Things to Do in Sandpoint

You would expect a four-season resort town to provide you with a variety of entertainment, but the community of Sandpoint is legendary for serving up a full plate. Your first decision in starting a new day, however, may have to do with whether you want to stay in town, or head out to savor some of the most spectacular scenery in the world.

By Car

When staying in Sandpoint you are only a four-hour drive away from Glacier National Park; seven hours will put you in Yellowstone. Within only an hour of Sandpoint, a northern route on Highway 95 will take you directly to the border and the rugged Canadian Rockies of British Columbia. Head off to the northwest from Sandpoint through picturesque Bonner County and you will wind your way toward 23,000-acre Priest Lake.

Drive leisurely around Lower Priest Lake and you will discover some distinguished historical resorts and quality campgrounds. Upper Priest Lake is best savored by canoe (rentals are available). Its remote waters are unencumbered by any commercial development and just being there will provide you with a quality wilderness experience.

Head Up The Hill

So let's say your day tripping puts you back in Sandpoint by early afternoon. To acquire an overall perspective of the town, the surrounding mountains and the lake, you'd do well to consider taking a 20-minute drive up Schweitzer Mountain (6,400 feet) to visit the Schweitzer Mountain Resort. Widely considered one of the Northwest's premier skiing destinations, Schweitzer offers a spectacular panoramic view of Lake Pend Oreille as well as the city of Sandpoint. The ski resort features eight lifts and tows, 2,400 vertical ft. and 30 kilometers of cross country ski trails. In addition to the Selkirk Lodge and White Pine Lodge Schweitzer's ski-in, ski-out village includes dining facilities, retail shops and some 450 modern mountain homes.

Shop 'Til You Drop  

Having returned from your trip on the mountain there's bound to be time left in your afternoon for shopping. Sandpoint offers an extensive array of fine retail shops and a good place to start would be Coldwater Creek. The nationally acclaimed company (North Idaho's largest employer with its corporate headquarters in Sandpoint) is a multi-channel retailer of women's apparel, gifts, jewelry, soft home goods and accessories sold through direct mail catalogues, full-line retail stores and the internet. You can visit the Coldwater Creek shops at its outlet store on Sandpoint's Cedar Street Bridge.

Events

In addition to wide-ranging shopping opportunities, Sandpoint is renown for its year-round repertoire of fascinating events. Live theatre performances, festivals, fairs, movies, outdoor music and plays are an integral part of the community's culture. In August, the Festival at Sandpoint draws audiences of 20,000 per season to its summer concert series including fantastic jazz, blues, folk and popular music. There are quality golf courses available and a City Beach, with a literally breathtaking beauty where you can unwind with games of volleyball, tennis, basketball or a relaxed picnic.

 Sandpoint is the kind of town visitors return to time and time again. They come to celebrate the community's Hometown Christmas, the Bonner County Fair, Artwalk, the International Draft Horse Show, or the popular Lost in the 50's weekend. The end product can often be seen on people's faces as they walk Sandpoint's streets and smile in a way they've perhaps not had time to do in awhile.