Walking Tours
History Hour Lecture Series
The Museum of North Idaho, in partnership with the Coeur d’Alene Public Library, hosts the monthly History Hour lecture series on the second Wednesday of each month in the Library’s Community Room.
Each lecture features a different local author, historian or guest speaker who explores a topic drawn from North Idaho’s rich past — from 19th-century mining conflicts and early fur-trade practices to the region’s role in the women’s suffrage movement and other social, cultural and environmental themes. The aim is to bring to life key events, people and legacies of the Coeur d’Alene region in an accessible one-hour format.
Attendees can expect engaging presentations, often richly illustrated, followed by a short Q&A, making the series an excellent opportunity to dive into local heritage with expert insight. All lectures are free and open to the public. Check out the Events Calendar for more information on monthly speakers.
Events
Calendar of Events
Sunday | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 events, | 0 events, | 0 events, | 0 events, | 1 event, Walk amongst the dead and discover the rich tapestry of history and heritage on our cemetery tours at Forest Cemetery. Nestled in the heart of the city, Forest Cemetery… $20 | 1 event,Walk amongst the dead and discover the rich tapestry of history and heritage on our cemetery tours at Forest Cemetery. Nestled in the heart of the city, Forest Cemetery… $20 | 1 event, Featured - Featured Forest Cemetery Comes Alive is an unforgettable living history experience where the past steps into the present. As you walk through the historic cemetery, you'll meet costumed interpreters portraying some… |
| 0 events, | 0 events, | 0 events, | 0 events, | 0 events, | 1 event,Walk amongst the dead and discover the rich tapestry of history and heritage on our cemetery tours at Forest Cemetery. Nestled in the heart of the city, Forest Cemetery… $20 | 2 events, Join tour guide Stephen Shepperd for a walk through Coeur d’Alene’s National Historic District and discover the stories behind some of its historic homes. Learn about the people who lived… |
| 0 events, | 0 events, | 0 events, | 1 event, Featured - Featured When the cornerstone of the Kootenai County Courthouse was laid on April 26, 1926, Oscar Canfield interred a copper "casket" in the cement. This time capsule contained documents that reflect… | 1 event,Walk amongst the dead and discover the rich tapestry of history and heritage on our cemetery tours at Forest Cemetery. Nestled in the heart of the city, Forest Cemetery… $20 | 1 event,Walk amongst the dead and discover the rich tapestry of history and heritage on our cemetery tours at Forest Cemetery. Nestled in the heart of the city, Forest Cemetery… $20 | 2 events, Featured - Featured Join us for the annual Harvest Festival and celebrate the autumn season with a full day of family-friendly fall activities.Enjoy hayrides, pumpkin painting, live music, delicious food vendors, handcrafted artisan… |
| 0 events, | 0 events, | 0 events, | 0 events, | 0 events, | 1 event,Walk amongst the dead and discover the rich tapestry of history and heritage on our cemetery tours at Forest Cemetery. Nestled in the heart of the city, Forest Cemetery… $20 | 1 event,Walk amongst the dead and discover the rich tapestry of history and heritage on our cemetery tours at Forest Cemetery. Nestled in the heart of the city, Forest Cemetery… $20 |
| 0 events, | 0 events, | 0 events, | 0 events, | 1 event,Walk amongst the dead and discover the rich tapestry of history and heritage on our cemetery tours at Forest Cemetery. Nestled in the heart of the city, Forest Cemetery… $20 | 1 event,Walk amongst the dead and discover the rich tapestry of history and heritage on our cemetery tours at Forest Cemetery. Nestled in the heart of the city, Forest Cemetery… $20 | 0 events, |
Forest Cemetery Comes Alive
Walking Through History Tours
Walking Through History Tours offer a straightforward look at the people, places, and events that shaped our community. Led by knowledgeable guides, these walking tours explore historic neighborhoods, downtown streets, and key landmarks while sharing well-researched stories grounded in local records and photographs.
Participants will learn about early settlement, industry, community life, and the individuals who influenced the area’s growth. Whether you’re new to the region or have lived here for years, these tours provide context and insight into the history that surrounds us every day.
Walking tours are scheduled April through September on Saturday mornings but can also be booked by private groups of at least four individuals
Prices (Includes access to the Museum):
Adults: $18
Youth (ages 5-12): $9
Downtown, Sanders Beach and Lakeshore tours start at the Museum.
Fort Sherman Tour starts at the Fort Sherman Chapel. *The Chapel is not accessible due to the age of the building*
Tales of Old Fort Sherman
Nestled along the banks of Lake Coeur d'Alene and the Spokane River, Fort Coeur d'Alene (later renamed Fort Sherman) was established in 1879. Learn about the history of the fort and the city that formed around it. The tour finishes with a visit inside Fort Sherman Chapel, the city's oldest church, school, library, and meeting hall.
From Slab Town to Downtown Coeur d’Alene
Explore the foundations of Coeur d'Alene, from the powerful influence of the mining and lumber industries to the era of steamboats and hydroplane races on Lake Coeur d'Alene. This tour traces how industry, transportation, and recreation shaped the community’s growth and character.
Life Along Sanders Beach
Throughout Coeur d’Alene’s history, Sanders Beach has been a favorite hang out for locals and the location of Lake Coeur d’Alene’s annual regatta and a successful lumber mill. Many of Coeur d’Alene’s influential citizens built stately homes in the Sanders Beach neighborhood that remain today.
Make your morning lakeside stroll more meaningful with a guided walk along Lake Coeur d'Alene. As you take in the views, a local historian will share stories, historic photographs, and firsthand accounts that highlight the people, industries, and events that shaped the lake and the surrounding community. What may seem like a simple walk becomes a deeper look at how this shoreline has evolved over time.
Cemetery Walking Tours
Cemetery walking tours take place Friday nights during the summer
and Fridays and Saturdays in September and October.
Our cemetery walking tours got their start in 2021 and have become one of our most anticipated annual offerings. Taking place in the summer and in September and October, these tours are the perfect way to learn about Coeur d'Alene's past.
Join local historians as you tour Coeur d'Alene's oldest cemeteries and learn the stories of the historically influential people who are buried beneath your feet.
Tours are one and a half hours long and depart from Forest Cemetery and St. Thomas Cemetery in Coeur d'Alene. Tickets for tours usually sell out within days of being offered, so be sure to keep an eye on our social media channels for updates about when they go on sale so you don't miss out!
For more information, please call (208) 664-3448 x 2 or email programs@museumni.org.