The Idaho Association of Museums invites you to discover Idaho's diverse world of history, culture, and natural science, from A as in arrowheads at the Appaloosa Museum to Z as in zebras in the Boise Zoo.
Wherever you live in Idaho, there are museums, interpretive centers, and heritage sites, many as close as your own neighborhood. These organizations have abundant resources with exhibits, activities, and events for everyone. In fact, Idaho has over 150 local, regional, state museums, historical societies, art galleries, interpretive centers, three zoos, and the World Center for Birds of Prey.
Download the current
Discover Idaho's Museums brochure.
Select a region below or scroll down to view all IAM member museums.
NorthernNorth CentralCentralSouthwesternSouth CentralSoutheasternEasternNorthern RegionATHOLFarragut State Park and the Museum at the Brig13550 E. Highway 54 (83801)
(208) 683-2425, far@idpr.state.id.us
http://parksandrecreation.idaho.gov/parks/farragut.aspx
Open Memorial Day through Labor Day
Once the largest city in Idaho and home to the world’s second largest naval training center ever built, the Museum at the Brig recounts the story of a world at war and Idaho’s role in our country’s defense.
BONNERS FERRYBoundary County Museum7229 Main Street, P.O. Box 808 (83805)
(208) 267-7720, bcmuseum@meadowcrk.com
www.bonnersferrymuseum.org
Open All Year
Edwin Bonner established a ferry crossing in 1864 on the Wild Horse Trail to the gold fields in British Columbia. The museum tells the stories of a wild west frontier town on the banks of the Kootenai River, aboriginal home of the Kootenai people.
COEUR D'ALENEMuseum of North Idaho & Fort Sherman115 Northwest Boulevard, P.O. Box 812 (83816)
(208) 664-3448, dd@museumni.org
www.museumni.org
Open April through October
Includes regional exhibits featuring steamboats, railroads, recreation, the forest service, and Coeur d'Alene Indians.
HARRISONCrane Historical Society201 Coeur d'Alene Avenue, P.O. Box 152 (83833)
(208) 689-3111, berti44@verizon.net
www.cityofharrisonidaho.com
Open Memorial Day through Labor Day
The first house built in Harrison, the museum contains photos, scale models of steam ships, artifacts, and informational literature. The old jail and a display of steam, mill, and woods machinery are housed next to the museum.
KELLOGGCrystal Gold Mine Museum51931 Silver Valley Road, Box 510 (83837)
(208) 783-4653, goldmine_idaho@hotmail.com
www.goldmine-idaho.com
Open All Year
Experience underground fun and adventure in this authentic 1880s underground gold mine. Guided tours are available.
Shoshone County Mining and Smelting Museum820 McKinley Avenue, Box 783 (83837)
(208) 786-4141
www.staffhousemuseum.com
Open May through September
Features the Bunker Hill Mining and Smelting Company and the surrounding Silver Valley. Bunker Hill was one of the oldest and largest mining companies in North Idaho. Rock and mineral displays, mining history, equipment displays, and local history.
MULLANCaptain John Mullan Museum229 Earle Street, P.O. Box 675 (83846)
(208) 744-1155, bottlebuzzard@msn.com
Open June through August
Displays memorabilia and artifacts from Mullan and its surrounding area from 1883 to present.
PIERCEJ. Howard Bradbury Logging Museum103 South Main Street (83546), (mailing- 4022 Woods Road, Weippe, 83553)
(208) 435-4121, inrlmas@orofino-id.com
Open mid-June through mid-October
After the discovery of gold near Pierce in 1860 came another rushmen seeking their fortunes in the timber industry. Exhibits include early horse logging, the log drives on the Clearwater River, an extensive chainsaw collection, and other Pierce area history.
PRIEST LAKEPriest Lake MuseumLocated 1/4 mile north of the intersection of Luby Bay & Lakeshore Roads, P.O. Box 44, Coolin (83821)
(208) 443-2676, priestlakemuseum@gmail.com
Features the local history of the Priest Lake region.
SANDPOINTBonner County Historical Society & Museum611 South Ella Avenue (83864)
(208) 263-2344, bchs@frontier.com
www.bonnercountyhistory.org
Open All Year
Features local history of the Lake Pend Oreille and Priest Lake regions of northern Idaho. Exhibits include Kalispel and Salish style "sturgeon-nosed" canoes, as well as
Canoes For The Journey: David Thompson at Boat Encampment, 1811. Other exhibits tell the story of the communities in Bonner County that relied on timber, mining, and the railroads. The museum archive contains an extensive collection of documents, genealogical records, photographs, and newspapers dating from the late 1800s to the present.
ST. MARIESHughes House Historical Society105 Golf Course Road (83861)
(208) 245-2089, ra14ard@smgazette.com
www.stmarieschamber.org/hhm
Open May through September
Built in 1902, the Hughes log house is now a charming museum full of interesting photos, antiques, and artifacts depicting early St. Maries and northern Idaho.
WALLACEWallace District Mining Museum509 Bank Street, P.O. Box 469 (83873)
(208) 556-1592, director@wallaceminingmuseum.org
www.wallaceminingmuseum.org
Open All Year
Captures the impact of mining history with artifacts and exhibits depicting the hardships, toil, and home life of the period.
North Central RegionCOTTONWOODHistorical Museum at St. Gertrude465 Keuterville Road (83522)
(208) 962-2052, curator@stgertrudes.org
www.historicalmuseumatstgertrude.com
Open All Year
Collections include artifacts relating to the history of north central Idaho including Polly Bemis, Idaho County's most romantic character. Also Asian and European memorial with artifacts dating to the 14th century.
COUNCILCouncil Valley Museum100 South Galena Street, P.O. Box 252 (83612)
(208) 253-4582, dafisk@ctcweb.net
www.councilidaho.net
Open Memorial Day through Labor Day
Artifacts related to the area's history, including mining, the fruit industry, ranching, and pioneer life. Life-like replicas of the area's first sheriff's office and the office of an eccentric woman dentist include items used by the actual people.
GENESEEWhite Spring Ranch Museum1004 Lorang Road (83832)
(208) 416-1006, diana_conroy@hotmail.com
www.whitespringranch.com
Open Sundays and by appointment
LAPWAINez Perce National Historical Park39063 US Highway 95, P.O. Box 1000 (83540)
(208) 843-7001, alyse_cadez@nps.gov
www.nps.gov/nepe
Open All Year
This is a park about a people for all people. The land unites the Nez Perce across time, keeping their culture alive. At the Spalding Site visitor center museum view a movie and exhibits on Nez Perce culture and history.
MOSCOWAppaloosa Museum2720 West Pullman Road (83843)
(208) 882-5578, museum@appaloosa.com
www.appaloosamuseum.org
Open All Year
Features the evolution of the Appaloosa, Idaho's state horse, and its significance in Idaho history.
Latah County Historical Society and McConnell Mansion Museum327 East Second Street (83843)
(208) 882-1004, dcrandall@latah.id.us
http://users.moscow.com/lchs/index.html
Open All Year
The McConnell Mansion, built in 1886, has historic rooms, hands-on artifacts, activities for children, and exhibits on Latah County.
WEIPPEWeippe Hilltop Heritage Museum105 N First Street E, P.O. Box 279 (83553)
(208) 435-4200, hilltopheritage@hotmail.com
Open All Year
Features local history of the region.
WINCHESTERMuseum of Winchester History417 McBeth, P.O. Box 3 (83555)
(208) 924-7920, winchmuseum@connectwireless.us
www.museumofwinchesterhistory.org
Open All Year
Exhibits feature the Tracy Censky Native Plant garden, the story of the mill, the Camas Prairie Railroad, mining, ranching including a milk exhibit, early pioneers, and the unique Lewis and Clark exhibit "Ordway's Search for Salmon."
Central RegionCHALLISNorth Custer Museum1201 Main Street, P.O. Box 776 (83226)
(208) 879-2846, pegparks@custertel.net
Open June through September
Features local history of the region.
CLAYTONClayton Area Historical MuseumOne Ford Street, P.O. Box 1 (83227)
(208) 838-2467, ctkrn@custertel.net
www.claytonidaho.org
Open May through September
Dedicated to preserving the rich mining, logging, and ranching history of the area including a livery stable devoted to early transportation, blacksmithing, wagons of the era, hitching demos, and a store on the National Register of Historic Places.
