Bonners Ferry, County seat in northern Idaho, United States
Bonners Ferry sits along the Kootenai River in northern Idaho's panhandle, nestled between mountains and forests at about 1,900 feet (578 meters) elevation. The town serves as a hub for surrounding rural communities and the broader border region.
Edwin Bonner established a ferry crossing in 1864 to serve gold seekers traveling between Idaho and British Columbia on the Wildhorse Trail. This crossing became the foundation for the town's eventual growth and settlement.
The Kootenai Nation maintains deep roots here, using their 1974 land grant as a community center that reflects their ongoing presence. Local gatherings and traditions shaped by this heritage remain woven into the region's social life today.
The town offers easy access to outdoor activities and lies near the Canadian border, with hiking trails, fishing spots, and hunting areas nearby. Visitors should prepare for rough weather and longer winters in this mountain region, so sturdy footwear and weatherproof clothing are important.
The Norwegian-built steamship Midge began operating between Bonners Ferry and British Columbia in 1883, linking international communities across the river. This vessel became a crucial transport route for people and goods in this remote border region.
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