This Is Idaho's Quirkiest Little Town
It is hard to imagine that a town built on logging and fishing would one day be home to one of the region’s most beloved ski resorts and largest theme parks. Sandpoint, Idaho, was originally home to the Kalispel Tribe before receiving its city charter in 1901. In the decades that followed, it thrived as a logging hub and later became known for its trout fishery on Lake Pend Oreille in the 1940s. Everything changed in 1963 with the opening of the Schweitzer ski area, transforming Sandpoint into a four-season vacation destination. If you enjoy exploring the quirkiest corners of Idaho, you will love what Sandpoint has to offer.
Family-Friendy Activities in Sandpoint
There are plenty of exciting activities in Sandpoint that will entertain the child and adult travelers alike. The northwest’s largest theme park, Silverwood Theme Park, is located just a half hour’s drive south of Sandpoint. This park, open seasonally, covers more than 200 acres and features over 70 rides, slides, attractions, and shows. One of the most famous rides is the Aftershock, a 191-foot-tall coaster that takes riders through loops at up to 65 miles an hour! In October, the theme park celebrates its annual Scarywood Haunted Nights event, which offers five frightful attractions and various scare zones throughout the area.
If you are interested in a Western experience, consider a day out at Western Pleasure Guest Ranch with your family. During the summer, the ranch offers vacation packages that include cozy lodging, three gourmet country meals a day, daily horseback rides, and evening entertainment to top off the day! Children staying at the ranch during this vacation package can also participate in the children’s program, which will give them hands-on experiences with horses before concluding with a horse show on Thursday evening.
Sandpoint Festivals and Events
Chances are, when you visit Sandpoint, the town will have some events going on. One of the most iconic is the annual Lost in the 50s festival, which takes place in May. During this event, the downtown district turns into a nostalgic tribute to the 1950s, complete with a classic car parade, a Saturday car stroll, and live music that celebrates 50s-era acts.
For more live music, make sure to add the Festival at Sandpoint to your calendar. This event is the town’s biggest music festival and one of the largest summer concert series in the northwestern region. Taking place over two weeks in July and August, the festival offers eight mainstage performances next to Lake Pend Oreille.
To experience one of Sandpoint’s most cherished traditions, travelers can attend Sandpoint’s Winter Carnival, which has been taking place for over 50 years. Occurring over two weekends in February, events during the annual carnival include the Let it Glow Parade and Fireworks, the Parade of Lights, music concerts, an iconic K9 Keg Pull, and more.
Outdoor Recreation
Sandpoint is the perfect place for an outdoor adventure, regardless of the season. In the winter, the steep hills of Schweitzer attract skiers from all over. This resort offers approximately 2,900 skiable acres, 92 named ski trails, and 300 inches of annual snowfall, making for a perfect weekend on the slopes. Travelers who prefer cross-country skiing, meanwhile, have several options as well. Round Lake State Park is just a 15-minute drive from Sandpoint and has seven miles of groomed cross-country skiing trails. Other potential recreational activities in the park include sledding, ice skating, fishing, and picnicking.
There are several waterfalls within an hour’s drive from Sandpoint, making waterfall hunting a fun pastime in the area. Grouse Creek Falls is one of the closest, at about 35 minutes, and requires just a half-mile hike to reach the 15-foot cascades. Further north, travelers will reach Snow Creek Falls, which features lower and upper falls that visitors can admire via an observation deck. A 13-minute drive from Snow Creek leads to Myrtle Creek Falls, where a short and steep hike concludes with a beautiful 100-foot cascade.
Restaurants and Nightlife
Between its wineries, breweries, and innovative restaurants, travelers will have a hard time believing that Sandpoint is home to only 10,000 residents! Those craving a locally produced glass of wine visit Pend d’Oreille Winery, which serves everything from dessert wines to Chardonnay and Syrah. This winery also hosts periodic art and music events, such as artist receptions, jazz performances, and piano concerts. If you prefer a pint of beer, consider heading to MickDuff's Brewing Company. This brewery is housed in a historic federal building and offers an extensive lineup of both seasonal and year-round beers.
One of Sandpoint’s newer dining spots, The Bank: Barroom and Eatery, is a great choice for dinner. Opened in 2022, it has a scenic patio overlooking the marina for warm evenings and a cozy indoor space perfect for winter nights. With a rotating menu, some of the dishes you may be able to try include shrimp and grits, Mediterranean Sablefish, and a Crispy Cauliflower Salad.
Sandpoint’s quirkiness lies in its variety. Whether it is a week of horseback riding, cross-country skiing at Round Lake State Park, or stepping back in time at the Lost in the '50s festival, there is something that every traveler will enjoy. The dining scene is impressive for a town its size, with diverse wineries, breweries, and incredible restaurants to explore. This year, take a detour from the usual and see what this quirky Idaho destination has in store.
