Get To Know Sandpoint
Located on the shore of beautiful Lake Pend Oreille, against the dramatic backdrop of the Selkirk Mountains and Schweitzer ski resort, Sandpoint is a lively community of about 10,024 people (as of 2024 U.S. Census estimates). Incorporated in 1901, Sandpoint was built on a rich heritage of the railroad and timber industries. In the 1970s came an influx of artists and musicians, creating an ongoing legacy arts and cultural events.
Today tourism, retail, culinary, service and entrepreneurial small businesses all contribute to a vibrant downtown district that attracts visitors as well as residents for dining, shopping and community events. Our local economy is further anchored by major employers, including Litehouse Foods, Quest Aircraft, and Kochava marketing analytics among others. And yes, the timber industry is still important, with Idaho Forest Group operating one of the region’s major sawmills at Riley Creek; and BNSF and Union Pacific railroads operating dozens of trains each day through town.
And speaking of cultural events our vibrant town: There’s always something going on here! Any given week year-round, there are dozens of arts and entertainment, sporting and civic events. See all that’s going on here in our event calendars for this day, week, month and year!
Sandpoint has it all!
And there’s so much more than just our events:
- Community: Sandpoint is a safe, friendly and affordable place where there is always a neighbor willing to lend a hand.
- Environment: Sandpoint’s pristine environment provides a clean, healthy lifestyle enriched by natural beauty, mountain air, and four beautiful seasons.
- The Arts: With diverse galleries, performing arts, the historic Panida Theater, the Festival at Sandpoint, the Music Conservatory of Sandpoint, the Pend Oreille Arts Council, Sandpoint has an unusually robust arts scene for town of its size.
- Recreation: From skiing to hiking and mountain biking, to water sports of all types, Sandpoint offers world-class outdoor sports.
- Schools: Educational opportunities include private and public schools, with the Lake Pend Oreille School District consistently among the top academic performers in the state.
- Hospitals: In addition to a wide array of private practice medical and alternative health doctors, Sandpoint is home of Bonner General Hospital, providing general acute care, outreach services and specialists in all medical areas.
Sandpoint In Pictures
There’s always something happening downtown! The Panida Theater is a major cultural and performing arts center on First Avenue.