The best museums in Idaho in September 2025

These are the top 50 best museums in Idaho, ranked by their rating and popularity in 2025. Click a museum for more information about the museum, including visitor information, exhibitions and reviews.

For a complete overview of museums in Idaho, their exhibitions and discount cards & passes, see our overview page with all museums in Idaho.

Looking for the best museums in Idaho? These are the best ones:

  1. Zoo Boise1

    Zoo Boise

     Boise City, ID
    Julia Davis Park is home to several prominent sites and attractions. These include museums such as the Boise Art Museum, the Idaho Historical Museum, and the Idaho Black History Museum. Other attractions within the park include Zoo Boise, the Idaho Rose Society, and the Gene Harris Band Shell. These diverse attractions offer a wide range of experiences for visitors to the park.
  2. Nez Perce National Historical Park2

    Nez Perce National Historical Park

     Lapwai, ID
    The Nez Perce National Historical Park is a unique entity in the United States National Park system. It is composed of 38 sites spread across four states: Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington. These sites encompass the traditional aboriginal lands of the Nez Perce people, offering visitors a chance to explore a rich tapestry of history and culture.
  3. Boise Art Museum3

    Boise Art Museum

     Boise City, ID
    The Boise Art Museum (BAM) is a cultural attraction located in Boise, Idaho. It is part of a series of public museums and cultural attractions in Julia Davis Park. This location makes it a convenient stop for tourists exploring the park and the city's cultural scene.
  4. World Center For Birds of Prey4

    World Center For Birds of Prey

     Boise City, ID
    The World Center for Birds of Prey, located in Boise, Idaho, serves as the headquarters for The Peregrine Fund. This international non-profit organization is dedicated to the conservation of endangered raptors worldwide. The center is a hub for research, breeding, and education about these magnificent birds, making it a fascinating destination for those interested in wildlife conservation.
  5. Idaho Black History Museum5

    Idaho Black History Museum

     Boise City, ID
  6. Idaho Botanical Garden6

    Idaho Botanical Garden

     Boise, ID
    The Idaho Botanical Garden is a significant botanical garden that spans across 50 acres. It is situated in Boise, Idaho, and is open to the public every day. The garden is a living museum dedicated to promoting and recognizing gardening, horticulture, and conservation through plant collections and educational programs within an aesthetic landscape.
  7. Old Idaho Penitentiary7

    Old Idaho Penitentiary

     Boise, ID
    The Old Idaho Penitentiary State Historic Site, located east of Boise, Idaho, is a significant historical landmark. It served as a functional prison from 1872 to 1973. The site offers a unique glimpse into the past, showcasing the evolution of the American penal system over a century. Visitors can explore the original buildings, including the Territorial Prison, and learn about the inmates who lived and worked there.
  8. Idaho Museum of Natural History8

    Idaho Museum of Natural History

     Pocatello, ID
    The Idaho Museum of Natural History, also known as IMNH, is the official state natural history museum of Idaho. It is conveniently located on the campus of Idaho State University in Pocatello. The museum is a significant destination for those interested in natural history and the cultural heritage of Idaho.
  9. Coeur d'Alene's Old Mission State Park9

    Coeur d'Alene's Old Mission State Park

     Cataldo, ID
    Coeur d'Alene's Old Mission State Park is a significant heritage site located in northern Idaho. It is dedicated to preserving the Mission of the Sacred Heart, which is recognized as a national historic landmark. The park is home to the church itself, the parish house, and the surrounding property, all of which contribute to its historical significance.
  10. Farragut State Park10

    Farragut State Park

     Athol, ID
    Farragut State Park is a public recreation area located in the northwest United States, specifically in northern Idaho. It is situated at the southern tip of Lake Pend Oreille, nestled within the Coeur d'Alene Mountains. This location offers a unique blend of natural beauty and outdoor activities, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike.
  11. University of Idaho Arboretum and Botanical Garden11

    University of Idaho Arboretum and Botanical Garden

     Moscow, ID
    The University of Idaho Arboretum and Botanical Garden is a significant arboretum and botanical garden in the northwestern United States. It is situated on the campus of the University of Idaho in Moscow, Idaho. The location is within a valley south of the President's Residence on Nez Perce Drive and adjacent to the UI Golf Course. This makes it easily accessible for visitors and provides a serene environment for exploration.
  12. Experimental Breeder Reactor I12

