Reviews of Idaho State Museum (Tourist Attraction)

Jack Kearn

Fun place to learn about Idaho and Boise history!

Joan Meyer

Great place

John Smith

Very well done little museum displaying lots of Idaho history. Everything was clean and working no problems with any of the displays. There was a whole playground area with lots of fun activities for kids to keep them interested. The display/movie for the big burn was impressive. The bathrooms were clean and well stocked. Overall I actually learned a lot despite being a local my whole life. I also really appreciated the respect that was shown to our Native American people in these works.

Roger Cole

Little confusing with the different levels, but a good learning experience

Kevin Glynn

Visited with my wife and daughter. We all enjoyed it. A lot of information on many subjects including history, geology, industry, and politics. My daughter loved the many interactive displays.

Bob Reinhardt

A beautiful, fascinating, and at times challenging (in the right way) museum. Great interactive exhibits for both adults and children -- wonderful place to take the family!

Karuss Ferchau

Loved it and so did my 3 and 5 year old. They enjoyed the whole museum. Very organized and awesome for the small space. Just be aware it is tight in the exhibits so plan accordingly. We ditched our stroller half way through.

Shelly Gasper

Nice museum. There is hands on exhibits for children and lots of information about Idaho. I would go again.

r hea

Awesome museum!!! Our daughter loves to go back there.

Jinks Hunter

What a huge disappointment the newly revamped museum is for those who love seeing the actual items that form our history and make Idaho what it is. We can get a virtual experience anywhere. The point of history is that it was real! Real people. Real challenges. Real tools and artifacts!

cindy gustavsen

We recently held a company event with 175 attendees at the museum that was fabulous. The renovated space was lovely and the staff was accommodating and great to work with! Highly recommend!

Demeris Bens

Much more interactive than in the past...love the new space.

E.V. Gross

This is a great place to take family to learn about Idaho! It is very interactive for kids as well!

Karry Walgamott

I an so excited that the museum is back open! It is the BEST 4th grade field trip! Thank you to the excellent staff, it was a great experience!

Tyler J. Adams

You will certainly come away with the story of Idaho. Plan a couple hours. © TIFA 2003

Chelsea Walker

I miss all of the old displays! It seemed like there was less stuff to see and it wasn’t very serious which seemed odd to me considering some of the gravity of our states history. I really expected to see more cohesive serious exhibits. It was more entertaining for kids so that’s why I’m giving it two stars.

Adam Tardiff

I really enjoyed the remodel. I can see that it's geared towards all audiences. When I asked if there were more exhibits coming about Native Americans and Idaho I was told there was a small section and boy was it small. The old Museum had a lot more artifacts from the Native Americans of Idaho and I felt like we weren't truly representing who was here first and their history. All in all good job on the remodel.

Kathryn Shapero

They have a very interesting selection of exhibits and one of my personal favorites is the theater in which you can watch Native American stories come to life. There is an art gallery that has rotating art exhibit and I am very excited to see what gets put in as the years go by.

Kelley Morton

The displays were really interesting and engaging. There were a lot of opportunities for tactile involvement and I think would be fun for children.

Theresa Melroy

I visited the newly reopened Idaho State Historical Museum last week and it is WONDERFUL! The museum is very well organized. The exhibits are engaging and informative, and many are interactive! Overall, my experience in the museum was great and I highly recommend it to all!

Guillermo Díaz

Un museo bastante grande y muy bonito, muestra la historia de muchas personas que vivieron y influyeron en la historia del Estado de Idaho, la entrada al museo es gratis y vale mucho la pena. Se puede ir perfectamente con grupos grandes de personas.

Jeremy Henderson

My boys and I had a great time at the Idaho state museum. We made some great memories. It was historic!

Laurinda O'Dell

In 1.5 hours, I learned more about the state in which I live than I have in the 22 years I have lived here! (Sad, yes?) Interactive and excellently displayed presentations! Can't wait to bring my kids and grands! Check it out for free the First Thurday of each month from 5 PM to 7 PM! TOTALLY worth the usual $10 entry per adult, though. Less for kiddies. JUST GO!!

Amber Hawton-Hill

The remodeled museum is an absolute masterpiece! It is highly interactive and built in rooms that make it easy to manage groups of children. I went with a group of 4th graders and they were entertained for 2 hours. I felt proudly that it greatly represents our amazing state. It will easily impress visitors and locals. A must see!

Karen Beisner

Incredible experience...had a great time! Highly recommend.

Zachary Pratt

Friendly employees and very informative exhibits. Good first stop in Boise

Dawn Bassett

Fun First Thursday adventure with the grandkids.

