Fort Sherman Playground

In the heart of the picturesque city of Coeur d'Alene, within the spacious City Park, lies the legendary Fort Sherman Playground. This unique play complex, covering over 1,300 square meters, is constructed entirely of wood, giving it an unmistakable rustic charm that blends perfectly with the surrounding landscape of towering pines.

This USA attraction was built by volunteers and is designed as a real wooden fortress. The space is thoughtfully divided into zones: safe swings and low slides for the youngest visitors, while older children can explore impressive towers, climbing mazes, and balance beams.

The playground is fenced for parents' peace of mind, and its soft surfacing and proximity to the lake make it one of the best spots for a family outing. Fort Sherman Playground is more than just a set of attractions; it is an important community symbol that preserves the atmosphere of the old fort that once stood on these lands.

To clarify visiting details or get up-to-date information on park events, you can use the official contact details of the city services. Please note that the playground is managed by the Parks and Recreation Department.

Below are the main contacts for communication and navigation:

Visiting the playground is a true adventure for little travelers. Children can spend hours storming the towers, hiding in winding passages, and imagining themselves as cowboys or Wild West pioneers. A huge sandbox and various swings complete the play landscape, allowing children to develop their imagination and stay active in the fresh air.

While the kids are busy playing, adults can relax in the shade of ancient trees on specially equipped benches or organize a family picnic in one of the park's recreation areas. The surrounding territory invites you to enjoy nature and spend a peaceful time surrounded by pine forest.

Beyond the playground itself, City Park offers boat or kayak rentals for a trip on the lake, as well as beach volleyball or basketball. In the summer months, it's worth checking out the outdoor evening movie screenings or taking a ride on the vintage Coeur d’Alene Carousel located nearby.

Getting to this popular USA vacation spot is quite simple, as the playground is located at 416 Mullan Road, practically in the heart of the city. It is in close proximity to the lake's shoreline, making it accessible for those walking along the promenade or visiting the beach.

If you are traveling by car, there is parking available near the park, though it can fill up quickly on summer weekends. It is also easy to reach on foot or by bicycle from the downtown area by following the scenic trails. For tourists using public transport, bus routes serving City Park are available.

Taxis are another convenient option to quickly reach the park entrance from anywhere in the city. GPS coordinates: 47.6750, -116.7904. A visit to the playground is often combined with a walk along the famous Mudgy and Millie trail, which passes right by.

The history of Fort Sherman Playground is an inspiring example of community spirit. This amazing wooden structure was erected in just five days, from May 14 to 18, 1997. Over 2,000 volunteers participated in the construction under the auspices of the Idaho Panhandle Kiwanis club, and the project funds (around $100,000) were raised over the course of an entire year.

What makes the site particularly special is that students from local elementary schools helped design the play elements. If you look closely at the fence surrounding the playground, you will notice the engraved names of sponsors and donors—it's a kind of memorial book for those who helped turn the children's dream into reality. City authorities cherish this legacy, regularly renewing the wood's protective coating with linseed oil.

The playground's name refers to the historic Fort Sherman military post, which operated here in the late 19th century. After its closure in 1900, the land was turned over for public use, and in 1905, City Park was established, becoming one of the oldest parks in Idaho. Today, the playground serves as a bridge between the past and the future, remaining a favorite spot for several generations of families.

To let children play their fill on all the slides and towers of Fort Sherman, it usually takes 1 to 2 hours. This is quite enough time for an active exploration of all the hidden corners of the wooden fortress and some rest in the sandbox.

However, if you plan to enjoy all the amenities of City Park, including relaxing on the lake beach and a picnic under the pines, it is recommended to allocate at least 3-4 hours for your visit. In the summer, when free events and movie screenings take place in the park, you can easily spend an entire day here.

Access to the playground is open daily, allowing visitors to the city to plan their leisure time whenever convenient. The operating hours follow the general schedule of the city park:

Monday – Sunday: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM.

Please note that the playground is most popular during daylight hours, while the morning hours offer a particularly peaceful atmosphere, ideal for walks with toddlers.

When planning your day in Coeur d'Alene, be sure to set aside time to explore the surroundings of the city park area. The playground's location makes it easy to combine children's active play with visits to cultural and historical sites located just a few steps away.

A walk through the adjacent areas will reveal historic fort buildings and cozy restaurants where you can relax perfectly after a full day in the fresh air. Exploring these locations will help you get a better feel for the atmosphere of Idaho.