    Experimental Breeder Reactor I

     Arco, ID
    The Experimental Breeder Reactor I (EBR-I) is a significant historical site located in the desert, approximately 18 miles southeast of Arco, Idaho. This decommissioned research reactor is recognized as a U.S. National Historic Landmark. It offers a unique opportunity for visitors to explore a key part of nuclear history and understand the development of nuclear power.
  13. Old Idaho State Penitentiary13

    Old Idaho State Penitentiary

     Boise City, ID
    The Old Idaho Penitentiary State Historic Site, located east of Boise, Idaho, was a functional prison from 1872 to 1973. It started as a single cell house and grew into a complex of several distinctive buildings surrounded by a 17-foot-high sandstone wall. The stone for the wall was quarried from the nearby ridges by the resident convicts, who also assisted in later constructions.
  14. Idaho Black History Museum14

    Idaho Black History Museum

     Boise, ID
    The Idaho Black History Museum, located at 508 Julia Davis Drive in Boise, Idaho, is a significant institution dedicated to African American history and culture. It provides a comprehensive overview of the African American experience, from the early 1800s to the present, within the context of Idaho's history.
  15. Museum of Clean15

    Museum of Clean

     Pocatello, ID
    Donald Andrew Aslett, an American entrepreneur and author renowned for his expertise in cleaning and housekeeping products, services, and techniques, opened the Museum of Clean in Pocatello, Idaho in 2011. The museum is housed in a six-story building and features a theater, art gallery, and a collection of 6,000 artifacts related to cleanliness and cleaning techniques. The museum and Aslett's house in Hawaii were designed to be low-maintenance and environmentally friendly, earning him an award from the state of Idaho for his efforts.
  16. Idaho Military History Museum16

    Idaho Military History Museum

     Boise City, ID
    The Idaho Military History Museum is situated at Gowen Field, in close proximity to Boise, Idaho. This location is easily accessible and provides a convenient spot for tourists interested in military history.
  17. Bannock County Historical Museum17

    Bannock County Historical Museum

     Pocatello, ID
  18. Idaho Potato Museum18

    Idaho Potato Museum

     Blackfoot, ID
    The Idaho Potato Museum, located in Blackfoot, Idaho, is a unique institution dedicated to the humble potato. The museum is housed in a building that was originally the Oregon Short Line Railroad Depot, a subsidiary of the Union Pacific Railroad. This historical connection adds an extra layer of interest to the museum, making it not just a place to learn about potatoes, but also a piece of Idaho's rich history.
  19. Northern Pacific Depot Railroad Museum19

    Northern Pacific Depot Railroad Museum

     Wallace, ID
    The Pacific and Idaho Northern Railroad Depot, located in New Meadows, Idaho, is a significant historical site in the western United States. It is recognized for its historical value and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This recognition underscores the importance of the depot in the history of the region and the country.
  20. Museum of Idaho20

    Museum of Idaho

     Idaho Falls, ID
    The Museum of Idaho, located in downtown Idaho Falls, is a history and science museum that offers a variety of exhibits, collections, and programs. These are primarily focused on the social and environmental history of Idaho and the Intermountain West. In addition to these, the museum also hosts prominent traveling exhibits on a wide range of subjects.
  21. Orma J. Smith Museum of Natural History21

    Orma J. Smith Museum of Natural History

     Caldwell, ID
    The College of Idaho, also known as C of I, is a private liberal arts college located in Caldwell, Idaho. Established in 1891, it holds the distinction of being the state's oldest private liberal arts college. The college boasts an enrollment of over 1,000 students, offering a diverse and vibrant community for visitors to explore.
  22. 22

    Sawtooth Botanical Garden

     Ketchum, ID
    The Sawtooth Botanical Garden is a unique 5-acre altitude botanical garden nestled within the Sawtooth National Forest in Ketchum, Idaho. This location offers visitors a chance to explore the diverse flora of the region in a serene and beautiful setting.
  23. 23

