Heyburn State Park is the oldest park in the Pacific Northwest. Created in 1908,
it is comprised of approximately 5,500 acres of land and 2,300 acres of water.
The park includes three lakes; Chatcolet, Benewah, and Hidden Lakes, with the
shadowy St. Joe River meandering along the eastern boundary of the park.
Natural and cultural history is plentiful at Heyburn. Before it was a park, the
general area was a gathering place for the Coeur d' Alene Indian tribe. In the
1930's, the park was a Civilian Conservation Corps camp and those hardworking
crews built many of the park's buildings.
Heyburn is a natural park with a variety of different habitats. Large, tall
Ponderosa pines tower over grassy hillsides covered in wildflowers. On shadier
slopes, cedar trees mix with hemlocks and huge white pines. On the edges of the
lakes, the wetland/marsh areas are home to many types of wildflowers and plants.
Location: Plummer, ID
Northern Idaho, S. of Coeur d'Alene
Mailing Address
1291 Chatcolet
Plummer, ID 83851
Street Address
1291 Chatcolet
Plummer, ID 83851
Phone: (208) 686-1308
Fax: (208) 686-3003
Toll Free: (866) 634-3246
he Park Today
Exciting projects for Idaho's State Parks are proposed within the 2006
Experience Idaho initiative! Download the Experience Idaho initiative book at:
www.gov.idaho.gov for additional information on how investments in Idaho's State
Parks will benefit the State of Idaho, park visitors and local communities. Book
your cruise today on the Idaho!
History
The Coeur d’Alene Indians were the first inhabitants of the area now known as
Heyburn State Park. It was an ideal place for an encampment. Then, as today, the
lakes provided an abundance of fish, the marsh areas had plentiful waterfowl and
the heavily timbered slopes and open meadows were ideal habitat for deer, bear
and upland birds.
Heyburn State Park was created from the Coeur d’Alene Indian Reservation by an
act of Congress, on April 20, 1908. The deed, signed by President William Howard
Taft, granted 5,505 acres of land and 2,333 acres of water to the State. The
park was named in honor of U.S. Senator W.B. Heyburn of Idaho.
Much of the early construction was performed by Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC)
Camp SP-1. Starting in 1934, Camp SP-1 members built roads, trails, bridges,
campgrounds, picnic areas, picnic shelters and the Rocky Point Lodge (now the
Rocky Point Interpretive Center). Today, many of these facilities are still in
use—the CCC's proud legacy.
Recreation
Fish for pike, bass, or pan fish in the lakes. Bird watching is terrific at
Heyburn, with osprey and blue heron as common as sparrows back home. Boating,
water skiing, sailing and canoeing are also popular pursuits. Trails for hikers
or horseback riders are shaded by 400-year-old ponderosa pines. The Rocky Point
Marina offers a public boat ramp, store, fuel dock, restroom and parking.
Rocky Point Interpretive Center
The center features displays and information from the Civilian Conservation
Corps days, the Coeur d'Alene Tribe, local history and wildlife.
Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes
The Trail of the Coeur d'Alenes, a 72 mile paved bike trail, goes right through
Heyburn State Park. You can bike or walk the 3100 foot bridge/trestle across the
St Joe River to the other side of Lake Coeur d’Alene. The gentle grade is easy
for just about anyone. Bicycle rentals for adults and children are available at
the park headquarters.
Take a Cruise
You can take a leisurely cruise on the lakes in Heyburn State Park aboard the
cruise boat Idaho. Join us for regularly scheduled cruises, or charter the boat
for your wedding, reunion, meeting or party. Call Heyburn State Park for
details, 208-686-4030, or email us from the link below.
FAQ's
1. Is Heyburn State Park part of Coeur d'Alene Lake?
- Yes we are located at the southern tip of what most people think of as Lake
Coeur d'Alene. The Lakes making up this portion are, Lake Chatcolet, Benewah
Lake, and Hidden Bay.
2. Do you have boat slips for rent or boats?
- Yes we have moorage for boats in two different marinas. The Rocky Point Marina
and The Chat Marina. We have two row boats, two kayaks, two canoes and two
paddleboats which for rent for $5.00 per hour and $20.00 per day.
3. How far is your park from Coeur d'Alene and Spokane?
- We are approximately 40 miles from Coeur d'Alene and 40 miles from Spokane. |
