Bonner County Historical Society & Museum — Attraction in Sandpoint

This is an excellent museum to learn about the cultural and geological history of Sandpoint, Bonner County, and the northernmost tip of the Idaho panhandle. Admission is super cheap at $4 for adults so you’ll find no less expensive entertainment anywhere. We’ve become somewhat connoisseurs of local museums and this one is among the best we’ve seen. Even though the space is small, the exhibits are well designed, topically arranged, and easy to read and understand. The collections are pretty extensive as well. I especially appreciate how well they handled some socially & historically challenging parts of human behavior during the time periods covered. Instead of sanitizing and whitewashing how people treated one another, this museum acknowledged our past without shame, blame, or condemnation—it was limited to the statements of events. Can’t say enough good things about this place. Everyone needs to...

I've worked in northern Idaho history for nearly 30 years, and to my way of thinking, the Bonner County Historical Museum is unique among the region's many fine community history museums for the way it interprets Bonner County's history with abundant creativity, joy, and interactivity. In fact, a visit to BCHM is as much an artistic experience as a historical one, and the museum’s newest exhibit, “Come What May, We Will Play” continues this tradition. The exhibit, which celebrates the attitude of playfulness that is a hallmark of Bonner County history, is jam-packed with artifacts illustrating how the county’s residents have played as hard as they have worked. A visit to the Bonner County Historical Museum, I guarantee you, will...

It was interesting and there was lots to look at, but after looking for a no photography sign and finding none, I started taking a few photos of signs and exhibits I thought were cool. The manager proceeded to show me a piece of paper taped to the door of a conference room in the side of the building saying no photos at the bottom of the list in very small print and be very upset about it. I was confused and sincerely apologized. It would be easier if the sign was in a more noticable place, I looked for it and couldn't find it. The museum also seemed short staffed and if that's the case it's completely...