Blackwell Island Recreation Site set to open May 23

COEUR D’ALENE, Idaho – The Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) popular Blackwell Island Recreation Site is set to open for the season May 23, 2024. The four boat launch lanes at Blackwell Island provide public access to the Spokane River and Lake Coeur d’Alene for boating, fishing and other summer recreation activities. The site is open daily, 5 a.m.-11 p.m. through mid-October.

Blackwell Island Recreation Site offers users more than 130 truck and trailer parking spaces, picnicking spots, an impressive native plant garden and exceptional wildlife viewing along the boardwalk’s nature trail. 

Visitors planning to use the Blackwell Island site can purchase a day pass for $6 or a season pass voucher for $40 at one of the credit card machines located near the parking areas. Season pass vouchers are redeemable for a vehicle tag within seven days by visiting the BLM Coeur d’Alene District Office located at 3232 W. Nursery Road, weekdays between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Proceeds from recreation fees collected at the site directly support maintenance and improvements at the Blackwell site. Past improvements included replacing and repairing the dock rails and planks, repairing the nature trail boardwalk, and re-sealing and striping the parking lot.

Some maintenance activities may take place while the site is open. Visitors may occasionally experience delays due to construction activities at the site. We ask for your patience and understanding. Please be aware of your surroundings when construction crews are in the area. The maintenance and upgrades taking place will ensure continued enjoyment of the Blackwell Island Recreation Site by public recreators for many years to come.  

For additional information about BLM’s Blackwell Island Recreation Site please visit: https://on.doi.gov/42mJqyo

-BLM-

The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.