Old Mission State Park
Idaho’s Oldest Standing Building — A Jesuit Mission Church From 1850 at the Heart of the Silver Valley, State Park Preserving the Mission of the Sacred Heart Built 1850-1853 by Jesuit Missionaries and the Coeur d’Alene Tribe, Oldest Standing Building in Idaho and a National Historic Landmark, Sacred Heart Church With Original Hand-Crafted Interior Woodwork and Painted Ceiling, Historic Parish House Museum With Exhibits on Jesuit and Tribal History, Walking Trails Through the Mission Grounds Along the Coeur d’Alene River, Picnic Areas in the Riverside Setting, Near Cataldo Kootenai County Northern Idaho Silver Valley
Coeur d’Alene’s Old Mission State Park preserves the Mission of the Sacred Heart — the oldest standing building in the state of Idaho — near Cataldo, Kootenai County, northern Idaho, managed by Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation. Built between 1850 and 1853 by Jesuit missionaries and members of the Coeur d’Alene Tribe, the park features the Sacred Heart Mission Church — a National Historic Landmark with original hand-crafted interior woodwork, painted ceiling panels, and an altar constructed without nails using traditional joinery, the historic Parish House museum with exhibits on the Jesuit missionary era and Coeur d’Alene tribal culture, walking trails through the mission grounds along the Coeur d’Alene River, picnic areas in the peaceful riverside setting, and interpretive programs telling the story of the cultural exchange between European missionaries and the indigenous Coeur d’Alene people.
The church interior is astonishing — hand-hewn wooden columns, painted ceiling panels, and a meticulously crafted altar were built without a single nail by tribal members under the guidance of Father Antonio Ravalli. The craftsmanship in this remote Idaho location rivals mission churches in California and the Southwest.
The Mullan Road connection adds another layer — the mission sat along the first military wagon road connecting Fort Benton to Fort Walla Walla, making it a waypoint for travelers, miners, and settlers heading into the Idaho mining districts during the 1860s gold rush.
Things to Do
- Mission church — 1850, oldest in ID
- Museum — Parish House exhibits
- Walking trails — riverside
- Picnicking — mission grounds
- History — Jesuit & tribal
- Photography — handcrafted interior
Park Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Near Cataldo, Kootenai County, ID |
| Built | 1850-1853, NHL |
| Church | Oldest building in Idaho |
| Camping | Not available |
| Managed By | Idaho Parks & Recreation |
| Coordinates | 47.5500° N, 116.4667° W |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the oldest building in Idaho?
The oldest standing building in Idaho is the Mission of the Sacred Heart at Coeur d’Alene’s Old Mission State Park near Cataldo. Built 1850-1853 by Jesuit missionaries and the Coeur d’Alene Tribe without using nails, the National Historic Landmark features original hand-crafted woodwork and painted ceiling panels. The park includes a museum, riverside walking trails, and picnic areas. Managed by Idaho Parks and Recreation.
Last updated: May 2026
