Welcome to Bonners Ferry, Idaho
Back in the year 1863, thousands of prospectors flooded from the west on route to the North, over the course now know as the Wildhorse Trail. This sudden movement had been inspired by the discovery of large amounts of gold in the East Kootenais of British Columbia. In 1864 a man by the name of Edwin Bonner, as an enterprising merchant, constructed the ferry where the trail crossed the broad Kootenai River. Following this, in 1875 Richard Fry leased the business, and despite the change the location retained the name of the original founder, soon thereafter becoming the town know as Bonners Ferry.
With mines to the north, the community of Bonners Ferry began to flourish in the 1800's as a supplier. “Midge”, the Norwegian-built steamer, launched in 1883 and operated for the next 25 years carrying passengers and freight between the areas of Bonners Ferry and British Columbia. The Great Northern Railroad, hereby, was built in the year 1892, followed soon after by the Spokane International and the Kootenai Valley lines.
Helpful Bonners Ferry, Idaho Links
City of Bonners Ferry - Bonners Ferry grew out of a river crossing for prospectors heading to gold discoveries in Canada in the 1860’s. It is the county seat of Boundary County, with a population of about 2,500 of Idaho’s friendliest people. The quaint downtown has been revitalized with pedestrian friendly street upgrades, improved parking, and a new visitors center. It is a city that respects its past and is proactive towards the future.
Bonners Ferry Chamber of Commerce - The Bonners Ferry Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to promoting a strong and healthy business climate in Boundary County. We do that in a number of ways … including access to this website, which provides members a way to post information that will reach people around the world and around the clock interested specifically in doing business in Boundary County and Bonners Ferry, Idaho.
Bonners Ferry Museum - What are you waiting for? Come on down to the museum and see what has changed! It is no longer the one room you remember, it is three rooms full of excitement! New things to see every day because once today becomes yesterday it also becomes history.
Roman Nose Lakes - This easy, well-traveled trail system sends hikers into the heart of some of the most beautiful terrain in the Selkirks. Nested beneath the towering presence of 7,260-ft Roman Nose Peak, the trailhead offers hikers access to three different lakes and the potential for an off-trail scramble with stunning views of the Selkirk Crest from the top of the peak. Camping is only available at the trailhead facilities in designated areas near the main lake due to the popularity of this location.
Things to do...
Kootenai Casino - Best Western Plus Kootenai River Inn Casino & Spa is owned and operated by the Kootenai Tribe of Idaho. The hotel, restaurant and recreation center opened in 1986 on the tribal lands that overlook the Kootenai River, beginning an economic resurgence for the tribe. In 1996, the tribe signed a gaming compact with the State of Idaho and opened the Kootenai Casino. In 2005, a complete renovation transformed the facility interiors and added the luxury spa.
Bonners Ferry Travel Guide - On the shores of the Kootenai River, Bonners Ferry began as a steamboat port in the 1800s. Visit its historical downtown and pay a visit to the Boundary County Museum. Home to the Kootenai Tribe, which owns the only casino on the Loop - the Kootenai River Inn. Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge is an important habitat for migrating waterfowl, and outdoor recreation beckons along the Selkirk Crest.
Bonners Ferry Farmers Market - Ours is one of the oldest farmers' markets in the state of Idaho. We have expanded our range of offerings and market hours over the years. Our market was started in in 1980 as the Boundary County Farmers Market with the help of our County Extension Agent, Ben Studer.
Kootenai River Brewing Company - The Kootenai River Brewing Company was established in 2010 and is now serving eleven distinct beers from a tap room viewing the Kootenai River and the scenic mountain ranges of North Idaho.
Heart Rock Wines - A specialist bottle store and tasting room in Bonners Ferry, ID. We champion Northwest American Wines paired with Antipasto Platters. We also stock a wide range of Craft Beers, Ciders and Meads!
The Rusty Moose Tavern and Grill - The Rusty Moose Tavern and Grill is the place to be to enjoy excellent food prepared freshly with delicious taste, quality and care. Come on in and join your friends for a lunch or dinner and perhaps add a cold beer or a glass of wine with your meal.
Mirror Lake Golf Course - Mirror Lake Golf Course is a gem of a 9 hole course, located just 1 mile south of Bonners Ferry, and is enjoyed by golfers of all abilities. It is player friendly to the beginner, yet is a challenge for the low handicap golfer as well, with two sets of tees for the front and back nines. It has a diverse array of par 3's, 4's and 5's, along with stunning views of the Selkirk Mountains and the Kootenai Valley. The golf course features water hazards on both par threes as well as on 3 of the par fours. The course is in wonderful shape with fast and smooth putting greens.
Where to Stay...
