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A Brief History of Northside School

Sat, 14 Mar 2026 15:03:11 GMT

A Bonners Ferry Landmark

Northside School has been part of Bonners Ferry’s story for more than a century, and what makes it so memorable is that it has continued to serve the community in one form or another the entire time. Its role has changed, but it has remained a familiar landmark on the hill above town, overlooking the Kootenai River and the surrounding mountains. Today, people know it as Northside School Bed and Breakfast, a family-run inn in a historic building with deep local roots.

Built for a Growing Community

The story begins with Bonners Ferry’s early growth. Founded in 1864 as a trading post and ferry crossing, the town developed into an important regional center as logging, agriculture, and rail connections expanded the local economy. By the early 1910s, that growth was putting pressure on the school system, especially on the north side of the river, where enrollment had outgrown existing space.

The current brick North Side School was built in 1912 to meet that need, replacing an earlier two-room school on the same site. Designed by the Spokane architectural firm Keith and Whitehouse and built by J.G. Cox, the new school was funded through a bond issue, with the final cost reaching about $15,000. After opening, the school quickly became an important part of everyday life for families in the neighborhood.

A School Designed to Last

From the beginning, the building stood out. It was more substantial and more architecturally refined than many small-town schools of its era, with brick construction, terra cotta trim, decorative masonry, and a bracketed entrance porch. Built on a high concrete basement and planned with an additional wing that was never added, it developed the slightly asymmetrical form it still has today. Inside, the layout included multiple classrooms, cloakrooms, and flexible spaces that supported both instruction and school events.

Generations of Local Memories

North Side School served Bonners Ferry as a public school for more than 75 years. From its opening until its closure in June 1990, it educated generations of local children and became closely tied to the identity of the community. For many families in Boundary County, the building is not just historic in the abstract. It is personal. Parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents passed through its classrooms, which helps explain why the building still carries so much meaning locally.

From Schoolhouse to Historic Landmark

After the school closed, the building moved into a new chapter. It became a private residence in 1991, and in 1992 it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. That recognition reflected both its architectural character and its importance to the history of education in Bonners Ferry. The historic listing also connects the building to its current address at 6497 Comanche Street, confirming that today’s inn is the same North Side School recognized for its historic significance.

A New Life as a Bed and Breakfast

The next transformation came when Gene and Ruth Perry took on the property and reimagined it as a bed and breakfast. The conversion preserved the building’s schoolhouse identity while adapting it for guests. Original elements were retained, the character of the structure remained intact, and the old school began a second public life as a place of hospitality. The bed and breakfast opened in January 2007, giving the building a renewed role without separating it from its past.

The Current Chapter

That spirit of continuity carried forward again in 2018, when Frank and Jerri Duarte discovered the property while looking for retirement land in North Idaho. What began as a visit quickly turned into something more meaningful. They saw the building not only as a remarkable historic place, but as an opportunity to create a family business that could bring multiple generations together in Bonners Ferry. Their daughter Corina and her husband Eric Johnson joined them in that vision, and by March 2019 three generations of the family were living and working together at the former schoolhouse.

Since then, the Duarte and Johnson family has continued operating the property as Northside School Bed and Breakfast while keeping its history front and center. The inn now offers nine themed guest rooms, each with its own personality, along with private baths, breakfast service, and views of the mountains, river, and valley. Historic details throughout the building help connect the guest experience to the school’s original life, making the property feel rooted in place rather than simply repurposed.

More Than A Local Landmark

That is part of what makes Northside School so special. It is not just an old building that managed to survive. It is a building that adapted with the times while keeping its identity. First it served Bonners Ferry as a school, then as a home, and now as a welcoming inn. More than a century after it was built, it is still doing what it has always done best: bringing people together under one roof in a way that feels distinctly local, enduring, and full of story.

The Family Behind Northside School Bed and Breakfast

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 15:10:18 GMT

A Family Story Rooted in Bonners Ferry

Northside School Bed and Breakfast is more than a historic property. It is also the story of the family who chose to make it their home, their work, and their shared project. Today, the inn is operated by the Duarte and Johnson family, with three generations connected to the daily life of the property. Their involvement shapes the atmosphere of the inn, the guest experience, and the way this historic building continues to welcome people.

How It All Began

Frank and Jerri Duarte came to Bonners Ferry in 2018 looking for land where they could retire in North Idaho, a place they had long hoped might one day bring their children and grandchildren closer together. During that trip, they stayed at Northside School Bed and Breakfast and learned that the property was for sale. What began as a simple real estate visit quickly became something much bigger: the possibility of building a family business in a community they had already come to love.

