Visit Saint Joseph's Mission

Saint Joseph's Mission is the site where Father Cataldo established the first Roman Catholic mission to serve the Nez Perce people.

This page provides the information you need to plan your visit.

 

Saint Joseph's church is one of the only buildings still standing from the Saint Joseph's Mission.

NPS Photo

Getting to Saint Joseph's Mission

Saint Joseph's Mission is located 6.5 miles southwest of town of Culdesac, ID.

Location:

• Latitude/Longitude:
  46°18'52.56"N 116°42'38.66"W
• Physical address:
  33081 Mission Creek Rd.
  Culdesac, ID. 83524

Driving to Saint Joseph's Mission

• From the Nez Perce National Historical Park Visitor Center in Spalding, ID, head east on US-95 S for 9.7 miles. Turn right onto Mission Creek Road and continue for 4.0 miles. St. Joseph's Mission will be on the left.
• From Route 95 at Culdesac, ID, head west Route 95 North for 2 miles. Turn left onto Mission Creek Road and continue for 4.0 miles. St. Joseph's Mission will be on the left.

Things to Do at Saint Joseph's Mission

Explore the Site

Saint Joseph's Mission is an affiliated site of the Nez Perce National Historical Park and is located on private property. The mission closed in 1958 and most of the buildings are now gone; however, the chapel has been preserved and is still standing today, though no longer in use. The interior of the the chapel is not accessible to the public; however, in front of the building there is an interpretive sign that talks about the mission.

Nearby Amenities

• Saint Joseph's Mission is located approximately 14 miles southeast of the Nez Perce National Historical Park's visitor center where further information is available.
• A historical marker with information about the Lapwai Mission, another park site, is located on the east side of U.S. Highway 95, about 12 miles north of the Saint Joseph Mission.
• A historical marker with information about William Craig's Homestead, another park site, is located on the west side of U.S. Highway 95, about 6 miles north of the Saint Joseph Mission.
• The Idaho Department of Commerce has a trip planning website that will help you locate hotels, campgrounds, restaurants, and other amenities near Saint Joseph's Mission.