Downtown Sandpoint is a charming area brimming with activities. At any time of the year you’ll find locals and visitors alike enjoying all that downtown has to offer: waterfront restaurants, cozy cafes, food trucks, wine bars and breweries with live music, and galleries showcasing local artists. Don’t miss the historic Panida Theater, an almost 100-year old community-owned theater which features performing arts and weekly films.
Sandpoint also hosts an unbelievable number of annual events, including the 10-day Sandpoint Winter Carnival each winter, and the fantastic 2-week music festival each summer, Festival at Sandpoint. The Festival takes place on the lake under the stars with eclectic lineup that has included headliners like Willie Nelson, the Avett Brothers, Wilco, the Beach Boys, Jake Owen, Michael Franti, Brandi Carlile, Gary Clark Jr, and Jason Mraz.
For all the details on where to go and what to do—any time of the year— check out these sites: visitsandpoint.com and sandpointonline.com.
At 65 miles long and 1,150 feet deep, Lake Pend Oreille is Idaho’s largest and deepest lake—fifth deepest in the US. With crystal clear water and idyllic forest surroundings, it is definitely one of the most beautiful. Activities on the lake are numerous and include boating, fishing, kayaking, stand up paddling, and swimming.
Located right in downtown Sandpoint, the Sandpoint Marina offers seasonal moorage with all the amenities. And just over the Sand Creek Bridge, City Beach has 6 acres of sandy beach for lounging and swimming (with lifeguards), a kids’ playground, and a grassy park for tennis, volleyball, and picnicking.
Rent a pontoon for the day from Action Water Sports in the Marina or Sandpoint Water Sports in Dover Bay. Head east toward the Hope Islands for the most beautiful lake scenery—and don’t forget to stop at Pearl’s on the Lake for lunch and a huckleberry margarita.
Located about 20 minutes from Silverwing, Schweitzer is home to some of the best skiing and snowboarding in Idaho: 2900 skiable acres, 2400′ vertical drop, 300″ average annual snowfall, 10 chairlifts, 92 runs, 3 terrain parks, and 20 miles of Nordic trails for cross-country skiing, skating, fat-biking, and snowshoeing, all right from the village. At the top of the 6,400 foot mountain, you’ll take in unbelievable views of Lake Pend Oreille and mountain ranges in Montana, Washington, and Canada.
Located at the top of Schweitzer, Selkirk Powder Company offers next-level snowcat alpine ski excursions and guided snowmobile tours. If you want an unforgettable experience with an expert crew, come here.
The family-friendly resort includes slopeside lodging and fun après-ski options. The vibe and unique culture at Schweitzer will quickly make you feel at home.
Not just for winter, Schweitzer hosts concerts and events year-round, including Inland Northwest’s favorite beer festival, Fall Fest, over Labor Day Weekend. During the summer, Schweitzer is open for hiking, mountain biking, ziplining, scenic chairlift rides, and of course, huckleberry picking. It even has a kids’ Adventure Camp.
North Idaho is home to several world-class golf courses in some of the country’s most beautiful scenery.
Just 25 minutes from Silverwing is The Idaho Club, a stunning Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course along the Pack River. Members also have access to tennis, pickle ball, and kayaks. The club offers public tee times and carts, but just a warning: you may want to bring an extra sleeve of balls. After a day on the green, head to the Clubhouse restaurant for delicious food and amazing views.
For a more forgiving course, just outside of Downtown Sandpoint is the Elks Golf Club, a well-maintained public 9-hole course.
Farther south in Coeur d’Alene you’ll find several impressive courses, including Gozzer Ranch, Black Rock, Circling Raven, and the Coeur d’Alene Resort Golf Course.
