Old Mission State Park
🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆 Idaho — The oldest building still standing in Idaho — the Cataldo Mission (1850-1853) was built by Coeur d’Alene tribal members and Jesuit missionaries using wattle and daub, with no nails! Father Anthony Ravalli designed the Greek Revival church, and tribal members carved the interior decorations by hand.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Location | Idaho |
About Old Mission
Old Mission State Park in Kootenai County preserves the Cataldo Mission — built in 1850-53 by Coeur d’Alene Indians under Father Ravalli’s direction, it is the oldest standing building in Idaho. The mission’s architecture is remarkable: built entirely without nails using traditional wattle-and-daub and wooden peg construction, with interior murals created using local plants and minerals. The Greek Revival facade was designed from a single architectural book.
Things to Do
Touring Idaho’s oldest building (1850), viewing the original interior murals, attending summer interpretive programs, hiking, picnicking, and connecting with the Coeur d’Alene Indian heritage of northern Idaho.
Plan Your Visit
The mission church is open for tours Wednesday through Monday. The interior murals — created with local plants, minerals, and animal blood — have been carefully restored. The adjacent cemetery contains 19th-century Coeur d’Alene graves. The Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes (73-mile paved bike trail) passes nearby. Coeur d’Alene Lake (30 minutes) is a major resort destination. Wallace (20 minutes east) preserves Silver Valley mining heritage. Free admission.
Insider Tips
Oldest building: The Cataldo Mission (1850-1853) is the oldest standing building in Idaho — built by Coeur d’Alene Indians under Jesuit Father Antonio Ravalli’s guidance. Pro tip: The mission was built without nails — using wooden pegs, wattle-and-daub, and hand-whittled timbers. Coeur d’Alene: The name means “heart of an awl” — French traders’ description of the tribe’s sharp trading skills.
Best Time to Visit
Summer: Full tours and events. Fall: Idaho foliage. Spring: Wildflowers. Year-round: Building accessible.
Frequently Asked Questions
How was the mission built without nails?
Father Ravalli designed the mission using European architectural principles adapted to available materials. The Coeur d’Alene workers shaped massive timbers with hand tools, joined them with wooden pegs, and filled walls with wattle-and-daub (woven sticks covered with mud plaster). The walls are 18 inches thick. The building has survived 170+ years, earthquakes, and harsh Idaho winters — a testament to skilled craftsmanship using entirely local materials.
