Nature, convenience and community come together in Bonners Ferry
Bonners Ferry, the seat of northern Idaho’s Boundary County, rests along the Kootenai River, surrounded by the forested ridges of the Selkirk Mountains. A former state governor dubbed it “Idaho’s Most Friendly Town,” a fact once referenced on a “Jeopardy” episode in 2021. “I can go down the street, and everyone says hi or waves,” says Bonners Ferry native Darlene Schneider, an associate broker with Pace-Kerby Real Estate. “When people think of Idaho, they think of the flat deserts, but in northern Idaho, we’re trees, rivers and mountains.” Apart from its scenic views and welcoming community, Bonners Ferry offers convenience. Shopping and dining options, local schools and other services are all available within the city.
A mix of city-run parks and wild landscapes to explore
Within the city, residents have access to well-maintained recreation spaces. The Mirror Lake Golf Course and the swimming pool are open to the public, and Memorial Park at the Fairgrounds offers a skate park, playground and athletic facilities. Beyond city limits, trails wind through the Idaho Panhandle National Forests and into the Selkirk Mountains, where moose roam. The Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge draws snowshoers during the winter and birders observing seasonal migrations. On its way from Montana to the coasts of Washington, the iconic Pacific Northwest Trail carves a path through Bonners Ferry near the Kootenai River. Those who drive the International Selkirk Loop from Washington and Idaho to British Columbia can stop along the way to boat, hunt and alpine ski.
Deep country properties and suburban housing
Buyers can choose from single-family and manufactured homes in Bonners Ferry. Options range from ranch-style houses and bungalows to log cabins. “We don’t have cookie-cutter houses or subdivisions,” Schneider says. “Each home is different, and many are custom-built.” The median price is about $530,000, slightly higher than the national figure, though buyers will find pricier and more affordable outliers. “Large properties usually have modest houses, so you won’t find $2 million houses on big farms here,” Schneider says. “Our expensive homes are the newer ones on the rim, overlooking the town and the river.” In the heart of town, homes are densely packed, and streets typically don’t have sidewalks. The CAP Index Crime Score is also 2 out of 10, lower than the national average of 4.
Events celebrate art, nature and regional businesses
For a small city, Bonners Ferry throws plenty of events. The Kootenai River Days festival is one of the most significant local gatherings. Residents come together for numerous activities, such as cornhole tournaments, river runs and barrel races. The Boundary County Fairgrounds hosts an annual county fair and other events, like a summer concert series and the July Fourth parade and fireworks. The Pearl Theater is another popular venue transformed from a 19th-century church into an art house for concerts and plays. There’s a weekly farmers market between April and October, which opens for one day during the winter as a holiday market.
Education through the Boundary County School District
Families have school choice within the district, though many options are well outside Bonners Ferry. In town, children attend Valley View Elementary, which scores a C-plus on Niche. Boundary County Middle earns a B, and B-minus-rated Bonners Ferry High offers career and technical education programs in agriculture, engineering and technology.
A downtown area and nearby shopping and dining
Downtown Bonners Ferry centers around the brick buildings on Main and Kootenai streets, framed by mountain views. Shoppers can peruse small businesses, like home goods stores and independently run restaurants, and Georgia Mae Plaza offers a green space amid the commercial development. Kootenai River Brewing serves regional ales and ciders, and Mugsy’s Tavern & Grill cooks pub fare classics. Mi Pueblo is a go-to spot for Mexican dishes, and the Gathering Place, farther north, bakes sweet treats and fresh sandwiches. South Main Street, part of U.S. Route 2, has additional shopping and dining options, including a Safeway and Super 1 Foods. The nearest Walmart is 30 miles south in Ponderay.
One major route facilitates traffic through the city
U.S. Route 2 is the main thoroughfare in Bonners Ferry. It connects with U.S. Route 95, which heads toward Spokane, Washington, just over 100 miles southwest. Spokane has the nearest international airport. Residents don’t have to leave the city for health care, as Boundary Community Hospital provides emergency and specialty services.
