Idaho Museum of Mining and Geology — Attraction in Idaho

Just FANTASTIC !!! Incredible graphics in several different media*, they show the hills, Mountains, Valley's, plateaus and faults, in ways that reveal how Idaho came to be what it is today. Rich in history, there is information on the early miners (including women miners), the incredible Wealth taken from the Earth's crust, even Earthquakes and how crust "movements" have changed the surrounding areas. *In addition to a huge wall map that shows the state in bold 3D Relief, there is an Excellent touch-screen display that goes from an overview, down to incredible detail on each of the mining districts and individual mines (with great old pictures of the buildings, people and equipment they used). The docents were very knowledgeable and great at sharing their wealth of knowledge !!! All this and Free...

This museum is packed into a building on the grounds of the Old Idaho Penitentiary. Don't let the small size fool you. There's a lot to see. From the scientific to the historic, the geology, mineralogy and mining history of Idaho can be found inside. There are maps showing the terrain types. There are samples of many types of rock and mineral. Many exhibits are hands-on. There are things for both adults and kids. The staff are knowledgeable and very friendly. The day we went, there was no entrance fee, but we left a small donation, the museum is that good. There is a small gift shop. Note for wheelchairs and those with a fall risk: due to the age of the building, the floors are not always even. The ramps and lips and...

This is a wonderful little museum filled with lots of interesting treasures. The volunteer staff is extremely friendly and helpful. They even offered to identify some of the unknown rocks I have in my collection if I brought them in. It's free to get in. I don't understand these people leaving bad reviews because they don't find this to be an interesting subject, or they had to walk a half of a block to get there. Those are more personal problems and not in any way the fault of this great little place. I will definitely be returning to have my...