DONNELLYRoseberry General Store & Museum13131 Farm to Market Road, P.O. Box 660 (83615)
(208) 325-5000, roseberrygeneralstore@frontiernet.net
www.roseberrygeneralstore.com
Open May through December
Step back in time at this restored 1905 General Store featuring exhibits of antique dry goods, toys and veterinary tools. Also shop for old fashioned candy and vintage gifts.
Valley County Museum13131 Farm to Market Road, P.O. Box 444 (83615)
(208) 325-8682, lvps@ctcweb.net
Open May through October
The historic townsite of Roseberry showcases many century old restored buildings, Finnish cabins, Nell Tobias Research Center, and farm and ranch history. In the summer, the town hosts live music and many special events.
HAILEYBlaine County Historical Museum218 North Main Street, P.O. Box 124 (83333)
(208) 788-3497, bcmuseum@mindspring.com
www.bchistoricalmuseum.org
Open Memorial Day through September
Visitors can explore the Wood River Valley's pioneer past, research family histories, and view vignettes of mines, schools, ranches, famous literary personalities, period fashions, and political memorabilia.
KETCHUMKetchum-Sun Valley Historical Society and Heritage and Ski Museum180 First Avenue East, P.O. Box 2746 (83340)
(208) 726-8118, info@ksvhistoricalsociety.org
www.ksvhs.org
Open All Year
Exhibits feature old Ketchum, mining, sheep ranching, archeology, Native Americans, Ernest Hemingway memorabilia, and the history of skiing from the 1880s to today including 10th Mountain Division Olympian Gretchen Fraser.
Sun Valley Center for the Arts191 Fifth Street East, P.O. Box 656 (83353)
(208) 726-9491, sgapp@sunvalleycenter.org
www.sunvalleycenter.org
Open All Year
Gallery exhibits and educational programs with contemporary, historical, nationally and internationally known artists.
SALMONLemhi County Historical Museum210 Main Street (83467)
(208) 756-3342, lemhimuseum@centurytel.net
www.lemhimuseum.org
Open May through October
Features a large collection of Lemhi Shoshone artifacts with exhibits covering the history of the region's mining, ranching, and timber industries, period social displays, and Asian artifacts.
Sacajawea interpretive, Cultural, and Educational Center200 Main Street (83467)
(208) 756-1188, info@sacajaweacenter.org
www.sacajaweacenter.org
Open May through October
Dedicated to honoring and providing education about America's great historical heroine, Sacajawea, an Agai Dika Lemhi Shoshone, and her role in the Corps of Discovery.
Southwestern RegionBOISEBasque Museum and Cultural Center611 Grove Street (83702)
(208) 343-2671, mail@basquemuseum.com
www.basquemuseum.com
Open All Year
From famous explorers and 16th century whalers to local sheepherders, learn about this unique ethnic group with roots in Idaho. Historic Jacobs/Uberuaga House, a pioneer home and boarding house, is adjacent to main building.
Boise Art Museum670 Julia Davis Drive (83702)
(208) 345-8330, info@boiseartmuseum.org
www.boiseartmuseum.org
Open All Year
With a series of exciting new exhibits each year, a permanent art collection, special events, education programs, studio art workshops, and a unique gift store, there is something for everyone at BAM.
Discovery Center of Idaho131 W Myrtle Street (83702)
(208) 343-9895, d.lambuth@scidaho.org
www.scidaho.org
Open All Year
Idaho's only hands-on science museum with over 160 different, interactive exhibits for the entire family to explore, imagine, and discover the world around you.
Idaho Botanical Garden2355 N Penitentiary Road (83712)
(208) 343-8649, info@idahobotanicalgarden.org
www.idahobotanicalgarden.org
Open All Year
A full garden experience, this is a living museum whicfh provides a beautiful setting for its plant collections, education programs, and cultural and community events for all ages.
Idaho Museum of Mining and Geology2455 Old Penitentiary Road (83712)
(208) 368-9876, idahorox@yahoo.com
www.idahomuseum.org
Open April through October
Exhibits and displays on the fascinating geologic history and rich mining heritage of Idaho. Also offers school tours, hillside geology hikes, field trips, and a gift shop. Located on the grounds of the Old Penitentiary.
