Harrison, Idaho, a Fun Little Resort Town Where the Trail Meets the Lake
What is there to do in Harrison?
With its marina, public beach, and world class cycle trail, the picturesque city of Harrison, Idaho, is the perfect getaway for family and friends on the south end of Lake Coeur d'Alene.
Enjoy outdoor dining overlooking the lake, local wine tasting, historic museum, ice cream shop, shady park, and shopping, all within an easy walk of the lake and trail. Check out our Events page, listing music, food, & fun happenings May-December! Harrison has public docks, a boat launch, lakeside campground, sandy beach, and relaxing friendly atmosphere.
Many people arrive by boat and take advantage of free moorage at the docks (48 hr. limit). No boat? No problem. Harrison has two family-owned watercraft rental businesses to serve you. Rent boats and vacation homes from Harrison Pontoons & Rentals, or boats, kayaks, water toys, and Stand Up Paddle boards from Harrison Idaho Water Adventures, Inc. Ride the Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes
Harrison is a popular base for cyclists riding the 72-mile Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes, a paved rail-trail that stretches across the Idaho Panhandle. Cycle, hike, or roller blade along the lake over the sweeping Chatcolet Bridge seven miles south, to historic Heyburn State Park, where you can spend the day swimming in the lake and hiking on forested trails. The folks at Harrison Trading Post will outfit you with drinks, deli salads, snacks, and sandwiches on house-made bread for the trip. Riding the trail is free! Start planning your trip by downloading some trail maps.
Early spring through late fall, you can rent bikes and have a bite to eat at The Cycle Haus. It's officially a city, but historic Harrison has the atmosphere of a quaint village. It's been a favorite destination for Inland Northwest visitors since the early 1900s.
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Drivers and cyclists like to spend the night at one of three lodgings downtown, or camp right on the water.
Watch Birds at Thompson Lake Wildlife Refuge For a short cycle trip, get off the main trail and check out Thompson Lake Wildlife Refuge on the edge of town to spot and photograph osprey, eagles, white swans, and other wildlife. Take the Lake Coeur d'Alene Scenic Byway
The winding scenic byway is a favorite for motorcyclists and folks out for a relaxing drive along beautiful Lake Coeur d'Alene. Harrison is 28 miles (45 km) south of Interstate 90 on the Lake Coeur d'Alene Scenic Byway, (Hwy. 97). Take the Wolf Lodge/Harrison exit, # 22 and head south to Harrison. Services
Public Restrooms: Located in northeast corner of the City Park. They are open seasonally. The vault toilet at the Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes trailhead across from the public beach is open year-round and is handicap accessible. Look for the ADA parking space at the trailhead. Public WiFi: The Harrison Library provides free, open, 24/7 WiFi which has a 20 foot reach around the building. Most businesses have WiFi as well. Gas: There is gas for boats & cars available 24/7 at the Gateway Marina (credit cards only, unless the General Store is open). Pumps periodically closed for testing during the off-season. When You Visit in Winter...
People flock to Harrison on warm summer days and it draws crowds on weekends and during special events. But the lakeside town has a quiet side in winter and early spring. That makes it a great destination for a peaceful lakeside getaway where you can be renewed by the beauty of nature. Here is what to expect if you come during the cold months: One Shot Charlie's restaurant and bar is open Friday-Sunday, with lunch and dinner served from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. (9 p.m. on Saturday). If you come on Friday, you will be amazed at all the people that show up for taco night! Harrison Trading Post is a full service grocery store with a selection of coffees, bakery, and deli goods, open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. in winter. |
It's always a good time for a relaxing getaway to Harrison, Idaho, on the shore of Lake Coeur d'Alene. Come by boat, bike, cycle or car!