Old Mission State Park

31732 South Mission Road, Cataldo, Idaho 83810 USA

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Budget

Open Now

Thu 9a-5p

Independent

“spotlighting the oldest building in Idaho”

The Coeur d' Alene's Old Mission State Park spotlights the oldest building in Idaho. The Mission of the Sacred Heart was constructed between 1850 and 1853 by Catholic missionaries and members of the Coeur d' Alene Tribe. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Sacred Heart Mission and the Coeur d'Alene's Old Mission State Park provide an educational experience not found anywhere else, giving visitors an opportunity to examine the dynamics and complexities between Jesuit missionaries and the tribal people among whom they settled in a beautiful park setting. The park features the Sacred Heart Mission church, a restored Parish House and a historic cemetery. The visitor center includes a gift shop and a new award-winning exhibition "Sacred Encounters: Father De Smet & the Indians of the Rocky Mountain West" to help tell the fascinating story of the Mission, the Tribe and the missionaries. Located near the Trail of the Coeur d' Alenes, one of the most spectacular biking trails in the Western United States, the Mission is an excellent place to stop for the day while on the trail, a wonderful place to view Idaho history and architecture and one of the most beautiful locations for a wedding and reception.

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Reviewed by
Sarah Race

30 Reviews
19 Helpful

August 11, 2016

It is the oldest standing Mission in the Pacific Northwest and is interesting to both visit and to photograph. That said, I felt uneasy about the one-sidedness of the Mission's depiction of history. Call me naive but the simplified story of the of how the Jesuit Missions and the Couer d'Alene and Salish tribes found a universal God, seemed mildly revisionist. That said it is a great place to teach youth to think critically and not believe everything that is presented to them :).

3 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by
Desmand13

9 Reviews
6 Helpful

January 15, 2018

Rated 5.0

They have winter hours and close at 3 PM during that time. I had s great time. Great place to stop and stretch your legs. The grounds are kept well! So beautiful, even with the snow fall. Would stop again.

2 people found this review helpful

Reviewed by
Msmakbb

5 Reviews
1 Helpful

October 13, 2020

Rated 4.0

Really nice stop and learn a little about the history. Wish there was a ranger or volunteer in the church to help some parents parent their kids and keep them off all the things. Beautiful and loved the stop.

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