Silverwood Theme Park

27843 N. Hwy 95, Athol, ID 83801

Hours

Open seasonally for the summer, 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. Check their website for announcements as to opening dates.

Cost

Below are the costs of visiting Silverwood Theme Park:

1-Day Ticket (Ages 8-64): Starts at $79
2-Day Ticket (Ages 8-64): Starts at $123
1-Day Youth/Senior (Ages 3-7 & 65+): Starts at $55
2-Day Youth/Senior (Ages 3-7 & 65+): Starts at $83
Children 2 and Under: Free

Prices are subject to change; check their website for updates.

(208) 683-3400

Visit Website

About

While the Pacific Northwest has many outdoor adventures to explore, Silverwood Theme Park offers yet another activity to do on a Coeur d'Alene getaway.

What makes this park unique is its story. It all began in the 1970s when Gary Norton became a passionate collector of planes and trains. His collection grew to include a 1915 steam train, which he meticulously restored over several years.

Norton's vision was to create a place where families could experience the charm of a bygone era. He purchased a small airport north of CDA, near the Coeur d'Alene National Forest, and moved his collection there.

In 1988, this vision became a reality when Silverwood Theme Park opened its gates. It featured the steam train, a Main Street with classic Victorian architecture, an airshow, and a handful of carnival rides.

In 1990, the park introduced its first major roller coaster, the Corkscrew. This addition put the attraction on the map as the largest theme park in the Northwest. Additionally, the coaster had its own history, having previously operated at Knott's Berry Farm in California.

The park continued to add new attractions, including Boulder Beach Water Park in 2003, which doubled the fun and drew even larger crowds.

Silverwood's proximity to area attractions and landmarks makes planning an itinerary easy-peasy. For instance, continue the theme of outdoor thrills with a visit to Tree to Tree Idaho adventure park. Or enjoy a hike at Farragut State Park. With so much to see and do, your biggest challenge will be deciding where to start first!

Today, Silverwood boasts over 70 rides, slides, shows, and attractions, making it a must-visit when in Idaho!

Silverwood Theme Park: Fun Facts & Cool Features

One of its most famous attractions is the Tremors roller coaster. This wooden giant reaches speeds of 60 miles per hour and plunges through four underground tunnels. It's for these reasons that coaster enthusiasts rank it among the top wooden roller coasters in the country!

Another fascinating feature is the park's authentic 1915 steam engine, known as "Old No. 7." A ride on the Silverwood Central Railway offers a scenic, relaxing 30-minute journey around the park's perimeter, connecting visitors to Norton's original vision.

The park is also home to Boulder Beach, a full-scale water park included with admission. This section of Silverwood contains two massive wave pools, a lazy river, and numerous water slides.

Speaking of slides, a standout is Velocity Peak that sends riders on a near-vertical drop. The inclusion of a complete water park makes Silverwood a two-for-one destination, perfect for cooling off on a hot summer day.

After an adrenaline-packed day at the park, explore the dining options in nearby Hayden. Parallel 47 offers upscale dining in a laid-back atmosphere, while Nadine's Mexican Kitchen serves Latin-inspired and American classics.

Visiting Silverwood Theme Park is an essential part of any Idaho vacation. It combines the excitement of modern amusement rides with the charm of a classic American fair, creating lasting memories on your Coeur d’Alene vacation.

Local Tips

Rent a private cabana for a relaxing day at the park!
You may bring a soft-sided 12
Locker rentals are available.
Hours are seasonal; check online to confirm.
Bring a wagon to haul gear and kids around.

Location

27843 N. Hwy 95, Athol, ID 83801

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is Coeur d'Alene from Spokane, WA?

Spokane International Airport (GEG) sits less than 40 minutes away. The drive is smooth and scenic, leading from city bustle to the calm of lake and mountain views. Coeur d’Alene feels close enough for easy travel yet far enough to hold its small-town charm.

What is the weather like in Coeur d'Alene?

Spring hillsides wake in green. The average high climbs to roughly 55 °F and the low holds near 36 °F, with lengthening days and the first warmth of spring returning to the lake. Precipitation in April averages around 2 inches, signalling the slow return of gentler weather.
Summer brings clear skies and long, warm days. In July, the average high reaches about 84 °F and the low settles near 55 °F. The skies stay clear roughly three-quarters of the time, with more than thirteen hours of sunshine each day and less than half an inch of rainfall on average.
Autumn days shorten and the air cools, the hills shift to gold and crimson. By October, the average high falls to around 58 °F and the low to about 38 °F. Rain collection for this month averages around 1 inch.
Winter arrives quietly, bringing an average high near 37 °F and a low around 26 °F in January. Precipitation accumulates to about 3 inches, with significant snowfall in the nearby mountains.

