History
Heyburn State Park Origins
Heyburn state Park was made from the Coeur d'Alene Indian reservation, on April 20, 1908, by an act of congress. A deed that was signed by President Taft, granted 8,076 acres to the State, 5,744 acres of land and 2,332 acres of water The park was named after the U.S. Senator of Idaho, W.B. Heyburn.
Early on, the construction was carried out by Civilian Conservation Corps. Between 1934 and 1941 they built roads, Trails, bridges, campgrounds, picnic areas/shelters and Rocky Point Lodge. Many of these constructions are still in use today.
It is the oldest Park in the Pacific Northwest, and has more than just one lake in its boundaries. Having three lakes, Chatcolet, Benewah and Hidden Lakes, which are all great locations for water activities. One of the most famous Biking Trails in the Western U.S. runs through the Park, The Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes.
The Float Cabins
The Lake houses started out as homes for the early loggers in Idaho, who would float up and down the river to cut down and transport logs to mills to be processed. Later on once railroads were established, the float homes were used for cooking, administration, and for sleeping quarters.During the depression, when land wasn’t easily attained tax free, many people lived in the float homes, that they built themselves, and weren’t subject to taxes at the time. However, these homes are now strictly regulated and have lease fees and taxes. There are about 24 cabins that wererelocated to the Hidden Lake area and are still lived in to this day.
Cabin Image
