Idaho State Museum

Located in the scenic Julia Davis Park, the Idaho State Museum serves as the primary guardian of this remarkable region's history and culture. It is a place where history comes to life through interactive exhibits, allowing every visitor to feel a connection across time—from ancient eras to the present day.

Recently, the museum underwent a major renovation, transforming into an ultra-modern space where classic artifacts blend with multimedia technology. Here, you will learn how the region's rugged landscapes shaped the character of its people and how the state capital, Boise, evolved.

This USA institution is widely considered one of the best of its kind, offering a deep dive into indigenous traditions, the lives of early settlers, and the state's modern achievements. The exhibition is designed to be engaging for both adult researchers and young explorers.

To clarify details before your visit or when planning group tours, you can use the following contact information:

The museum also maintains active social media pages, links to which can be found on their main portal.

Inside the museum halls, you'll find more than 40 multimedia zones where you can literally touch history. One of the most striking experiences is the simulation of the massive 1910 forest fire, known as the Big Burn, where visitors can feel the heat of the flames and witness the power of the natural elements that reshaped the state's northern forests.

For younger guests, the Boomtown gallery is dedicated to the gold rush and mining era, while the History Lab invites everyone to try their hand as a research historian. Be sure to visit the exhibit on the Oregon Trail—the legendary route where thousands of wagons moved West in search of a better life.

Besides permanent galleries, the museum frequently hosts temporary exhibitions and cultural events. After exploring, stop by the museum shop for unique handmade souvenirs and local products that serve as a great memento of your trip to Idaho.

Finding the Idaho State Museum is quite easy: it is located in the scenic Julia Davis Park in the heart of the city. This location is ideal for those who prefer walking or cycling, as the park is well-integrated into the city's trail network.

If you plan to arrive by car, there is on-site parking available, including spaces for tour buses and RVs. Travelers arriving from Boise Airport (BOI) will need to travel about 10 kilometers, which takes very little time by taxi or services like Uber/Lyft.

For public transport users, Valley Regional Transit routes stop in the immediate vicinity of the park. Before your trip, it is recommended to check the latest schedules via Google Maps to choose the best route.

The museum's history is closely tied to the Idaho State Historical Society, which was founded in 1881—nine years before the USA officially admitted Idaho to the Union. The organization was originally established as a pioneer society to preserve the region's literary and scientific heritage.

The current museum building in Boise opened its doors in 1950. Over time, it evolved from a modest artifact repository into a modern educational center. Today, the museum's collection boasts over 250,000 objects, including unique photographs by Everett L. Fuller capturing the city's daily life in the 1930s and 1940s.

Special attention is given to the heritage of indigenous peoples—the Nez Perce and Shoshone tribes—as well as the history of the legendary Oregon Trail. The museum was the first institution in Idaho to receive prestigious accreditation from the American Alliance of Museums (AAM), confirming its high status and significance to the country's cultural heritage.

To leisurely explore the main exhibits and participate in interactive programs, most visitors need between 2 and 3 hours. This is enough time to walk through all the themed galleries and see the key artifacts.

If you are traveling with children, who will likely want to linger in the History Lab or the Boomtown play area, it is worth budgeting about 4 hours for your visit. The museum is packed with engaging multimedia content, so don't pack your schedule too tightly.

The museum is open to visitors daily. From Monday to Saturday, the doors are open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. On Sunday, the schedule is slightly shorter: the museum opens at 12:00 PM and also closes at 5:00 PM.

Since the schedule may change during holidays or special events, we recommend checking the official website for up-to-date information before your visit.

Thanks to its location in a park area, a visit to the museum can easily be combined with exploring other interesting sites. A walk around the neighborhood will allow you to see architectural landmarks, relax by the river, or visit entertainment centers for the whole family.