Museum of Idaho
4.6(2.1K)google
4.3(34)yelp
HistoryScienceEducational
Overview
The Museum of Idaho (MOI) is a history and science museum in downtown Idaho Falls, Idaho. The museum features exhibits, collections, and programs focused on the social and environmental history of Idaho and the Intermountain West, as well as prominent traveling exhibits on a variety of subjects. Its tagline is “bringing the world to Idaho, and Idaho to the world”.
Practical Info
Mon10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Tue10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Wed10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Thu10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Fri10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sat10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sun1:00 – 5:00 PM
Suggested Duration2-4 hours
Best TimeAs the state's premier history and science museum, it is an excellent year-round attraction. Aim for the 10:00 AM opening or after 3:00 PM to beat the peak crowds; this ensures unrestricted access to view the massive Columbia mammoth skeletal replica, Lewis and Clark artifacts, and the expansive tech galleries.
Getting TherePerfectly positioned in Downtown Idaho Falls, just one block off the riverfront Greenbelt. From I-15, take Exit 118 (Broadway St) east across the bridge, and turn left onto N Eastern Ave. The museum maintains its own spacious, fully paved parking lot directly adjacent to the main gallery wing that is completely free.
Travel Tips
- World-class traveling mega-exhibits frequently require a separate timed-entry supplement; general admission tickets do not grant access to the feature pavilion.
- The building bridges a historic structure and a modern wing; the connector features an extended ramp requiring strict adherence to one-way pedestrian flow arrows.
- Surrounding curbside blocks enforce a strict 2-hour electronic parking limit; utilize the municipal parking structure three blocks north for extended tours.
Reviews
Positive
- Hands down the best comprehensive museum in Idaho! Highly modern after its expansion, showcasing Rocky Mountain history and geology.
- The traveling exhibitions are stunning, regularly featuring world-class displays like Egypt, Da Vinci, or Titanic artifacts.
- Elevators, accessibility ramps, and multi-language signs are pristine; the galleries are orderly, and volunteers give deeply dedicated tours.
- The ticket price is a massive bargain for a museum of this scale; one pass lasts all day with zero forced add-on sales. Superb value.
Heads up
- During major traveling exhibitions, weekend tour groups and school field trips pack the halls, making interactive areas very loud.
- Its dedicated parking lot falls short during peak attendance; you must resort to paid lots across the street or circle block by block.
- While the indoor children's adventure zone is fun, some science stations are frequently labeled 'under repair' due to heavy wear and tear.
- The facility only sells basic bottled drinks and small snacks, lacking a proper hot food cafeteria, which is awkward for all-day family trips.