These 5 Strange Buildings in Idaho Are Unlike Anything Else Around

Idaho is known for its farmland and natural beauty, not necessarily its architecture. But that doesn’t mean the Gem State is lacking when it comes to buildings that will make you take a second look. In fact, Idaho is known for some unusual, quirky, and downright weird buildings. From unique places to stay to a historic church, the following is what I believe to be some of the strangest buildings in Idaho. Would you agree?

1. Big Idaho Potato Hotel – Boise

One of Idaho's most well-known, unusual-looking buildings is the Big Idaho Potato Hotel. Once a 6-ton potato that traveled around the U.S. on the Idaho Potato Commission’s Big Idaho Potato Tour, it is now a delightful Airbnb just a short drive from downtown Boise. Located on gorgeous farmland and boasting cozy furnishings, this tiny home vacation rental is truly one of the most unique places to stay in Idaho. It’s not every day you can say you slept inside a massive potato.

2. Jack’s Urban Meeting Place (JUMP) – Boise

I remember the first time I saw Jack’s Urban Meeting Place, better known as JUMP. I was truly intrigued by the building. This is a creative activity center in downtown Boise with spaces for classes, meetings, workshops, exhibitions, and more. Here, there is constantly something going on, something to learn, and something to do, regardless of your age. Plus, you’ll find unique features like a five-story tube slide, a three-story outdoor net to climb, a beautiful front lawn, a collection of vintage tractors, and so much more.

3. Schweitzer Castle - Sandpoint

You won't find many castles in Idaho, but Schweitzer Castle’s Château de Melusine, located just a short drive from Schweitzer Mountain Resort in northern Idaho, is truly one of the most remarkable. This unique building is actually an Airbnb that transports you into a storybook world the minute you arrive. The details both inside and out of this property are extraordinary, from a mote you must walk across to the stained-glass windows and spiral staircases. And while you can live out a childhood fantasy in this themed vacation rental, I recommend you explore the town of Sandpoint, or spend a day on the slopes or a nearby hiking trail. There is so much to love in this corner of the state.

4. Mission of the Sacred Heart - Coeur d’Alene Old Mission State Park

The Mission of the Sacred Heart may not look as strange as other buildings on our list, but it certainly has a unique history and is a destination that will make you stare. The Sacred Heart Mission Church was built between 1850 and 1853 by Catholic missionaries and members of the Coeur d’Alene Tribe. Today, it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is the oldest building in Idaho. One fun fact about this unique church is that no nails were used in its construction. Rather, it was built using wooden pegs and stone, along with wattle and dub, which is twigs and wooden strips covered in a mixture of clay, mud, straw, dung, etc. 

5. Johnny Sack Cabin – Island Park

Maybe it’s because of my love for Island Park, but one of my favorite unusual buildings in Idaho is the Johnny Sack Cabin. This piece of history is nestled at Big Springs, just a few miles east of Mack’s Inn. You have to take a short walk if you wish to see the cabin up close, but you can also enjoy the views from a distance. This unique cabin was built by a German cabinet maker named Johnny Sack in the early 1930s. And while there are hundreds of cabins in the Island Park area, this one is unique not only for its age but also for its craftsmanship. Look closely and you’ll notice that bark is still left on much of the lumber around the home. This creates a unique texture and color to the wood.

What do you think of these unique buildings in Idaho? Each one certainly has a story to tell and that’s what we love—connection, community, creativity. What other weird architecture in Idaho deserves to be on this list? Can you think of any buildings? Let me know by filling out this nomination form. I’d love to hear from you.

If you are ready to plan your own Idaho adventure, make sure to use our Only In Your State itinerary planner for your activity, lodging, and restaurant recommendations.