Alex McCool

closed for renovations until late spring 2016

Melissa Robin

Such a wonderful place to go and learn about Idaho! We did go on a first Thursday so is very packed but it was very enjoyable to see all the new stuff that was added because of the recent remodel! It was nice to have interactive viewings to participate in an even informative videos to watch you can for sure bring your kids here! Are you in if you're an adult it's fun to learn.

Gary Hanes

We really enjoy catering here. Great place to book your next event. Gary - A Lively Chef Catering

Susan Hawke

Excellent experience of our State of Idaho. Take your time and enjoy!

Peggy White

My grandsons thought it was awesome. Ages 5 and 9

Michelle W

Cool s*** confusing layout. Kind of like walking through a maze but it's neat stuff to see

Kylea Darrah

It's been years since i was there last. Very cool.

It's pointless to argue

I've been an Idaho Nyan all my life. I've had contact with the Idaho State Museum throughout most of it. I love the new look, the new exhibits, and pretty much everything else that they did. I definitely recommend it for its new content.

Glenn Stump

Wonderful place to spend the afternoon. The remodel is a great success.

Brittany Webb

A fantastic museum with impressive exhibits and a huge face for children to experience history in addition to the adult exhibits.

Gabriel

It was great very fun personality I am talking my family some time this summer great place

Vince Skinner

The new update is great!

Kari Dickerson

I did not grow up with this museum as a kid, though I visited it a few times before the remodel...but, wow, they have done an amazing job! It is so engaging, interactive, informative...makes me wish they had more space so they could go deeper in some topic but as it is there is so much to see, do and learn about Idaho here! Expect to spend up to 5 hours to really see it all.

Magne Jensen

Very informative and amazing

Lily Brandsma

It looks so amazing now that they finally finished renovating it. There are several interactive displays, and you could totally bring small kids here without them getting bored. They have a room with stories from people who lived in Idaho in the past, and was really cool to read them all. There is something for everyone to enjoy.

Shawn Alger-Keough

The update on the Idaho State Museum is remarkable! The new exhibits are wonderful, informative and participatory. The refurbished artifacts really shine. Boise is a long way from many parts of our great state but I highly recommend making the trip to spend a day - or two - there. It will be well worth the effort! Best Wishes and much success to all who worked on this achievement! ~ from State Senator Shawn Keough

Linda Dudelheim

Lots of history here

Jessica Dougherty

The new museum is beautiful. My only critique is that I wish they covered more prehistory of Idaho. Worth visiting if you love Idaho like I do!

Lisa Tarkowski

It was small, but full of cool displays and interactive places for the kids to explore! Gets me excited for the new museum to open!

Teresa Simpson

Fun with my friends from the parma senior center

Kay Springer

Learned allot anout Idaho

Brendan Boily

god almighty what a beautiful place to go and take the kids!!!!!!!!!!

Eileen Hoogland

Lovely re-do and displays are very interesting.

Caleb Canice T. Gatharngeg

They've done such an incredible update! You could spend hours here! Lots of interactive exhibits!

Sarah Carrico

I visited for the first time in twenty years, with my grandma. An hour and a half wasn't even enough to properly take in everything. I'm so pleased with and impressed by the exhibits, interactive elements, and flow of it all. The staff was so eager and kind. The two headed calf is a treasure hunt to find, but our security guard (3 minutes to close) was delighted to show us to it/them, and a quick penny press later, we have already planned another trip back. Good job, historical society.

Harry Oei

Educational and entertaining

Sam Finnell

Absolutely gorgeous! The new renovations really made it interactive and they were able to finally display all of their historical artifacts! Just wonderful and a true embodiment of Idaho

Garrett Sanchez

A greatly expanded experience! Learned plenty of new information and could have spent hours more in this place. There is a kids section and a gift shop.

Gabrielle Moore

Having grown up in the Treasure Valley I fondly recall having visited the Idaho Historical Museum many times as a child and we have enjoyed the museum with our own children many times too. So after the long closure and all the excitement of the reopening, my daughter (now an adult) and I were so excited to visit the newly renovated museum. Honestly, we were both underwhelmed. So much reading, much of which can only be done 1-2 people at a time so if it's crowded you've got to wait in line to read. So much of the visually stimulating draw at the old museum, especially for children, has been removed and replaced with endless reading vignettes. We spent some time the in children's area and I just think they really missed the mark, there just was so little for kids to do that is interesting. There is a huge room devoted to Idaho politician's dresses, many of which are from the last 30 years, which is such a niche interest I'm just shocked that there wasn't something more interesting that huge space could have been used for. This is a place where you may go once, but I doubt many people would return for a second visit - especially with the higher prices ($10 adult p/p). Hopefully they still plan to have Museum Comes to Life.

Amy Storms

So much to see... very clean and well done. A little unnerving to see it so focused on the Sun Valley area and famous people contributions. Fun and interactive, glad to 2 headed calf is still there.

