Fort Grounds Neighborhood
Historic neighborhood with a beautiful, fenced park and playground, steps from Lake Coeur d'Alene.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more playground fun
Fort Grounds Neighborhood
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more playground fun
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic neighborhood with a beautiful, fenced park and playground, steps from Lake Coeur d'Alene.
"This park is almost completely fenced in and has so much shade. We loved it!"
🎯 Fenced Playground Fun
The playground is almost completely fenced, offering a safe space for kids to play. :child:
🌳 Shaded Park Paradise
Plenty of shade under trees with picnic tables makes it great for families. :park_park:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Fort Grounds Playground
City Park
A spacious, fenced-in children's playground with slides and scenic park views.
Fort Sherman Chapel
Near City Park
A picturesque chapel, beautiful both inside and out, offering a charming historical point of interest.
Lake Coeur d'Alene Access
Adjacent to the park
Enjoy easy access to the lake's shores, perfect for a stroll or relaxing by the water.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Lakeside Charm
Park Access & Amenities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Fenced Playground Fun
The playground is almost completely fenced, offering a safe space for kids to play. :child:
🌳 Shaded Park Paradise
Plenty of shade under trees with picnic tables makes it great for families. :park_park:
🚗 Parking Fees Apply
Be prepared to pay for parking, especially during peak hours. :parking:
🚶 Short Walk to Lake
The beach and lake are just a short walk away, perfect for a combined park and lake day. :lake:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Fenced Playground Fun
The playground is almost completely fenced, offering a safe space for kids to play. :child:
🌳 Shaded Park Paradise
Plenty of shade under trees with picnic tables makes it great for families. :park_park:
🚗 Parking Fees Apply
Be prepared to pay for parking, especially during peak hours. :parking:
🚶 Short Walk to Lake
The beach and lake are just a short walk away, perfect for a combined park and lake day. :lake:
☕ Nearby Coffee Spots
Explore charming local boutiques and cafes like Lantern Donuts on Sherman Ave. :coffee: +1
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Fort Grounds neighborhood for its beautiful, well-equipped, and securely fenced playground, making it a top choice for families. The park's ample shade, picnic facilities, and close proximity to Lake Coeur d'Alene are frequently highlighted as major advantages. While parking fees and occasional overflowing trash cans are noted drawbacks, the overall experience is overwhelmingly positive, with many recommending it for its family-friendly atmosphere and scenic location.
"Very nice and spacious park. There are toilets and drinking fountains. Large playground for children. Nearby is a beach and other entertainment. I liked it very much! Thank you.💖"
Kseniya Pfau
"Shade nearby under trees with picnic tables. Short walk to lake. Playground is enclosed with one entrance/exit. Nearby relatively clean public restroom. Plenty of parking at noon on a Monday, but pay to park. All the trash cans were overflowing."
Sarah N
"Clean park with tots section, sand pit and plenty of adventures for age 3+ kiddos. This park is almost completely fenced in and has so much shade. We loved it. Plus the beach is a few hundred feet away. Definitely recommend!"
AJ James
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Fort Grounds Neighborhood is located in downtown Coeur d'Alene, adjacent to City Park and North Idaho College. It's easily accessible by car and is a pleasant area to explore on foot.
While specific bus routes directly serving the Fort Grounds neighborhood might be limited, Coeur d'Alene does have public transit options that can get you close to the downtown area, from where you can walk or take a short taxi/rideshare. Check local transit schedules for details.
Walking is ideal for exploring the Fort Grounds neighborhood itself, especially to enjoy the park and its proximity to the lake. For venturing further into Coeur d'Alene, consider a car, rideshare, or local transit.
Yes, parking is available, particularly around City Park. However, be aware that parking fees may apply, especially during busy times.
Absolutely! Coeur d'Alene has a growing network of bike paths, and biking to Fort Grounds is a great way to enjoy the scenery. Bike racks may be available near the park. :bike:
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to Fort Grounds Park and the playground is free. It's a public park open for everyone to enjoy. :ticket:
The park and playground are generally open from dawn until dusk. Specific hours can vary slightly, but it's a public space accessible throughout daylight hours. :clock1:
The Fort Grounds neighborhood itself does not have an admission fee. The only potential cost would be for parking in certain areas. :moneywithwings:
The Fort Sherman Chapel is a historic site and often available for viewing or events. It's worth checking local listings or inquiring about visiting hours if you're interested in seeing it up close.
