August 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30
By Jillian Chandler
Join museum volunteers — historians, history enthusiasts and story tellers — at the weekly Historic Walking Tours. Presented by Bonner County Historical Society & Museum, in partnership with City of Sandpoint's Arts, Culture & Historic Preservation Commission, and Parks, Recreation & Open Spaces Division, each tour features the core blocks of Sandpoint's commercial downtown, highlighting many of the original brick buildings constructed in the early 1900s.
They’ll highlight the people, events and businesses of early Sandpoint, as well as discuss the original town site on the east side of Sand Creek. “No matter how long we've lived here, there are still plenty of fascinating new things to learn about Sandpoint,” smiles Hannah Combs, executive director of Bonner County Historical Society & Museum.
She goes on the share what they hope these tours will inspire in both visitors and locals alike. “For visitors, the tours give them a sense of our community's unique character. It's a way to welcome visitors to town and share our history and how it's shaped the town they see today. I think it helps them notice, appreciate and understand the little details around them as they explore Sandpoint,” she explains. “For locals, knowing the history of the streets we walk on, and the people who have been here before us, is grounding and gives us a deeper sense of home. We can see the resilience, community spirit and passion that have built Sandpoint over the decades.”
Plus, she adds, the tours are simply fun, and funny, as there are many entertaining characters who have lived here in Sandpoint, and sharing their stories brings a laugh to locals and visitors alike. During the tour, participants are encouraged to ask lots of questions, which keeps the conversation lively and fun too.
Tours are led by museum volunteers, who often supplement with extra stories they have learned through their own time exploring the museum’s archives. Though each tour features the same sites, the variety of guides promises each tour will be a little different.
“Certainly all ages will enjoy the tours, and we even have some fun stories about unusual animals that will delight kids who join the tour,” she says. “We use a microphone so people can hear over the traffic on First Avenue, and there are plenty of opportunities to stop and rest along the way. Our tours are flexible, and we are happy to accommodate any special needs and sometimes special requests. While the tour is one-hour long, there is an optional 20-minute extension if the group is up for it.”
Hannah invites the community, your family and friends, and visitors to the area, to join the museum at one of their upcoming Walking Tours happening this month: August 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30. To learn more about Bonner County Historical Society & Museum tours and book tickets, visit BonnerCountyHistory.org/tours. Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for Sandpoint locals if booked through the City's Rec 1 site. Kids are just $5, and those 6 and younger are free. “We want this to be a fun and affordable experience for local and visiting families,” Hannah emphasizes.
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