Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge

 

It's a 2,774 acres of refuge for animals of all variety, such as moose, elk, deer, bear, otter, bald eagles, different types of birds. It 20 miles south of the Canadian border and 5 miles west of Bonners Ferry.

  The refuge has a 4.5 mile auto tour route and four hiking trails.  It's free and year-around activity. It's open from sunrise to sunset.

More info here.

Directions

Kootenai Falls

        

Kootenai Falls is located between Troy and Libby Montana. The parking lot is located right off  milepost 21 on US Highway 2.  Parking is located right off of highway.  Then hike on that path to the waterfall. They have a swinging bridge that you can walk on and see the 30 ft high waterfall from it. This same bridge was used in the film "River Wild".  The hike is very scenic and has many benches to sit and enjoy the view.  They also have a picnic and bbq area right before the trail starts by the parking area.  

More Info http://www.libbymt.com/areaattractions/kootenaifalls.htm

Directions

Note: Another fun activity to do while doing this one is to stop off at Ross Creek Cedars 

see post here.

 

Ross Creek Giant Cedars

 

 Ross Creek Cedars Trees are a wonderful activity for the whole family.  They are giant cedar trees that are located in Montana. It's about a 1 1/2 hour drive to the location from Sandpoint. Once there it's a flat trail that is a self guided nature walk through the forest of these big giant trees The trial is  .9 mile loop that takes about an hour to 45 minutes. They have signs posted through out the walk that tell about the area and different wildlife that live there.  Some of the trees are 8 feet in diameter and are 175 feet tall. I have never been to the red cedar trees in California but have been told it's similar to them.  Take a lunch and make it a picnic they have picnic tables by the parking area and by the small stream that runs by.

I put this activity in the year-around folder, but do note that in the winter the road is not accessible because of the snow.  But you can snow shoe the road in. 

Here is a link to a website that give more info on the cedar trees. http://www.libbymt.com/areaattractions/rosscreekcedars.htm

I don't have an exact address for it, but click here for Directions   

 The turnoff to the Ross Creek Cedars is found a half mile past the south end of Bull Lake off Montana Highway 56. A 4-mile long, paved windy road climbs to the parking area at the Cedars. The road ends at the parking area and you know you have arrive at the location.

 Note: Make it a day event and then travel to Kootenai Falls in Libby Mt. which is not to far see post here about it. 

Bird Aviation Museum and Invention Center

 

Forrest M. Bird was the founder of this museum.  He invented many things and had a love for airplanes. The museum is a display of many different inventions and airplanes.  It's a great activity for kids and families. This is quote is taken from Museum website 

“The Bird Aviation Museum and Invention Center strives to educate visitors about the historic contributions of aviators and innovators who have helped create modern technology, and celebrate these individuals who have forever changed the way we live. It only takes one person to change the world."

   It's about 37 minutes drive away from Sandpoint. 

Directions 

325 Bird Ranch Road. Sagle, Idaho 83860

Hours of operations are as follows:

Summer: May 20th  - Oct 5th 

Monday-Saturday 8 am to 4 pm

Winter Hours: Oct. 7th - May

Monday - Friday 8 am to 4 pm

Link to Museum Website http://www.birdaviationmuseum.com/index.html

Sandpoint Library

 

 Sandpoint Library is one of the best things that has ever happened to Sandpoint.  It's all Free!!  To get a library card all you need is to bring to Library is a photo ID and proof of address.  If you are under 18, your parent or guardian must accompany you in order to get your card. 

Library hours

Winter (September 1 - May 31)

10:00am - 8:00pm   Monday - Thursday

10:00am - 5:00pm   Friday and Saturday



Summer (June 1 - August 31)

10:00am - 7:00pm   Monday - Thursday

10:00am - 5:00pm   Friday and Saturday



Closed Sundays & Holidays

The Library has many books, dvd, access to computers and much more. They have tons of classes they offer for Free. The have story time for children and many more children programs at different times during the year. The also offer free tutoring through there "Lifelong Learning Center." Anyone of any age can get help with tutoring.

Library Website here http://www.ebcl.lib.id.us/

Sandpoint - Dover Community Trail

 

The Sandpoint-Dover community trail is a paved flat surface that runs from city of Dover to downtown Sandpoint at Larch Street.  It's 3 miles long and run parallel to Highway 2.  It's a beautiful path and is fun for kids to ride bikes on.  They keep it clear so in the winter you can still use it.

Home Depot Kids Workshop

 

Every Saturday Home Depot in Ponderay has a Kids Workshop where they can go and build different wood projects.  Home Depot supplies the materials and paint and you supply the kids :) And it's all FREE!

 The first time you go the kids get their own apron. And after each project they get a pin to go on the apron to show what projects they have completed.  It's every Saturday from 9-12. It's located pass the check out stands.  Every week they have different project and the kids can choose what they want to build and paint. Then they get to take it home to display. My kids love doing this with dad on Saturday morning.