4-Day Family Friendly Nature Road Trip Itinerary from Dyer, Indiana to Blanchard, Idaho

Day 1: Travel to Blanchard

Blanchard, Idaho

7:00AM

Breakfast at home

Start your road trip with a hearty breakfast you prepared at home, like oatmeal or a smoothie, to fuel your family for the long journey ahead.
Begin your journey heading west on I-90.
Free, 1 hour

8:00AM

Drive to Blanchard

Embark on the drive from Dyer, IN to Blanchard, ID, which will take roughly 18 hours depending on traffic and preferred stops for resting and meals.
Travel along I-90 and enjoy the scenic route through Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, and across into Idaho.
Fuel costs vary, 18 hours

2:00PM

Lunch Break in Sioux Falls, SD

Stop in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and have a relaxing lunch at Falls Overlook Café, providing stunning views of the waterfall and quick bites.
Located within Falls Park, just off I-90.
USD 60, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Continue Driving to Blanchard

Continue your scenic drive, passing the Black Hills and over to Idaho, where excitement for nature awaits.
Back on I-90 heading west.
Free, 8.5 hours

10:00PM

Arrive in Blanchard

Finally, arrive in Blanchard, Idaho, where you can settle into your accommodations and prepare for the adventures ahead.
Find your chosen lodging within Blanchard.
Varies per booking, 30 minutes

10:30PM

Dinner at a local diner or set up a home-cooked meal

Depending on your accommodation, you can either dine out at a local diner or prepare a simple dinner for the family to unwind.
Explore nearby options or prepare food.
USD 50, 1 hour
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Day 2: Exploring Blanchard

Blanchard, Idaho

8:00AM

Breakfast at The Emmer & Rye

Start your day with delicious pancakes and locally roasted coffee at The Emmer & Rye, a great spot for your family to kick off a day of adventures.
Located in Blanchard, a short drive.
USD 40, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Blanchard Marina

Spend the morning at Blanchard Marina engaging in family-friendly activities like kayaking or fishing in scenic surroundings.
15-minute drive to the marina.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at The Good Eats Café

Refuel with delightful sandwiches at The Good Eats Café, known for its fun atmosphere and friendly service.
Backtrack 20 minutes to eat.
USD 50, 1 hour

1:30PM

Explore the Pend Oreille National Scenic Byway

Take a scenic drive along the Pend Oreille National Scenic Byway, where breathtaking views of the lake and mountains will awe everyone.
Follow the marked route starting from Blanchard.
Free, 3 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at StoneHouse BBQ

Savor your dinner at StoneHouse BBQ with hearty portions of smoky meat and grilled favorites, perfect after a day outdoors.
Return to Blanchard, about a 15-minute drive.
USD 60, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Coeur d'Alene Adventure

Coeur d'Alene, Idaho

8:00AM

Breakfast at Elmer's Restaurant

Indulge in a scrumptious omelet and pancakes at Elmer's, a well-loved breakfast spot for families in Coeur d'Alene.
30-minute drive from Blanchard.
USD 50, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Coeur d'Alene City Park

Enjoy the vibrant gardens and playgrounds at Coeur d'Alene City Park, where the children can play freely by the beach.
It's a short 10-minute drive from the restaurant.
Free, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Dockside

Savor your lunch at Dockside, where the menu features fresh seafood with a stunning lake view.
Just a 5-minute drive from the park.
USD 80, 1 hour

1:30PM

Take a Lake Cruise

Experience the beauty of Lake Coeur d'Alene with an informative family-friendly boat cruise that promises fantastic views.
Board from the city park's marina.
USD 120, 2 hours

3:30PM

Visit Coeur d'Alene Resort Floating Green

Check out the world's only floating green and enjoy a round of mini-golf at this unique waterfront attraction.
A quick 10-minute drive.
USD 60, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Cedar's Floating Restaurant

Enjoy a memorable dinner at The Cedar's, where local ingredients complement a stunning lakeside atmosphere.
A 15-minute drive towards the lake area.
USD 100, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Nature Retreat at Priest Lake

Priest Lake, Idaho

8:00AM

Breakfast at Cafe Sospeso

Savor a delightful breakfast burrito or freshly brewed coffee at Cafe Sospeso in Sandpoint before heading to Priest Lake.
Head from Coeur d'Alene to Sandpoint via ID-95 N, taking about 30 minutes.
USD 40, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Priest Lake State Park

Explore the beautiful Priest Lake State Park, where you can venture out on nature trails, have a beach day, and enjoy family picnics.
Follow park signs, about a 20-minute drive from Sandpoint.
USD 5 per vehicle, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Lakeside Grill and Bar

Enjoy lunch at Lakeside Grill, offering delicious burgers and sandwiches with a captivating view of the lake.
Located conveniently within the park.
USD 60, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Kayaking on Priest Lake

Rent a kayak from the park, allowing your family to experience the serenity of the water surrounded by stunning landscapes.
Rental location within the park.
USD 90 for rentals, 2 hours

4:30PM

Nature Walk along the Trails

Take a peaceful nature walk along the park's trails, offering a chance to spot local wildlife and enjoy the fresh air.
Trailheads are easily accessible from picnic areas in the park.
Free, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Hill’s Resort

Wrap up your exciting trip with a dinner at The Hill’s Resort, featuring a wide range of family-friendly menu options.
A short drive of about 10 minutes from the park.
USD 80, 1.5 hours
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