Coeur d'Alene Idaho's American Country Bed and Breakfast
American Country Bed and Breakfast in Coeur d'Alene Idaho

Attractions in Coeur d'Alene Idaho

Beautiful Coeur d'Alene Idaho is truly a town with attractions for everyone all year round. American Country is a newly built bed and breakfast nestled in the wooded hills just west of the scenic Lake Coeur d' Alene. This small town turned resort community is a destination for many who seek to escape to a quieter and gentler place and time. A variety of year round activities ensures there's something for everyone to enjoy during your stay. Skiers have their choice of four spectacular local mountains. Hiking or biking the scenic Centennial trail is soothing in any season. Fishing and water sports on the many local rivers and lakes are the perfect family activities. Bring the clubs to play golf at world-renowned courses such as the Coeur d' Alene resort with its famous floating green. There's so much more, from the Silverwood Theme Park, to dining aboard floating restaurants, or riding the historic paddle wheel boats. No matter what the season, let American Country be your home as you explore this exciting corner of the American Northwest.

For our in-depth advice on things to do in the area, visit our own North Idaho Visitors Guide.

Discounts: We are associated with many of the wonderful area attractions. Our membership in the Chamber of Commerce, the CDA Visitor Bureau, and the North Idaho Bed and Breakfast Association provides us the opportunity to pass on discounts and special savings for attractions like:
  • Restaurants
  • Silverwood Theme Park
  • Golfing
  • Lake Cruises
  • Skiing

Kootenai County Farmers' Market - Looking for a homegrown taste of Coeur d'Alene? Provides an ever changing array of fresh produce, beautiful cut flowers and the most wonderful handcrafted locally made treasures from a variety of artisans, not to mention the delicious tastes of freshly baked breads and cinnamon rolls. Open May 7, through October 15, Wednesdays 4-6 pm and Saturdays 8-1 pm. Corner of US Hwy 95 & Prairie, about a 20 minute drive from American Country B&B.

Hiking and Biking in Coeur d'Alene Idaho

Biking on the Hiawatha Trail [2] [3] - is an experience you won't want to miss! This groomed biking trail follows what was once the great Milwaukee Railroad. The first 13 miles take you through 11 large train tunnels and across 9 sky-high tressels. Take exit 0 from Interstate 90 at Lookout Pass. Purchase tickets for the trail, rent bikes and helmets and ride off to adventure. Sandpoint Lakeshore Drive Round Lake Loop is yet another bike trail that consists of a 29-mile loop. The sloughs along the river provide excellent water fowl viewing. Farragut State Park also offers 9 miles of loop trails. Stop by the Park Headquarters for a park trail map.

North Idaho Centennial Trail - extends from the Washington/Idaho border to Higgens Point on Lake Coeur d'Alene. This is a 24-mile long multi use recreational scenic trail with numerous rest areas, scenic overlooks and interpretive signs. It is one of the most beautiful trail systems anywhere.

Boating in Coeur d'Alene Idaho

Kayak on Lake Coeur d'Alene - A water adventure awaits you. Three hour guided tours are available that include basic instruction, equipment and transportation to and from the put-ins. Seven days a week, May through September.

Boat Rentals from Templin's Resort - You can explore the Spokane River by canoe, paddleboat or an 11 passenger 24 foot pontoon boat. Located at 414 East First Ave., Post Falls. Call 208-773-1611 Ext. 550 for more information. You can also rent Cobalt Runabouts and Playcraft Pontoons at the Boardwalk Marina at the Coeur d'Alene resort. Phone 208-415-5600 for more information.

F and L Yacht Cruises - Enjoy lunch or dinner cruises on Lake Coeur d’Alene aboard the yacht "Anything Goes." This lovely adults-only ship features 2 staterooms and a large sunning deck. All types of exciting or relaxing cruises are available, just call 866-891-9107 for your reservation.

Lake Coeur d' Alene Cruises - You may rather leave the driving to someone else, and explore one of the world's most beautiful lakes aboard the fun fleet. Choose from dinner buffets or special year round cruises. Phone 208-765-4000 for more information.

The West Coast River Queen - offers daily summer cruises of the Spokane River and Lake Coeur d' Alene aboard a 100 passenger Mississippi sternwheeler. Tickets are available at Red Lion Templin's Hotel on the River. Order your tickets online at ticketswest.com or call 208-773-1611 ext. 505 for more information. The boat docks for the River Queen or the CDA cruises are about a 15 minute drive from our front door.

Brooks Seaplane Service - will provide you with breathtaking excitement as you fly over beautiful Northern Idaho taking off from the Lake. 208-664-2842

Jet Ski Rental in Coeur d'Alene - Available from Vacation Sports Rental on 7th and Sherman 208-665-0686

Adventure in Coeur d'Alene Idaho

Big Country Helicopters - provides scenic tours that range from 20-40 minutes and are a wonderful way to take in all that the Northwest has to offer. For reservations call 208-765-0620.

Horseback Riding at Rider Ranch, just 15 minutes from downtown CDA. S. 4199 Wolf Lodge Road 208-667-3373 The horses are gentle and the ranch is an actual working ranch.

