Who We Are

The Museum of North Idaho is a 501c3 nonprofit museum dedicated to preserving and sharing the history of Kootenai, Benewah, and Shoshone counties. Since 1968, we have collected, preserved, and interpreted the stories, photographs, documents, and artifacts that tell the story of North Idaho and the people who have called it home.

Our mission is to illuminate our past to inspire our future. We believe history is more than objects behind glass—it's a way to understand our communities, connect generations, and inspire curiosity about the place we live.

Through engaging exhibits, educational programs, and community events, we make North Idaho's history accessible to visitors of all ages. Our core programs include:

• Museum Exhibits – Explore our permanent gallery covering North Idaho's natural and cultural history, along with rotating exhibits in our Featured Gallery that highlight new stories, people, and perspectives throughout the year.
• Historic Walking Tours – Experience North Idaho's past where it happened through guided downtown history walks and Coeur d'Alene's only official cemetery tours.
• Education Programs – Inspire the next generation through school field trips, homeschool days, spring break and summer camps, hands-on activities, and educational outreach.
• Research Library & Collections – Preserve and provide access to thousands of historic photographs, archival documents, and artifacts for researchers, students, and the public.
• Community Events – Celebrate North Idaho's heritage through annual festivals, lectures, member programs, special events, and family activities that bring history to life.

Whether you're a lifelong resident or discovering North Idaho for the first time, the Museum of North Idaho invites you to explore the people, places, and events that have shaped our region—and continue to shape its future.