Livin’ in Your Sandpoint Rental Car

This Northern Idaho city located on the shore of Lake Pend Oreille is often considered part of the Pacific Northwest. Despite its humble fishing and timber beginnings, Sandpoint has been recognized by USA Today, Rand McNally and Sunset magazine as a must-see destination. Hop in your Sandpoint rental car and see why.

Bonner County Historical Museum

Set the GPS in your Thrifty rental car to 609 S Ella to visit a museum sure to captivate railroad and history buffs alike. Set in Sandpoint, one of the West’s greatest railroading towns, this museum offers a historical look at the town’s rich railroad heritage where the Burlington Northern, Montana Rail Link and Spokane International rail systems all converge to create "The Funnel" — an active rail crossroads with more than 40 trains a day traveling through.

Round Lake State Park

While in Sandpoint, enjoy the beauty of nature like a local and drive your Thrifty rental car to Round Lake State Park, just 10 miles south of Sandpoint. This small state park offers year-round enjoyment and opportunities to engage with nature. In the warmer months, camp, hike, swim and fish for perch and trout. In the winter, enjoy ice fishing, skating, sledding and cross-country skiing. You might even find a bonfire to warm up to!

Schweitzer Mountain Resort

For some of the best skiing, snowboarding and breathtaking views in the Inland Northwest, hop in your Sandpoint rental car and drive 10 miles to Schweitzer. This award-winning luxury retreat has been ranked by Ski and Snow Country magazines as one of the top 32 resorts in the country, and it’s easy to see why. From 2,900 acres of varied terrain and trails to hiking, mountain biking, huckleberry picking and bungee jumping, you’ll find plenty of adventure no matter when you visit.

Bird Aviation Museum and Invention Center

Named after Dr. Forest Bird, a member of the U.S. Inventors’ Hall of Fame, this museum houses an amazing collection of WWII to current-day aircraft and also features displays highlighting several other significant inventions. The museum offers visitors an educational and enlightening look into innovation and inspiration, celebrating aviators and innovators who have changed the way we live. Best of all, it’s just a quick drive in your Sandpoint rental car via HWY 95 south.

Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge

To view an amazing display of wildlife, drive your Thrifty rental car 30 miles north to Bonners Ferry and the Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge. Here you’ll find hiking trails and blinds to view waterfowl and a captivating auto tour through the ponds. In autumn, you’ll find thousands of ducks, geese and swans migrating down the Pacific Flyway. In summer, you’ll find bald eagles, rough-legged hawks, herons, geese and ducks. You may even spot elk, deer, moose or bears. Auto tour routes are open daily except for hunting season (October–November).

Pend d’Oreille Winery

For a real palette pleaser, drive your Thrifty rental car to downtown Sandpoint and discover the Pend d’Oreille Winery, Idaho’s 2003 Winery of the Year. This family owned and operated winery uses traditional French methods and grapes sourced from world-class vineyards around the Northwest to produce award-winning wines including Chardonnay, Syrah, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Pinot Gris, Viogner, Huckleberry Blush and the Meyer Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon.