Summary
The park is home to the oldest building in Idaho, the Sacred Heart Mission, which was built by Catholic missionaries in the mid-1800s. Visitors to the park can enjoy guided tours of the mission, explore the surrounding gardens and hiking trails, and view exhibits on the history of the area.
In addition to the mission, the park also boasts breathtaking views of Lake Coeur d'Alene, which is a popular spot for boating, fishing, and swimming. Visitors can also take a boat tour of the lake to learn more about its history and wildlife.
Interesting facts about the park include that it was once a hub for mining and logging, and served as a vital transportation link for the region. Today, the park is a testament to the area's rich history and natural beauty, and attracts visitors from around the world.
The best time of year to visit the park depends on personal preference, as the area offers different activities and experiences throughout the year. Summer is a popular time due to the warm weather and opportunities for water sports, while fall offers stunning foliage and hiking trails. Winter brings snow sports like skiing and snowshoeing, while spring offers pleasant temperatures and wildflower blooms.
Overall, Coeur D'Alene's Old Mission State Park is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in history, nature, and outdoor activities. With its rich history, stunning views, and diverse activities, the park offers something for everyone.
Weather Forecast
Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
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Bumblebee
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Bumblebee Campground
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Kilarney Lake
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Popcorn Island
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Sheep Springs
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