Welcome to Dover, Idaho
This small bedroom community is located in the Panhandle of Idaho in the Pacific Northwest region of North America. Since incorporation in 1988, we have grown from a few concerned citizens to a city with a population over 550 with a spirit of community. Dover provides a unique quality of life to families and individuals looking for the small town life, with easy access to larger cities such as Sandpoint. Although we are predominately a bedroom community, we realize the need to diversify our local economy.
Parcel sizes range from 1/5 acre to 600 acres and varies from agricultural to suburban. It is a perfect mix! The neighborhood areas include Syringa Heights, Rocky Point, Pine Street, Panorama Ridge, Canoe Cove, Marina Town, Pristine Heights, Cedar Ridge and of course the original community of Dover, each with their own personalities. The 1864 acres within the city limits contain over 12 miles of bike and pedestrian trails, 3,300 feet of public beach access and over 10 acres of public parks as well as wetland parks.
Nestled within the Selkirk Mountain Range at Latitude 48.251N., longitude 116.61W, Dover is bordered on the south by the Pend Oreille River and lies within the Purcell Trench at an elevation of 2067 feet and rises to 2900 feet. It is in the Pacific Standard time zone.
Lying just 40 miles from Montana and 25 miles from Washington, U.S. Hwy 2 / Idaho 200 intersects the city and encompasses the southern loop of the International Selkirk Loop and the Historic Rivers Passage. Spokane, WA is 90 miles southwest and provides the nearest international airport while the Canadian Border is 65 miles north along U.S Hwy 95. Schweitzer Mountain Resort is a 45 minute drive by car.
Located in Dover is the High-end waterfront community of Dover Bay which has more than 9 miles of trails along the water and through natural preserves, an exceptional community beach, 150-acres of park area, a 274-slip marina, and Marina Village featuring a store, cafe', and fitness facility. Southern exposure, nice beaches and good fishing make this a favorite getaway for locals.
- Annual Average Temperature (in Fahrenheit)
- Average High 56.6 / Low 34.4
- January Average Temperature: High 32 / Low 20
- July Average Temperature: High 82 / Low 48
- Annual Average Snowfall: 70"
- Annual Average Precipitation: 32"
Photos of Dover, Idaho "Buy Dover photos here!"
Helpful Dover, Idaho Links
http://cityofdoveridaho.org/ - This small bedroom community is located in the Panhandle of Idaho in the Pacific Northwest region of North America. Since incorporation in 1988, we have grown from a few concerned citizens to a city with a population over 550 with a spirit of community. Dover provides a unique quality of life to families and individuals looking for the small town life, with easy access to larger cities such as Sandpoint. Although we are predominately a bedroom community, we realize the need to diversify our local economy.
Westside Fire District - The mission statement of the Westside Fire Protection District is to respond in a safe manner to all reported emergencies in the boundaries of the Westside Fire Protection District. To help the citizens deal with natural and man-made emergencies with the resources available and with the utmost regard for the safety of our reponders and the public. To work to the best of our abilities to limit the loss or danger to life, property, and the environment.
The City of Dover, Idaho - The City of Dover Idaho located in the panhandle of North Idaho
Things to do...
Dover-Sandpoint Trail - Dover-Sandpoint Bike trail, (3.3 miles), on an abandoned railroad bed and trestle. The trail extends from the city of Dover to downtown Sandpoint at Larch Street.
Thorne Research, Inc. - For over 30 years, Thorne Research has been dedicated to enhancing the health and well-being of people worldwide by providing innovative, high-quality, research-based nutritional supplements, health diagnostics technology platforms, and the latest in medical education.
The DISH at Dover Bay - Dish at Dover Bay offers a true waterfront dining experience, located at the Dover Bay Resort in Dover, ID
Rustic Wedding Guide - We deliver unforgettable experiences on Lake Pend Oreille or at the Dover Bay Homestead Barn. Dover Bay is an ideal location for memorable weddings, family reunions, social events and group functions.
Sherwood Forest Trail - The start of the trail begins at the top of Bier Bridge Trail. After a steep climb up a pine needle covered tread, the trail flattens out and starts down a long descent. The trail is narrow and has several tight switchbacks. On the way down there are two offshoots (left) that end up at the Pipeline Trail. Stay right for the longest ride down. Be cautious on the blind corners, it is a well-traveled trail.
Where to Stay...
DOVER BAY RESORT LAKE PEND ORIELLE - Dover Bay Resort Lake Pend Oreille, a Magnuson Hotels affiliate, is the perfect family retreat in Sandpoint, Idaho. The resort faces the beautiful Lake Pend Oreille in the Dover Bay Marina Village, and offers 19 beautifully appointed waterfront bungalows ideally furnished for an extended stay. All bungalows provide easy lake access, complimentary membership at the Lake Club Fitness Center, and easy access to walking and biking trails, and other outdoor recreational activities, including fishing, hiking, hunting, horseback riding, and cross-country skiing at popular Schweitzer Mountain Ski Resort in the neighborhood.
Dover History - Dover Church
by Bob Gunter
Nestled among the houses, while waiting for a ride on the barge to Dover from Laclede, was an eight-room rustic building. It had been built on the banks of the river and was to become the summer cottage of the A. C. White family.
It was August 17,1922, and up and down the Pend Oreille river people stood watching the billowing smoke and flames shooting into the sky. Something was burning over at Laclede and by the size of the fire it could only be the A.C. White mill. The fire totally destroyed the mill, factory, and yards, costing in excess of $700,000.
White had been in the area since 1909 when he moved from Michigan to open the mill in Laclede. He had extensive knowledge of the lumber business and soon saw his company grow to include a sash and door factory, a mill, and a planer. This meant jobs for the local residents and they were hopeful that the mill would be rebuilt in Laclede but that was not to be. White decided to move the business ten miles upstream to Dover with plans to renovate and expand the idle Dover mill. The mill would no longer be in Laclede and over 50 houses and a large warehouse owned by White would be barged upriver to the new Dover location.
The mood of the residents of Laclede is summed up in the words of an unknown woman. In her diary she stated, "Well, the thunder bolt fell on Laclede. A.C. has decided to move to Dover. He bought the Dover Mill Plant, so I guess Laclede is dead."
Nestled among the houses waiting for the ride on the barge to Dover was an eight room rustic building. It had been built on the banks of the river and was to become the summer cottage of A. C. White and his family.
It was after the new house had been barged upriver and set on its foundation, that A.C. White made another decision that influences the area to this day. He decided the family would not use the house for their summer cottage but it would be used as a church. He gave it to the people of Dover for that purpose and the Community Baptist Church was born. The house had to have some alterations and the people of Dover helped pay the cost by having dinners at the church for the whole community.
Today, on every Sunday morning, the faithful are called to worship by the tolling of the bell in the belfry. Members of the Dover Baptist Church gather in the old building that got religion in a short but historic 10-mile barge ride.
More Old Historical Stories, Articles and Photos of the Sandpoint area >>
All photographs have been used with permission of the Bonner County Museum.