Weddings in Coeur d'Alene Idaho

Weddings! Of course summer isn't the only time for that wonderful event, but did you know that in Idaho a couple needs no witnesses or blood tests and there is no waiting period to get a marriage license. You must, however, be 18 or older (under 18 requires parental consent) and buy a marriage license at the Kootenai County Courthouse, 501 Government Way! Don't forget we offer intimate countryside weddings here at American Country B & B.

Museums and Historic Sites in Coeur d'Alene Idaho

Experience history as you visit any one of the many museums and historic sites in the area. You can start your tour in Coeur d' Alene at the

  • Fort Sherman Powder House museum. It's located on the North Idaho College campus. The exhibits depict life at the fort and smokejumper cabin.
  • Next stop, just 5 minutes away, is Coeur d' Alene's Museum of North Idaho, located at 115 Northwest Blvd. . You'll see logging equipment, a blacksmith shop, old-time kitchen and forestry displays.
  • You can visit the oldest standing building in Idaho by taking I-90 24 miles East of Coeur d' Alene, to Exit 39. The Cataldo Mission of the Sacred Heart was built between 1848 and 1853.
  • Don't miss the Old Mission State Park Interpretive Center 208-682-3814
  • About 15 minutes further to the East you will find Kellogg and the Staff House Museum filled with mining displays and the history of the Bunker Hill Mine.
  • You can even go underground and see Crystal Gold Mine, the only authentic gold mine in the Northwest, dating back to the 1880's. Lost for nearly 100 years, it was rediscovered and rejuvenated in 1996. Feel like an early prospector while you pan for gold.
  • Continuing East is the Historic town of Wallace. This city's entire downtown area is listed in the register of historic sites. Don't miss the most unique museum, the Oasis Bordello, originally a hotel and saloon, it later became one of five area brothels in 1895.
  • You will also find the Wallace district Mining Museum and The Northern Pacific Depot Railroad Museum, or hop aboard the trolley for the Sierra Silver Mine Tour and if you have time, try to catch a show at the Sixth Street Melodrama.

Opera, Symphony and Theater in Coeur d'Alene Idaho

Lake City Playhouse If you enjoy Opera, the Symphony or Community Theater, then visit the best of the Great Northwest right here in Coeur d’ Alene. Our very own Lake City Playhouse has provided the community with quality theatrical productions since 1961, with nine shows offered each season.

Coeur d’ Alene Symphony offers superior musical entertainment starting each new season with an Autumn Classic followed by a Christmas Showcase and finally a family concert in January. The Regional Talent Extravaganza in March will feature the winners of the 2006 Young Artists Competition. The Season Finale is scheduled for May. In addition, the Chamber Orchestra provides several concerts throughout the year.

Opera Plus Perhaps Opera is the cultural resource that you hope to peruse while here in the Northwest. Various shows run throughout the year.

Calendar of Events in Coeur d'Alene Idaho

May: Coeur d’Alene Marathon/Half Marathon Enjoy the CDA Lake shoreline as you follow the course along the North Idaho Centennial Trail

June: Car d' Lane Classic Car show is the city's main auto event of the year! For two days each summer, Sherman once again becomes a cruising mecca. For information, call 208-667-5986

June: Ironman USA Triathalon is hosted by Coeur d'Alene. This event brings between 1,500 and 1,800 of the world's best athletes to test their skills and endurance mastering a 2.4 mile swim in Lake Coeur d' Alene, 112 mile bike leg and a 26.2 mile run. The event features spots for the 2006 Ironman World Championships held annually in Kona, HI. If you plan to attend, make your lodging reservations early, and don't forget our Ironman Special.

July: River City Rod Run - July brings hundreds of classic cars and thousands of fans for three days of cars, fireworks, and rock music.

July 4 - Fourth of July Festival is very exciting in this resort community. The enthusiastic parade down Sherman Avenue is followed by concerts in the park and a spectacular display of fireworks over Lake Coeur d' Alene. Many locals view the display from their boats.

Aug: Wooden Boat Festival brings the elegant world of classic wooden boats to the longest floating boardwalk in front of the Coeur d'Alene Resort.

Aug :You will find this three-day weekend packed with fun and adventure. Three events take place all in the beautiful downtown lakeside area of Coeur d’ Alene
 
Art on the Green
is held in Coeur d' Alene at the north Idaho College campus on the shores of Lake Coeur d' Alene. This three-day event brings together 100's of visual artists who present their work for sale and performing artists who perform a variety of dances and musical performances non-stop on two different stages. There are food booths galore. Come and enjoy ART to your heart's content. This is one of the largest attended community events in the Inland Northwest region.
 
A Taste of Coeur d’ Alene held in Coeur d’ Alene city park, 208-660-2789 features over 25 food booths with some the surrounding area's finest.
 
 The Coeur d’ Alene Street Fair -Sherman Ave. is the location for the 3 day street fair event hosted by the CDA Downtown Association featuring arts and crafts, food and entertainment. The street fair event is free to the public.

Aug: Coeur d’Alene Triathlon, The Scenic Challenge, This event began in 1984 and has become a local and regional amateur race bringing athletes to the area from throughout the inland northwest.

Sept (Labor Day Weekend): CDA Balloon Fest - A beautiful weekend filled with hot air balloons and other spirit lifting sights.

Sept: North Idaho Fair - 208-765-4969 Kootenai County Fairgrounds North Idaho Fair and Rodeo “The Cream of The Crop”