The Park Today
November 3, 2009
The camping season has come to an end for 2009 in Heyburn State Park. Hawley’s Landing Campground is officially closed for the season. We will be open for camping April 1, 2010, weather permitting. The Park remains open but all 3 campgrounds are now closed.
For park enthusiasts remember the Camper Cabins and Cottages are open year-round. You can make reservations by calling 1-888-922-6743 or by contacting the Park at (208) 686-1308.
All hiking and biking trails are still open but remember Heyburn has a large sewer construction project going on that has affected some of the hiking and horseback trails. The trails affected are the Lakeshore Loop Trail and the Appaloosa Trail east of the horse trailhead.
The Trail of the Coeur D’Alene’s is open the full length of the trail from the Plummer trailhead to Mullan. Come enjoy the trail and some beautiful scenery.
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.
Learn more about Heyburn State Park with an informative video.
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.
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.
2009 Update about Taking a Cruise
We're sorry that the cruise boat Idaho will be out of service for the upcoming 2009 summer season. Please check back with us next year when we hope the cruises will be up and running again.
You can still see information about the lakes in Heyburn State Park aboard the cruise boat Idaho or view the brochure.
FAQ's
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Heyburn Recreational Residences Lease Information
Information is available online detailing recreational residences and lease infromation within Heyburn State Park. Click here to learn more.