    Canyon County Historical Society

     Nampa, ID
  24. 24

    Idaho State Museum

     Boise City, ID
  25. 25

    Sun Valley Museum of Art

     Ketchum, ID
    The Sun Valley Museum of Art, established in 1971, holds the distinction of being the oldest arts organization in central Idaho's Wood River Valley. This long-standing institution has grown significantly over the years, from a small group offering classes and events to a large organization that now sees over 25,000 people attending its events annually.
  26. 26

    Spirit of Flight Center

     Nampa, ID
    The Spirit of Flight Center (SOF) is a non-profit organization located in Nampa, ID. It offers a unique opportunity to explore aviation history from 1935 to 1975 through its exhibits. Both military and general aviation are represented in the collection, providing a comprehensive view of the evolution of flight during this period.
  27. 27

    Discovery Center of Idaho

     Boise City, ID
    Your kids will love the demonstrated physic laws. So much hands-on fun!
  28. 28

    Basque Museum & Cultural Center

     Boise City, ID
    This museum provides a look into Basque culture and heritage, since in Boise there is the second largest Basque community in the world.
  29. 29

    Idaho Museum of Mining & Geology

     Boise City, ID
    Learn about Idaho's rich mining and natural resources heritage. Admission free! Stop by when around Penitentiary.
  30. 30

    Arboretum Park

     Eagle, ID
    Arboretum Park is situated at 312 E. State Street, in the city of Eagle, Idaho, United States. This location is easily accessible and provides a serene environment for visitors to enjoy the beauty of nature.
  31. 31

    Bird Aviation Museum and Invention Center

     Hayden, ID
    The Bird Aviation Museum and Invention Center is a unique destination for aviation enthusiasts and inventors alike. Founded by Dr. Forrest Bird, the museum is situated in Hayden, Idaho at 2678 W Cessna Ave. It offers a rich collection of aircraft and inventions, providing a fascinating insight into the history and development of aviation and technology.
  32. 32

    Zoo Idaho

     Pocatello, ID
    Zoo Idaho, located in Pocatello, Idaho, is a unique zoo that has been welcoming visitors since 1932. The zoo is known for its collection of animals native to the Intermountain West, providing a unique opportunity for visitors to learn about and interact with these species.
  33. 33

    Aquarium of Boise

     Boise, ID
    The Aquarium of Boise, located in Boise, Idaho, United States, is a non-profit organization that opened its doors to the public in 2011. This aquarium is a significant attraction for tourists, offering a variety of aquatic exhibits and educational programs.
  34. 34

    Pocatello Model Railroad and Historical Society

     Pocatello, ID
  35. 35

    Bingham County Historical Museum

     Blackfoot, ID
  36. 36

    Legacy Flight Museum

     Rexburg, ID
  37. 37

    Wallace District Mining Museum

     Wallace, ID
  38. 38

    Art Museum of Eastern Idaho

     Idaho Falls, ID
  39. 39

    East Idaho Aquarium

     Idaho Falls, ID
  40. 40

    Herrett Center - College of Southern Idaho

     Twin Falls, ID
    The Herrett Center for Arts and Science is a museum situated on the main campus of the College of Southern Idaho in Twin Falls, Idaho, USA. This location makes it easily accessible for visitors and tourists who are interested in anthropology, natural history, astronomy, and art.
  41. 41

    Twin Falls County Historical Museum

     Twin Falls, ID
  42. 42

    Jerome County Historical Society

     Jerome, ID
  43. 43

    Oneida County Pioneer Museum

     Malad City, ID
  44. 44

    Warhawk Air Museum

     Nampa, ID
  45. 45

    Bonner County Historical Society & Museum

     Sandpoint, ID
  46. 46

    Appaloosa Museum & Heritage Center

     Moscow, ID
  47. 47

    South Bannock County Historical Center Museum

     Lava Hot Springs, ID
  48. 48

    Glenns Ferry Historical Museum

     Glenns Ferry, ID
  49. 49

    Valley County Museum

     Donnelly, ID
  50. 50

    Central Idaho Historical Museum

     McCall, ID

All museums in Idaho