Frank called his daughter, Corina, and her husband, Eric Johnson, to talk about the idea. Eric was interested right away, and after visiting the property themselves, Corina and Eric were fully committed. In less than a year, the plan became reality. By March 2019, three generations of the family were living and working together in the old schoolhouse, beginning a new chapter in Bonners Ferry.

Building a New Kind of Life

Taking on a bed and breakfast was a major leap. Frank and Jerri had never owned a business like this before, and in fact had never even stayed at a bed and breakfast before that first visit. The purchase required careful planning, and the family worked through business planning, financial projections, licensing, taxes, and operations as they prepared to take over the inn.

From the beginning, they built the business around the strengths they already had: hard work, adaptability, hospitality, and a strong sense of family. Instead of creating a formal or impersonal atmosphere, they focused on making guests feel welcome, comfortable, and cared for. That approach became one of the defining qualities of the inn.

Frank and Jerri Duarte

Frank and Jerri Duarte remain at the center of the family story. They are affectionately known in the family as “Papa” and “Grandma,” and that warmth is reflected in the tone of the inn itself. Frank is known for talking with guests, helping with breakfast, overseeing laundry, and bringing humor into the day. He is especially known for his omelets and his signature “Frank Eggs.”

Jerri helps oversee the entire operation and steps in wherever she is needed. She keeps things moving, supports every part of the business, and brings steady energy to the property. Her love of flowers also shows in the care she gives to the grounds and surroundings. Frank and Jerri are currently serving in a mission role in San Diego while still remaining an important part of the family business.

Eric and Corina Johnson

Eric and Corina Johnson are at the heart of the inn’s day-to-day operations. Eric handles the practical side of keeping the property running smoothly, including maintenance, repairs, and the overall condition of the building and grounds. His work helps preserve both the comfort of the inn and the character of the historic property.

Corina oversees the bed and breakfast itself, including housekeeping, breakfasts, cookies, the website, and guest relations. She helps shape the daily guest experience and keeps the inn running in a way that feels welcoming and personal. Together, Eric and Corina provide the steady leadership that allows the property to function as both a family home and a successful inn.

The Next Generation

The younger generation is also part of the life of Northside School Bed and Breakfast.

Cheyanne has grown up with the inn and helps wherever she is needed. Over time, she has become more confident and involved in both the property and the larger community. Her interests include reading, gymnastics, cheer, and singing, and she has participated in community plays and events. She has also developed an interest in cooking. She is now a freshman in college and preparing for her mission.

Abigail brings energy and initiative to the family team. She enjoys helping in the kitchen, performing, art, and games, and her outgoing personality makes her a natural part of the welcoming atmosphere of the inn. She is active in summer fair exhibits and enjoys connecting with people.

Bjørn is affectionately known as the “little CEO.” Full of energy and eager to help, he enjoys checking in guests, handing out keys, helping in the kitchen, and following along with maintenance work.

Bradley, the youngest, brings joy and personality to daily life at the inn. He enjoys being in the kitchen and spending time with his brother, adding to the lively and family-centered character of the property.

A Family Way of Hospitality

Hospitality at Northside School Bed and Breakfast is deeply personal. Guests are welcomed into a place where family life and inn life are closely connected. Home-cooked breakfasts, fresh-baked cookies at check-in, and thoughtful personal touches all reflect the way the family approaches hosting. The goal is not simply to provide a room, but to create a stay that feels comfortable, warm, and memorable.

That same care can be seen throughout the property. Themed rooms inspired by school subjects, preserved historic details, and thoughtful decorative choices reflect the family’s commitment to honoring the building’s history while also making it enjoyable and inviting for guests.

A Shared Life in a Historic Place

What makes the Duarte and Johnson family story so meaningful is that they did not simply buy a business. They built a way of life around one. Their move to Bonners Ferry brought together retirement hopes, family relocation, entrepreneurship, and the opportunity to care for a historic property with deep local significance.

Today, Northside School Bed and Breakfast continues as a multigenerational family business shaped by shared work, shared purpose, and shared life. Frank and Jerri Duarte took the first leap, Corina and Eric Johnson helped turn the vision into reality, and the younger generation has grown up as part of the story. Together, they have made the inn feel less like a business on the side of history and more like a living continuation of it.

Northside School Bed and Breakfast in the Media

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 18:13:31 GMT

Over the years, Northside School Bed and Breakfast has been featured in numerous articles, and even a video or two, each offering a different glimpse into our history, hospitality, and community. These stories highlight not only the history of the building, but also the people, experiences, and community connections that make it unique. From its beginnings as a historic schoolhouse to its role as a welcoming place for guests today, each feature shares a different part of the story.

