Tucked away in the northern reaches of Idaho, Sandpoint emerges as a quaint town rich with historic charm and architectural marvels. As part of its commitment to preserving and celebrating its heritage, Sandpoint now offers residents and visitors alike an opportunity to delve deep into its past through two unique tours. Organized by the Bonner County Historical Society and the City’s Arts, Culture & Historic Preservation Commission, these tours promise an insightful and engaging experience into the stories and structures that define Sandpoint. Facilitated through the City of Sandpoint’s Parks, Recreation, and Open Spaces Division, both the “Newcomer Cucumber Tour” and “A Walk Through History” are curated to intrigue, educate, and entertain.
The interest in Sandpoint’s rich history and stunning architecture has seen a steep rise, leading to the conception of these tours. The “Newcomer Cucumber Tour” serves to acquaint participants with the town’s heritage through fascinating tales of historic families and businesses, while “A Walk Through History” focuses on the architectural elements and anecdotes of Sandpoint’s past. Both tours reflect a thoughtful blend of historical insights and community spirit, promising to be memorable outings for old timers, newcomers, and visitors.
The “Newcomer Cucumber Tour” draws its quirky name from an early 1900s newspaper term used to welcome newcomers to the area. Today, it stands as an invitation to all—be it long-time residents or those new to Sandpoint, offering a glimpse into the heart and soul of the town’s origins. Running every Friday from June to August at 2:30 pm, this hour-long journey (with an optional 30-minute extension) begins at Elevate Realty on 212 N First Ave. The cost is set at $15 for adults, $5 for youth, with children under 6 admitted free of charge. Registration is required to partake in this journey back in time, capturing the essence of Sandpoint’s historic families, businesses, and stories.
For those particularly fascinated by the architectural elegance of historic towns, “A Walk Through History” is a tour not to be missed. Scheduled on select dates from June 28 to September 27, this hour-long exploration kicks off at 10:00 am from the iconic Panida Theater. Led by local historians and actors, the tour is as entertaining as it is educational, bringing to life the architectural splendor and historical narratives that make Sandpoint stand out. This tour is free, though registration is encouraged, signaling an open invitation to all who wish to walk through the pages of Sandpoint’s architectural diary.
