Historical Museum Guide for Idaho

Idaho History Museums

Idaho State Museums

Idaho State Historical Museum

Known as Idaho's largest museum, it is the place to learn about the rich past of Idaho from prehistoric times through the famed gold rush, early pioneer settlement, and to present day.

Located inside Julia Davis Park at 610 North Julia Davis Drive in Boise, ID.

Ada County

The Basque Museum and Cultural Center

The museum is focused on the heritage of the Basque immigrants from the Spanish Basque Region who settled in Boise, Idaho.  The Center provides an active central location for maintaining the Basque culture in the United States.  The facilities include the Cyrus Jacobs-Uberuga House which is next door to the primary museum buildings.  Built in 1864, the Cyrus Jacobs-Uberuga House is the oldest surviving brick structure in the city of Boise, Idaho.  Located at 611 Grove Street in Boise, ID.

Fort Boise Replica

Hudson Bay's Thomas McKay built a fort on the east bank of the Snake River in 1834.  For 10 years Fort Boise was a safe haven for travelers of the Oregon Trail but the original adobe buildings were washed away in an 1853 flood.  Today, a replica of Fort Boise has been erected in Parma along with a museum about the Fort and it's significance in settlement of the area.  An authentic pioneer cabin is located on the grounds along with an RV park, picnic area and a campground near the park.  Located at 305 N. 3rd in Parma, ID.

Idaho Black History Museum

Dedicated to the Black peoples in Idaho history starting as early as William Clark's slave "York".  Housed in the old St. Paul's Baptist Church in Julia Davis Park.

508 Julia Davis Drive

Boise, ID 83702

Idaho Military History Museum

Focused on the military history of Idaho, the museum features exhibits related to the impact of war and military history on the people of Idaho.  Located at 4748 Lindbergh Street, Building 924 in Boise, ID.

Idaho Museum of Mining and Geology

The museum is focused on the mining heritage and rich geologic history of Idaho. Located next to the Old Penitentiary in Idaho's Historical District at 2455 Old Penitentiary Rd. in Boise, ID.

Idaho State Archives

Housed in the Idaho History Center, the Idaho State Archives holds an enormous collection of photos, manuscripts, maps and records which pertain to the history of Idaho. The research facility welcomes and provides staff help to researchers.  Located at 2205 Old Penitentiary Road in Boise, ID.

Idaho State Historical Museum

Known as Idaho's largest museum, it is the place to learn about the rich past of Idaho from prehistoric times through the famed gold rush, early pioneer settlement, and to present day.

Located inside Julia Davis Park at 610 North Julia Davis Drive in Boise, ID.

Old Idaho Penitentiary

[Idaho State Penitentiary Inmate Files Index 1900-1975]

The penitentiary was first established in 1870 and through the labor of it's inmates, stone was quarried, as it grew into a large complex of buildings surrounded by a high sandstone wall.  The prison was closed in 1973 and inmates moved to a new prison facility.  Located at 2445 Old Penitentiary Road in Boise, ID.

Adams County

The museum is focused on the history of Adams County and the Council area.  Located at 100 S. Galena St. in Council, ID.

Bannock County

Bannock County Historical Museum

Bannock County Historical Museum on FaceBook

Operated by the Bannock County Historical Society, the museum features exhibits about Pocatello's early railroad history and Shoshone-Bannock Indian beadwork and baskets.  Visitors will see the Fort Hall replica and many other exhibits related to the history of Pocatello and the Bannock County area.  Located at 3000 Alvord Loop in Pocatello, ID.

Fort Hall Replica

[Fort Hall History]

Step into days gone by where you will find explorers, trappers, fur traders, pioneers, Native Americans, historic figures, and common folk at the place which was once considered the Gateway to the Pacific Northwest.  The original Fort hall was begun on July 18, 1834 as a trading post by Nathaniel Jarvis Wyeth. The log trading post was completed on August 4th, 1834. The replica recreates life in the old trading post and relates the history of Pocatello and Southeast Idaho during one of the most thrilling time periods in American history.  Located at 3002 Alvord Loop, Upper Level Ross Park in Pocatello, ID.

Idaho Museum of Natural History

South Bannock County Historical Center Museum

[Poha-Ba, Land of Healing Water History]

Visitors to the South Bannock County Historical Center Museum will learn about the history of Lava Hot Springs known by the Native American peoples as Poha-Ba, Land of Healing Water.  The museum chronicles the evolvement of Lava Hot Springs from the Native American people, to the traders and trappers who came to the area and later when the railroad brought tourists.  Exhibits include photos, a digital theater, histories, local artifacts and items related to the history of the area.  Located at 110 East Main in Lava Hot Springs, ID.

Bear Lake County

Providing visitors the opportunity to step back in time to the days when people travelled the Oregon Trail.  Take a simulated wagon ride adventure along the old Oregon trail.  Learn what the pioneers experienced in their long arduous journey.  Other features of the center include the Rails and Trails Museum, the Allinger Community Theatre, Oregon Trail Art exhibits, a trading post gift shop and exhibits related to the history of the Bear Lake Valley.  Located at the junction of scenic highways 89 and 30 in Montpelier, ID.

Benowah County

Built in 1902, The Hughes log house was used for a men's club and doctors office before being purchased by Raleigh Hughes in 1926.  He restored the house, added to it, and made a home for his family.  The log house remained in the Hughes family until 1989 at which time it was purchased by the Centennial Committee and opened in 1990 as the Hughes House Historical Museum.  The museum is filled with antiques, photos and artifacts related to the history of early St. Maries and Northern Idaho.  Located at 538 Main Avenue in St. Maries, ID.

Bingham County

Bingham County Historical Museum

Housed inside the 1905 mansion built of lava rock and painted lumber by John G. and May Brown, the museum opened in 1974 to the public.  Today the home has been renovated and restored.  It is filled with old pictures and rare artifacts.  It depicts what life was like among the prominent citizens of Blackfoot at the turn of the century.  Located at 190 North Shilling Avenue in Blackfoot, ID.

Idaho Potato Museum & Gift Shop

Showcasing the potatoes that Idaho is famous for, the museum leads you through the history of the potato and the revolution of the potato industry. Learn everything you wanted to know about potatoes!  Located at 130 NW Main Street in Blackfoot, ID.

Shoshone / Bannock Tribal Museum   [Shoshone Tribe History]

Delve into the history of these Native Idaho Indian Tribes.  The museum offers photos, displays, and exhibits depicting how the Shoshone-Bannock people lived.  Authentic arts and crafts made by members of the Tribe may be purchased.  Located on Simplot Road in Fort Hall, ID.

Blaine County

Blaine County Historical Museum

[Photos & Exhibits]  [Virtual Tour]

Housed in an adobe building constructed in 1883, the museum features exhibits designed to relay the history and culture of the early inhabitants and pioneers of the Wood River Valley of Idaho.  Location is 218 N. Main Street in Hailey, ID.

Ketchum - Sun Valley Historical Society

Heritage & Ski Museum

[History]  [Exhibits]  [Old Photos]

[Heritage & Ski Museum on FaceBook]

Operated by the Sun Valley Historical Society, there are two museum buildings devoted to the preservation and interpretation of the history and heritage of the Ketchum / Sun Valley region.  The museum features exhibits about early skiing, the Northern Shoshone People, the Tukedeka, mining, railroad, sheep ranching and the US military in Idaho during WWI & WWII.  Located at the corner of Washington Avenue and 1st Street in Ketchum, ID.

Boise County

Boise Basin Museum

Featuring exhibits about the gold rush of the 1860s, the museum relates the history of the Boise Basin and is surrounded by a 19th century village.  Located at 503 Montgomery Street in Idaho City, ID.

Bonner County

Focused on the history of the Bonner County area, the museum features historical artifacts and memorabilia.  The research library houses early photographs and documents.  Located inside Lakeview Park at 611 S. Ella Avenue in Sandpoint, ID.

Priest Lake Museum

Housed inside the 1930s Luby Bay cabin, the Priest Lake Museum features historical exhibits and videos related to the history of the area. Visitors will learn about the Native Americans of this area, hear first hand accounts of pioneers who settled here and view photos, exhibits and artifacts related to the history of Priest Lake.  Located at 38 Priest Lake Museum Road in Priest Lake, ID.

Priest River Museum and Timber Education Center

Housed inside the historic 1895 Henry Keyser House, the Priest River Museum and Timber Education Center features exhibits related to the early history of the Priest River area, Keyser family memorabilia,  and much information about the timber and logging industry in Priest River.  Located at 301 Montgomery Street in Priest River, ID.

Bonneville County

Collectors Corner Museum

Collectors Corner Museum on FaceBook

The museum features over 100 collections on exhibit.  Dolls, trains, bears, coins, stamps, antiques and military memorabilia are on display.  Located at 900 John Adams Parkway in Idaho Falls, ID.

The Museum of Idaho

[Idaho Falls Local History]

Housed inside the former 1916 Andrew Carnegie Library building which has now been joined with the adjacent Masonic Temple making it the largest museum in Idaho.  The museum is operated by the Bonneville County Historical Society.  The Museum of Idaho is focused on the preservation and the showcasing of the sciences, the humanities, and the natural and cultural history of Idaho.  Exhibits include Secrets of the Cave, Eagle Rock, Atomic Power, History of Idaho Falls and Bonneville County and Lewis & Clark in Idaho.  Located at 200 N. Eastern Avenue in Idaho Falls, ID.

Boundary County

Operated by the Boundary County Historical Society, the museum focuses on the history of Bonners Ferry and the surrounding area.  Historical photos and artifacts depict the history of Bonners Ferry and of the Kootenai people who called the area home before Bonners Ferry became a town. Located in the historic downtown business district at 7229 Main Street in Bonners Ferry, ID.

Butte County

[Video Gallery]

In 1951, the first electricity generated from nuclear energy was produced at this site.  Today, this National Historic Site is open to the public.  Visitors will see four nuclear reactors and learn how they work.  Located at Idaho National Nuclear Laboratory on US Highway 20/26 between Idaho Falls and Arco, ID.

Canyon County Historical Museum

The Canyon County Historical Society features two museums which are focused on the history of Canyon County and features exhibits, displays and artifacts related to the rich history of the area. 

• Nampa Train Depot Museum is the original train depot and offers historical items from the past of Canyon County along with memorabilia from the Union Pacific Railroad.  Located in downtown Nampa, ID.

• Our Memories Indian Creek Museum located at 1122 E. Main Street in Caldwell, ID.

Warhawk Air Museum

[Virtual Tour]  [Airplanes]

The mission of the Warhawk Air Museum is to teach and preserve America's wartime history and aviation history from the advent of flight through the space age.  Visitors may take a self guided tour or arrange a docent guided tour by calling in advance.  The museum features over 20,000 square feet of exhibits and airplanes.  Located at 201 Municipal Drive in Nampa, ID.

[Historical Buildings]  [Photo Gallery]

Frozen in time, the Chesterfield Townsite is on the National Register of Historic Places. Founded by Mormon pioneers in 1880 along the Old Oregon Trail, the town is now unoccupied but many of the buildings in this historical community have been restored.  Visitors will be taken back to another day in time.  Historical buildings include the "Greek Revival" Meetinghouse, an 1895 amusement hall, Barlow House, Barlow Log Store, a Tithing Office, a tithing granary, the 1896 Tolman / Loveland House, the Anson Loveland / Simons House, the Denmark Jensen House (a saltbox cabin built in 1884), a liver stable, a blacksmith shop and several other cabins, houses and log buildings. Many restorations are still in progress. Tours of the townsite are offered and rental for events are possible.  Located at Chesterfield, ID.

[Cassia County History]

The main museum building holds displays of early life in Cassia County and artifacts related to it's rich heritage.  Three log buildings are on the property which depict a home, schoolhouse and general store.  Another large building houses a large collection of farm machinery, a covered wagon and handcart.  Located at the corner of Hiland and Main Streets in Burley, ID.

Oakley Valley Historical Museum

Oakley is a town founded in 1878 by Mormons and ranchers.  List on the National Register of Historic Places, the area is know for the collection of old stone and brick buildings dating back to 1883.  The Oakley Valley Historical Museum is focused on the history of Oakley and the surrounding area near the City of Rocks.  Located at 140 West Main Street in Oakley, ID.

Historical Sites on National Register

Clark County Historical Photographs

Clearwater County

Clearwater Historical Museum  [County History]

The museum collections focus on the heritage and history of Clearwater County and surrounding areas. Visitors will find a large collection of artifacts related to the Nez Perce People, the Lewis and Clark Expedition, gold mining, logging and early homesteading and farming.  Located at 315 College Avenue in Orofino, ID.

J. Howard Bradbury Logging Memorial Museum

J. Howard Bradbury Logging Memorial Museum on FaceBook

Located on Main Street in Pierce, the museum's primary focus is on the history of the Pierce and Headquarters logging, gold mining, and the CCC involvement.  Found nearby is the 1862 Shoshone County Courthouse.

Pierce Courthouse

Constructed in 1862, this old courthouse is still standing today as a reminder of the past when gold seekers poured into the Nez Perce country.  Exhibits inside the old courthouse provide history of the area's mining history.   Located one block off Main Street in Pierce, ID.

Weippe Discovery Center

This interesting museum features a Visitor Center with hand painted murals around the outside of the building depicting the story of Lewis & Clark and their time spent in Idaho.  Outside on the trails, visitors will find plantings of plants noted in the journals of Lewis & Clark.  More murals tell the story of the founding of Weippe and it's history to present day.  Inside the building is a public library where the staff can give visitors helpful information about the sites on the Lewis & Clark Trail.  The basement holds Nez Perce artifacts and exhibits about the history of Weippe and the meeting of Lewis & Clark with the Nez Perce Indians.  Located at 204 Wood Street on HWY 11 in Weippe, ID.

Custer County

The Idaho Mining and Smelter Company Store Museum

[Photo Gallery]  [History]

Built in 1880, the Company Store is the oldest surviving structure in Clayton, Idaho.  Today, the Clayton Area Historical Association operates a museum inside the historic building.  Located at 2 Ford Street in Clayton, ID.

Lost River Museum

Housed inside the historical 1902 Methodist Church, the museum is operated by the South Custer County Historical Society.  The primary focus of the museum is the collection and preservation of historical artifacts, printed materials, documents, photos and items related to the heritage of the South Custer County, Idaho area.  Museum collections include farming and ranching artifacts, mining exhibits from "Mine Hill", railroad memorabilia, newspaper presses and the print shop equipment from the Mackay Miner Newspaper and many items from the early settlers of Mackay.  Located next door to the library at 312 Capitol Street in Mackay, ID. 

Stanley Museum

The Stanley Museum features exhibits and artifacts related to the history of Stanley and the Sawtooth and Salmon River country.  The museum is inside an old forest service ranger station located on Satte Highway 75 in Lower Stanley, ID.

Yankee Fork Historic Mining Area   [Photos]

Pan for gold, see the Yankee Fork Gold Dredge and learn about the mining history of Idaho. Of interest are the ghost towns nearby of Bonanza, Custer and Bayhorse. Located in Challis, ID

Elmore County

Glenns Ferry Museum is housed inside a historical schoolhouse which was built from locally quarried sandstone blocks.  Hauled in wagons and on a barge from across the Snake River, the blocks were used to build the schoolhouse which served the community from 1909 to 1965.  Placed on the National Historical Register in 1987, the school building was purchased by the City of Glenns Ferry and used as a museum.  Collections are focused on the history, development and lifestyle of the people of Glenns Ferry, Hammett and the King Hill area. The museum will be adding an art collection during the summer months.  Located at 161 W. Cleveland Avenue in Glenns Ferry, ID.

Mountain Home Historical Museum

The Mountain Home Historical Museum is housed inside what was once home to the 1908 Carnegie Public Library.  Holdings include artifacts about mining, agriculture, railroading and the Basque, Chinese and Native American cultural heritage of the Mountain Home community.  Located at 180 S. 3rd E in Mountain Home, ID.

The Three Island History and Education Center is located at Three Island Crossing State Park , a historic site where Oregon trail pioneers crossed the Snake River and untold numbers lost their lives in this treacherous crossing.  Re-enactments of crossings are performed yearly in August.

Franklin Historic Area   [History of Franklin]

Mormon pioneers accidentally settled in what would become the town of Franklin, Idaho in the spring of 1860. It wasn't discovered until 1872, these folks had settled one mile across the border from Utah into Idaho.  The site became the Town of Franklin, Idaho. Historical buildings at the site include:

• The Hatch House - built in 1872. Open seasonally.

• The Doney Home - rock house built in 1864. Moved from it's original location.

• Relic Hall - A rustic log hall built in 1936-37 and maintained by the Idaho State Historical Society. Open seasonally.

• Franklin Cooperative Mercantile Building - holds Mormon history of the area. Open periodically, mostly by appointment.

Gem County

Gem County Historical Society and Village Museum

[Photos]

Devoted to the early history of Emmett, Idaho, the museum which was started in 1972, has grown into a "Village" which features several historical buildings.  They include the Little Red Schoolhouse, the Hunt Memorial House, a Blacksmith Shop and Bunkhouse.  Located at 501 E. First Street in Emmett, ID.

Gooding County Historical Museum

This growing museum is planning on becoming the paper repository for the entire area for people interested in family history, genealogy and county history.  Building in progress. The museum is currently closed to the public as of November 2011.

Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument

In 1929, excavation of the Hagerman Valley area uncovered unusual horse fossils which became known as Hagerman Horses.  To date, 30 complete horse fossils and portions of many more have been uncovered.  Ranger-guided tours are offered seasonally but visitors must make reservations.  A Visitor Center provides exhibits and information about the fossil beds.  The National Park Service Visitor Center is located on Route 30 in Hagerman, ID across from the high school.

Hagerman Valley Historical Society Museum

The Hagerman Valley Historical Museum is housed inside what was originally the 1909 Hagerman Bank of Idaho building. The building later served as the city's post office for almost 50 years before being acquired by the Hagerman Valley Historical Society.  Exhibits in the museum covers history of the Hagerman Valley from prehistoric times to the settlement of pioneers.  Collections include a fully formed replica of the Hagerman Horse, whose fossils were found at the site of Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument.  Other exhibits include Native American artifacts, information about early explorers and settlement by pioneers through artifacts such as mining items, railroad memorabilia and agricultural tools. Family History Researchers will also find family histories and other research materials for the area in the Archive Research Room.  Located at 100 South State Street in Hagerman, ID.

Idaho County

Grangeville Bicentennial Historical Museum

Focus is on the local history of Grangeville and surrounding area.  Located at 305 North College in Grangeville, ID.

The Historical Museum at St. Gertrude

[History]

Housed inside the century-old Monastery of St. Gertrude, the museum holds artifacts related to the history of north central Idaho.  Exhibits include the story of the Benedictine Sisters, the Nez Perce People, Polly Bemis and Buckskin Bill. The Historical Museum at St. Gertrude is also home to the Rhoades Emmanuel Memorial Gallery which features rare Asian and European artifacts dating back to the 14th century. Located at 465 Keuterville Road in Cottonwood, ID.

Lochsa Historical Ranger Station Museum

Take a step back in time when you visit this old ranger station.  The log building was built in the 1920s and 30s.  It has been restored and holds period furnishings.  Located on Highway 12 East of Lewiston, ID.

Tolo Lake Mammoths

Learn about the discovery of mammoth bones in Tolo lake near Grangeville. A replica of the mammoth remains can be viewed at Eimers Park in Grangeville, Idaho. A visitors center educates will educate you on where and how the remains were discovered in Lake Tolo.  Located on Highway 95 at Pine in Grangeville, ID.

Jefferson County

Farnsworth TV & Pioneer Museum

The museum has over 14,000 square feet of exhibitions.  Early Pioneer history and artifacts are featured along with exhibits about local inventors including Philo T. Farnsworth, the inventor of television.  Visitors will see the first television tube, Indian artifacts and local pioneer memorabilia.  Located at 118 W. 1st S. in Rigby ID.

Jerome County

Idaho Farm & Ranch Museum

This new project of the Jerome County Historical Society is being developed to preserve the agricultural history of South Central Idaho.  Live History Day is held on some Saturdays during the summer months.  Special tours are available by appointment.  Call 208-324-5641 to schedule an appointment.  Located Northeast of the I-84 / Highway 93 Junction.

Jerome County Historical Museum   [Photos]

The museum features displays which tell the story about the development of the North Side Irrigation Project, one of the most successful Carey Irrigation Act projects in the nation.  Collections of local artifacts related to the history of the townspeople and the Minidoka Relocation Center at Hunt are also featured.  Visitors will discover a large research library filled with photos, documents and newspapers. Located at 212 East First Street in Jerome, ID.

Kootenai County

Coeur d'Alene's Old Mission State Park   [Photos] 

The Mission of Sacred Heart (also known as Cataldo Mission) is the oldest surviving building in Idaho.  Built between 1848 and 1853 by Catholic missionaries and the Coeur d'Alene Tribe, the building was built without nails with walls measuring one foot in thickness.  The visitors center offers a walking video tour tape.  Located one mile east of Cataldo, ID.

Crane House Historical Museum

Operated by the Crane Historical Society, the museum features historical artifacts and information related to the history of Harrison and the surrounding area.  The old 1920 jail was moved to the site of Crane House and is open whenever the Museum is open. There are over 20 historical structures built after the fire of 1917 in Harrison.  A walking tour map is available from the Crane House Historical Museum or at the Harrison Building across from the park.  The Crane House Museum is located on Main Street in Harrison, ID.

Fort Sherman Museum  

The Fort Sherman Museum is closed for renovations. Located on the North Idaho College Campus.

Fort Sherman Chapel

The Fort Sherman Chapel was built by the US Army in 1880.  It has been preserved and repaired.  This lovely little chapel is available for weddings and events. Located at 322 Hubbard in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho.

Museum of North Idaho 

Learn about the history and culture of the peoples who lived in the Coeur d'Alene region of Idaho.  The museum features interactive exhibits where visitors will discover more about the recreation, industry, natural disasters and the Coeur d'Alene Indians.  Located at 115 Northwest Blvd. in Coeur d'Alene, ID.

Pappy Boyington Field Museum, Inc.

[Museum Brochure]

The non-profit Pappy Boyington Field Museum Inc. was started to preserve the artifacts and stories of veterans that live in our region to teach future generations about the sacrifices made for our freedoms and, in addition, to honor locally born and raised WWII Marine fighter pilot Greg "Pappy" Boyington.  "Pappy" is America's all-time leading Marine ace with 28 victories, the only fighter pilot to have a television series created around his exploits and was awarded the Medal of Honor and the Navy Cross for his courageous efforts.  Located at 1600 W. Wyoming Avenue in Hayden, ID.

Latah County

[History of the Appaloosa Horse]

Palouse County is home to the Appaloosa breed of horses.  The Appaloosa Museum is devoted to the collection, preservation, study and exhibition of objects and information related to the history of the Appaloosa horse and it's region of origin. Located at 2720 W Pullman Road in Moscow, ID.

McConnell Mansion Museum   [History & Photos]

Completed in 1886 for William J. McConnell and his wife, the two-story house is a blend of Victorian Gothic, Queen Anne and Eastlake styles.  The home passed through a few different hands until the death of Dr. Church in 1966.  Dr. Church bequeathed the McConnell Mansion to Latah County as a museum and meeting place.  Today the museum is operated by the Latah County Historical Society.  The lower floor has been restored to historic periods reflecting the history of the house.  Volunteers give guided tours where visitors will learn about the history of the house, Moscow and Latah County.  Parts of the house are devoted to the history of Latah County.  Located at 110 South Adams in Moscow, ID.

White Spring Ranch

White Spring Ranch / Archive Library on FaceBook

[Martha (Lorang) Johnson's Journal (PDF File)]

[Photos]  [John Lorang History]  [Lorang Family Tree]

John and Mary Lorang's White Spring Ranch is a National Historical Site.  The ca 1884-1904 farm house holds artifacts collected by the Lorang family, some of whom were historians and photographers.  Located at 1004 Lorang Road in Genesee, ID.

Lemhi County

[Lemhi County Historical Society Projects]

Devoted to the collection, preservation and display of artifacts and exhibits related to the history of Lemhi County, the museum holds and rotates collections of Lemhi Shoshone artifacts, ranching artifacts, mining artifacts and a Chinese artifact exhibit.  Located at 210 Main Street in Salmon, ID.

Sacajawea Center

[Birthplace of Sacajawea] [Stories of the Life of Sacajawea]

The Sacajawea Interpretive, Cultural, and Educational Center is committed to providing educational programs which interpret the history of Sacajawea and her significant role in the Lewis & Clark Corps of Discovery, the unique historical aspects of the expedition in Lemhi County, and bring understanding and enlightenment to all the people of the world about Native American and Sacajawea's people, the Agaidka Shoshone.  The trails and park are open year round while the Interpretive Center is only open from late spring to early fall.  Located at 200 Main Street in Salmon, ID.

Lewis County

Kamiah Valley Museum

[Kamiah Visitors Brochure (PDF File)]

The museum features artifacts and exhibits related to the early settlement of Kamiah, early logging and farming, the Kamiah Valley mammoth digs, and the Nez Perce tribe who lived in the area prior to white settlement.  Located next door to the Kamiah Welcome Center at 518 Main Street in Kamiah, ID.

Madison County

[Air Show]  [Library of Planes]  [Photo Gallery]

The museum features historical airplanes in an operational airplane hangar and the planes are all operational. Of particular interest is the air show.  Located at 400 Airport Road in Rexburg, ID.

Teton Flood Museum

Housed inside the historic Rexburg Tabernacle and operated by the Upper Snake River Valley Historical Society, the Teton Flood Museum holds an extensive collection of flood memorabilia from the Teton Dam disaster which occurred on June 5, 1976 and features local pioneer relics and an opal/agate collection.  The museum also houses the Rexburg Children's Museum. Located at 51 N. Center in Rexburg, ID.

Minidoka County Historical Society & Museum

[Historical Photos]

Full of old time pictures and personal histories form the towns of Rupert, Paul, Heyburn, Acequia, Minidoka, Adelaide and Kimama, the museum holds artifacts related to the history of Minidoka County.  Exhibits include Rupert's 1906 railroad depot, caboose and a Russell steam engine tractor.  Visitors will experience a 1900s marble soda fountain, and many other items.  Located at 99 East Baseline just 1 mile east of Rupert.

Minidoka Internment National Monument

[Directions to the Minidoka Site]

This National Historic Site is known as the largest forced relocation site in the history of the United States.  Over 120,000 Japanese American persons were virtually held as prisoners after the attack on Pearl Harbor.  There are currently not any visitor services at the site but there is a Minidoka display located at the Hagerman Visitor Center which includes historic and modern photos, information, literature and brochures related to this event in history.  Located between the towns of Twin Falls and Jerome, ID.

Nez Perce County

Hells Gate State Park

Gateway to Hells Canyon, known as the deepest river gorge in North America.  Take a boat trip into Hells Canyon from the docks located in the park.  The park is known as the gateway to Idaho's Lewis and Clark country where you will find the Lewis and Clark Discovery Center which features indoor displays and a short video "From the Mountains to the Sea: Lewis and Clark in Idaho. Outside is a two acre outdoor interpretive plaza on the banks of the Snake River.  Many outfitters operating in the area offer special jet boat trips, raft or dory float trips for extra excitement.  Located at 5100 Hells Gate Road in Lewiston, ID.

Lewis and Clark State College Center for Arts and History

Located in the 1884 Vollmer Great Bargain Store in downtown Lewiston, the focus of the center is on community exposure, involvement and understanding of performing arts, literary arts, visual arts and area history.  Exhibits include Beuk Aie Temple. Located at 415 Main Street in Lewiston, ID.

Nez Perce County Historical Museum

Exhibits and artifacts relate the history of Nez Perce County.  Features include the 1877 Nez Perce Indian War exhibit, WWI, WWII, and business history in Lewiston, Idaho.  Located at 306 Third Street in Lewiston, ID.

Nez Perce National Historic Park 

[History]  [Park Brochures]

Nez Perce National Historical Park features 38 sites spread over four states.  The park preserves the culture and history of the Nez Perce People.  The park sits on Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington. The Spalding Visitor Center & Museum can provide information on sites and activities in Nez Perce National Historical Park.  The Spalding Visitor Center & Museum is located 11 miles east of Lewiston of U.S. Hwy 95.  The address is 39063 US Hwy 95.

Oneida County

Oneida County Pioneer Museum

[Samaria History]   [Malad History]

Housed in the 1914 R. B. Davis building and boasting a pressed tin ceiling and original safe, the structure has been used for a drug store, liquor store, a Sears Outlet and since 1992, the Oneida Pioneer Museum.  Featuring historical artifacts, antiques and memorabilia related to the history of Oneida County, Idaho, the museum is located at 27 Bannock Street in Malad, ID.

Owyhee County

Emu-Z-Um - Museum of Historic Idaho

Visit an authentic replicated 1860s Idaho village complete with wooden sidewalks, storefronts and even a town jail.  The museum features Native American artifacts, exhibits about Silver City and it's mining history, antique farming equipment and other items from Owyhee County's past.  Operated by the Lawsons who once raised emus on their ranch, the museum is located 7 miles downriver from Grand View, ID.

Owyhee County Historical Society Museum & Library

[Photo Gallery]

The Owyhee County Historical Society is focused on the investigation of and preservation of any kind of historical records, documents, sites, buildings, articles, oral histories and artifacts related to Owyhee County.  A Museum complex and research library is provided as well.  Located at 17085 Basey Street in Murphy, ID.

Payette County

Payette County Historical Museum

[Historic Buildings in Payette County]

Housed inside the beautiful 1904 Methodist Episcopal Church, the museum features thousands of photos, artifacts, clothing, ranching items, household items and memorabilia related to the history of Payette County. Of particular note, are the exquisite stained glass windows in the Church where the museum is housed.  The windows were donated memorials to beloved members of Payette County families.  Located at 90 S. 9th Street in Payette, ID.

Tuttle Blacksmith Shop

[History]

This working blacksmith shop was started in 1919 by R. G. Tuttle.  The shop was owned by the Tuttle family until 1988.  Today the shop is owned by Jerry Jones.  The public is welcome to stop in the shop and see blacksmithing history.  Located at 116 W. Maple in New Plymouth, ID.

Power County

Massacre Rocks State Park

[Photos]

[Names of Pioneers on Register Rock]

Devil's Gate, Oregon Trail history and legendary places of Indian / emigrant battles are located within this park.  It is also the location of Register Rock where early pioneers of the area incised their names.  Now included in the Register of National Historic Landmarks. The park is located 10 miles west of American Falls, ID.

Power County Museum

[Moving American Falls]

Artifacts and historical information about the city of American Falls, including how the town had to be moved when the American Falls dam was built. Also see Dave's Indian Cabin.  Located at 500 Pocatello Avenue in American Falls, ID.

Shoshone County

Captain John Mullan Museum

Dedicated to the history of Mullan, the museum is housed inside the old Liberty Theater.  Visitors will find historical photographs, household furnishings, old newspapers, mining relics, vintage memorabilia and other items related to the early history of Mullan, Idaho.  Located at 229 Earle Street in Mullan, ID.

Crystal Gold Mine in Kellogg

[History and Location Map]

Visitors are taken on a guided tour into an authentic 1880s underground gold mine. Easy to navigate concrete walkways and no climbing make this tour fun for the whole family.  Visitors will find an underground gift shop featuring souvenirs, gold and Idaho silver.  Open year round, the Crystal Gold Mine is located in the Silver Valley of Idaho.  Take Idaho Exit 54 form Interstate 90 to the Miner's Memorial.  Turn left on Silver Valley Road and go two miles.

North Idaho Motorcycle Museum on FaceBook

The museum collections feature 16 classic bikes including a pair of 1970s Indians.  One of the best Evel Knievel collections in the US is housed here along with memorabilia and vintage items related to the history of motorcycles.  Located off I-90, exit 43 in Kingston, ID.

Northern Pacific Depot Railroad Museum

[More Info][

[Northern Pacific Depot Railroad Museum on FaceBook]

Housed inside an historic railroad depot, the museum takes you back to a time when railroads were the king of transportation.  Exhibits feature the history of railroading in the Coeur d'Alene Mining District.  Located at 219 Sixth Street in downtown Wallace, ID.

Oasis Bordello Museum in Historic Wallace, Idaho

The Oasis Bordello, built in 1895 as a hotel and saloon, was an operating bordello until 1988 when the ladies of the evening made a hasty departure, leaving everything behind.  Take a tasteful tour of the premises and learn about the history of this unusual museum.  Located at 605 Cedar Street in Historic Wallace, ID.

Shoshone County Mining & Smelting Museum

[History]

The Staff House was built in 1906 by the Bunker Hill & Sullivan Mining and Concentrating Company as a residence for the manager Stanly A. Easton.  In 1923, the house became a residence for single Bunker Hill staff members when it became known as "The Staff House".  When the Bunker Hill Company closed in 1981 after 94 years of operation as one of the largest mining smelting complexes in the US, the house sat empty until 1986 when it was acquired by the community to become a mining and smelting museum. Today, The Staff House Museum houses 13 exhibit rooms, a gift shop and an area for events.  Located at 820 McKinley Avenue in Kellogg, ID.

