20 Things To Do In Rathdrum Idaho

Rathdrum, a city in northern Idaho near the more well-known Coeur d’Alene, is often overlooked. The city is named after the Irish village Rathdroma, where one of the local businessmen was born decades ago. Rathdrum, among the oldest towns in northern Idaho, has a rich mining and fur trading history.

Although small, there are plenty of things to do in Rathdrum for everyone, from adults to kids and from animal lovers to adventurers. Located in a coniferous forest and surrounded by creeks, lakes and rivers, natural attractions and activities, like water sports and hiking, are among the most popular. Not a fan of outdoor activities? There is a theme park, a family fun park, multiple golf clubs and unique buildings to explore. These are some of the best things to do in Rathdrum.

Rathdrum, Idaho

20 Things To Do In Rathdrum

1- Hike At Rathdrum Mountain Park

Do you love being outdoors? Rathdrum Mountain Park has various trails that offer stunning mountain views and the opportunity to see Idaho’s wildlife.

Rathdrum Mountain is home to elk, deer, moose, porcupines, raccoons, skunks and various birds. And although you’ll not likely encounter one, watch out for bears and cougars.

The trails are easy-going, don’t require extensive hiking experience and weave through coniferous forest, making it a truly spectacular experience.

They’re perfect for those who simply want to get outside and experience Idaho’s natural beauty.

Rathdrum Mountain Park is at 8973 W Barrett Dr, Rathdrum, ID 83858.

2- Ride Roller Coasters At Silverwood Theme Park

Few visitors would expect an amusement park off the highway in northern Idaho. Yet, Silverwood Theme Park, off of US-95, attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.

The impressive park covers 413 acres (167 ha), making it the largest theme and water park in northwest America.

It has over 70 attractions, including several thrilling roller coasters and water rides.

A train takes you through the woods surrounding the theme park, where you will see a fantastic view.

Silverwood has rides for kids, too, so it’s an excellent place for the entire family.

Expect to spend an entire day and ride coasters to your heart’s content.

There’s also an RV park and camping site within walking distance, so you can stay overnight if you’d like to spend more time.

Silverwood Theme Park is at 27843 US-95, Athol, ID 83801.

3- Paddle Board Or Kayak At Sunspot at Yap-Keehn-Um Beach

No trip to Rathdrum would be complete without activities on the nearby Lake Coeur d’Alene.

Kayaking and paddle boarding are among my favourite things to do here, and I highly recommend making sure you see the lake this way.

It’s calming yet exciting and provides an opportunity to experience Idahoan nature.

Lake Coeur d’Alene is roughly a 45-minute drive away, making an ideal day trip or even half-day trip.

Rent equipment in Coeur d’Alene city and get on the lake at Sunspot at Yap-Keehn-Um Beach.

Sunspot at Yap-Keehn-Um Beach is at Rosenberry Dr, Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814

4- Go Golfing At Twin Lakes Village Golf Club

Twin Lakes Village Golf Club is open to the public and has 18 holes among fountains, greens, pine trees and white sand.

It’s adjacent to the beautiful Twin Lakes, giving the golf club its name and providing golfers with great views.

Twin Lakes Village has rental clubs available if you need to rent equipment.

Twin Lakes Village Golf Club is at 5416 W Village Blvd, Rathdrum, ID 83858.

5- Picnic At Rathdrum City Park

If the weather’s nice, picnic at Rathdrum City Park.

It covers 2.28 acres (0.9 ha), including plenty of grass and deciduous and coniferous trees.

There’s a bridge over Rathdrum Creek, which runs through the park, while flower beds, a gazebo and a water feature complete the beauty of City Park.

With picnic tables and barbecue grills, it’s an ideal picnic place, and the gazebo is an excellent spot for a group to gather.

Bring snacks, something to grill, and some lemonade for a hot summer day.

Rathdrum City Park is at 15456 N Latah St, Rathdrum, ID 83858.

6- Visit The Capybaras At Big Red’s Barn

If you love interacting with animals, spend some time at Big Red’s Barn Indoor Animal Experience and Education.

While the capybaras are one of the more popular animals to see here, Big Red’s Barn has many animals to visit all year.

From tortoises to alpacas to parrots, there are so many animals to see and interact with.

Big Red’s also serves as an education centre, where visitors can learn about the animals in addition to interacting with them.