For larger gatherings or parties, it's advisable to check with the local parks department about reserving picnic areas or specific spots within the park. :party_popper:
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The park offers a fantastic fenced-in playground for children, picnic areas, and direct access to the shores of Lake Coeur d'Alene. It's a great spot for family outings and relaxation. +1
Yes, the park features a dedicated tots section and a sand pit, making it suitable for younger children, along with plenty of adventures for those aged 3 and up.
Public restrooms are available nearby and are generally kept relatively clean. Drinking fountains are also on-site for your convenience.
The neighborhood is relatively flat, especially around the park and lakefront, making it easy to navigate on foot. Some residential streets may have gentle slopes. :walking:
Absolutely! The park offers beautiful lake views, mature trees, and the historic Fort Sherman Chapel, providing numerous picturesque photo opportunities. :camerawithflash:
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the Fort Grounds neighborhood is very close to downtown Coeur d'Alene's Sherman Avenue, which is lined with a variety of restaurants, cafes, and eateries.
You'll find diverse options ranging from casual cafes and donut shops like Lantern Donuts to seafood restaurants like Yummy Crab, and even Mexican cuisine. +2
Definitely! The park has picnic tables, and the shaded areas make it a perfect spot for a family picnic.
Many restaurants along Sherman Avenue cater to families. Casual dining spots and places with varied menus are generally good choices for kids.
Popular spots include Yummy Crab Seafood for shellfish lovers, Lantern Donuts for unique flavors, and various cafes and bistros along Sherman Avenue. +1
📸 📸 Photography
The lakefront offers stunning water views, especially during sunrise and sunset. The historic Fort Sherman Chapel provides a charming backdrop, and the mature trees in the park create beautiful natural settings.
Yes, the combination of the playground, park greenery, and lake access makes it an excellent location for family photos, especially with the fenced playground ensuring kids stay within view. +1
Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light, with softer shadows and warmer tones. Golden hour before sunset is particularly magical over the lake. :sunriseovermountains: :city_sunset:
Generally, casual photography for personal use is welcome. For professional shoots or commercial purposes, it's always best to check with the local parks department for any permit requirements. :camera:
Yes, the Fort Sherman Chapel is a beautiful subject for photography. Its historic architecture and scenic surroundings make for lovely shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Beyond the playground, the park's abundant shade and picnic tables make it ideal for a relaxed family outing. The close proximity to Lake Coeur d'Alene's beach means you can easily combine playground fun with lakeside exploration. For dining, the nearby downtown area offers a variety of kid-friendly restaurants and cafes.
🚶♀️ Walkers & Explorers
+1The neighborhood is also a gateway to downtown Coeur d'Alene's Sherman Avenue, where you can discover unique boutiques, cafes, and local shops. It’s a perfect area for a leisurely walk, combining natural beauty with urban exploration.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Fort Grounds Neighborhood
The neighborhood's defining feature is City Park, which houses a fantastic, fenced-in playground that's a major draw for families with young children. The park is well-maintained, with ample shade from mature trees, picnic tables, and direct access to the shores of Lake Coeur d'Alene. This makes it a perfect spot for a leisurely afternoon, a family picnic, or simply enjoying the scenic waterfront.
Beyond the park, the Fort Grounds area is also home to the Fort Sherman Chapel, a quaint and picturesque historic chapel that adds to the area's charm. Its location makes it a popular spot for small weddings and a point of interest for those exploring the neighborhood's history. The proximity to North Idaho College also adds a dynamic element to the area, with students and campus activities contributing to the local atmosphere.
Family Fun in Fort Grounds
Complementing the playground, the park offers plenty of shade from mature trees, making it comfortable for families to spend extended periods. Picnic tables are readily available, encouraging visitors to pack a lunch and enjoy a meal amidst the natural beauty. Furthermore, the park's location means the beach is just a few hundred feet away, allowing for a seamless transition from playground fun to lakeside activities.
When planning a family outing, consider visiting during weekday mornings to avoid the largest crowds and maximize playground time. Remember that while parking is available, it may come with a fee. The nearby Sherman Avenue offers numerous dining options, including kid-friendly restaurants and cafes, ensuring a complete and enjoyable family day out.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit