Collectors Corner Museum — Attraction in Idaho Falls

It was a brisk winter Saturday morning in southeast Idaho and I was scrambling to come up with a few last minute adjustments to a very important weekend: a date with my girlfriend who was visiting Idaho Falls for the first time! “What to do in Idaho Falls?” “Top 10 things to do in Idaho Falls?” The final countdown ticked over some must-try Smittys sourdough pancakes, where my mother suggested to the Lady and me that we visit ‘Collectors Corner’- one of the top rated places to visit in Idaho Falls! “That little white building east of Ravsten Stadium? Next to the gas station?” It may not look like much on the outside, but real treasures come in humble packaging. Collectors corner embodies the most impressive collection of collections west of the mississippi- and maybe east, I haven’t been out there much- ranging from dolls to dollars, teddy bears to trains, GI Joes to water hose nozzles. You’ll find something to blast you back to your childhood among the thousands of items spread throughout. Right away, you are greeted by the cutest and sweetest face at the front counter, who requests a very cheap admission that also includes student and senior discounts. An all inclusive experience ensues, where Nida and her husband Jim not only offer free roam around the facility, but also accompany you to share personal experiences about the items, quiz you on random trivia, educate you on historical background behind certain collections, and even offer advice on how to start your own collection! They sure know how to have fun with the simple things in front of them and allow you to interact with a few of the collections yourself! To make my date even better, we found a beautiful hand made turquoise ring inside their last-stop gift shop to make the memory last forever. But of course, not even the cute picture we took with Jim and Nida after all was said and done will be enough to show others how much they need to go to this place- Y’all just gotta see it...

"I came looking for copper but I found gold". That's how I can summarize my experience in one sentence. This museum is unique, very personal. What you see is only half of the experience. What you can find out about the items on display is equally (if not more) interesting. The owners spent their lives collecting different things, from military equipment to Barbie dolls. They are super friendly and once you're there, just ask them about anything. You'll not only hear a great story, but you'll also find a sense of joy coming from doing things you love, together. The owners are a couple married for 59 years (I write it in 2019) and collecting is something they enjoy since the day one. Truly inspiring! The collections are highly diversified and everyone will find something they enjoy. Last but not least, there's a store with collectible items the owners personally bought. I absolutely loved it as I found things I wouldn't be able to find anywhere else. I only wish I had brought more cash with me :). I think I spent almost 3 hours in the museum (some of it even after official closing hours, but the owners were so polite they didn't even mention it) and I'd really love to visit it again and discover more stories.

PS. If there are any journalists out there: this is an awesome case for a...

We're on vacation from San Antonio Texas. My family visited this place today and we absolutely adored every minute of it! The couple that own the museum are the kindest and warmest people that we have met. They were both very knowledgeable about every item in every collection that they have in their keep. My son had an unforgettable experience!!! He will never forget the kind-hearted owner (Jim). And my daughter enjoyed every moment of conversation with Grandma Naida (I hope I spelled it correct). They made it exciting to learn about topics such as WW2, Barbie, Fossils, Disney, Old Hollywood the Civil War, trains, robots, guns... you name it, they have it! It's impossible to stump them because they have such a vast collection of everything. Overall, this museum visit was a highlight to our day thanks to their kind service and loving...