Lake Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
We live in Spokane, Washington and there are 76 lakes within an hour drive from here. Lake Coeur d’Alene (pronounced core-da-lane) in Idaho is the closest large lake in our area and and it is an easy 35 minutes (33.5 miles) drive by car using the I-90 E Highway. According to Coeur d’Alene Tribe history, the name, “Coeur d’Alene” was given to the tribe in the late 18th or early 19th century by French traders and trappers. In French, it means “Heart of the Awl,” referring to the sharpness of the trading skills exhibited by tribal members in their dealings with visitors.
The lake offers some of the best water activities like boating, kayaking, water skiing, jet skiing, parasailing, lake cruises, stand-up paddle boarding and even seaplane rides. You can also enjoy the beaches and fishing. Each winter from November through February a migrating population of bald eagles visits the Lake Coeur d’ Alene area to feed on spawning kokanee salmon.
World’s Longest Floating Boardwalk
Today is a beautiful day so we make a spontaneous decision to drive to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho and enjoy our breakfast at the Coeur d’Alene Golf & Spa Resort. After breakfast, we take a leisurely stroll on the world’s longest floating boardwalk. It was completed in April 1985 and is 3,300 feet long with 362 slip marina. We love it here because the warm sunshine, cobalt blue water, fresh breeze and beautiful white boats make a great photo opportunity location.
The Mudgy Moose Trail
The Mudgy Moose Trail begins at the base of Tubbs Hill which is next to the car park. This is a fun exercise as we follow a sign board to locate five life sized bronze moose statues that bring us through downtown Coeur d’Alene and into the City Park. Each signboard tells a story of how Mudgy is looking for his friend, Millie. The trail ends at Independence Point right at the edge of the lake where Millie is. We watch some ducks in the water and soak in the sun rays before heading back to our car.
Map below shows The Couer d’Alene Golf & Spa Resort and the further left is The Mudgy Moose Trail. Coeur d’Alene, Idaho is a popular lake town destination with many activities for everyone. Plan your visit to this place if you are coming to Spokane.
Check out Alice & Shane Lifestyle section for more stories of our family activities.