About our area history and information on Sandpoint and North Idaho

The fur trader and explorer David Thompson arrived in North Idaho around 1807. He built the first trading post, the Kulyspell House, on the Hope Peninsula in 1809.

The construction of the Great Northern Railroad around 1880 was the beginning of real growth in this region. The railroad agent L. D. Farmin laid out and filed for the original site of Sandpoint. Timber and railroad drove the economy for almost a century. The establishment of Farragut Naval Station during WW II boasted the economy with over 300,000 seamen trained there.

Boat ferries figure predominately in our history. They were necessary to cross the Pend Oreille, Clark Fork and Kootenai Rivers to continue the Wild Horse Trail. The Wild Horse Trail ran from Spokane to British Columbia and was used for many years by the Indians and later used by miners and prospectors.   Bonners Ferry became a settlement when a ferry began crossing the Kootenai River in response to mining and the gold rush. The ferry was replaced by the railroad in 1892. Bonners Ferry became a ranching, mining and lumber community.

The railroad and timber industry brought in Chinese, Italians, Germans and Scandinavians. Many Chinese lived in Hope in an area called The China Den. The Italians came to work on the railroad and the Germans and Scandinavians worked in the timber camps, many settling in the Priest River area.

As timber sales slowed, farming and ranching became the third largest industry. In the early 1950's the great fishing in North Idaho was discovered.   Schweitzer Ski Resort was opened in 1963, making our area a year round tourist destination. Since then the tourist industry has grown.

Schweitzer Mountain Ski Resort was named in the Top 25 best ski resorts in North America by Ski Magazine. There are now 10 lifts, 92 trails and open bowl skiing. Sandpoint is situated on the banks of Lake Pend Oreille, the largest lake in Idaho. The lake offers unlimited recreational opportunities. There are major events throughout the year, including the internationally renowned Festival at Sandpoint and the Lost in the 50's weekend. Sandpoint is becoming known as an art community with dozens of art galleries and art and culture events. Priest Lake is wonderful for fishing, camping and boating. Picturesque Hope overlooks the lake and offers great restaurants and is the gateway to the Cabinet Mountains. Scenic Bonners Ferry has the Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge and many other things to see and do.

The beauty of this special place is undeniable. There are remote regions for your exploration and unlimited vacation possibilities. At exploresandpoint.com we strive to help you have a rewarding and unique experience, set to your personal taste, because there is something here for everyone. Please explore Sandpoint with us and look through our site. This will help you plan your unique and perfect vacation.

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