Take a walk through Sandpoint’s past

By Lyndsie Kiebert
Reader Staff

Thanks to the Sandpoint Historic Preservation Commission, with an assist from the Bonner County Museum, residents and visitors alike are able to hold an abundance of Sandpoint history in their hands. The Sandpoint Historic Preservation Commission is printing and releasing 2,500 copies of “Sandpoint: A Walk Through History” — a guidebook for the third annual Sandpoint Historic Walking Tour, which sets off into the past Saturday, Aug. 3 with a special group outing.

A rail car sits at the intersection of Main St. and Fourth Ave. in Sandpoint. Photo courtesy Bonner County Historical Society.

The booklet, which is due for release this week, holds photos and stories about more than 50 historic sites throughout Sandpoint, including some listed on the National Register of Historic Places as well as winners of Preservation Idaho’s Orchids and Onions Award, according to a city press release. A fold-out map at the back of the brochure outlines three self-guided walks.

Carrie Logan, former Sandpoint mayor and current member of the preservation commission, said the brochure is paid for with advertising, grants and donations.

“Every penny counts and we appreciate any financial help we can get,” she said.

While the tour is meant to be self-guided, Logan and other commission members will lead a tour Saturday, Aug. 3 to celebrate the third printing of “Sandpoint: A Walk Through History.” Participants should meet outside the Panida Theater at 10 a.m., and plan to walk for about two hours.

Those looking to embark on a self-guided tour can get an official brochure and map at Sandpoint City Hall, the Bonner County Museum, the Sandpoint Visitor Center and select downtown businesses.

“I believe strongly in preserving and respecting our past,” Logan said. “Our past is a guide for how we see our town evolving.”

Bonner County Museum Director Olivia Luther said the tour is a great way to provide community members and visitors with an “interactive experience with Sandpoint’s rich history.”

“I believe that any time we can offer opportunities for people to embrace and learn from the past, we are succeeding,” Luther said. 

To access a digital version of the tour booklet and map, visit sandpointidaho.gov/your-government/commissions-committees and find the “Historic Preservation Commission” section. For additional information contact assistant city planner Ryan Shea at rshea@sandpointidaho.gov or 208-946-2087.