Bonners Ferry Vacation Rentals
Bonners Ferry Log Inn Motel - Bonners Ferry Log Inn offers all the charm of a bed & breakfast with attractive prices. Nestled in the foothills of the Idaho Rockies, above the Kootenay River Valley, We invite a crisp clean atmosphere like no other in the Pacific North West. Each room is special, featuring hand-crafted log furniture, king or queen-size beds, a spacious bathroom, & country-style décor. Relax in our hot tub (Open Year Round), visit the gift shop, walk beside the fish pond, or just settle into a comfy chair on the patio & enjoy the gardens & scenery.
Dodge Peak Lodge - Dodge Peak Lodge is a finely crafted log structure featuring comfortable accommodations with locally handcrafted log furniture. Named after Dodge Peak in Boundary County, the lodge is located in the Kootenai River Valley within 30 miles of Lake Pend Orielle, Schweitzer Mountain Ski Resort, both the Porthill and Eastport entrances to Canada and the border of Montana in Gorgeous North Idaho!
Best Western Plus Kootenai River Inn Casino & Spa - The BEST WESTERN PLUS Kootenai River Inn Casino & Spa has expanded! New 36 room additions with refrigerator, microwave, walk-in showers and much more. River view rooms also available. This beautiful hotel is surrounded by the majestic Selkirk, Cabinet and Purcell mountains, enhanced by the natural beauty of the Kootenai River and conveniently located near the Canadian border. Recreation available within a short distance includes golfing, the Schweitzer ski resort and the Kootenai Wildlife Refuge.
Bonners Ferry History
by Bob Gunter
Back in the year 1863, thousands of prospectors flooded from the west on route to the North, over the course now know as the Wildhorse Trail. This sudden movement had been inspired by the discovery of large amounts of gold in the East Kootenais of British Columbia. In 1864 a man by the name of Edwin Bonner, as an enterprising merchant, constructed the ferry where the trail crossed the broad Kootenai River. Following this, in 1875 Richard Fry leased the business, and despite the change the location retained the name of the original founder, soon thereafter becoming the town know as Bonners Ferry.
With mines to the north, the community of Bonners Ferry began to flourish in the 1800’s as a supplier. “Midge”, the Norwegian-built steamer, launched in 1883 and operated for the next 25 years carrying passengers and freight between the areas of Bonners Ferry and British Columbia. The Great Northern Railroad, hereby, was built in the year 1892, followed soon after by the Spokane International and the Kootenai Valley lines.
The town of Bonners Ferry was formally established in 1893. This took place along the south bank of Kootenai. At the time, a few ranches and homesteads were scattered along the valley. The development of numerous mines was in process, along in the nearby mountains. This includes the Continental Mine in the Selkirks. Another flourishing firm was the lumber industry. Bonners Ferry rapidly was becoming a booming town, although much of it was still perched on stilts to avoid the inevitable spring floods!
"Picture above is of the original ferry in Bonners Ferry. It was operated by Edwin Bonner and was used to transport mules and miners to the Canadian gold rush. Bonner County got its name from Edwin Bonner."
Progressing along into the 20th century, Bonners Ferry became the center of a lumbering and farming-based community. The valley land became drained and barricaded. The “Nile of the North” became the newest term for the rich Kootenai Valley. As far as the Bonners Ferry lumber was concerned, they grew to be one of the world’s largest lumber mills! Downtown steadily became more inhabited as buildings were put in place, replacing their predecessors on stilts. As far as the now, much of Main Street still dates from this initial period of solid, permanent labor. Thanks to the explorer Edwin Bonner, you may now visit this steadily growing community!
Bonners Ferry today is a naturally beautiful environment in a relaxed atmosphere. A visitor need only experience the quiet streams, the peaceful alpine lakes, and the majestic forested mountains abundant in wildlife to truly fall in love with this area. Entertainment can range from the most genuine of times, through enjoying the land. Fishing, horseback riding, cross country skiing, target and trap shooting, square dancing, whitewater rafting, golfing, canoeing, swimming, camping, bird watching, photography, the growing community of Bonners Ferry continues to be a family-based environment.
In the words of Mayor Darrell Kerby, “We are a community that cherishes its past and embraces its future – a future that is being forged by coalitions of diverse groups that make up the unique fabric of Bonners Ferry, newcomers and old-timers alike.”
We couldn’t have said it better.
For an even closer look on the local history of Bonners Ferry, please visit the Boundary county Free Museum on Main Street, open in the months of May-August, to view a collection of more than 10,000 items of Bonners history!
More Old Historical Stories, Articles and Photos of the Sandpoint area >>
All photographs have been used with permission of the Bonner County Museum.
