Are you looking to enjoy a simple family trail with lots of water ventures? It’s time to visit Higgens Point at Coeur d’Alene! It’s also spelled “Higgins” Point as well, for those wondering!
How to Get to Higgens Point
First, you need access to the E Coeur d’Alene Lake Drive. If you’re driving at Sherman Avenue going east, take a right turn at the Sherman and N23rd Street intersection.
From there, you’d no longer have to mind other intersections. The road may be slightly curvy, but take it until you pass by the Silver Beach and Lake Steamers Marker.
The road narrows down at the intersection against the E Yellowstone Trail. But keep going until you pass by Beacon Point, Osprey Point, and Pebble Beach. As you keep driving, you will see the Higgins Point Boat Launch, but that’s not the spot we’re after yet. Nonetheless, you can have a stop there and begin your boating adventure.
Going straight further, you’ll find the Coeur d’Alene Parkway State Park. While trailing the E Coeur d’Alene Lake Drive, note that the North Idaho Centennial Trail also goes along the road. So, before another narrow down of the drive, you can pay a stop at the park.
From there, you can take the portion of the Centennial Trail until you reach the scenic Higgins Point.
About Higgens Point
Seated right outside the city of Coeur d’Alene, the Higgins Point feels like the highlight of a long journey on the Centennial Trail.
This spot is perfect for relaxation, rest, bonding, and adventure. Whether you’re with friends or family, there’s no way you wouldn’t enjoy it.
This place comes with picnic sites, viewing areas, and cycling routes. But what keeps this place on-demand all year is its access to the Coeur d’Alene Lake. There, you can fish, kayak, and even dip in the crystal blue waters of the lake.
Also be sure to check out the Northern Idaho Centennial Trail while you’re in the area, and maybe even take a quick hike around Tubbs Hill!
If you wish to stay on land, you can also have some moments to appreciate the wildlife there. Before getting to the peak of the spot, you’ll find a fixed tourist brochure of what birds to expect there.
And if you happen to visit in Autumn, you’ll get the chance to see the famous bald eagles. It’s surprising to know how a natural spot near the city became a favorite place of many species. That only goes to say that authorities ensured to preserve Higgens Point over the years.
Area Highlights
Higgins Point sits only at the east of the Coeur d’Alene City. This spot is a perfect start and end point for a hiking itinerary because it’s right at the tip of the North Idaho Centennial Trail.
There are not many landmarks close to it. But as our direction tells us, we named a few spots for you to ensure you’re taking the right road.
History of Higgens Point
This attraction began with Milton Higgens, who bought about 50 acres of land with a portion resting on the Lake Coeur d’Alene in 1939. He continued to be the land owner until 1959 and built cottages around his home with his wife.
Higgins later sold the place to 10 investors, with 31 acres and 2,600 feet of Coeur d’Alene Lake sold again to the Department of Highways. Buyers planned to build a bridge and interchange on the land, but no construction escalated.
In the 1960s, Highway 10 incorporated some sections with I-90, and commercial establishments began to rise. Some movements named the place Higgens, but the name “Higgins” remained the appropriate name on the legal documents.
In the 1990s, the Department of Transportation re-routed the I-90 above the lake’s shoreline, going over the Higgins attraction.
Final Takeaways
Looking at the Higgins Point, it’s great to see how the place stayed in good shape. The urban setup did not overtake the spot, and I think that’s one of the factors that kept it natural.
This place is not hard to access and is a holistic spot for your family and colleagues. So, if you ever get the chance to visit Higgins Point, try not to miss it. The place is worth your time, and its convenience from the city speaks for it.
Looking for a vacation rental near Higgens Point? Have a property in the Coeur d’Alene area that you would like us to manage for you? Reach out today!
