Idaho Wildlife Museum Rydables Guided Tour

If you’re looking for a fun, family-friendly way to explore Coeur d’Alene’s lakeshore and learn about Idaho’s wildlife, the Idaho Wildlife Museum Rydables Guided Tour could be just what you need. This 3-hour adventure combines the novelty of riding whimsical animal mobility scooters along scenic lakeside paths with engaging stops at local parks, historic sites, and a well-stocked wildlife museum.

What makes this experience stand out? First, the Rydables — easy-to-handle, wheelchair-friendly scooters that make touring fun for all ages. Second, the guided insights from knowledgeable staff that enrich your understanding of Idaho’s natural environment. However, a possible consideration is that the museum does not feature live animals; instead, it showcases artwork and sculptures, which might be a disappointment for those expecting real wildlife encounters.

This tour is perfect for families, curious couples, or anyone keen to combine light exercise, scenic views, and cultural education in a single outing. If you’re after a relaxed, informative experience with a dash of playful transportation, you’ll want to read on.

Key Points

Accessible and fun: Rydables are wheelchair-friendly, making the tour suitable for a broad range of mobility needs.

Learn while enjoying: Guides share fascinating details about Idaho’s wildlife, geology, and local history, adding depth to your sightseeing.

Beautiful scenery: The lakeshore ride offers stunning views of Coeur d’Alene and the Spokane River, with stops at iconic parks and landmarks.

Well-rounded itinerary: The tour combines outdoor riding, cultural sites, and an indoor museum visit, providing variety and value.

Great value: For $110 per person, you get roughly three hours of guided activity, free photos, bottled water, and wireless audio—making it a reasonably priced way to see the area.

Authentic experience: Based on reviews, guides like Gary, Lucy, and Julie are clearly passionate and knowledgeable, elevating the experience beyond just a scenic ride.

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

Starting Point and Timing

Meet at 1618 E Lakeside Ave in Coeur d’Alene at 1:30 pm. The tour ends back at this starting point, offering convenience for planning your day. With most travelers booking about nine days in advance, it shows a healthy demand for this experience, suggesting it’s well-regarded and popular.

The Rydables: Fun and Practical Transportation

The Rydables are the highlight for many, transforming what could be a simple sightseeing tour into something memorable. These are wheelchair-accessible mobility scooters designed to look like animals, making the ride engaging and humorous. One reviewer noted, “The rideables were very easy to handle, and they were comfortable to ride,” highlighting that even adults find these whimsical carts delightful.

The use of wireless audio systems and free photos also means no one misses a moment, and everyone can hear the guide’s insights clearly, regardless of group size or background noise.

Scenic Ride Along Coeur d’Alene Lakeshore

The journey begins with a scenic cruise along Coeur d’Alene’s lakeshore, offering views of the shimmering water, nearby parks, and historic neighborhoods. Riding along the Centennial Trail and passing landmarks like McEuen Park and the Jewett House gives a sense of local history and natural beauty.

The reviews praise the views: “You’ll love the views along the lakeshore and the local parks,” and the stops at City Park and Independence Point highlight the area’s recreational charm. These stops are brief but meaningful, introducing you to the city’s history, from lumber magnates to modern-day recreation.

The Museum of North Idaho

A highlight of this tour is the Museum of North Idaho, which showcases Idaho’s wildlife heritage through artwork, sculptures, and specimens. While it doesn’t feature live animals, the sculptures by Frederick Remington and other exhibits offer a compelling visual story of Idaho’s fauna and geological diversity.

Guests have praised the museum: “The wildlife museum was in itself worth the expense,” and guides like Gary and Linda are commended for their enthusiasm and knowledge. The museum visit is a perfect indoor counterpart to the outdoor riding, providing educational depth without feeling heavy or academic.

Additional Sites and Stops

The tour also includes a drive-by of the Coeur d’Alene Resort Spa, famous for its longest floating wooden boardwalk in the world, and the Coeur d’Alene Carousel, a beautifully crafted, hand-painted piece of history dating back to 1922.

The North Idaho Centennial Trail offers a glimpse into the outdoor activity scene, with opportunities for biking, jogging, or strolling—perfect for active travelers or those wanting a gentle walk.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour package includes free photos and videos, bottled water, and a wireless audio system for easy listening. With a group limited to 16 people, you’ll find the experience intimate enough for everyone to enjoy the guides’ insights.

Gratuities are not included, but tipping guides is customary if you’re satisfied with their knowledge and friendliness.

The Value of This Tour

At $110 per person, the tour offers a balanced mix of outdoor fun, scenic beauty, and cultural education. Compared to other activities in the area, this tour provides excellent value, especially considering the inclusion of complimentary photos, audio, and water. The fact that most reviews highlight guides like Gary, Linda, Lucy, and Julie as exceptional adds to the overall value, turning a simple sightseeing outing into a memorable experience.

Who Will Love It?

This tour shines for families with kids, couples, or group travelers who want a relaxed but engaging way to see Coeur d’Alene. It’s particularly suited for those who enjoy scenic rides, cultural insights, and a touch of humor. Since the Rydables are accessible, it’s also a good choice for travelers with mobility concerns.

The Sum Up

The Idaho Wildlife Museum Rydables Guided Tour offers a playful yet educational way to explore Coeur d’Alene’s lakeside and cultural highlights. It’s more than just a scenic ride — it’s an opportunity to see the city from a different perspective, learn about Idaho’s natural environment, and enjoy a bit of lighthearted fun along the way.

Guides like Gary and Lucy aren’t just knowledgeable—they’re enthusiastic ambassadors for their city, making the experience warm and engaging. The combination of scenic views, interesting stops, and the novelty of Rydables makes it a genuinely enjoyable outing that provides excellent value for the price.

While it may not satisfy wildlife purists expecting live animals, those interested in art, sculptures, and Idaho’s geological diversity will find plenty to admire. The tour’s relaxed pace and inclusive design make it accessible and appealing to a broad audience.

Whether you’re a local looking for a different way to see your city or a visitor wanting a family-friendly activity, this tour hits the sweet spot of fun, learning, and scenic beauty.

FAQs

Is the tour suitable for children? Yes, the playful nature of the Rydables and the short stops make it ideal for kids, especially those who enjoy outdoor adventures and colorful sculptures.

Are the Rydables easy to handle? Absolutely. Reviewers mention they are very easy to manage and comfortable to ride, even for first-timers.

What should I bring? The tour provides bottled water and photos, but wearing comfortable clothes and sunscreen is advisable for outdoor riding.

Can I participate if I have mobility challenges? Yes, the Rydables are ADA compliant, making this tour accessible for travelers with mobility needs.

How long does the tour last? It runs approximately 3 hours, including riding and stops at key sights.

Are there any age restrictions? The tour is suitable for most ages, but children should be able to handle the Rydables comfortably.

What is included in the price? The fee covers guided riding, free photos and videos, bottled water, and the wireless audio system.

To sum it up, this tour offers a well-rounded, enjoyable way to experience Coeur d’Alene’s lakeshore, parks, and cultural sites—all delivered by passionate guides and with plenty of fun along the way.