In Historical School Turns to Hotel , readers get a closer look at the transformation of the 1912 schoolhouse into a bed and breakfast, with attention to its preserved historic character, themed rooms, and scenic setting. The article reflects how the building’s history remains part of the guest experience while continuing to serve a new purpose.

That story continues in New Owners Uphold Traditions at Northside School Bed and Breakfast , which introduces Jerri and Frank Duarte and their family after purchasing the historic property. The article shares their move to North Idaho, their vision of operating the bed and breakfast as a multi-generational family business, and their commitment to preserving the building’s history and traditions while welcoming new guests.

That new chapter is further reflected in Historic Bed and Breakfast Hosts Open House , which covers the ribbon cutting and open house celebrating the property’s reopening. The article captures an important milestone as the historic building officially began welcoming guests in its new role.

Community connection is reflected in Johnsons Share With Others After Potato Giveaway , which tells the story of a memorable local effort during a potato surplus. The article highlights the owners’ role in helping distribute potatoes to area residents and offers a glimpse into the generosity and community spirit that surround the property.

Travel writers have also taken notice. Sleep In A Former Red Brick Schoolhouse At Northside School B&B In Idaho For A Charming Time highlights the unique experience of staying in a restored schoolhouse and draws attention to the charm, history, and character that make it a distinctive getaway in North Idaho.

The business side of the story is featured in Retirement Dream Leads to More Family Time and a Successful Business , which shares how a long-held retirement vision became a thriving family-run business. It emphasizes the way the bed and breakfast has brought multiple generations together while building a welcoming place for guests.

Together, these features tell a broader story—one shaped by history, hospitality, family, and community. Each article offers a different perspective, and together they reflect what continues to make Northside School Bed and Breakfast a special place to stay.

We Take Our Breakfasts Seriously

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 15:14:53 GMT

A Thoughtful Start to the Morning

Breakfast has always been an important part of the experience at Northside School Bed and Breakfast. We serve a complimentary full breakfast daily, and while the menu changes often, we typically include an egg dish, a pastry, and fruit. Our goal is to make breakfast feel like more than a routine meal. It is part of the welcome, part of the rhythm of the house, and one more way we care for the people staying with us. We also do our best to accommodate food allergies and dietary restrictions, and we ask guests to let us know about those needs when making a reservation so we can plan accordingly

Made for the Day and the Guests

One thing that matters to us is keeping breakfast flexible. The menu is always subject to change, and what we are able to offer may depend on the number of people staying with us at the time. Some dishes work especially well for smaller groups, while others are better when the dining room is fuller. That means breakfast is shaped not only by the food itself, but by the morning as it unfolds here. It also means there is real variety from one stay to the next, which keeps the experience personal rather than fixed or repetitive

Pastries Guests Remember

Some menu items have become favorites over time. Our cinnamon rolls are one of the best examples. They are soft, buttery, and gooey, and we usually make them when we have several guests or when they are requested in advance. They are not gluten free, but they remain one of the most talked-about breakfast treats we serve. Our scones are another popular option. They are warm, buttery, and lightly golden, with a tender interior and rich flavor. Some of the varieties we have served include vanilla bean and huckleberry, which add a little extra character to the breakfast table

Egg Dishes with Personality

Egg dishes are at the center of many breakfasts here, and all of our egg dishes are naturally gluten free. A sample plate may include one of our signature scrambles, fresh fruit, and cinnamon rolls, and we usually prepare scrambles when there are fewer people staying with us. Soufflés are another favorite and are best served fresh from the oven. We typically make them for smaller groups, and they can also be prepared as a vegetarian option. Quiche is one of our favorite breakfast offerings as well, made with a hash brown crust and sometimes filled with sausage, ham, broccoli, or green chile

A Few Distinctive Favorites

Some dishes feel especially tied to the personality of the inn. Norwegian waffles are thin and delicate, usually served with fruit and sausage, and they are another favorite for smaller groups. Baked oatmeal is often a strong choice for those with dietary restrictions because it is gluten free, dairy free, and vegan, and it is usually served with fruit. Then there are Frank Eggs, Grandpa’s own twist on eggs Benedict. Instead of hollandaise sauce, they are topped with fresh homemade guacamole. Like his omelets, Frank Eggs are usually made when there are only one or two guests, and they can also be prepared as a vegetarian option

Breakfast as Part of the Stay

What makes breakfast meaningful here is not only the menu. It is the care behind it. Corina helps oversee breakfasts as part of the daily life of the inn, and Frank is especially known for helping with breakfast and for his signature egg dishes. Together with the family’s larger approach to hospitality, breakfast becomes part of what makes a stay here feel warm, personal, and memorable. It is one more way the house continues to welcome people each morning

Best Waterfalls Near Bonners Ferry

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 17:10:41 GMT

Exploring Waterfalls Near Bonners Ferry

Northern Idaho has no shortage of beautiful waterfall scenery, and Bonners Ferry is well placed for exploring some of the best options in the region. With a mix of easy trails, roadside viewpoints, and day-trip stops, it is a practical base for visitors who want to see more than one waterfall in a single trip.

