Athol

One of the northern towns in the panhandle, surrounded by mountains, Athol is a rural community in Idaho with small-town charm and a few new amenities, such as a Super 1 Foods grocery store, complete with Ace Hardware, and a gas station. Other than those features and a local elementary school, Athol is a quiet little place with less than 1,000 residents.

Education in Athol, Idaho

Athol Elementary School, an Idaho School of Merit, is the only public school located within the small, rural town of Athol, governed by the Lakeland School District.

Additional public schools and several religious and traditional private schools are located nearby in surrounding areas.

Athol’s location also makes it convenient to seek higher education with numerous colleges and universities within 100 miles of town.

Homes for Sale in Athol

The Climate in Athol, Idaho

Athol, Idaho offers spectacular summers with high temperatures in July only reaching 81 degrees, ideal for spending time outdoors. The sun shines on Athol 177 days of the year compared to the U.S. average of 205 sunny days annually.

Also below the U.S. average is Athol’s rainfall, measuring just 27 inches per year in contrast to the country’s 38 inches. However, the area receives nearly twice the amount of snow as the rest of the nation, recording an average of 51 inches of snow per year, whereas the U.S. only averages 28 inches. Collectively, there are 125 days per year with measurable precipitation in Athol.

For winter games and snow play, the low temperatures in January drop far below freezing to 23 degrees.

Living in Athol, Idaho

Athol has a population of only 1,000 in an area that’s only 0.79 square miles in size. Athol is in the 83801 zip code in Idaho’s Kootenai County.

Most people seek out Athol’s lifestyle for the land. It’s common to find 10-20 acres of land for around $200,000-$300,000. You’ll find a quaint combination of older, more rustic homes and ranch-style houses alongside modern new construction.

There’s a modest lifestyle in Athol, with an estimated median household income of $44,785, which is considerably lower than the Idaho state median household income of $60,999.

Home values are also lower in Athol at an estimated median home value of $183,456 compared to the state’s $255,200.

Public Transportation Near Athol, Idaho

A rural area, Athol is not known for a heavy presence of public transportation, lending to the area’s peaceful and tranquil vibe. However, Kootenai County does provide public bus transportation throughout the county via Citylink routes.

To travel by air, Athol’s residents and visitors rely on the Spokane International Airport, about 56 miles away.

The Silverwood Theme Park and Boulder Beach

Silverwood Theme Park, the largest theme park in the northwest, dubbed the USA’s most remote theme park, is located in Athol, Idaho. Spend a day (or few!) exploring rides and slides, shows, games, dining, shopping, and more.

There are just under 40 rides to choose from, including a carousel and Ferris wheel.

When you’re over the adrenaline rush and ready to sit in a seat and enjoy a bit of theatrics, take in a show featuring Nick Norton, a train stunt show, and a performance called the High Moon Saloon.

Boulder Beach is the perfect place for water play, featuring water rides like Elkhorn Creek, Avalanche Mountain, Polliwog Park, Richet Rapids, and more, or hang out at Boulder Beach Bay for open-water fun.

The Silverwood Theme Park also hosts a plethora of special events throughout the year, including a Coaster Classic Car Show and Scarywood, an annual Halloween tradition in Athol.

Dining in Athol, Idaho

Athol is small, but it still offers plenty of choices for a good, hot meal in a local restaurant, whether you’re looking for casual eateries or a fine dining experience.

For good, old-fashioned, homestyle cooking with employees that feel more like family, stop in for a bite at the Country Boy Cafe.

Crossroads Cafe offers an all-American menu with classic entrees.

Careywood Coffee Company is a local favorite coffee shop where you can buy coffee by the cup or beans by the bag.

Candle in the Woods is more than a restaurant; it’s a highly-rated, multi-course, private, exceptional culinary experience by reservation only.