Highest-rated museums in Idaho by visitors
Museums are popular tourist attractions because they provide fun ways to learn about history, science, and culture. As stewards of our civilization, they collect and exhibit items of significant importance, typically based around a theme, topic, or place. Many cover areas like art, natural history, or science, but some museums dedicate themselves to highly specific topics like mustard, play, hot air balloons, and even funeral history. Ultimately, museums present a window into different eras of society so people can learn about the past.
Collecting, preserving, and displaying items is not a new idea. The dates to about 530 B.C., a project of Princess Ennigaldi-Nanna, a Babylonian who had a collection of Mesopotamian artifacts. The oldest public museums still in existence are the Capitoline Museums in Rome, a collection of art and archeology museums . America's oldest museum predates our country's founding. The Charleston Museum, a preservation of South Carolinian Lowcountry history,.
Museums are important not just because they preserve important elements of our history and culture but also because they can improve our well-being. Naturally, museums promote education and learning and can also bring joy. Researchers studying art museums found that they can. Quiet museum environments allow people to slow down and relax, and looking at exhibits. Museums also foster community by hosting events, activities, and tours that encourage social interaction.
No wonder they attract nearly.
With over in the country to choose from, there's something for everyone. compiled a list of the highest-rated museums in Idaho on Tripadvisor as of Aug. 11, 2025. Tripadvisor rankings factor in the average rating and number of reviews. Keep reading to see what museums are in your own home state.
#28. Northern Pacific Depot
- Rating: 4.6/5 (86 reviews)
- City: Wallace
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#27. The Art Museum of Eastern Idaho
- Rating: 4.5/5 (31 reviews)
- City: not available
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#26. Idaho Museum of Natural History
- Rating: 3.9/5 (55 reviews)
- City: Pocatello
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#25. Nez Perce County Historical Society & Museum
- Rating: 4.4/5 (48 reviews)
- City: Lewiston
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#24. Fort Hall Replica
- Rating: 4.2/5 (49 reviews)
- City: Pocatello
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#23. Monastery of St Gertrude
- Rating: 4.8/5 (47 reviews)
- City: Cottonwood
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#22. Legacy Flight Museum
- Rating: 4.6/5 (36 reviews)
- City: Rexburg
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#21. Boise Art Museum
- Rating: 4.0/5 (120 reviews)
- City: Boise
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#20. Sacajawea Interpretive, Cultural and Education Center
- Rating: 4.5/5 (124 reviews)
- City: Salmon
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#19. The Art Spirit Gallery
- Rating: 4.8/5 (41 reviews)
- City: Coeur d Alene
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#18. Herrett Center for Arts and Science
- Rating: 4.6/5 (42 reviews)
- City: Twin Falls
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#17. Teton Geotourism Center
- Rating: 4.8/5 (42 reviews)
- City: Driggs
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#16. Cleo's Ferry Museum and Nature Trail
- Rating: 4.0/5 (33 reviews)
- City: Melba
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#15. Wallace Mining Museum
- Rating: 4.5/5 (95 reviews)
- City: Wallace
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#14. National Oregon / California Trail Center
- Rating: 4.5/5 (261 reviews)
- City: Montpelier
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#13. Idaho Military History Museum
- Rating: 4.6/5 (36 reviews)
- City: Boise
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#12. Discovery Center of Idaho
- Rating: 4.3/5 (171 reviews)
- City: Boise
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#11. Oasis Bordello Museum
- Rating: 4.2/5 (128 reviews)
- City: Wallace
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#10. Idaho State Museum
- Rating: 4.4/5 (121 reviews)
- City: Boise
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#9. Experimental Breeder Reactor No. 1 (EBR-I) Atomic Museum
- Rating: 4.6/5 (237 reviews)
- City: Arco
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#8. Basque Museum & Cultural Center
- Rating: 4.5/5 (216 reviews)
- City: Boise
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#7. Collector Corner Museum
- Rating: 4.9/5 (94 reviews)
- City: not available
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#6. Museum of Idaho
- Rating: 4.4/5 (329 reviews)
- City: not available
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#5. Museum of Clean
- Rating: 4.7/5 (273 reviews)
- City: Pocatello
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#4. Idaho Potato Museum
- Rating: 4.2/5 (382 reviews)
- City: Blackfoot
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#3. Warhawk Air Museum
- Rating: 4.7/5 (266 reviews)
- City: Nampa
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#2. Boise Art Glass
- Rating: 4.8/5 (106 reviews)
- City: Boise
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#1. Old Idaho Penitentiary
- Rating: 4.5/5 (1,036 reviews)
- City: Boise
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This story features data reporting by Wade Zhou, writing by Jill Jaracz, and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 51 states.