You never know what you’ll find when you delve off the beaten road here in the Gem State. For example, did you know that there is a beautiful monastery hiding in small town Idaho? This place is simply magical and you’ll definitely want to visit. The monastery welcomes visitors with open arms and even has gone as far as providing a cozy inn for people to stay at. Surrounded by endless beauty, this would be the perfect place to spend a day or two.
Hiding within the Camas Prairie near the small town of Cottonwood is the Monastery of St. Gertrude. This place is a true hidden gem. Even Idaho locals are surprised to find that this beautiful place exists.
The historic Monastery is home to the lovely community known as the Benedictine Sisters of Idaho. Hiding within a breathtaking prairie landscape and surrounded by beautiful forest and wildflowers, you really couldn't ask for a more scenic setting.
The monastery welcomes visitors who wish to take a look at their Welcome Center, Museum, or simply wander the Monastery's grounds. People are also welcome to join morning prayer, mass, and evening prayer in their gorgeous chapel.
You might be surprised to know that the sisters have had roots in Cottonwood for over 110 years. Their beginnings are actually rooted in Switzerland and they officially moved to Idaho in the early 20th century. Their community has grown beautifully since then, and right under our noses nonetheless.
This place is incredibly tranquil and it's the perfect place to unplug for the weekend and take a load off. They even offer an inn for visitors to stay at. Enjoy a cozy room in a picture-perfect setting and wake up to a lovely meal of Monastery-made jam and bread.
If you're looking to pass some time, look no further than the Historical Museum at St. Gertrude. The museum is extremely fascinating and contains all sorts of artifacts and relics from the Monastery's early days.
The museum's mission is to preserve the rich heritage of St. Gertrude, the Camas Prairie, the Snake River, and the Salmon River region. You'll observe extraordinary exhibits which include the stories of Benedictine sisters and the Nez Perce people, for example.
You could spend hours strolling around the prairie and taking in the sights. Located at the top of a hill that overlooks the Monastery is a beautiful old cemetery that exudes tranquility.
One of St. Gertrude's most notable events is the annual Raspberry Festival that takes place here every summer. The one-day event features fun for the whole family and lots of delicious food. The event acts as a benefit for the Monastery's museum and takes place this year on August 5th.
Have you ever considered visiting a monastery before? It sure does make for a unique experience that you'll never forget. The next time you find yourself craving some peace and quiet in a beautiful setting, give the Monastery of St. Gertrude a visit.
