In St. Maries, the events calendar offers clues for choosing when to travel: Race the Joe takes place annually in May on the banks of the St. Joe River, the Benewah County Fair takes place every August, and Paul Bunyan Days is held annually over Labor Day weekend. Race the Joe jet boat races begin on Saturday morning and continue on Sunday. Since schedules and festival programs may vary, check the dates and current programs before your trip.

The Fair and Events

The Benewah County Fair features 4-H and FFA livestock shows, as well as entries in local arts and crafts and regional products. Paul Bunyan Days has a different focus: the program includes logging competitions, water events, and motocross races, along with fairground attractions, food and craft vendors, music, and a fireworks display. You can choose between a fair featuring livestock shows and regional entries and a festival with a variety of competitions and events.

The Benewah County Fairgrounds' equestrian arena is also used for horse events. The fairgrounds are within walking distance of downtown St. Maries. This connects the venue with another local point of interest, without requiring you to assume a specific route or walking time when planning.

River, Water Sports, and Golf

The St. Maries Aqua Park on the St. Joe River has boat docks and a sandy beach. The park also has a boat launch for putting boats into the river. Nearby waterways include the St. Joe River, the St. Maries River, Lake Chatcolet, and Round Lake; possible water activities include kayaking, whitewater rafting, waterskiing, and boating. These waterways and activities offer different options for a water-focused trip.

Rafting and kayaking on the St. Maries River are possible in spring. Travelers who want to include different activities during their trip can take this seasonal timing into account when planning. Another recreational option is the St. Maries Golf Course: the course has nine holes and includes paved golf-cart paths, a clubhouse, and a restaurant.

Historic Places and Local Life

The Hughes House Historical Museum displays photos, antiques, and artifacts about early life in St. Maries and northern Idaho. At Logger's Memorial Park, more than 250 names commemorate loggers from the St. Joe River area who lost their lives in the timber industry. The St. Maries 1910 Fire Memorial at St. Maries Cemetery is another local historic site; it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places in Idaho.

The St. Maries Farmers Market is also part of the local scene. More than 45 local vendors offer homegrown, handmade, and homemade goods. The number of vendors and the selection may change. The market complements the historic sites with a glimpse of local produce and crafts.

Parks and Getting Your Bearings

Central Park brings together a wide range of facilities, including a swimming pool, picnic areas, and a playground, as well as basketball and tennis courts, softball fields, a dirt-track course, and a soccer field. The range of facilities gives the park a different character from the city's event and historic sites.

For RV travelers, the RV sites and dump station at the Benewah County Fairgrounds are useful points of reference. Along with the equestrian arena there and the fairgrounds' location within walking distance of downtown, they offer several concrete starting points for planning in St. Maries.

Discover more destinations: Fernwood.

View the broader travel guide: Benewah County.