 Coeur d'Alene, population 30,000, is a growing town in the Idaho panhandle, on the shores of beautiful Lake Coeur d'Alene and also the county seat of Kootenai County. The spectacular scenery and convenient access from northwestern states has helped this town become a popular resort destination.
Named after the Native American people of the region, the town of Coeur d'Alene began as a US Army fort before becoming a community center for trappers, traders, and prospectors around the dawn of the 20th century. Today, the scenic skyline is dominated by the Coeur d'Alene Resort, an 18 story resort hotel with lush accommodations, a large marina, and curiosities such as a golf course with a floating green. Barbara Walters called the city "a little slice of Heaven" and included it in her list of most fascinating places to visit. During the warm summer months, boat trips on the lake, hiking on wooded Tubbs Hill, or camping in any of the three nearby national forests are popular activities. Visitors to the high-class resort enjoy several golf courses and quality restaurants. In winter Coeur d'Alene settles down, becoming less crowded and adopting a quiet, tranquil beauty all its own. Several nearby ski areas make the town a good base for those who love the slopes. |