Myrtle Falls

Myrtle Falls is one of the easiest and most reliable picks near town. The trail sits at Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge and leads to an overlook of a dramatic multi-tiered waterfall. The route is short, with the first 0.15 miles paved and accessible, then a steeper unpaved section leading to the main overlook. The full trail is about 0.24 miles one way and is generally considered easy, making it a good option for families or anyone who wants a short outing with a big payoff.

What makes Myrtle Falls stand out is how quickly the scenery changes. The walk begins in dense forest, crosses Myrtle Creek, and then climbs to a viewpoint where the falls drop roughly 100 feet between rocky canyon walls. It feels close to town, but the forested setting gives it a much more tucked-away atmosphere. It also pairs well with time at the refuge, so it is one of the most convenient waterfall stops in the Bonners Ferry area.

Snow Creek Falls and Lower Snow Creek Falls

Snow Creek Falls is one of the most rewarding hikes for visitors who want more than one waterfall on a single trail. The Snow Creek Falls Trail descends gradually into the drainage and then splits, with one branch leading to the lower falls and the other leading to the upper falls. The trail is about a mile long with roughly 200 feet of elevation change, and the local hiking information for Bonners Ferry describes it as about 1.4 miles round trip.

This is the kind of hike that feels bigger than its mileage suggests. Lower Snow Creek Falls is the more immersive stop, while the upper section gives a different perspective on the canyon and creek. The forested setting, cool air, and misty feel make it especially appealing in warm weather, but spring runoff usually brings the strongest flow and the most dramatic waterfall views. For many visitors, Snow Creek Falls and Lower Snow Creek Falls are the best all-around hike on a list of waterfalls near Bonners Ferry.

Copper Falls

Copper Falls is the big-drop option on this list and one of the most memorable waterfall outings in Boundary County. The trail is north of Bonners Ferry near Eastport and the Canadian border, and the route is commonly described as an easy loop with viewpoints from different angles. The waterfall is widely listed at about 225 feet, which makes it one of the tallest regional falls commonly visited from Bonners Ferry.

Copper Falls feels more remote than Myrtle or Snow Creek because of its far-north setting and forest road access. That extra drive is part of the appeal. The trail brings you to overlooks where the falls drop into a deep green setting, and the surrounding forest adds to the sense of isolation. Late spring is a prime time to visit for stronger flow, while the trail remains a popular scenic stop through the warmer months.

Moyie Falls

Moyie Falls is different from the others because it is more of a scenic stop than a classic hike. Near Moyie Springs, the Moyie River pushes through a narrow gorge in tiered form, creating a powerful waterfall scene that is especially impressive in spring. Summer visits can look very different because water flow may be reduced when hydroelectric diversion is in effect.

This stop works well for travelers who want waterfall scenery without a longer trail. It also adds variety to a Bonners Ferry waterfall trip because the setting is a river canyon rather than a forest footpath. When the flow is up, Moyie Falls delivers one of the most forceful and dramatic water scenes in the area.

Kootenai Falls

Kootenai Falls is not in Idaho, but it still belongs in a Bonners Ferry-area roundup because it is a realistic regional side trip for visitors exploring the broader corner of northern Idaho and northwestern Montana. The trail to the falls and swinging bridge is short, with the overlook reached in about one-third of a mile and the bridge in about half a mile. The falls are among the largest free-flowing waterfalls in the Northwest.

It offers a different experience from the Idaho waterfalls on this list. Instead of a tucked-away forest cascade, Kootenai Falls delivers a broad, powerful river landscape with multiple viewpoints and a famous swinging bridge. For travelers spending several days in Bonners Ferry, it is one of the best bonus waterfall outings in the wider region.

Planning Your Waterfall Trip Near Bonners Ferry

For the best variety, Myrtle Falls and Snow Creek Falls make an easy same-day combination near town, while Copper Falls is better as its own outing or as part of a longer drive north. Moyie Falls works well as a quick scenic detour, and Kootenai Falls is the add-on choice for a broader day trip. Smith Falls is also associated with the Bonners Ferry area, but access is limited because it is on private property, so it is not as practical as the other stops listed here.

For anyone looking up waterfalls near Bonners Ferry, the biggest advantage is the mix of short trails, overlooks, and scenic drives packed into one small corner of northern Idaho. Whether the goal is a quick family stop or a full day of waterfall chasing, Bonners Ferry gives you several strong options within easy reach.