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Lake Coeur d'Alene Cruises' Mission Statement
Proud Heritage
DISCOVER THE HISTORY OF LAKE COEUR D’ALENE
The lake – and later the city of Coeur d’Alene – was named by French fur traders. It means “heart of the awl” and is thought by some to be a reference to the tribe’s “sharp” trading practices.
This region has a proud timber and mining heritage. At one time, there were more than 50 steamships working on the lake, hauling logs, mine ore and transporting passengers. In fact, the area became so busy that General William T. Sherman ordered a fort to be constructed on the lake in the 1870s, named Fort Coeur d’Alene. That site, later called Fort Sherman after the city’s founding in 1887, is now occupied by North Idaho College, a junior college on the lake.
While the timber and mining industry are not a major industry on the lake anymore, Coeur d’Alene is still very much a part of life in North Idaho. Coeur d’Alene landed on the international travel scene with the opening of The Coeur d’Alene Resort in 1986 and has since become a playground for millions of visitors.
The Wildlife
A Rich Ecosystem Awaits
Lake Coeur d’Alene is home to Idaho’s famed bird of prey – the Osprey. A large bird with wingspans up to six feet, Osprey hover above the water while searching for fish. Once they lock onto their prey, Osprey is known to dive feet-first into the water to catch its dinner with a unique foot designed to catch and hold the slippery fish.
Lake Coeur d’Alene is also a winter migratory stop for the American Bald Eagle. Each December and January, large numbers of eagles return to the lake to feed on spawning kokanee salmon.You can see the birds on a drive out towards Beauty Bay, or you can go on an eagle-watching cruise with Lake Coeur d’Alene Cruises.
The Landmarks
Noteworthy Sites Around Lake Coeur d’Alene
Once described by National Geographic as one of the five most beautiful lakes in the world, Lake Coeur d’Alene is 25 miles long and 10 miles across at its widest point, with an average depth of about 100 feet.
Lake Coeur d’Alene was carved by repeated flooding during a glacial period when ice covered much of the lands to the north. It is a natural lake fed by two rivers, the Coeur d’Alene River and the St. Joe River. The single outlet is the Spokane River, which flows to the west to join the Columbia River on its way to the Pacific Ocean.
Hundreds of years ago, Coeur d’Alene’s waters served Native American canoes, cargo steamships, tugboats, and more. Now, it has become a recreational lake for family and friends to enjoy all year long.
Reach Out
Interested in booking a private charter cruise for your special event? Imagining your wedding on a luxurious cruise? Questions about our scenic cruises or upcoming events? Get in touch with a cruise specialist today!