The Idaho Panhandle
North Idaho is also known as the Idaho Panhandle, because of the shape of our state. One of the fastest growing cities in the United States, Coeur d’Alene (KORE•DUH•LANE) continues to grow its population. Boundary county, Bonner county, Shoshone county, Benewah county, and of course Kootenai (KOO•TUN•EE) county make up the Idaho Panhandle. With a miraculous population of over 216,000 people, we continue to expand and enjoy our beautiful surroundings.
Recreation
From refreshing lakes, to snowy mountain tops, there is nothing better than enjoying the outdoors in North Idaho. With several mountains within an hour to Coeur d’Alene, enjoy your winters skiing, snowboarding, or just spending time enjoying the quiet views and beautiful snowcaps of the mountains. Take a buzz down to the lake or river and spend your day out on the water fishing or enjoying the beautiful waters of Coeur d’ Alene. 80% of Coeur d’Alene is forested land, so take advantage when you can.
Education
Coeur d’Alene has diverse educational opportunities including a large public school system, a charter school named Best High School in 2012 by US News, several private schools, a professional technical school, a community college and several four year university satellite campuses. The University of Idaho & Washington State University are each located south about 85 miles.
Community Events
Coeur d’ Alene is known for its beautiful Coeur d’Alene Lake and Downtown Activities. Independence Day is the most populated day down at Independence Point and downtown on Sherman Avenue. Take part in the festivities by enjoying food trucks, vendors, a parade, fireworks and more! Coeur d’Alene always has its calendar filled, so plan trips in advance so that you don’t miss out on any spectacular shows, performances or art shows. Sherman Avenue is also home to “Art on the Green” Where hundreds of local artist come to enjoy a weekend showing off and selling their art. Booths include food, paintings, clothing, jewelry toys and so much more. Car d’Lane is our kick off to the summer. Mid-June, several old and new cars, refurbished or not, park their cars downtown and let the town admire their vehicles. Coeur d’Alene is a family friendly community with parks on every corner and school districts that will never stop improving.
Spokane, Washington
Thirty miles to the West of Coeur d’Alene is Spokane, Washington. It is the largest city between Seattle and Minneapolis with a population of over 209,000 and growing every day. Spokane is home to the beautiful Riverfront Park where you can see the breathtaking Spokane River and the “Falls” at its finest. Spokane also is home to our closest international airport, Spokane Indians baseball team, Spokane Empire arena football team and Spokane Chiefs hockey team. Catch a game or two at the Spokane Arena or the baseball field at the Spokane Fairgrounds. Located downtown, the INB Performing Arts Center houses several Broadway Theater performances and Symphony concerts that are always open to the public. Spokane also houses the Mobius Science Center and Children’s Museum. Have fun at the science center with demos, exciting shows and even hands on dissections!