1. There's A Reason Winter Is Long In North Idaho
There are so many great trails in the area for skiing and snowboarding—the Lookout Pass Ski and Recreation Area, Silver Mountain Resort, and Schweitzer Mountain Ski Resort—that locals and tourists can have fun all winter long.
2. It's Always Happy Hour In North Idaho
With MickDuff's Brewing Company, Laughing Dog Brewing, Slate Creek Brewing Company, and Trickster's Brewing Company, locals are never without a cold one. Plus, there are enough Brew Fests to last all year long.
3. North Idahoans Are The Sausage Kings Of The Northwest
Because of the Panhandle's strong hunting culture, locals seriously know how to cook their meat. They'll likely argue over who has the best recipe for elk and who makes the best homemade sausage.
4. These Local Favorites Go With Absolutely Everything
If your state loves winter, you have to dress the part. North Idahoans know that their favorite Sorel boots go with just about anything—your finest jewelry, a dress, or a shirt and tie. No use being nonsensical about the weather, right?
5. Who Let The Moose Out?
As part of a local art campaign, arts and college students painted and decorated life-size moose statues, which were eventually auctioned off to local businesses. This means you'll find moose when you're just walking around the town of Coeur d'Alene.
6. North Idahoans Really Love Vandals
No, we don't mean criminals, but we do mean the U of I athletic teams, the Vandals, headed up by their beloved mascot Joe Vandal.
7. Take That, Iditarod
Every February, Priest Lake hosts the Priest Lake Sled Dog Race. The race commits itself to the humane treatment of sled dogs, so you can grab your hot chocolate and have a good time, guilt-free.
8. One Place Comes To North Idahoans’ Minds When You Say "Delicious Burger"
Source: Instagram user Julianne Hough
The burgers at Hudson's Hamburgers are so good that even celebrities leave Hollywood to grab a taste.
9. You Won't Be Beating The U of I In Quiz Bowl
The University of Idaho is chock full of some seriously smart students. It's well-known in the entire Northwest U.S. for enrolling the highest number National Merit Scholars of any school in the area.
10. No, This Museum Has The Other Kind Of Flying
Don't let the name fool you; the Bird Aviation Museum and Invention Center isn't focused on birds, but on aircraft. Beside popular inventions—yes, even the Barbie doll—there are several pieces of aircraft dating back to pre-World War I.
11. Watch Out For Grizzlies!
The Idaho Panhandle National Forests are a favorite place for hiking, hunting, fishing, and just sitting back and taking in the stunning views.
But humans aren't the only ones who love it there; there are wildlife areas within the forest with wild turkeys, white tail deer, cougars, and even grizzly bears … oh my.
12. North Idahoans Just Might Be Made Of Iron
The Ironman Coeur d'Alene has been challenging local North Idahoans and athletes from around the country for more than a decade with its incredibly difficult 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike ride, and, oh yeah, a full marathon.
13. This Is The Place To Be Summer Saturday Mornings
The Moscow Farmers Market is a North Idaho tradition every Saturday morning from May until October, where the best local farmers showcase their flowers, produce, meats, and homemade goods.
14. These Dames Could Push You Around No Problem
The kick-butt, all-female Snake Pit Derby Dames draw huge crowds from all over the Panhandle to Coeur d'Alene for their flat-track roller derby bouts.
15. Locals Never Have To Ask, Where's The Beef?
North Idaho is famous for its silvaculture, a.k.a. lumber production, but it's also a hub for cattle ranches responsible for some seriously delicious beef.
16. North Idahoans Know The Absolute Best Places To Cool Off
Winter may be long, but when the summer comes, locals can always find a great—and beautiful—place to keep cool. With boats and floats on Lake Coeur d'Alene, Lake Pend Oreille, and Priest Lake, you may never want to leave the water.
17. North Idahoans Always Have Their Wax Ready
Show and Shine classic car shows are a mainstay in the Idaho Panhandle, with the Car d'Alene in June, the show during Lewiston's Dogwood Festival, and the parade during the local Hot August Nights. So wax up that old Chevy and take it to the streets.
18. It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like (The Best) Christmas
The Christmas lights display in Coeur d'Alene is so magnificent that it was featured on “Good Morning America”—but it's not just lights on trees. The event also includes fireworks and a parade.
19. Isn't Time Just A Flat Circle, Anyway?
To separate itself from the southern part of its own state, the Idaho Panhandle observes Pacific Time north of the Salmon River, while everything south regards Mountain Time. Maybe North Idahoans are just more chill and relaxed.
20. The U Of I Has Serious Respect For Jazz
Once jazz icon Lionel Hampton played at the University of Idaho annual jazz festival, it was henceforth known as the Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival. It's still drawing massive crowds to listen to some of America's best jazz.
21. North Idahoans Know Where To Spot A Bald Eagle
Sure, there's biking and hiking along the North Idaho Centennial Trail, but let's be serious: when there are chances of a bald eagle sighting, most people are also doing a lot of picture taking.
22. Watch Your Step On The 14th Hole
Golfers take note: The Coeur d'Alene Resort Golf Course is one of the best in the entire country. But what makes this place truly special is the one-of-a-kind (literally) movable floating green on the 14th hole.
23. When North Idahoans Say Pow Wow, They Mean It Literally
The Idaho Panhandle is home to three major Native American Indian reservations, the Kootenai, the Nez Perce, and the Coeur d'Alene. The latter’s tribe hosts the largest outdoor pow wow in the Northwest, the Julyamsh Pow Wow.
24. This Canyon Has Its Name For A Reason
Okay, so maybe the name isn't meant literally, but for those white water rafting folks, you can probably see why it's called Hells Canyon. Don't worry, there's plenty of room for a leisurely kayak, too.
25. North Idaho Is Truly Inspirational
The Idaho Panhandle seems to have made an impression on writers, singers, and even Hollywood executives. It's a major stop for the protagonist in the popular young adult book “Walk Two Moons,” and in the movie “Smoke Signals,” based on the book by Sherman Alexie.
26. Sandpoint Is Officially Beautiful
USA Today and Rand McNally named Sandpoint the entire nation's Most Beautiful Small Town—and it's not hard to see why.
27. Clowning Around Is Totally Allowed
Cowboys (and girls) and rodeo clowns alike from the entire U.S. Northwest and Canada flock to the annual Bonner County Rodeo to show their stuff.
28. The Festival Is So Popular, It Doesn't Need A Fancy Name
Take advantage of the most beautiful small town in the United States. Head to the internationally famous outdoor concert series the Festival at Sandpoint for live music of all types on the shores of the positively stunning Lake Pend Oreille.
29. North Idahoans Know They’re Going To Need More Than One Day Here
Go ahead and book a whole week out of work, because you're going to need it to fully experience everything at Silverwood Theme Park, the largest theme park in the whole Northwest. From water rides to roller coasters, this one is for adults as much as kids.
What do you love about living in North Idaho? Leave a comment and let us know!
