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Bonners Ferry, Idaho
When gold was discovered in the East Kootenais of British Columbia in 1863, thousands of prospectors from all over the West surged northward over a route that became known as the Wildhorse Trail. Edwin Bonner, an enterprising merchant from Walla Walla, Washington established a ferry in 1864 where the trail crossed the broad Kootenai River. In 1875 Richard Fry leased the business, but the location retained the name of the original founder and later became the town of Bonners Ferry. The town of Bonners Ferry was formally established in 1893 along the south bank of the Kootenai River. Scattered along the valley and benchland were a few ranches and homesteads. Numerous mines were developed in the nearby mountains, including Continental Mines in the Selkirks. The lumber industry also grew rapidly. Bonners Ferry - even with much of it perched on stilts to avoid the inevitable spring floods - appeared to be a boom town. Moving into the 20th century, the town became the center of a lumbering and farming community. The valley land was drained and diked, and farms were cleared on the benches. The rich Kootenai Valley became known as the "Nile of the North," while the Bonners Ferry Lumber Company grew to be one of the world's largest lumber mills. The downtown took shape as brick buildings were constructed, replacing those on stilts. Today, much of Main Street dates from this initial period of solid, permanent construction.
Web site: www.BonnersFerryChamber.com
| Major Events and Festivals |
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August
Boundary County Fair
Held in mid-August at the Boundary County Fairgrounds. 208.267.7041
September
Annual Habitat For Humanity Salmon BBQ
208.267.1601
Lion's Club Demolition Derby
Held in early September. 208.267.5571
November
Christmas Tree Lighting/Santa's Arrival - November 28. 208.267.5922.
December
Festival of Trees
208.267.2775
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Elk Mountain Farms
North of Bonners Ferry, Elk Mountain Farms grows hops for parent company Anheuser-Busch. The two locations in the Kootnai River Valley comprise 1,700 acres of fertile ground that grows 889 hops plants per acre. The intricate system of poles and trellises is impressive, as are the vines that grow 20 feet tall. Harvest is in late August to early September. To view the field, drive north on Highway 95 to Highway 1 and turn left on the Copeland Road. Drive to the Westside Road and go south for outstanding views overlooking the fields.
Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge
Wildlife enthusiasts or bird watchers shouldn't miss a visit to the Kootnai Wildlife Refuge. The refuge hosts more than 230 species of birds, 45 species of mammals, 22 species of fish and more scenery than can be absorbed in a day. The refuge lies on 2,774 acres of prime wetlands and meadows. It was established as a refuge in 1965 to provide a resting place to migrating waterfowl in the Pacific Flyway. The refuge is open during the day year-round, although the auto tour is restricted during hunting season.
Kootenai Tribal Sturgeon Hatchery
The Kootnai Tribal Sturgeon Hatchery plays a major role in the recovery of the white sturgeon species. The hatchery was built in the spring of 1991 as an experimental facility to help enhance the endangered Kootnai River white sturgeon population. Recent improvements to the hatchery, along with a continued understanding on the culture of white sturgeon, have contributed greatly. The hatchery raises one- and two-year-old sturgeon for release into the Kootnai River as directed under research objectives. Funding is provided by the Bonneville Power Admnistration under the support of the Northwest Power Planning and Conservation Act of 1980. |
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Cross Country & Backcountry Skiing
When snow covers the backcountry of Boundary County, a whole new world is opened up for anyone wishing to venture on cross-country skis or even snowshoes. You can explore hiking trails in the Canuck Basin in the Purcell Mountains or Boulder Creek areas in the Cabinet Mountains, or the magnificent Selkirk Crest.
Moyie Picnic Area
This is a new picnic and day use area with access to the Moyie River. View the unique commissioned sculpture.
Snowmobiling
Boundary County's backcountry wilderness is full of wide-open play areas and miles of groomed access trails that can take you from elevations of 2,000 feet to over 7,000 feet. For the thrill of a lifetime and an unforgettable experience, venture into the mountans surrounding Bonners Ferry.
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