Museum of North Idaho

The Museum of North Idaho stands as a vibrant gateway to the region’s past, preserving and interpreting the stories that have shaped the communities along the Inland Northwest. Located in downtown Coeur d’Alene, the museum offers a thoughtful exploration of the people, industries, and landscapes that define North Idaho’s heritage.

The roots of the institution date back to 1968, when members of the North Idaho Hoo Hoo Club, a group of loggers and foresters, first envisioned a museum dedicated to local history. Their efforts, supported by volunteers and community members, led to the museum’s official opening in 1973 on the North Idaho College campus. For decades, it operated from a former gas station before embarking on an ambitious transformation that culminated in 2025 with a move into the restored J.C. White House. Built in 1903 by a prominent Coeur d’Alene businessman, the historic residence was saved from demolition, relocated, and revitalized through a multimillion-dollar campaign to become the museum’s permanent home.

Within its walls, visitors encounter exhibits that span centuries, beginning with the Indigenous tribes who have lived in the region since time immemorial. The museum also chronicles the arrival of fur traders, miners, and settlers, the rise of logging and steamboating, and the ongoing story of community growth. Collections of artifacts, photographs, and archival documents provide an intimate connection to these histories, while rotating exhibits ensure fresh perspectives on the region’s past.

More than a repository of objects, the Museum of North Idaho is a gathering place. Educational programs, lectures, tours, and community events invite both residents and visitors to engage with history in meaningful ways. Through these initiatives, the museum ensures that the cultural fabric of North Idaho continues to inspire, inform, and connect generations.