Historical Village

The Historical Village in Eureka provides a window on the Tobacco Valley’s past, featuring a museum and many of the original buildings of the area, including the old church, a store from old Rexford, a library, a school, a Great Northern caboose, original log homesteads, a Forest Service cabin and lookout tower. Some of the structures date as far back as 1890.

The village was established in 1971. The Tobacco Valley Improvement Association's Board of History has relocated additional buildings and memorabilia since then, creating a section of town which is a treat to visit. Take a stroll through this piece of history to learn how the area was settled, how the Kootenai Indians and others moved through the valley, and how the town grew to become present-day Eureka.

The buildings, situated on five acres along the Tobacco River at the south end of town, are open for viewing seven afternoons a week from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Visitors are allowed to take a self-guided tour through the village.

The grounds also include horseshoe pits, and grassy spots for a picnic, as well as picnic tables. A new logging exhibit was added in the spring of 2004.

Admission is free. Donations accepted.

The Village is also home to the Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center.

Chamber Director Randy McIntyre and a staff of volunteers man the facility Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. from Memorial Day to Labor Day, Saturdays 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. During the winter, the hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

An information kiosk with area fliers, phone books, event lists and real estate information is accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week at the center.

The Chamber sponsors many events during the year. During the summer months, a farmer’s market showcases anything from food to arts and crafts, flowers, and seasonal produce in the parking lot of the Visitor’s Center. The market is held on Saturday mornings from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. from May through September.

A Parade of Lights, Santa Claus visit, and annual community Christmas tree lighting are sponsored by the chamber on the first Friday in December. On the following Saturday, there is a “Christmas Cup,” in which businesses compete for the most festive decorations and vendors can be seen selling hot cocoa up and down main street.

The Chamber also sponsors an annual golf tournament at John’s Golf Course. The tournament is open to everyone, and will be held June 28 this year.

Oct. 3 and 4 mark the Home Business Expo, also sponsored by the Chamber. This is held in the main fairground building, is open to the public, and highlights home businesses in the Tobacco Valley area.
For further information, the Chamber of Commerce Visitor’s Center may be reached at 889-4636.