15 Best Things to Do in Kellogg, Idaho (From People Who Love It Here)

Kellogg is a small mountain town with a big backyard. It sits on I-90 in North Idaho’s Silver Valley, about 45 minutes east of Coeur d’Alene, and it’s packed with more to do than most people expect. Here’s our list, roughly in order of how often guests tell us about it at check-out.

1. Ride the Silver Mountain gondola

The gondola climbs 3.1 miles from the base village in Kellogg up to the Mountain House. Ride it in winter with skis, or in summer for the views, hiking and mountain biking. It’s about three minutes from Jackass Manor.

2. Ski and snowboard Silver Mountain

Two peaks, around 1,600 acres and a lot less crowding than the big resorts. Read our ski weekend game plan.

3. Splash at Silver Rapids indoor waterpark

Idaho’s largest indoor waterpark is a steady 84 degrees year-round, with a lazy river, slides and a FlowRider surf machine. It’s at the Morning Star Lodge by the gondola, so check Silver Mountain’s site for current admission rules.

4. Bike the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes

Seventy-three miles of smooth, paved rail-trail run from Mullan to Plummer, right through Kellogg. The trail is two blocks from the Manor, so you can roll straight out the door.

5. Ride the Route of the Hiawatha

About 45 minutes east, this legendary rail-trail runs roughly 15 gently downhill miles through 10 tunnels and over 7 sky-high trestles, including the 1.66-mile pitch-black St. Paul Pass Tunnel. Bring a strong light. Details at ridethehiawatha.com.

6. Go underground at the Crystal Gold Mine

Just east of town, the Crystal Gold Mine offers guided walks into an 1880s hard-rock gold mine. It’s great for kids and a perfect rainy-day plan.

7. Tour a real silver mine in Wallace

Fifteen minutes up the road, the Sierra Silver Mine Tour takes you through historic Wallace by trolley, then underground with a retired miner as your guide. It runs about an hour and fifteen minutes, and the mine stays around 50°F, so bring a jacket.

8. Stand at the Center of the Universe

In 2004 the mayor of Wallace officially declared the corner of Bank and 6th Streets the Center of the Universe, and there’s a manhole cover to prove it. The entire town is on the National Register of Historic Places. Wander the brick storefronts, then grab a huckleberry something.

9. Visit Idaho’s oldest building

The Cataldo Mission at Old Mission State Park, built between 1850 and 1853, is the oldest standing building in Idaho. It’s about 15 minutes west of the Manor.

10. Learn the mining story at the Staff House Museum

Built in 1906 for the Bunker Hill mine manager, the Staff House now holds the Shoshone County Mining & Smelting Museum, a 12-minute walk from our front door.

11. Eat your weight in huckleberries

Huckleberry shakes, pancakes, jams and pies show up everywhere in late summer. In August, the Wallace Huckleberry Festival turns the whole town purple.

12. Raise a glass at Silver Mountain Brewsfest

Every August, Silver Mountain throws a beer festival at the top of the gondola. The ride up is part of the ticket.

13. Catch Friday “Ride & Dine” on the mountain

On summer Fridays, the Mountain House at the top of the gondola serves dinner with live local music. Silver Mountain posts the dates each year.

14. Fish for cutthroat on the Coeur d’Alene River

The North Fork of the Coeur d’Alene River is known for westslope cutthroat trout. Check Idaho Fish & Game for current rules by section. See our hunting and fishing guide.

15. Do absolutely nothing in a hot tub

After all of the above, soak under the stars in the Manor’s eight-person hot tub. We consider this an official Kellogg attraction.

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Want the full rundown, with maps and our favorite places to eat? Head to our Kellogg area guide, then book your stay.