Your Guide to Experiencing North Idaho’s History

Anywhere you go in the world, you’ll find a deep history full of people working hard for the future. North Idaho has a rich history, too, full of logging and mining and the pioneer spirit!

Of course, like anywhere in the world, there’s a lot of not-so-good stuff, too. But if you like history, there’s a lot to learn about up here!

As a lifelong local, I’ve had a ton of time to explore and learn all about the history of my city and the surrounding area, from the old, now non-existent Playland Pier in Coeur d’Alene to the Hiawatha Trail on the Montana border!

Some of these excursions are a lot more involved than others, so I’ll make sure you can come properly prepared for all of these adventures!

The Museum of North Idaho

Located in the heart of downtown Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, this recently renovated museum can give you a lot of information about the local area. I actually wrote about my visit to their new building just a few weeks ago.

This museum will tell you about the history of the city and the surrounding area, including some introductory tales about other locations I’m including in this list. If you’re staying in CDA, I’d recommend starting here, but it’s certainly not necessary!

The Cataldo Mission

Many of these locations will take you east towards Montana, mainly because CDA is located right by the border with Washington state.

Cataldo is likely one of the first big historical locations you’ll encounter on your journey eastward.

When you hear about a historical mission, it likely comes with visions of boarding schools and forced conversions. The Cataldo Mission is a bit unique in that its story didn’t really play out the same way.

So, what even is it?

Well, without spoiling too much (you have to visit for the full experience anyway), I’ll give you a rundown of the story:

Long before European settlers and pioneers made it out west, a member of the Coeur d’Alene Tribe had a vision. This vision involved a priest in black robes who would come to teach them a new religion.

(The name “Coeur d’Alene” came from the French and means “Heart of the Awl,” praising their skill in negotiation and trade.)

When Jesuit priests (led by Father De Smet), who wear black robes, arrived, the Coeur d’Alene people welcomed them with open arms, eager to learn their ways.

Thus was the Cataldo Mission built as a living space for the priests and a common area for the whole community.

When you enter the mission, you’ll notice a bluish-purple hue on the ceiling. They actually used huckleberries to dye it! (And, while you’re in the area, try some huckleberries. They’re good, I promise!)

In the words of a Coeur d’Alene Tribe member, though, “We didn’t think they would stay.” The priests never left and continued to work with the tribe, exploiting the surrounding area.

For the full story, and to hear it from multiple sides, I’d strongly recommend visiting the Mission.

It costs $5 per person or $10 for families, but I have no idea what they define as a ‘family’.

There’s also a biking trail nearby, but I’ve never been. It sounds pretty cool, though! If I ever try it, I’ll talk about it here.

Wallace

While you’re continuing East, make sure you stop in Wallace.

If you stopped at the Museum of North Idaho, you probably read about Edward Pulaski and the amazing stories of firefighters in the area during the widespread fires of the 1910s.

Well, in Wallace, there’s a hiking trail called the Pulaski Tunnel Trail that follows part of the route they took in the mountains to escape the fire. We just hiked the trail today, at the time of my writing this.

At the end of the roughly 4-mile trail, you’ll be able to look down over some railing to the place where Pulaski and the other firefighters took shelter in an old mineshaft.

Here’s a quick summary of the story, just to get you interested:

Edward Pulaski, among many firefighters, fought his way through fire and falling trees, deciding finally to take shelter in an old mineshaft to wait out the worst of it.
When one man in the group tried to leave, fearing that staying in the cave would endanger them more, Pulaski drew a gun, saying that he would shoot anyone who tried to leave.
This proved to be the right decision, as Pulaski saved many lives by taking shelter in the mineshaft.

Edward Pulaski went on to invent the Pulaski fireman’s axe which is used all over the country by firemen even today.

As you hike this trail, which gets noticeably steeper on the later section, imagine trying to trek through it all while fire and smoke are all around you, and you’re burdened with equipment!

There’s also a river running along the trail with several beautiful waterfalls!

Conclusion

North Idaho has hundreds of campsites, nature trails, and lakes to visit.

But amongst all the nature is a deep history of mining and logging, not to mention the indigenous history that stretches back through time unimaginable!

I hope this post left you with a lot of ideas for historical sites and museums to visit! If I think of (or explore) more places, I’ll make sure to add them here. I’m already planning to go to the brothel museum in Kellogg at some point soon!

If you have any questions, comments, or concerns about anything here, make sure to let me know down below! I check this blog every day, so I’ll get back to you as soon as I can!

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