You might automatically assume that the largest towns in the Gem State are the ones with the most historic buildings. It turns out that couldn’t be more wrong! In fact, one of the smallest towns in our state boasts more than 80 buildings that have been placed on the National Register of Historic Places. That’s a whole lot of history packed into a small, relatively unknown town. Visitors of this town are often blown away by the beautiful, decades-old buildings, all of which are well worth checking out. Step back in time to Idaho’s early days and pay this historic town a visit soon.
Located in the far southeast corner of the state, Bear Lake County alone is home to 92 properties that have been placed on the National Register of Historic Places. Out of the entire county, the majority of these structures can be found in one little community: Paris, Idaho.
Located on the western side of Bear Lake Valley, Paris acts at the county seat and is home to just 513 individuals. The community is one of those places that looks to be frozen in time thanks to the dozens of historic buildings that still call it home!
Paris was settled on September 26, 1863 by pioneer settlers from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Despite the town's small size, the community sports all types of impressive buildings.
One of the most impressive is the LDS Bear Lake Stake Tabernacle, a sandstone church that was designed by Joseph Don Carlos and constructed between 1884 and 1889. The temple seats 1,400 people; nearly triple the size of the town itself.
Another notable structure is the Hotel Paris, built in 1916. The design of this building makes it especially unique, as it is a blend between both the Prairie School and bungalow styles. Amazingly, the hotel is still in operation.
Many Paris families live in historic buildings themselves. Of the town's 85 historic structures, the majority of them are homes that once belonged to notable figures in the town's history. The one pictured here is the Frederick Rogers House.
Paris is most definitely a town that is proud of its history. The early days were far from easy. Mormon settlers had to battle harsh winters in this remote corner of the state. However, they persisted...and so did their buildings.
This quiet community may keep to itself, but it's an undeniably fascinating place to visit. After all, visiting this town feels like traveling back in time to Idaho's early days. See for yourself and plan a visit to Paris soon.