Big Red’s Barn Indoor Animal Experience and Education is at 7397 N Government Way, Coeur d’Alene, ID 83815.

7- Check Out The Saint Stanislaus Catholic Church

Saint Stanislaus Catholic Church was built in 1901 and is the oldest Catholic church in Idaho constructed with bricks.

It features stunning gothic revival architecture and is included on the National Register of Historic Places.

So don’t leave Rathdrum without finding a moment of tranquillity in this beautiful church.

Saint Stanislaus Catholic Church is at 812 McCartney St, Rathdrum, ID 83858.

8- Spend An Evening at Majestic Park

Majestic Park is Rathdrum’s newest park and perhaps the most special for its panoramic views of Rathdrum Mountain.

Majestic Park is true to its name and is a great place to watch the sunset.

The park has several amenities, such as softball fields, a paved pathway, an amphitheatre and bike storage.

It’s a fantastic place for kids, too, as not only does it have a playground, but the park has a climbing wall and a swing set.

Many community events are put on here, truly making it one of the community’s pinnacles.

Majestic Park is at 5400 W Majestic Ave, Rathdrum, ID 83858.

9- Go Paintballing At Field Of Fire

If you’re daring, spend a day at Field of Fire North Paintball Adventures.

The facility is located among the trees and features numerous wooden barriers and shelters.

To keep players on their toes, Field of Fire North Paintball Adventures hosts various playing styles, from elimination to capture the flag to football.

Players can rent equipment and purchase their paintballs. Plus, players can bring their own food and drinks to the facility.

Field Of Fire North Paintball Adventures is at 14538 N Greensferry Rd, Rathdrum, ID 83858.

10- Fish At Hauser Lake

Hauser Lake is a 625-acre (253 ha) natural freshwater lake at the edge of the Selkirk Mountains made up of beautiful crystalline water.

It’s extremely popular for fishing since it’s full of walleye, rainbow trout, brown trout and perch.

The lake is also popular for other activities like swimming, boating and water skiing. And if you have access to a boat, you can go tubing to cool off in the summer heat.

Hauser Lake is off of U.S. Highway 53, Idaho 83854.

11- Check Out The Avista Dam At Falls Park

The city of Post Falls sits between Rathdrum and Coeur d’Alene. One of Post Falls’ treasures is Falls Parks, which covers 22 acres (9 ha) of land.

Most importantly, Falls Park has scenic views of the mighty Avista Dam.

The dam was first built in the 1870s but has been converted and altered since then.

You can learn more about the dam’s history at Falls Park, which has educational signage around the area.

Falls Park has several amenities, such as trails, benches, barbecue grills, shelters, restrooms and a playground for children.

In the centre of the park, there’s a small fishing pond that’s quite well-loved by anglers. So don’t forget to bring a fishing rod.

Falls Park is at 305 W 4th Ave, Post Falls, ID 83854.

12- Go For A Shopping Spree At Silver Lake Mall

Do you love to shop? Silver Lake Mall in nearby Coeur d’Alene is the largest indoor shopping centre in northern Idaho.

It has 34 stores and services, including Macy’s, Planet Fitness, and Black Sheep Sporting Goods.

There are, of course, plenty of places to eat inside during your shopping trip.

Throughout the year, Silver Lake Mall also features a community market.

If you’re in Rathdrum when one is happening, stop by to see stalls with local vendors selling arts, crafts, food and delicious desserts.

Silver Lake Mall is at 200 W Hanley Ave, Coeur d’Alene, ID 83815.

13- Get A Massage At Flower Power Massage.

When you’re exhausted from all the outdoor activities in and around Rathdrum, get a massage at Flower Power Massage.

You can book energy work sessions, various massages, or a consultation if you aren’t sure what kind of work your body needs.

The practice takes a holistic “life in motion” approach, which is great for Rathdrum visitors exhausted by their adventures.

And, if you’re on the superstitious side, you can also get a tarot reading or ghost clearing.

Flower Power Massage is at 6848 N Government Way #116, Coeur d’Alene, ID 83815.

14- Go Whitewater Rafting On The Spokane River

If you love adventure and are in Rathdrum over the summer, spend a day whitewater rafting on the rapids of the Spokane River.

It’s an awesome way to get into nature while getting an adrenaline rush.

