Old Mission State Park

The Mission of the Sacred Heart is a wooden church built entirely without metal nails, showcasing traditional hand-crafted construction techniques. The building contains original furnishings, painted wooden statues, and other artifacts from the time of its construction.

The church was built between 1850 and 1853 and was the first permanent structure in Idaho. It emerged from the work of Jesuits who established a mission in the Coeur d'Alene region.

The mission reflects a meeting place where French Jesuits and the Coeur d'Alene people worked and lived together for generations. You can see how this shared history shaped the building itself, from the handmade details to the artworks that blend both traditions.

The grounds feature walking paths and interpretive signs that explain the history of the site. Visitors should plan time to explore both the interior of the church and the surrounding landscape.

The interior walls of the church are painted blue using a pigment made from crushed huckleberries. The wooden statues inside were painted and finished to resemble marble surfaces.

Location: Idaho

Inception: 1975

Architects: Antonio Ravalli

Website: https://parksandrecreation.idaho.gov/parks/coeur-d-alenes-old-mission

GPS coordinates: 47.54920,-116.36100

Latest update: December 8, 2025 13:40