Travel Spotlight on Coeur d'Alene and Its 17 Best Attractions

Coeur d'Alene is a beautiful lakeside resort town built on the shores of its eponymous lake, replete with tons of outdoor activities, perfectly manicured golf courses and the largest theme park in the Northwest. Despite its modest size and location in low key Idaho, Coeur d’Alene has accrued some varied reputations – the Coeur d’Alene Resort alone bears the iconic Floating Green hole on its famous golf course as well as the longest floating boardwalk in the country. A few blocks from the resort is the famous Hudson’s Hamburgers, consistently named as serving one of the best burgers in America. So for a mix of high-brow luxury and unpretentious fun, enjoy Coeur d’Alene.

Visit the most beautiful lake in the world, Lake Coeur d' Alene

The bloodstream flowing from Coeur d’Alene is the giant lake at the south of the town that leads to the city of St. Maries. Standing at the northern shore, it’s impossible to see the end of the lake; one only sees the mountains along the horizon, suggesting that this body of water will indeed end, but between here and wherever there is, roughly 25 km away, are opportunities to canoe and kayak the waters, lie on the beach and hike and bike around the surrounding parks and fish salmon, trout and pike fish. Named the "most beautiful lake in the world" by National Geographic, the area is home to some of Idaho’s most scenic trails and parks, as well as golf courses and campgrounds.

Visit the largest theme park in the Northwest, Silverwood Theme Park

Encompassing the theme park proper as well as a water park in the summer, Silverwood Theme Park is the largest theme park in the Northwest. Equal parts classic midway games and country carnival rides (who can say no to the Tilt-a-Whirl?) and thrilling roller coasters for the bigger kids and adults. In autumn, the summer carnival atmosphere of the theme park turns dark, opening up to a creepy and haunted amusement destination – "thrilling" takes a different meaning at Scarywood. Bloody costumed actors stumble around the premises and their rides begin to show an edge: a corn maze turns into a creepy labyrinth with moving scarecrows, and the otherwise innocuous steam train turns into a zombie-hunt. Open from summer to fall, don’t miss this exciting Idaho destination.

Visit the most famous golf course feature in America, the Floating Green on the 14th hole of the golf course at the Coeur d’Alene Resort

Sometimes, the best golf game begins with a simple boat ride. Taking advantage of the gorgeous water surrounding the Coeur d’Alene, this beautiful golf course is the home of one of the most famous course details in golf, the Floating Green on the 14th hole – land on the green and take a ferry to get it in. The rest of the challenging Par 71 golf course encompasses 300 acres, including 1,500 wild flowers, 4,000 petunias, 25,000 junipers and 30,000 red geraniums, all which bring bold punches of color and fragrance to each golf game. Groups of four are accompanied by a personal caddie to rake sand traps, find golf balls, clean clubs and provide distances, as well as navigate the premises on their state-of-the-art luxury custom designed carts which feature heated seats, equipped with tilt steering, tee dispenser, beverage cart cooler, storage space, trash can and washers.

Try one of the best burgers in America at Hudson's Hamburgers

For a simply delicious burger, one of the best in the country, the meek and unassuming Hudson’s Hamburgers has been a local favorite since they first opened up shop in 1907. Fresh before the diner’s eyes, the talented chefs behind the counter expertly slice their pickles and raw onions, shape the patties and throw them on the grill to the precise specifications of the order – or perhaps not so specific, because the only questions you’ll be asked are "single or double burger?" and "with or without cheese?" No option for fries or mayo; nothing but delicious, juicy and beautifully crafted burger with over a century of hard-won experience. Diners in the know order it with the spicy ketchup, a secret concoction that is perfectly balanced with sweet, spicy and smoky.

Stroll along the longest floating boardwalk in the world when staying at The Coeur D'alene Resort

The Coeur d’Alene Resort is a full day of fun in itself. Situated on beautiful Lake Coeur d’Alene, the resort boasts the world’s longest floating boardwalk, stretching over 3,300 feet. Home of the famous Coeur d’Alene Resort Golf Course with its famous Floating Green hole, 10 eateries ranging in style and scenery from lakeside lounge, a sushi bar over a koi pond, to a five-star fine-dining restaurant with the Pacific Northwest’s largest wine cellar. The 18-story building houses a variety of specially-designed large rooms and suites, from basic luxury to the 2,500-square-foot Hagadone Suite on the top floor with an in-room waterfall bathtub, dining room, wet bar, Cathedral ceilings, Jacuzzi, glass-bottom swimming pool and two large balconies.

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