The Museum of North Idaho
Where the Region’s History Comes to Life

Tucked into the heart of Coeur d'Alene, on Young Avenue, the Museum of North Idaho (MONI) has been quietly but powerfully preserving the region’s heritage for nearly six decades. Now, as it prepares to open its doors in the historic JC White House this April, the museum is ready to welcome a new generation of residents and visitors eager to explore the stories that shaped this stunning part of the Inland Northwest.

A Museum with Deep Roots in Community and History

Founded in 1968 through the vision and determination of the North Idaho Hoo Hoo Club—a group of loggers, lumbermen, and foresters—MONI has been a labor of love since its earliest days. What began as a volunteer-driven effort to showcase the rich history of Coeur d'Alene and surrounding counties has grown into a professional, dynamic nonprofit institution housing over 8,000 artifacts, 39,000 photographs, and 7,000+ archival documents.

From fur traders and miners to the Schitsu’umsh (Coeur d’Alene) people, MONI’s collections weave together the diverse and complex narratives of North Idaho. Whether you’re a local hoping to connect with your roots, or a visitor curious about the people and industries that shaped this region—from the lumber trade to steamboats that once traversed Lake Coeur d’Alene—there’s something here for everyone.

Programs that Bring History to Life

But MONI isn’t just a place to look at history—it’s a place to experience it. Throughout the year, MONI offers walking tours, monthly history lectures, antiques appraisal days, and cemetery tours, among other creative programs. These engaging events connect the community to its past in interactive ways, sparking curiosity and conversation.

“It’s about more than artifacts on a shelf,” says the Museum’s dedicated team of four staff and an 12-member board. “It’s about creating a sense of place—about helping people see themselves as part of North Idaho’s continuing story.”

Looking Ahead: A Vision for Growth

With the first phase of the JC White House renovation nearly complete, MONI is already looking to the future. Plans are underway to build a 5,000 square foot underground expansion, designed to house state-of-the-art exhibits and archival storage. This addition will not only enhance MONI’s ability to care for its growing collections but will also create immersive exhibit experiences that tell the diverse stories of the Coeur d'Alene Region's past.

As a hub for education, community dialogue, and cultural celebration, MONI hopes to continue growing as a vital resource for North Idaho residents—and for the 60% of its visitors who come from afar to understand this beautiful region’s heritage.

Visit, Learn, and Be Inspired

Whether you’re a lifelong local or a curious traveler, a stop at the Museum of North Idaho offers a window into the past that informs the present—and inspires the future. With its new home and ever-expanding vision, MONI stands as a beacon of the community’s enduring spirit.

To learn more, plan your visit, or support the Museum’s exciting next chapter, visit museumni.org or connect with them on Facebook and Instagram.

📍 Location: 720 Young Avenue, Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, 83814
📞 Phone: 208-664-3448
🗓️ Grand Opening of the New Museum of North Idaho: April 18, 2025

✨ Preserving and Illuminating Our Past to Inspire Our Future — a mission that is now more vibrant and accessible than ever.  

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