and water skiing.

There are also several lakeside trails ideal for hiking and biking. And, for those who like to make a vacation out of their lake experience, there are plenty of places for pitching a tent or hooking up an R.V.

Seven Stars Alpaca Ranch

Seven Stars Alpaca Ranch has one main objective: to breed and raise happy, healthy alpaca for top-quality fiber. But there are more than just alpacas at the ranch. Get up close and personal with llamas, cattle, goats, horses, dogs, cats, chickens, mini donkeys, and mini horses. There’s also a local store for things crafted from alpaca furs, such as blankets, hats, and socks.

Triple Play Family Fun Park

When you’re ready to experience hours of fun out of the sun, visit Triple Play Family Fun Park, featuring bowling, laser tag, thrill rides, and an indoor theme park. One of the adventures at the park is called R.A.I.D., a game where users must accomplish a task while avoiding the lasers designed to secure the area.

McEuen Park

McEuen Park features the largest playground in Coeur d’Alene and also has basketball courts, tennis and pickleball courts, and a splash pad to stay cool and entertained in Idaho’s warmer weather. The park has a pavilion that seats up to 300 people, a grand plaza, a veterans memorial, a sea-wall overlook, and an off-leash dog park.

Golf

Golf is a popular way to relax and enjoy recreation in Kootenai County. There are more than a dozen public and private golf courses and clubs, including The Coeur d’Alene Resort Golf Course, Gozzer Ranch Golf & Lake Club, Hayden Lake Country Club, Highlands Golf and Country Club, Links Golf Club, and Prairie Falls Golf Club.

Spas in Kootenai County

One of the favorite ways to sink into comfort in Kootenai County is with a visit to a spa for a facial, manicure, pedicure, massage, or a fresh haircut and color. There are several salons and spas throughout the area, including The Coeur d’Alene Resort Spa, Beauty at the Lake, Manthos Day Spa, Hayden Creek Salon, and Spa Services, Meraki Spa, and more.

Shopping in Kootenai County

There are several small towns and little cities tucked into Kootenai County, many of them rural, each with its own unique sense of character and charm.

Each distinct area throughout the county has a downtown district with shops, restaurants, and businesses suited for locals and visitors who enjoy everything from antique malls and vintage shops to high-end malls, department stores, and specialty boutiques.

Some of the most noteworthy shopping areas include Silver Lake Mall, Northgate Mall, Prairie Shopping Center, and Country Plaza.

Kootenai County Farmers’ Markets

There are two Kootenai County Farmers’ Markets. On Saturdays, May through October, visit the market in Hayden, Ohio. On Wednesdays, from May through September, check out the market in Coeur d’Alene.

The farmers’ markets have been enriching Kootenai County since 1986 with locally sourced produce, flowers, native plants, and an array of crafted products such as cheese, bread, honey, jams, and more.

The Museum of North Idaho

Since the 1960s, the Museum of North Idaho has been protecting, preserving, and sharing the area’s rich history. The museum features rotating and permanent exhibits and also offers education through a lecture series and podcast.

The facility also hosts a plethora of special events throughout the year, including a Virtual Oscars Party, Friday Art Walks, Vintage Movies in the Park, a 4th of July parade, Christmas lighting of a historic house, and an annual holiday event.

The Schweitzer Resort

Winter Fun is easily accessible in Kootenai County, home to the Schweitzer Resort in Sandpoint. As for skiing terrain, there are 2,500 acres. There are nearly 60 trails marked by name, and bowl skiing. 

Coeur d’Alene	Hayden
Post Falls	Rathdrum
Athol	Spirit Lake
Sandpoint

Conclusion

From a walk in the park to a cruise on the lake, from shopping and dining to golf courses, animal farms, and amusement parks, Kootenai County is ready to provide you with ample recreation, entertainment, and amusement.