About Us

The Museum of North Idaho preserves, protects, and shares the rich history of our region. Through engaging exhibits, educational programs, and community partnerships, we collect and interpret the stories that have shaped life in North Idaho. Our mission is to connect people with the past, foster understanding of our shared heritage, and ensure these stories endure for generations to come.

Coeur d'Alene Hoo Hoo members pose for a photo during the Forest Festival in 1961. Back Row: Carl Krueger, USFS; Clem Pederson, USFS; Walt Berry with Paul Bunyan Ax, Idaho Fish & Game; Bob Cook, USFS. Front row: Doug Edwards, PFI; Kyle Walker, C of C; Dick DeArmand, DeArmand-Joyner Lbr Co.; Larry Gardner, Mayor of Coeur d'Alene; Pat Flammia, Coeur d'Alene Studs.
Coeur d’Alene Hoo Hoo members pose during the 1961 Forest Festival. Back row (left to right): Carl Krueger, U.S. Forest Service; Clem Pederson, U.S. Forest Service; Walt Berry, Idaho Fish & Game, with the Paul Bunyan Ax; Bob Cook, U.S. Forest Service. Front row (left to right): Doug Edwards, Potlatch Forests Inc.; Kyle Walker, Coeur d’Alene Chamber of Commerce; Dick DeArmand, DeArmand-Joyner Lumber Co.; Larry Gardner, Mayor of Coeur d’Alene; Pat Flammia, Coeur d’Alene Studs.

Our History

In the 1960s, the North Idaho Hoo Hoo Club, an organization of loggers, lumbermen and foresters, first entertained the idea of establishing a museum. They incorporated on May 1, 1968 for a museum focusing on the history of the Coeur d’Alene Region (Kootenai, Benewah and part of Shoshone counties).

Through the efforts of volunteers and community support, the Museum opened its doors on the North Idaho College campus on July 28, 1973. In 1979, they remodeled a City-owned building (former Cenex gas station) and operated there until 2024.

The original Museum of North Idaho building was located on the North Idaho College campus in the old Powder Magazine from the early fort days.
The original Museum of North Idaho building was located on the North Idaho College campus in the old Powder Magazine from the early fort days.
Cenex gas station in 1978 before it was remodeled into the Museum of North Idaho.
Cenex gas station in 1978 before it was remodeled into the Museum of North Idaho.
Museum of North Idaho on Northwest Blvd in 1981.
Museum of North Idaho on Northwest Blvd in 1981.

Our Facility

In 2025, the Museum of North Idaho entered its next chapter by moving into its newly renovated home—the historic J.C. White House. Built in 1903 by J.C. White, a prominent businessman who owned most of the steamboats on Lake Coeur d’Alene, the stately house originally stood at 8th and Sherman. More than a century later, when the property was sold in 2019 to make way for condominiums, the house was donated to the Museum to serve as a cultural anchor in downtown Coeur d’Alene.

The Museum relocated the structure to the base of Tubbs Hill, near Coeur d'Alene City Hall and the Coeur d'Alene Public Library, and undertook a $3 million campaign to restore the house, enhance the grounds, and design new exhibits.

Made possible through generous community support, the J.C. White House now reflects years of planning and dedication while opening the doors for growth and ensuring the preservation of local history for generations to come.

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