Museum of North Idaho
About This Museum
Tucked away near the shores of Lake Coeur d'Alene, the Museum of North Idaho feels less like a formal institution and more like a community's well-kept scrapbook. Its unassuming building holds a surprisingly deep well of stories, chronicling everything from the indigenous tribes who first inhabited these lands to the lumberjacks and miners who shaped its modern identity. You can almost hear the echo of steamboat whistles and the buzz of sawmills as you move through the thoughtfully arranged displays. It’s a quiet, reflective space that manages to feel both humble and profoundly significant.
Collection Highlights
Key exhibits bring regional history to life with artifacts like a massive two-man crosscut saw from the timber era and intricate baskets woven by the Coeur d'Alene Tribe. One standout is their collection on the region's steamboat history, which details how these vessels were the lifelines of the area long before highways existed.
Visitor Information
You'll find it at 720 E Young Ave in Coeur d'Alene—look for the charming brown building nestled in City Park. Be sure to pop into their shop on the way out; it's stocked with local history books and unique North Idaho souvenirs that are a cut above the typical tourist fare.
Architecture & Building
The museum is housed in a modest, single-story structure with a rustic, almost cabin-like feel that fits perfectly with its wooded park setting.
Contact & Location
Address: 720, East Young Avenue, Coeur d'Alene, Kootenai County, Idaho, 83814, United States
Phone: +1 208-664-3448
Website: Visit Website