Sierra Silver Mine Tour

Sierra Silver Mine Tour on FaceBook

Tour an underground silver mine with an experienced miner.  Visitors to the Sierra Silver Mine will learn about the mining culture in the Coeur d'Alene's. Ride the Ghost Town Trolley and hear the stories about significant historical events of Wallace and the ghost town of Burke.  Located at 420 5th Street in Wallace, ID.

Smoke House Saloon

Housed in the historic 1890 DeLashmutt Building in historic Wallace, it is a gathering place for BBQ and libations. Located at the corner of Sixth & Bank Streets in Historic Wallace, ID. 

The Sprag Pole Inn and Museum

The Sprag Pole Museum began with the display of a whiskey jug when the Sprag Pole inn was opened in 1933 by Walt Almquist.  Today, the museum collections span five connected buildings with over 10,000 square feet.  Collections include an acclaimed mining exhibit detailing panning, dredging, hydraulic and underground mining and a logging exhibit.  Step back in time to an old blacksmith shop, school room, old time parlor, vintage barber shop & doctor's office, and a 1900s kitchen.  Learn about the Cataldo Mission and Native Indians of this area.  Located in the Silver Valley at Murray, ID.

Wallace District Mining Museum & Visitor Center

[Wallace Mining Museum Pictorial]

Take a visit to the Old West and see how people lived in the old mining town of  Wallace.  The Wallace District Mining Museum features artifacts and exhibits related to the hardships, toil and home life of the people who lived in the mining town of Wallace.  Learn more about mining history in Idaho. Located at 509 Bank Street in Wallace, ID.

Teton Aviation Center & Warbirds Cafe

This aviation center features a large collection of Warbirds and offers scenic Teton flights via glider, airplane, and bi-planes.  If you are adventurous, you may also choose to take an aerobatic thrill ride... upside down, backwards and sideways.  Located at 253 Warbird Lane in Driggs, ID.

Teton Valley Museum

Focused on the history of Teton County and surrounding area, the museum features a local veterans room and an extensive research library.  Located at 137 North State Highway 33 in Driggs, ID.

Rock Creek Station and Stricker Homesite

Dating from 1865, the Stricker House, Rock Creek Store, a pioneer cemetery and other outbuildings make up the site which is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The site was once a thriving stop for the Overland mail stage along with those travelling the Oregon Trail and the Kelton Freight Road.  Visitors will learn more about Rock Creek Station in the Rock Creek Interpretive Center and may take a self guided tour in the open buildings from April to September.  The site is located at 3715 Stricker Cabin Road in Hansen, ID.

Twin Falls County Historical Society Museum

Twin Falls County Historical Society on FaceBook

The Twin Falls County Historical Society is focused on the preservation of history in the Magic Valley area of Idaho.  Visitors will view exhibits, artifacts and items related to the pre-settlement Indian era, the Oregon Trail migration, and Chinese placer mining.  Learn about ranching in the early 1900s and tour the 1914 Union School building, Pioneer House and grounds.  Located at 21337A US HWY 30 in Filer, ID.

Valley County

This is actually a complex of buildings built by the CCC in 1936.  Featured are displays related to Idaho forestry and history.  Located at 101 State Street in McCall, ID.

Valley County Museum

The historic Roseberry Townsite is home to the Valley County Museum.  The museum is operated and maintained by the Long Valley Preservation Society.  Several historical buildings make up the museum site.  These include the 1910 McCall schoolhouse, a 1904 Methodist - Episcopal Church, the 1905 Roseberry General Store, a 1936 store / gas station and diner, the 1904 Mahala Blacksmith Shop, 1898 Korvolo Cabin, the 1905 Larkin House, the 1905 Barringer House, 1902 Johnson Cabin, the 1905 Arling House,  and many others.  This large complex of historical buildings holds many events with historical arts and crafts and entertainment throughout the year.  Facilities may be rented for special events. Historic Roseberry is open at all times for visitors to walk through and enjoy the historical buildings.  The site is located about 1 mile East of Donnelly, Idaho on East Roseberry Road.

Washington County

The museum is focused on the local history of Cambridge, Idaho with geological displays, farming relics, pioneer artifacts and Native American exhibits.  Located at 15 N. Superior in Cambridge, ID.

Intermountain Cultural Center and Washington County Museum

Visitors to the Intermountain Cultural Center will find exhibits, artifacts and memorabilia related to the region's Native Americans along with collections of clothing, costumes and music.  Located at 2295 Paddock Avenue in Weiser, ID.

Thunder Mountain Line

Idaho's only scenic train ride is a historical train route.  Buy a ticket, take a ride, book a train car for a party, have dinner on the train.  Lots of fun options to try here.  Located in the Horseshoe Bend Depot at 120 Mill Road in Horseshoe Bend, ID.

Museum Index for Other States

Idaho Census Records