Sandpoint Travel Guide

  1. Sandpoint

Sandpoint is a town located in Bonner County, Idaho. Its white settlement history dates back to 1809 when fur trappers established a trading post, and to the 1880s when European and Chinese pioneers and settlers were brought to this area by the Northern Pacific Railroad. Sandpoint is a four-season tourism and recreation destination because of its vicinity to the picturesque Lake Pend Oreille and the Schweitzer Mountain Ski Resort. The town also houses the headquarters for the clothing giant, Coldwater Creek.

Nestled on the shore of Idaho’s largest and deepest lake and encircled by densely forested mountains, Sandpoint is renowned for its unique natural magnificence. The town itself is a vigorous community that is rich in arts and culture and features numerous buildings of architectural noblesse, several lovely parks including City Beach, and plentiful lively events. Visitors will also experience Sandpoint’s friendly atmosphere and the warm welcome of its inhabitants.

Sandpoint offers a unique array of more than 60 exquisite restaurants and excellent dining places. The town provides for almost any taste from haute cuisine and waterfront dining by the lake to cozy bistros. Furthermore, the local taverns, bars and nightclubs present various social choices, from performance art to regular open mikes and live music.

Highlights

Schweitzer Mountain Resort: on 2,900 acres of terrain, this award-winning winter retreat presents excellent skiing and snowboarding. Summer activities include mountain biking, hiking, huckleberry picking, disc golf and a bungee jump trampoline.

Lake Pend Oreille: at 1,200 feet, this is Idaho’s largest and deepest lake, where you can rent a houseboat, take a cruise, fish, windsurf, parasail or just swim.

City Beach: offers you beautiful sandy beaches with volleyball, basketball, tennis and barbecue pits.

Cedar Street Bridge Public Market: between May and October, this open-air market invites you to acquire fresh produce, flowers, garden starts and handcrafts, and to enjoy live music.

Silverwood Theme Park: the biggest theme park in the Northwest is situated 25 miles south of Sandpoint and has over 60 rides, performances and attractions.

Farragut State Park: campers and hikers will enjoy this former naval training base.