To get to the Spokane River, you’ll have to cross the border to Washington, but it’s only 31 miles (50 km) away, and the drive is only about 35 minutes long.

If you’re new to rafting or don’t have your own equipment, book a rafting experience with an adventure company in Spokane, such as Flow Adventures.

Flow Adventures is at 2807 W Euclid Ave, Spokane, WA 99205.

15- Go To Triple Play Family Fun Park

If you love attractions and water rides, spend some time at Triple Play Family Fun Park.

Triple Play features bowling, the XD Dark Ride, bumper boats, bumper cars, go-karts, laser tag, a laser maze, mini golf and a ropes course.

A zipline and drop tower will be added in fall 2022.

Triple Play also includes Raptor Reef Indoor Water Park, which has a wave pool and various water slides.

It’s an ideal place to take kids, but it’s great for visitors of any age.

The family fun park, located in the nearby city of Hayden, is only a 15-minute drive from Rathdrum.

Triple Play Family Fun Park is at 175 W Orchard Ave, Hayden, ID 83835.

16- Walk The North Idaho Centennial Trail

The North Idaho Centennial Trail is an asphalt trail that meanders roughly 24 miles (39 km) from Coeur d’Alene to the Idaho-Washington state line.

It offers fantastic lake views, plus plenty of shade under the trees in many areas of the path.

The trail is excellent for activities, such as biking and running, and it’s ideal for a simple morning walk.

You can get on the trail at either endpoint, but the closest one to Rathdrum is at Higgins Point in Coeur d’Alene.

It’s a 20-mile (32-km) drive from Rathdrum, which takes approximately 30 minutes.

Higgins Point is at N Idaho Centennial Trail, Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814.

17- Visit The Bird Aviation Museum

The Bird Aviation Museum And Invention Center is dedicated to inventors and aviators from before World War 1 to the present day, and it features both aircraft and inventions.

Exhibited inventions include the Apple II, the Barbie doll, and the Bird respirator, fitting the museum’s name.

It features roughly 20 aircraft at a time, but the museum constantly rotates its displayed aircraft, ensuring a unique visit when you come.

The Bird Aviation Museum And Invention Center offer educational programs for kids and students. Entrance to the museum is completely free.

The Bird Aviation Museum And Invention Center is at 2678 W Cessna Ave, Hayden, ID 83835.

18- Tour And Taste At Up North Distillery

Located in Post Falls, Idaho, Up North Distillery produces high-quality products such as barrel-aged apple brandy and single barrel cask strength honey spirit.

You can schedule private tours and tastings where you can try these special spirits and more.

Make sure to try their North Idaho pine liqueur for a unique taste of Idaho.

Up North Distillery has Trivia Thursdays, Live Music Fridays, food trucks, and specials on certain days.

Up North Distillery is at ​846 N. Boulder Ct. Post Falls, ID 83854.

19- Discover History Along Tubbs Hill Nature Trail

Located near downtown Coeur d’Alene, Tubbs Hill has more than 120 acres (49 ha) of land, with multiple hiking trails and stunning scenery.

My favourite trail, which is also a favourite among Coeur d’Alene locals, is the 2-mile (3 km) loop interpretive trail with so much to offer.

The trail overlooks the lake and offers access to calming lakeside beaches.

What’s most special about Tubbs Hill is that its two-mile loop has historical points along the way that teach visitors about the area’s history.

It’s a fantastic place to view the lake and Idaho wildlife while learning about the area.

Additionally, Tubbs Hill Nature Trail is easily accessible from northern Coeur d’Alene. It’s roughly 15 miles (24 km) away from Rathdrum, making the drive only 24 minutes.

The entrance to the Tubbs Hill area is at 210 S 3rd St, Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814.

20- Spend A Morning At Rathdrum Craft And Farmers Market

If you’re in Rathdrum on a Saturday, spend a morning at Rathdrum Craft And Farmers Market.

You can check out the vendors selling fruits, veggies, farm-fresh animal products, arts, crafts, plants, and more.

There are plenty of stalls to buy prepared food from, too. You can enjoy music and activities as you walk around the market to shop.

Just be sure to check the market’s schedule in advance, so you don’t miss out on this fantastic way to meet local Idahoan farmers and try local products.

The Rathdrum Craft And Farmers Market is at 16114 N Meyer Rd, Rathdrum, ID 83858.