St. Maries, ID

St. Maries is a small town located in Benewah County, Idaho. It was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Coeur d'Alene Tribe, who used the area for fishing and hunting.

The town was officially established in 1913 when the Milwaukee Railroad reached the area, attracting settlers and leading to the development of the town. It was named after St. Mary's River, which runs through the town, and was later anglicized to St. Maries. The river provided a valuable transportation route for timber and other goods.

St. Maries became a major center for the timber industry during the early 20th century. Lumber mills were established, and the town rapidly grew in population as more people moved to the area for employment opportunities. The timber industry remained a key economic driver for the town for several decades.

During World War II, St. Maries played a significant role in the war effort. The town hosted a Navy supply depot, used for outfitting and maintaining ships. Many local residents worked in support of the war effort.

In the 1970s, however, the timber industry began to decline. Environmental concerns and restrictions on logging led to a significant decrease in employment and economic activity in St. Maries. The town had to adapt to the changing times and find alternative sources of revenue.

Today, St. Maries has diversified its economy and relies on a mix of industries, including healthcare, education, tourism, and small businesses. The town's natural beauty, surrounded by mountains, forests, and the St. Joe River, attracts visitors for recreational activities such as fishing, hunting, hiking, and water sports.

St. Maries also boasts historical sites like the St. Maries Historical Museum, which showcases the town's history and artifacts from the early settlers. It continues to be a tight-knit community with a population of around 2,400 residents.

Overall, the history of St. Maries reflects the patterns and challenges faced by many rural and resource-dependent communities in the western United States. It has evolved from a thriving logging town to a more diversified economy, while still holding onto its natural beauty and historical heritage.

Heyburn State Park

It is the oldest state park in Idaho and offers recreational activities like hiking, camping, fishing, boating, and swimming.

St. Maries Depot Museum

This museum showcases the history and heritage of St. Maries and the surrounding area through exhibits and artifacts.

The Shadowy St. Joe River

This scenic river offers opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing amidst breathtaking natural beauty.

Benewah County Historical Society Museum

Discover the history of the region through a collection of artifacts, photographs, and exhibits.

Black Lake Palouse Scenic Byway

Take a drive along this picturesque byway, which offers stunning views of forests, lakes, and the Palouse region.

Marble Creek State Wildlife Management Area

This area is ideal for wildlife viewing, birdwatching, hiking, and photography.

St. Joe Snowmobile Club

Enjoy snowmobiling in the winter months on the extensive network of trails maintained by this club.

Fishing in St. Joe River and surrounding lakes

St. Maries is known for its excellent fishing opportunities, with the St. Joe River and nearby lakes offering a variety of fish species.

St. Maries Golf Course

Enjoy a round of golf at this scenic 9-hole golf course surrounded by beautiful Idaho landscape.

St. Maries City Park

A great spot for picnicking, walking, playing, and enjoying the outdoors in the heart of the town.

St. Maries, ID has a Mediterranean climate, characterized by hot, dry summers and cold, snowy winters. The town experiences all four distinct seasons throughout the year. Here is a breakdown of each season's climate:

Summer (June to August)

Summers in St. Maries are generally warm to hot with average highs ranging from the mid-70s °F (around 24 °C) to the low-90s °F (around 32 °C). However, temperatures can occasionally reach into the high 90s °F (around 36 °C) or even above 100 °F (around 38 °C) during heatwaves. The area receives a moderate amount of rainfall during this season, mainly via scattered thunderstorms.

Fall (September to November)

Autumn in St. Maries is mild and pleasant. The temperatures gradually cool down from the high 60s °F (around 20 °C) in September to the low 40s °F (around 5 °C) in November. Rainfall increases slightly during this season, providing cooler and wetter weather.

Winter (December to February)

Winters in St. Maries are cold, often accompanied by snowfall. Average high temperatures range from the mid-30s °F (around 2 °C) in December to the low-40s °F (around 5 °C) in February. Overnight lows drop to the mid-20s °F (around -3 °C) in the coldest months. Snowfall is common, with the region receiving around 50 inches (127 cm) of snow per year.

Spring (March to May)

Springs are typically mild and characterized by blooming wildflowers and variations in weather. Average highs rise from the high-40s °F (around 9 °C) in March to the low-60s °F (around 16 °C) in May. While temperatures gradually warm up, snow and rain showers are still possible during this season.

Overall, St. Maries, ID experiences distinct seasonal variations with warm summers, chilly winters, and transitional seasons with mild temperatures and varying precipitation.

St. Maries, Idaho is a small town located in Benewah County. It is known for its picturesque location, surrounded by beautiful forests and mountains, as well as its rich history and friendly community. While St. Maries does not have distinct neighborhoods like larger cities, there are different areas within the town that you can explore:

Downtown St. Maries

This is the heart of the town, where you'll find the main commercial area. It features several local businesses, shops, restaurants, and cafes. Downtown St. Maries has a charming small-town atmosphere and is a popular place for residents to gather and socialize.

Waterfront District

St. Maries is situated along the St. Joe River, so there are areas along the riverfront that offer scenic views and recreational opportunities. The Waterfront District is home to riverfront parks, boat docks, and picnic areas. Residents of this area enjoy boating, fishing, and other water activities.

Residential Areas

St. Maries has various neighborhoods comprising residential areas. These include a mix of single-family homes, apartments, and townhouses. The neighborhoods are generally quiet and family-oriented, with tree-lined streets and well-maintained properties.

St. Maries Golf Course

Located on the outskirts of the town, the St. Maries Golf Course neighborhood surrounds the local golf course. This area attracts golf enthusiasts and offers a peaceful setting, often with beautiful views of the surrounding landscape.

Pinehurst

Just a short drive from St. Maries, Pinehurst is a neighboring community that is often lumped together with St. Maries. It has its own distinct character and amenities, including more commercial areas and services like grocery stores and medical facilities.

Overall, St. Maries is a small town with a close-knit community. While it may not have the same defined neighborhoods as larger cities, it offers a serene and friendly environment surrounded by natural beauty.