When is the best time to visit Coeur d'Alene?

Coeur d’Alene is a four-season destination, and each time of year offers its own kind of wonder.

Spring breathes color back into the hills. Trails open, golf courses green up, and wildflowers scatter across the shoreline. The days feel light and full of promise
Summer hums with life. The lake sparkles under long daylight hours, boats trace silver wakes, and the town moves to the rhythm of music, markets, and festivals. Evenings stretch lazily into starlit nights by the water
Autumn slows the tempo. The forests flare in gold and crimson, and the air carries the scent of pine and cool earth. It’s a time for quiet hikes, scenic drives, and sunsets that feel like good endings.
Winter softens everything. Downtown glows with lights, cafés steam with warmth, and the surrounding mountains call skiers to fresh snow. The calm of the lake in winter feels like a secret worth keeping

When are the high and low seasons in Coeur d'Alene?

The high season begins around Memorial Day and runs through Labor Day. This period draws the most visitors: lakeside activities, hiking, golfing and festivals all hit their stride.

The low season takes hold in the fall and winter months. The crowds thin and the pace becomes calmer. Yet the region still welcomes travelers thanks to excellent skiing nearby and the holiday charm downtown.

What are the biggest main events in Coeur d'Alene?

Coeur d’Alene fills its calendar with moments that bring the whole town to life.

Ironman Coeur d’Alene (end of June) – The city wakes early and cheers loud. Athletes from around the world test themselves against lake, mountain, and road while crowds line the shore in the summer sun. The air hums with determination and pride.
Car d’Alene (Father’s Day weekend) – Engines rumble and chrome gleams under the streetlights. Downtown becomes a parade of classics and customs, live music spills from every corner, and the whole weekend feels like a rolling celebration of motion and nostalgia.
Fourth of July Celebration – Begin the day with a classic small-town parade filled with flags, music, and hometown pride. As daylight fades, the lake turns glassy and still before the fireworks begin. Reflections dance across the water, echoing cheers from beaches and boats gathered to watch one of the Northwest’s most dazzling displays.
Art on the Green (1st weekend of August) – The lakefront becomes a garden of creativity. Artists, musicians, and chefs fill the air with color, sound, and the scent of local food. It’s a festival that feels handmade and full of heart.
Oktoberfest (mid-September) – A lively weekend downtown with local brews, food, and music that celebrate the turn of the season.
Holiday Lighting Ceremony & Parade (Day after Thanksgiving) – When winter settles in, the city glows. More than a million lights wrap the downtown waterfront, the parade winds through streets lined with cocoa cups and mittens, and the night ends with the lake shining under its holiday crown. From the resort docks, cruise across the water to the “North Pole”, where children meet Santa and the shoreline sparkles with wonder.

What are must-sees in Coeur d'Alene?

Lake Coeur d’Alene: Glide across the wide blue surface of Lake Coeur d’Alene, where the mountains lean in and the water carries light like a mirror. Boats trace gentle wakes, kayaks cut through stillness at dawn, and the shoreline invites slow strolls and quiet reflection. Step aboard one of the scenic lake cruises from The Coeur d’Alene Resort to see hidden bays, forested hillsides, and sunsets that seem to last forever.
Tubbs Hill Natural Area: Right beside downtown, this 2.2-mile loop blends forest, granite cliffs, and lake views. You’ll find hidden coves, clean water, and the quiet that comes when nature is only steps from the café.
Downtown Sherman Avenue & Lakefront Boardwalk: Wander from art galleries to coffee to waterfront benches. Walk the floating boardwalk around the marina at dusk and watch the lights shimmer in the water. The town feels alive without being rushed.
Coeur d’Alene Resort Golf Course (Floating Green): Even if you’re not big on golf, this is a spectacle. A green that floats on the lake! It captures the spirit of the place; water, lush grass, and an unexpected twist of fun.
North Idaho Centennial Trail and Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes: Set your pace to discovery. These trails stretch past the lake, along rivers, through forests, and into open sky. Whether you’re walking, biking, or breathing the air, it offers a way to explore without getting lost in busy-town energy.
Silverwood: Just north of Coeur d’Alene, Silverwood brings a jolt of excitement to the region’s easygoing pace. Roller coasters rise above the trees, and the air fills with the sound of laughter and rushing water from Boulder Beach Water Park. Spend the day chasing thrills, then return to the lake for a quiet sunset. Two sides of summer living in perfect balance.