For a relaxing getaway or active outdoor vacation, visit this small town on a beautiful lake in northern Idaho.
The very small town of Harrison offers numerous outdoor activities for great family vacations. Boat, cycle and camp along the eastern shores of a pristine lake. Relax in quiet natural surroundings and feel at home engaging with local residents.
Harrison borders Lake Coeur d’Alene at the mouth of the Coeur d’Alene River, providing many water sports opportunities. Rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard to explore the shoreline or paddle about 1 mile (0.6 kilometre) across the lake. To waterski, fish or sightsee, rent a motorboat or pontoon boat. Purchase a licence and catch northern pike, bass and Chinook and kokanee salmon.
Cook your fish at your waterfront tent or RV campsite or dine at a restaurant overlooking the lake for views of quiet waters and forested hills beyond. Golden rays reflect off the lake at sunset.
Bring bikes or rent them for the whole family to enjoy the famous Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes, converted from an old railway route. Follow this nicely paved trail that stretches for 72 miles (116 kilometres). Access is free.
Cycle south to Heyburn State Park or northeast along the river passing Thompson Lake, a great spot for birding. Raptors soar overhead and shorebirds paddle quietly in the shallow marsh. Photograph grebes, swans and osprey in the 1,000-acre (400-hectare) wildlife refuge surrounding the lake. It’s free and open year-round.
Continue north to Coeur d’Alene’s Old Mission State Park near Cataldo to see the displays in Idaho’s oldest standing building, constructed in the 1850s. The major multi-media exhibit, Sacred Encounters: Father De Smet & the Indians of the Rocky Mountain West, tells the story of Jesuit missionaries coming to the area to meet the Coeur d’Alene and Salish tribes and the lasting impact of their interactions.
In the town itself, enjoy live music, a historic walking tour, locally crafted wine, a sandy swimming beach, outdoor dining with a lake view, art gallery, historical museum, several unique shops and a city park with gazebo and children’s playground. Drive to Harrison from SpokaneOpens in a new window, Washington in 90 minutes or pilot your boat and use Harrison marina’s berths.
