This Idaho Town Has The Most Walkable Downtown
Bonners Ferry is framed by mountain scenery and the Kootenai River, and its downtown remains compact and easy to explore on foot. As Main Street crosses the river, it branches into Bonner, Riverside, and Kootenai Streets, creating a compact downtown area. Main Street is dotted with historic buildings like the Rex Theatre, whereas Riverside has river view dining options like the Kootenai River Brewing Company. Leave your car at the parking lot by the visitor center on Bonner Street and cover downtown on foot, moving at your own pace as you discover Idaho’s most walkable downtown.
Historic Main Street
Visitors who arrive in Bonners Ferry's walkable downtown can start their day at Georgia Mae Plaza on Main Street. This small downtown park is equipped with benches, picnic tables, and shaded areas. The Rex Theatre is the next block along from the plaza. This historic theatre opened in 1923, and the building still stands today. Visitors can watch stage plays, events, music shows, and more here.
Learn what life was like in Bonners Ferry in the 1860s at the Boundary County Museum down Main Street. Through original artifacts, period rooms, exhibits, and displays, visitors can experience the history of early settlers and the indigenous Kootenai people. The museum also contains a collection of photographs documenting the everyday lives of people as the town grew through the arrival of prospectors, railroad men, timber men, and homesteaders.
At the end of Main Street, visitors will see the Pelton Wheel by the river. The Pelton Wheel is a large iron wheel from the town’s industrial past, when it was used to power the town with electricity between 1906 and 1921.
Arts and Culture on Kootenai Street
Kootenai Street is home to one of the oldest farmers' markets in the Idaho Panhandle, the Bonners Ferry Farmers Market. The market operates seasonally from the last week of April until the first week of October. Local produce vendors and crafters set up stalls in the parking lot adjacent to the visitor center. Additionally, there is a Holiday Market, held on the Saturday before Thanksgiving at the local middle school. People can walk around the many stalls during the day to buy seasonal goodies, Christmas-themed gifts, and handmade items. Another highlight on the calendar is the annual Borders 3 Jamboree Car Show, held downtown each June. Hosted by the Rod Benders Car Club, the event brings classic cars, cruises, and live activity to the streets, drawing visitors from across the region.
Kootenai River Days is the largest local celebration of the year. The festival is held over four days in July. Festivities over the weekend include the farmers market, golf, cornhole, street fairs, movies, and live music. Many local businesses also take part in the festival, such as Teascarlet Fine Art Gallery. Teascarlet Fine Art Gallery is a studio gallery on Kootenai Street that displays local art. Many pieces are available, along with prints, canvas, greeting cards, and more.
Downtown Dining
Head over to Riverside Street and stop at Kootenai River Brewing Company, a family-style restaurant open for lunch and dinner overlooking the river in downtown Bonners Ferry. With eight taps of house-crafted and other locally brewed beers paired with classic pub fare like burgers, sandwiches, and fish and chips, Kootenai River Brewing Company is an especially popular place during the summer when their beer garden opens.
On Main Street, the Rusty Moose Tavern and Grill offers diners a rustic, western-themed restaurant housed in a historic building. The tavern stands out for its all-natural, locally sourced beef dishes and house-made desserts, including eight flavors of ice cream. For something more lowkey or handheld for on-the-go, stop at Under the Sun, a home goods store on Main Street, which also has a coffee bistro inside.
Explore the Panhandle
Bonners Ferry’s placement in the Idaho panhandle gives visitors a lot of directions to head in for their next town to stop at. Cross the border into British Columbia and visit the town of Creston, which is around 30 miles north of Bonners Ferry. Creston and District Community Complex is a focal point in downtown Creston. This facility includes indoor and outdoor spaces, including an aquatic center, fitness center, ball fields, and playground.
Downtown Sandpoint is 30 miles south of Bonners Ferry. The Cedar Street Bridge Public Market is centrally located in downtown. This repurposed auto bridge is now an indoor market that houses local establishments, including Paneah’s Bistro, which serves a range of hot and cold coffee-based drinks alongside sweet and savory food items.
Libby is across the border in Montana, 50 miles southeast of Bonners Ferry. Catch a movie at the Dome Theatre, a historic theatre built in 1910. It has remained the only staple of film and live entertainment in northwest Montana. To this day, it continues to operate, showing the latest films, but retaining its historic feel. The lobby is equipped with classic soda fountains, traditional movie theatre popcorn, and seasonal Montana treats.
Idaho's Most Walkable Downtown
Compact, scenic, and rich in history, Bonners Ferry stands out as one of the most walkable downtowns in Idaho. Within the same street, visitors can view historic landmarks like the Pelton Wheel and then enjoy a meal at the Rusty Moose Tavern and Grill. Whether a history buff, a foodie, or a lover of local arts, Bonners Ferry has something that appeals to everyone, only a short walk away in Idaho’s most walkable downtown.
