Sandpoint is a civilized complement to a naturally inspired setting. It occupies a superlative piece of shoreline along one of the West’s finest large sylvan lakes. Sheltered by surrounding pine-forested mountains, the town has a relatively temperate four season climate. Idaho’s first permanent structure was built nearby in 1809. But, major settlement in the isolated location was forestalled until the 1880s following the completion of a transcontinental railroad through the townsite coupled with development of a local timber industry.
The railroad and forest products are still important. Today, thanks to the splendid lakeside location and a major ski area nearby, Sandpoint is being “discovered” as a year-round vacation destination. Downtown blends a frontier heritage and a contemporary Western outlook in a number of specialty shops, galleries, and appealing restaurants. Most lodgings are near downtown and a large lakefront park with fine-sand beaches, swimming areas, and an adjoining marina.