Idaho State Historical Museum610 North Julia Davis Drive (83702)
(208) 334-2120, jody.ochoa@ishs.idaho.gov
www.idahohistory.net
Open All Year
Presents the story of Idaho from pre-historic to modern times richly illustrated with artifacts from the museum's collections.
Old Idaho Penitentiary State Historic Site2445 Old Penitentiary Road (83712)
(208) 334-2844, rachelle.littau@ishs.idaho.org
Open All Year
Over 13,000 prisoners did time here between 1860 and 1973. View a video presentation and take a self-guided tour through this unique historic site. Exhibits are located throughout the site.
World Center for Birds of Prey5668 W Flying Hawk Lane (83709)
(208) 362-8260, npiccono@peregrinefund.org
www.peregrinefund.org
Open All Year
Explore the amazing world of raptors. Enjoy daily bird presentations, multi-media shows, falconry tours, and interactive exhibits that will captivate all ages.
CALDWELLOrma J. Smith Museum of Natural HistoryThe College of Idaho Boone Science Building
2112 Cleveland Boulevard (83605)
(208) 459-5507, bclark@collegeofidaho.edu
www.collegeofidaho.edu/campus/community/museum
The only natural history museum in southwest Idaho, this is a valuable repository of biodiversity collections from this area and Mexico. A recently added African mammal exhibit is spectacular.
EAGLEEagle Historical Museum67 E State Street (83616)
(208) 939-2669, eaglemuseum@cityofeagle.org
www.cityofeagle.org
Open All Year
Dedicated to exhibiting and preserving the artifacts, photographs, and documents that tell the story of Eagle, a small city that, though not incorporated until 1971, had a major impact on the growth and development of the Treasure Valley.
EMMETTGem County Historical Village Museum501 East First Street (83617)
(208) 365-9530, gemcountymuseum@gmail.com
www.gemcountymuseum.org
Open All Year
This complex of five buildings depicts county heritage, industry, and local Native American artifacts.
IDAHO CITYBoise Basin Museum501 Montgomery Street (83631)
(208) 392-4550, limlost@mindspring.com
Open Memorial Day through Labor Day
Features local history including the 1860s gold rush and an historic village.
MOUNTAIN HOMEMountain Home Historical Society Museum180 South Third East (83647)
(208) 587-6847, nmarshall@mountain-home.us
www.mountain-home.us/museum.htm
Follow the Oregon Trail, stage coach stations, and the Union Pacific/Oregon Short Line railroad through Elmore County. Discover how the village of Mountain Home developed into the city of Mountain Home.
MURPHYOwyhee County Museum & Library17085 Basey Street, P.O. Box 67 (83650)
(208) 495-2319, thomcouch@owyheemuseum.org
www.owyheemuseum.org
Open All Year
Features Owyhee County history including Native American history, fur trade, gold rush, and ranching.
NAMPACanyon County Historical Society1200 Front Street, P.O. Box 595 (83653)
(208) 467-7611, info@canyoncountyhistory.com
www.canyoncountyhistory.com
Open All Year
Features local history including the Union Pacific Railroad and museum shop.
Our Memories Indian Creek Museum1122 Main Street, P.O. Box 595 (83653)
(208) 459-1413, info@canyoncountyhistory.com
www.canyoncountyhistory.com
Open All Year
Features 28 rooms of local history, clothing, toys, office equipment, Victrolas, furniture, appliances, and photographs.
Warhawk Air Museum201 Municipal Drive (83687)
(208) 465-6446, admin@warhawkairmuseum.org
www.warhawkairmuseum.org
Open All Year
The Warhawk Air Museum is located at the Nampa Municipal Airport, Nampa, Idaho. It is a 501©3 museum that represents the American experience of World War I, World War II, and the Cold War Era including the Korean War and Vietnam War. Visitors learn about the personal experiences of men, women, and children who lived through those times and how the advancement in technology had an impact on our society.
NEW MEADOWSAdams County Historical Society
Pacific & Idaho Northern Railroad Depot
P.O. Box 352 (83654)
Features the history of Adams County.
PARMAOld Fort Boise Historical SocietyOld Fort Boise Park-Stockton Road, P.O. Box 942 (83660)
(208) 722-6447
Open June through August
Fort replica of the fur trade era Hudson Bay Company. Exhibits include Native American photographs, farm machinery, a log cabin, a blacksmith, and more.