Victoria Napolitano

Idaho State Museum has cataloged and captured the real lives of American heros. I was impressed by all the amazingly strong women from the past. It's humbling to know the trials and tribulations they endured and still fought for the rights of other women and men. Take time to read the books and lecture presented during your visit, its truly imspirarional. I do not want to forget about the staff. Everyone I met was impressively friendly and helpful. Thank you.

Mike H

Love the redesign! Great place for kids and adults.

Rachel Davidson

Amazing remodel. Really interactive museum. Our favorite part was learning about the Big Burn and the mining area in Boomtown where kids can 'blow up dynamite', collect the ore and push the cart to place the ore on the conveyor belt. Kids 5 and under are free. Great place to check out this summer.

Amanda S.

Lots of interactive displays for young and old alike. You can learn a lot and have fun doing so. Take your time a plan on a few hours here to enjoy it all.

Jenifer Benavides

Great place to visit. I recommend a membership to be able to see everything. For one visit is not enough to ensure you see everything. Great place and staff.

NEYRA NIETO

Great place for kids and adults.

Michelle Helgerson

I have only been once since the remodel. Went with my girlfriends had a blast! Looking forward to many more visits!

Beverly Mack

Great museum! They make learning about Idaho funa

glenda smart

Since I was born and raised in Boise and have visited the museum my whole life...I was so disappointed in the new museum. After about a two year renovation, I was excited to see it. All the wonderful exhibits that were there before and the large Chinese section are gone. The Chinese were a huge part of Idaho and especially Boise history and they have been omitted. The old rooms and furniture that were there have been replaced by mostly reading information. There is a lot of wasted room and very few actual exhibits left. My sister and I went there today and have totally decided that if it doesn’t change...we will never return. If I want to read about history rather than see what it was like, I will read a book.

Vicki Henderson

Lots of fun. Lots of exhibits. We took the grandkids- ages 5 and 7. We basically had to drag them away. They enjoyed all the interactive exhibits, so much to see! A must see in Boise.

Jerome Frazer

Such a fun museum. I visit Boise a few times a year and it was great to finally visit after the renovation. Top fun for the whole family and so much about Idaho to learn. Completely wheelchair accessible which is great. The small art gallery was a highlight for me.

Scott Tomlinson

Great museum with tons to see. Learned stuff I didn't know and the kids made it over two hours which is some kind of record. Highly recommended.

Kim Collins

Very nice place.

Matt Terrell

Well well thought out

Jane Gordon

Its a great place.

Sheila Latta

A great example of a state prison. A very informative tour laid out with videos and interpretive signs. You can walk all around this prison from the general population halls, Siberia, the isolation cells to the hanging room. It is very sobering as you peak into the past. There are some beautifully tended gardens on the grounds as well as a building that is just weaponry from the past. There are interactive features of your tour to enjoy as well.

Linda H

Lots of interactive activities for kids!

Dawn Johnson

They used millions of tax dollars, and took 3 years to ruin a great museum. And made tickets to get in expensive! Talk about insult to injury. The first museum was full of original rooms and artifacts, including a Western bar and a Western kitchen, a fantastic room of Indian artifacts and paintings . . . and created tiny rooms with endless boards with information. Who wants to go to a history museum and stand around and read? Boise has too much money and apparently had decided to waste on fixing something that did not need fixing. We really need better government and better money management.

Petar Šešok

(Translated by Google) Wonderfully (Original) Predivno

Richard Smith

Spent 2-1/2 hours and still did not see everything in the newly remodeled museum. Numerous interactive displays as well as the more traditional exhibits. Lots to see here if you take time. Nice gift shop with the usual t shirts etc and a few more unusual item as well. Great place to take the family for an afternoon outing. Highly recommend.

Jim Nourse

Beautiful!

Michael McDonagh

To be honest I liked it more before the years-long renovation. Lots of pictures and video, not as many artifacts.

RICH BENEDICT

Fantastic

Andrew Moore

It was a fun place for our whole family. There was a decent amount to see and do and our young kids were fairly well entertained the whole time. There were kids educational play areas which worked well for us and still deeper content for adults. There is a good mix of digital presentations and traditional displays.

Renee Kline

The original Idaho Museum was basic and informative, but now with the remodel and new look, it is interactive and state of the art awesome. My family and I have been through three times since it reopened and we continue to learn more and more about our state history. It is fun and great for all ages.

David Tilley

They've done a great upgrade. Nicely done exhibits, in including the only natives of Idaho. Take time to watch the Native American stories in the theater. I only have one question. What did you do with the 2 headed calf?

Handyman Dan

If you are new to our great State, go. You will learn Idaho history with some great exhibits.

Shawn Jefferds

My wife, thirteen year old son and I really enjoyed our first visit.

