The Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes crosses Interstate I-90 in Cataldo. The paved, 73-mile route runs between Mullan and Plummer and is open to hiking, cycling, and Nordic activities. When choosing a trip, it helps to distinguish between the total route and a section of it: the section between Cataldo and Kellogg crosses the Coeur d’Alene River several times. These repeated crossings characterize the section mentioned, while the 73 miles describe the entire route between Mullan and Plummer.

Mission, Museum, and Local History

The Mission of the Sacred Heart was built between 1850 and 1853 by Catholic missionaries and members of the Coeur d’Alene Tribe. It is the oldest surviving building in Idaho.

The Parish House was the center of business and social life in Old Mission. Priests used it as a stopover on their way to and from assignments in the mining communities of the Silver Valley. The mission and the Parish House thus represent different aspects of history: the mission tells of its construction period and those involved, while the Parish House reflects social and business life as well as the priests’ journeys.

The Old Mission State Park visitor center houses the Sacred Encounters exhibit in a 5,000-square-foot museum. It features nine areas with exhibits, videos, and music. This combination brings together different media in the museum setting rather than focusing solely on objects. Visitors who prefer exploring history in an exhibit rather than only through buildings will find another way to engage with the subject here.

The Main Cemetery is the final resting place of more than 300 people. Those buried there include members of the Coeur d’Alene Tribe, mission staff, and early settlers. As a distinct point of interest, the cemetery complements the history of the buildings with the stories of the people laid to rest there.

Landscape and Visitor Planning

The grounds of Coeur d’Alene’s Old Mission State Park cover 18 acres surrounding the historic buildings, visitor center, and cemeteries. Elk and other animals visit several marshes and other bodies of water; sightings are not guaranteed. The grounds therefore combine historic buildings and cemeteries with a landscape that also includes bodies of water and wildlife. The park has an ADA-accessible museum and restroom. Since facilities may change, check their current status before your visit.

Pilgrimage to Sacred Heart Mission

The pilgrimage to Sacred Heart Mission covers 50 miles over three days through the wilderness of North Idaho; it begins at Immaculate Conception Church in Post Falls. Hundreds of Catholics from across the United States take part, with prayer, singing, and fellowship. Since this is an organized pilgrimage, check the dates and registration details before traveling. The distances refer to two different kinds of trip: 50 miles describes the pilgrimage, while 73 miles is the total length of the paved trail.

Discover more destinations: Huetter, Hayden Lake, Rathdrum, Worley, Bayview, Post Falls, Hayden, Coeur D’alene

For the broader travel overview: Kootenai County.