PAYETTEPayette County Historical Society90S Ninth Street, P.O. Box 696 (83661)
(208) 642-4883, payettemuseum@qwestoffice.net
www.geocities.com/payettehistory
Open All Year
Features local history along with a one-of-a-kind A.M. Paxton 1861 Confederate Civil War cannon and an entire building of original stain glass windows circa 1904.
WEISERSnake River Heritage Center2295 Paddock Avenue, P.O. Box 307 (83672)
(208) 549-0174
Open May 31 through Labor Day
Museum is housed in the H.M. Hooker Memorial Hall, main classroom of the old Intermountain Institute. Exhibits include an alumni room, a schoolroom, a Walter Johnson baseball display, and more.
South Central RegionCAMBRIDGECambridge Museum15 N Superior, P.O. Box 35 (83610)
(208) 257-3485, shansen@ctcweb.net
Open June through August
Features local history, geology, Indians, fur trappers, settlers, towns, railroad, schools, blacksmithing, mining, electricity, lumbering, and photos of northern Washington County as well as a research library by appointment.
FILERTwin Falls County Historical Museum21337-A Highway 30 (83328)
(208) 736-4675, tfcountymuseum@msn.com
Open All Year
Features county history including antique machinery, clothing, and a collection of local objects and photographs.
GOODINGGooding County Historical Society273 Euskadi Lane (Hwy 46 & 26 junction, next to Basque Center), P.O. Box 580 (83330)
(208) 934-5318, gchstoponis@yahoo.com
Open May through September, Friday & Saturday
Features the history of Gooding County.
HAGERMANHagerman Fossil Beds National Monument and Minidoka National Historic Site221 N State Street, P.O. Box 570 (83332)
(208) 837-4793, phil_gensler@nps.gov
www.nps.gov/hafo & www.nps.gov/miin
Open All Year
Hagerman features fossil exhibits including the Hagerman Horse, Idaho state fossil, and visitors are allowed self-guided tours of the monument. Minidoka features exhibits relating to the history of the WWII era Japanese-American Internment Camp in southern Idaho.
JEROMEJerome County Historical Society150 N Lincoln, P.O. Box 50 (83338)
(208) 324-5641, lhelms@northrim.net
www.historicaljeromecounty.com
Open All Year
Features local history and the Hunt Japanese Relocation Center.
TWIN FALLSHerrett Center for Arts & ScienceCollege of Southern Idaho-315 Falls Avenue, P.O. Box 1238 (83303)
(208) 732-6655, herrett@csi.edu
http://herrett.csi.edu
Open All Year
Features archaeological exhibits from Idaho, Central and South America alng with an art gallery, planetarium, and observatory.
Southeastern RegionAMERICAN FALLSPower County Historical Society & Museum500 Pocatello Avenue (83211)
(208) 226-1325, history@dcdi.net
Open Memorial Day through Labor Day
Features artifacts and art exhibits including a large collection of historical photographs pertaining to the building of hte American Falls Dam and hte moving of the town.
BLACKFOOTBingham County Historical Museum190 N Shilling Avenue (83211)
(208) 785-0397
Open May through August
With its rock-walled basement, restored bedrooms, and passageways lined with old pictures and rare artifacts, this museum is set up as a beautiful southern mansion and reflects life here at the turn of the century.
LAVA HOT SPRINGSSouth Bannock County Historical Center110 E Main Street, P.O. Box 387 (83246)
(208) 776-5254, lavamus@dcdi.net
www.lavahotsprings.com/museum.htm
Open All Year
Exhibits include
Trails, Trappers, Trains, and Travelers; Six Communities; and
Indian Hot Pool. Research facility available with photos, documents, and artifacts.
MALAD CITYOneida Pioneer Museum27 Bannock Street, (mailing) 746 N 500 W (83252)
(208) 766-9247
www.maladidaho.org/museum/museum.htm
Open May through September
Housed in a former drug store with the original pressed-tin ceiling and the original safe, this museum features historical artifacts and information recounting the early history of the Malad Valley.
MONTPELIEROregon Trail Center320 N Fourth Street (83254)
(208) 847-3800, info@oregontrailcenter.org
www.oregontrailcenter.org
Open All Year
Offers visitors a unique and entertaining indoor adventure. Simulates an actual wagon train experience of the 1850s re-enacted entirely within the center with historically accurate interpretive areas and live actors.
