Mudgy Moose Trail

The Mudgy Moose Trail is Coeur d'Alene's most charming walkable adventure—a 2.25-mile route that weaves from the forested shores of Tubbs Hill through downtown, ending at the waterfront of one of the most stunning lakes in the American Northwest. Five life-size bronze statues of Mudgy the Moose mark the path, each one a stop in his storybook search for his friend Millie Mouse through the streets and parks of Coeur d'Alene.

Based on the beloved children's book by Susan Nipp and brought to life through internationally acclaimed sculptor Terry Lee, the trail transforms a walk through town into something more—a shared experience that works equally well for families with toddlers, grandparents, visiting friends, and anyone who wants a gentle, scenic route through one of Idaho's most beautiful lakeside cities.

Free, open year-round, and entirely self-guided, it's one of those rare trails that makes no demands and delivers outsized rewards.

Trail Details

The trail begins at the base of Tubbs Hill on the northwest corner of the peninsula and concludes at Independence Point on the downtown waterfront. Signed Mudgy Moose Trail markers guide the full route—no map required, just follow the moose.

The five statue stops:

1. Tubbs Hill Trailhead — northwest corner of Tubbs Hill, where the trail begins and the story starts
2. McEuen Park / Library — eastern edge of McEuen Park, gateway to downtown and home to a splash pad and playground
3. Sherman Avenue & 3rd Street — the heart of downtown's shopping and dining district
4. City Park — near Fort Sherman Playground, one of the most elaborate playgrounds in the region
5. Independence Point — the lakefront finale, where Mudgy discovers Millie was close by all along

Stats: 2.25 miles | Minimal elevation change | 1 hour at a comfortable pace, up to a half-day with stops

Best times to visit:

• Summer for beach access at Independence Point and splash pad at McEuen Park
• Fall for cooler temperatures and the Tubbs Hill foliage
• Winter on dry days—the downtown sections are always accessible even when Tubbs Hill is icy

Outdoor Wellness Benefits

The Mudgy Moose Trail is an example of what urban trail designers call a "green corridor"—a walkable route that threads nature and city together, delivering the psychological benefits of outdoor movement without requiring a trailhead drive or hiking gear.

Walking as mood medicine: Even gentle, flat walking consistently outperforms sedentary alternatives for reducing anxiety and improving mood. The 2.25-mile route clears the threshold that research identifies for measurable cortisol reduction, and the variety of environments—forested shoreline, open parkland, tree-lined downtown streets, open waterfront—keeps the experience fresh rather than repetitive.

Blue space at the finish: The route culminates at Lake Coeur d'Alene, consistently rated one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. Arriving at the waterfront on foot rather than by car creates a genuine sense of arrival—an earned ending. The proximity to open water at Independence Point delivers the calming, attention-restoring effects of blue-space environments that research consistently links to reduced stress and elevated mood.

Shared experience: The social dimension of outdoor wellness is underappreciated. The Mudgy Moose Trail is specifically designed to be walked with others—children, partners, friends, grandparents. Shared outdoor experiences build connection in ways that indoor activities rarely replicate, and the hunt for each statue creates a natural rhythm of movement, discovery, and conversation.

What You'll See

Tubbs Hill Nature Area

The optional starting section around Tubbs Hill adds genuine wilderness character to what is otherwise a lakeside town walk. The hill is a 150-acre natural preserve within city limits, with forested trails, rocky cliff sections, and lake views from the peninsula's edge. The main Mudgy trail skirts the northwest base, but hikers with time can loop around the full perimeter before picking up the route downtown.

McEuen Park

One of Coeur d'Alene's most beloved civic spaces, McEuen Park stretches along the lake's northern edge with open lawns, a splash pad, and a playground. In summer it fills with families, lawn games, and community events. Mudgy's second statue stands here at the park's eastern edge near the library.

Downtown Sherman Avenue

The trail's midpoint moves through the core of Coeur d'Alene's walkable downtown—a strip of independent restaurants, local shops, and tree-shaded sidewalks that reflects the city's genuine character. Mudgy's third stop at Sherman and 3rd is surrounded by some of the city's best dining, making this a natural pause point.

Fort Sherman Playground & City Park

City Park near the fourth statue features Fort Sherman Playground, an expansive multi-level play structure with slides, obstacles, and interactive elements that draws families from across the region. The park also contains the historic Coeur d'Alene carousel, a vintage ride that's been a local institution for decades.

Independence Point

The trail's finish is its best moment. Independence Point sits right on the lake, with the full sweep of Lake Coeur d'Alene opening to the south and the Coeur d'Alene Resort tower rising to the west. A boardwalk extends over the water. In summer, swimmers launch from the beach. Kayaks and paddleboards cut across the lake's famous clear blue water. It's one of those views that explains, immediately and completely, why people choose to live here.

Planning Your Visit

Getting there: The trail begins near the northwest corner of Tubbs Hill. Parking is available in city lots along Front Avenue, which offers two hours of free parking near the Tubbs Hill nature area. Additional parking is available throughout downtown.

What to bring:

• Comfortable walking shoes (the route is paved and flat through downtown)
• A copy of the Mudgy and Millie book if you have kids—reading each page at each statue stop is the full experience
• Water and snacks, especially in summer
• Sunscreen for the open waterfront section near Independence Point

Stroller and accessibility: The downtown sections are fully stroller and wheelchair accessible. The Tubbs Hill perimeter trail is not stroller-friendly.

Winter conditions: The trail is open year-round. Tubbs Hill sections may be icy—downtown and waterfront sections remain accessible in most conditions.

Fees: Free. No permit required.

Extending Your Visit

• Tubbs Hill full loop: Add 1.5 miles of forested lakeside trail around the full peninsula before starting the Mudgy route
• Lake Coeur d'Alene paddling: Rent a kayak or paddleboard near Independence Point for time on the water after the walk
• Coeur d'Alene Resort boardwalk: The floating boardwalk at the resort extends 3,300 feet over the lake—the world's longest floating boardwalk
• Sanders Beach: A small public beach on the north side of Tubbs Hill, ideal for a post-hike swim

The Mudgy Moose Trail is the rare outdoor experience that works on every level—for the five-year-old who wants to find the next statue, for the grandparent who wants a gentle lakeside walk, and for the first-time visitor who wants to understand why Coeur d'Alene feels like one of the best-kept secrets in the Northwest.