About Sandpoint and North Idaho

Sandpoint, Idaho sits nestled in the scenic wonderland that is Northern Idaho, one of several small communities gathered here along the shores of Lake Pend Oreille. The lake, her river, and the surrounding mountain ranges provide the vast beauty of this north Idaho region, not to mention the delightful recreation that comes with it!

Outdoor Recreation, Culture and More...

Speaking of fun, Schweitzer Mountain Ski Resort, perched upon the backdrop of the town, offers great wintertime skiing and snowboarding terrain that becomes a mountain bike park during summer. The Selkirk and Cabinet mountain ranges encircle us, and opportunities are limitless for summer and winter adventures and outdoor sports. The vastness of Lake Pend Oreille is a dream come true for boating enthusiasts, while just up the way, the Priest River area offers world class snowmobile terrain. Outdoor recreation is only part of our area's allure. Sandpoint's flair embraces the cultured arts in flavorful culinary delights, musical events, festivals, and of course our historic 550-seat Panida Theater which hosts more than 100 performances every year.

While we may have all of the attributes of a fantastic resort, tourism it is only secondary to a thriving network of people and industry in North Idaho. Residents of North Idaho find it a perfect place to recreate, raise a family, and retire. Put simply, “This is Livin'!”

Sandpoint History

The train route put us on the map when the railroad was built in 1882. A true wild west town when the Northern Pacific construction gang came through, what was once no more than a few quiet settlers on a lovely shore, Sandpoint, Idaho became a bustling center of frontier activity. The historic railroad station still adds an echo of the past to Sandpoint, like the original brick and Victorian buildings, rural farmlands, and the scenic Long Bridge across Lake Pend Oreille.

Idaho Panhandle Weather

With Washington less than 30 miles to the west and Montana 30 miles to the east, our narrow section of paradise has been coined “the Idaho Panhandle” and certainly holds an essence all its own. Our weather patterns provide a temperate climate with few sub-zero winter days, and rarely highs over 90 in the summer. All four seasons are enjoyed distinctively here in North Idaho. Dazzling wildflowers and sunny days distinguish springtime. Summer boasts of boating, fishing, trail hiking, mountain biking, festivals, and more. Brilliant colors adorn the sidewalks and mountainsides in autumn. Wintertime brings the Festival at Sandpoint and a fluffy, sparkling blanket of snow for making turns on the slopes or building a snowman in the park.

The Word is Out

Recently the superior quality of life in North Idaho has found some exposure in “the press” and word is out on the long kept secret of all that it has to offer. It is the “best small town in the west” as Sunset magazine put it in 2004. You'll have to experience for yourself the unique feel of North Idaho— but be prepared, you may just share the sensation of “coming home” —and stay for a lifetime!

Sandpoint Area Links

Click here for helpful links and contact information for Sandpoint-area services.