POCATELLOBannock County Historical Museum300 Alvord Loop, P.O. Box 253 (83201)
(208) 233-0434
Summer Hours - 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, 7 days a week.
Fees include the Fort Hall Replica
$4.00 Adult
$3.00 Senior
$2.00 children
Features Pocatello and Bannock County history, Native Americans, and the railroad.
Don Aslett Museum of Clean711 South 2nd Ave (83201), PO Box 700 (83204)
(208) 232-3535, daslett@museumofclean.com
www.museumofclean.com
Antique displays, art pieces, and interactive exhibits allow participants to experience the history of cleaning and the unique feeling of being clean. Currently 60,000 square feet under renovation.
Fort Hall Replica3002 Alvord Loop, Upper Level Ross Park - P.O. Box 4169 (83201)
(208) 234-6191, llarsen@pocatello.us
www.forthall.net
Open mid-April through September
Enter the 19th Century world of explorers, trappers, fur traders, Native Americans, pioneers, gold seekers, historic figures, and common folk; all of whom visited the place called Fort Hall on the banks of the Snake River in what is now Southeast Idaho.
Idaho Museum of Natural History5th & Dillon Streets-ISU Bldg. #12, (mailing) 921 S 8th Ave. Stop 8096 (83209)
(208) 282-3317, imnh@isu.edu
http://imnh.isu.edu
Open All Year
Exhibits feature ice-age mammals, volcanic hotspots, living off the land, and more. Experience science hands-on in the Discovery Room. Gift shop offers unique gift items including Rite in the Rain waterproof notebooks.
SODA SPRINGSSoda Springs Idaho Historical Museum76 S Main Street (83276)
(208) 547-4980, enders@icsofidaho.com
Open All Year
Museum contains contributions and donations of historical items from the local area. Museum is part of the general operation of the entire Enders Building constructed in 1917 and totally renovated in 2001.
Eastern Region DRIGGSTeton Valley Museum137 N State Highway 33, Box 363 (83422)
(208) 354-6000, tvmuseum@silverstar.com
Open Memorial Day through September
Features local history of the region.
DUBOISHeritage Hall Museum110 South Reynolds, P.O. Box 53 (83423)
Open Memorial Day through Labor Day
Features local history of the region.
IDAHO FALLSCollectors Corner Museum900 John Adams Parkway (83401)
(208) 528-9900
www.idahofallsidaho.net
Open All Year
Over 90 individual collections on display including an exhibit with over 400 Barbie Dolls. Other displays include toys, bears, antiques, coins, military items, tools, stamps, trains, and much more.
Museum of Idaho200 N Eastern Avenue (83402)
(208) 522-1400, kelseysalsbery@museumofidaho.org
www.museumofidaho.org
Open All Year
Idaho's premier national traveling exhibit museum hosting acclaimed exhibitions such as a T. Rex Named Sue, The World of Lewis & Clark, Savage Seas, World of the Pharaohs, and Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition.
Tautphaus Park Zoo2725 Carnival Way, P.O. Box 50220 (83405)
(208) 612-8418, wstewart@idahofallszoo.org
www.idahofallszoo.org
Open April through September
Home to over 300 animals from 6 continents including threatened African Penguins, wallabies, gibbons, and South American birds in the walk-through aviary.
The Art Museum of Eastern Idaho300 S Capital Avenue (83402)
(208) 524-7777, info@theartmuseum.org
www.theartmuseum.org
Open All Year
Southeastern Idaho's only art museum. Located on the greenbelt beside the Snake River, it offers exhibits, events, classes, and performances.
REXBURGTeton Flood Museum51 N Center Street (83440)
(208) 359-3063, kristyg@rexburg.org
www.rexburg.org/play/localattractions/floodmuseum
Open All Year
Focuses on the 1976 flood caused when the Teton Dam burst changing the landscape and the lives of all that lived below, along with the history of the Upper Snake River Valley. Also a children's museum with interactive displays that change monthly.
Upper Snake River Valley Historical Museum51 N Center Street, P.O. Box 244 (83440)
(208) 365-9101, usrvhistsoc@hotmail.com
Open All Year
Features local history of the region.