Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Central Idaho Historical Museum sits on four acres in the heart of McCall. It consists of seven structures built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1937 for the Southern Idaho Timber Protective Association (SITPA). The log buildings served as a headquarters and were intended to showcase the skills of local Finnish carpenters who supervised it's construction. In 1990 when SITPA moved locations, the State of Idaho deeded the property to the City of McCall. A Board of Directors is responsible for this 501c3, all volunteer,non-profit site.


The Fire Warden's House remains as it was in 1937, a gracious log structure in the style of American Rustic. You step back in time when you enter it's front door.
The machine shop exhibits the 19' fly wheel of the Corliss Steam Engine which powered the McCall mill from 1940 until it's closing in the mid-seventies. On the huge front lawn, the six foot bronze statue of a young man commemorates the CCC's of Idaho. At the edge of the peaceful, meandering Forester's walk stands Sloan Lookout, an aeromotor tower in which fire watchers perched. (Did we mention that the Forester's Walk has picnic tables?) Our parking lot is available for daytime RV parking and our restrooms are ADA approved.
In the main office (former bunkhouse) there is a resource room and gift shop featuring local and regional items. Next door, the Pump House Used Books store, supported by Friends of the McCall Public Library, beckons the visitor in to browse its shelves and discover some hidden gem.


The Museum is open Labor Day to Memorial Day, Wednesdays through Saturdays from 11 - 4 p.m.
Tours of the Warden's House are 1 and 2:30 p.m. with a charge of $3 per adult.