Lisa Campbell

The museum is amazing! I love all of the interactive features. Great for all ages. I spent about 3 hours there, but I could have stayed all day!

Dolly Hambrick

It was great we loved it good experience

mckenziefox1492

The new design and exhibits are fantastic. Extremely pleased with the experience. It is definitely worth the money.

Benjamin Cope

I'm hoping when it moves it will be better. Temporary location is small with not much to look at.

joshua martin

Beautiful museum with great exhibits

Nunya Biz

Absolutely love the remodel. Took my nephew here and I couldn't keep up with him. Everything caught his eye. Very interactive.

James Keck

What a wonderful gift we have in this museum! We came here with little expectations and we left here planning our next visit. Our party ranged from 9 years old to 65, and everyone enjoyed the time exploring the museum. There are a lot of interactive exhibits to really drive the history of our great state. Take the time to check it out!

Linda Hall

Totally different from what they had before. The remodel is nice. There three floors of more than enough to keep you busy and kids love all the new interactive things. Some of the cool stuff they used to have has been reduced down from a whole exhibit to a few pieces. For example they had what looked like a full size Chinese apothecary in the old one but only a few select items now. If your wondering the two headed calf is still there.

Christie Carroll

We stopped by this museum on a Sunday after visiting Zoo Boise as it was nearby, but we found out it was closed on Sundays. It was also closed the next day, as it was a Columbus Day. Tuesday we were flying home but got there right as it opened on our way to the airport. Another problem we had as we were leaving we wanted to tour the pioneer cabin area but it was still locked because the key wouldn't work and they requested a new lock be installed which the staff thought would be done later in the afternoon. That was frustrating since we were unable to return.

David Berkowitz

This is a fantastic taste of Idaho for adults and kids. It’s a thoughtful museum that is worth a stop but small enough that you don’t need more than an hour or two. Well worth a visit.

Joshua Baldwin

My uncle has his house for the museum

Peggy L Misner

This is an amazing transformation to modern technology! Need to go back there is so much to see!!

Rebecca Freeman

This is a surprisingly high quality museum! Really interesting exhibits with lots of interactive and modern displays. There is an entire floor that is geared towards children, and is an excellent place to let them play a while if the adult exhibits get too boring for them. I am extremely pleased with thos facility.

Teresa Krueger

The historical museum has reopened after four years of renovations. It is amazing and will take many visits to see everything .

Brittanie Rieke

Amazing! Plan for a long day though.

Sue Tomlinson

This was an incredible visit. My children easily spent two hours there without getting bored.

Kimberly Bradley

Amazing place to spend your weekend..

Tardigrade

Definitely a cool place to learn about idaho's past

Julie Rainey

Very interesting. Love the updated displays. Fun area for kids downstairs.

Kerry Albright

Finally open and better than ever.

Greg B

The museum is very well organized. Enjoyed it very much.

Toby Moore

A lot of wasted space. My wife and I liked that there was plenty of room to move and walk around, but so little to see. Great place for the kids. Not so for adults,sorry. I liked the old old museum better. Back when the toy trains were set up. We were expecting to be blown away with things to see, but we're not.

Renetta Cleb

Idaho State Museum shows the history of Idaho in pictures, arts, and exhibits. I'm impressed by how they preserve the records of the past to let the young people see today what happened ages ago. There are also interactive rooms that keep us involved and enjoy our visit to the museum. I don't think I was able to see everything but I would like to go back another day to check everything.

Barbara Henry

Grand opening day. Stayed there 3 hours. I could go again.

Stephen Lopke

Ive always loved this museum. With the renovations it is even better. Well worth the price.

Bethany Hoekema

They have done a fantastic job on the rebuild. There are so many ways to interact that even my kids enjoy it and learn much about our state.

Katrina Whitten

Always was fascinated with our old museum. Have not yet made it down to the new and improved . I hope they didn't do a drastic change . This is coming from someone that hates to read ,it puts me to sleep but I always loved going here.

Angela Weaver

Wow. This place was soooo fun! Lots of interactive exhibits, the wild fire exhibit blew my mind!

Cammy Wentworth

This was the greatest! I loved the hands-on screens. Giving the visitor ways to participate makes it so much fun!

Iriane Vidal

(Translated by Google) Very interesting (Original) Muito interessante

Laura Velvick

great job on the remodel! Fun activities for kid, I love how its set up and the information they have there!

Stacy Adams

This museum was really well done! So many interactive exhibits. My 8 year old loves going to this museum, and I enjoyed it as well!

Chris Wright

Love what they did to the place. It does cost now but it is so worth it.

Brinda Johnson

Very nice, had alit on display.

Victoria

A really interesting museum full of a great balance of interactive technology, photographs, artifacts and truth in presentation. Staff was also friendly and helpful.