Boise Basin Museum - 503 Montgomery St., Idaho City, ID 83631 - (208) 392-4950 - Relive days long gone beginning with the discovery of gold in the 1860's. Mining era artifacts, rare bottle collection and video presentation. $2 Adults, $1.50 Students and Seniors, $5 for Families. Memorial Day-Labor Day, 11am-4pm Mon-Sat; 1pm-4pm Sun; Weekends May & September.

Boise State University Vertebrate Museum - 1910 University Dr., Boise, ID 83725 - (208) 426-3701 - Features an exhibit containing thousands of preserved specimens of birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians and fish. Call for hours.

Canyon County Historical Museum - 1200 Front St., Nampa, ID 83651 - (208) 467-7611 - Housed in an original train depot built in 1903. Displays of Canyon County and Union Pacific memorabilia. Model train layout is favorite . Hours: Tues.-Fri., 1pm-5pm, Saturdays summer hours 10am-3pm, winter 11am-3pm. Donation: Adults, $1; Children, $.50

Discovery Center of Idaho - 131 Myrtle St., Boise, ID 83702 - (208) 343-9895 - Imagine the possibilities. Explore the unexpected. Discover the wonder of science. Challenge your senses at the Discovery Center! See, touch and hear more than 130 hands-on science exhibits. You'll be surprised at what you can make happen . . . blow a 3-foot bubble, build an arch and capture your shadow. At the Discovery Center of Idaho, we have fun down to a science! Hours: Jun.-Aug., Mon.-Sat., 10am-5pm, Sun., 12pm-5pm; Sept.-May, Tues.-Fri., 9am-5pm, Sat., 10am-5pm, Sun., 12pm-5pm; Closed holidays Fees: Adults, $5 Adults, Seniors, $4, Students (3-12), $3

Idaho State Historical Museum - 610 Julia Davis Dr., Boise, ID 83702 - (208) 334-2120 - Discover the fascinating history of the State of Idaho from prehistoric times through fur trading days, the gold rush and pioneer settlement. The Idaho State Historical Museum, founded in 1907, is Idaho's largest and most popular museum. Richly detailed interiors show how Idahoans in the late 19th and 20th centuries lived and conducted business. Exhibits change periodically and special events are held throughout the year. Hours: May through September: Tue.-Sat., 9am-5pm, Sun, 1-5pm Closed Mondays -- Oct through April: Tues - Fri 9am-5pm, Sat 11am - 5pm, Closed Sun and Mon Fees: Adults, $2, Children 6-18, $1, Children under 6 free

Bannock County Historical Museum - 3000 Alvord Loop, Pocatello, ID 83204 - (208) 233-0434 - The Bannock County Historical Museum houses exhibits illustrating Pocatello's early railroad history and Shoshone-Bannock Indian artifacts. It sits adjacent to the Fort Hall Replica and the Ross Park Zoo in Pocatello. Hours: Memorial Day-Labor Day, 10am-6pm daily; Winter: Tues.-Sat., 10am-2pm, Closed Holidays Fees: Adults, $1, Children 6-12, $.50, Children Under 6 free

Bingham County Historical Museum - 190 N. Shilling Ave., Blackfoot, ID 83221 - (208) 785-8065 - On the outside, this 15 room mansion resembles a southern plantation home. On the inside, it houses an historic collection of classic dolls and Native American artifacts. Wood and iron Victorian ornamentation adds to the building's interest. Hours: Wed.-Fri., 1pm-4:30pm

Idaho Potato Expo - 130 NW Main St., Blackfoot, ID 83221 - (208) 785-2517 - The Idaho Potato Exposition offers dozens of fun and educational exhibits featuring the world's most popular vegetable and Idaho's most famous product. The museum features old farming equipment, several educational exhibits including 1600-year-old vessels made in Peru and a video presentation about the development of the potato industry. You can also view the world's largest potato chip and the Spud Cellar Gift Shop offers almost any potato gift imaginable including potato ice cream, potato fudge, t-shirts and, of course, fresh Idaho potatoes. Admission includes a free baked potato and toppings. Hours: Apr.-Oct., 9:30am-5pm Mon.-Sat. November-March 9:30am-3:00pm Mon-Fri Fees: Adults, $3, Children 6-12, $1, Seniors 55 & up, $2.50, Triple A Members, $2.50

South Bannock County Historical Museum - 110 E. Main St., Lava Hot Springs, ID 83246 - (208) 776-5254 - Lava Hot Springs has been a gathering place to rest and bathe in springs for centuries. The U. S. Government purchased the land in a treaty with the Shoshone Indians in the late 1800s and granted ownership to the State of Idaho in 1902. The arrival of the railroad in 1905 brought the first tourists to the Lava Hot Springs area and people have sought out the famous hot springs ever since. The South Bannock County Historical Museum offers both permanent and rotating exhibits about the history of the Lava Hot Springs area and the communities of Arimo, Inkom, Downey, McCammon, Virginia and Swan Lake. Hours: Daily, 12pm-5pm Fees: Donations

Cassia County Historical Museum - E. Main & Hiland, Burley, ID 83318 - (208) 678-7172 - This museum presents a display of Indian artifacts, fossils, farm tools and a wall-sized map of Cassia County. During your visit you will see a furnished log cabin, general store and school house, all of which date back to the 1880s. Miles of pioneer trails are visible near the museum. Hours: Apr.-Oct., Tues.-Sat., 10am-5pm Fees: Donations welcome

Herrett Center for Arts & Science - 315 Falls Ave., Twin Falls, ID 83303 - (208) 732-6655 - Explore the ancient Americas. Enjoy contemporary art. Soar through the solar system from your planetarium seat. The Herrett Center is all these plus a gift shop for the imaginative. Artifacts include pre-Inca textiles, Mayan jade and Peruvian pottery. In 1995 the Faulkner Planetarium, a 144-seat, state-of-the-art theater was added to the museum. Hours: School year: Tues- Fri, 9:30am-9pm; Wed-Thurs 9:30am to 4:30pm; Sat., 1pm-9pm; Summer; Tues.-Sat., 1pm-9pm Fees: Free museum and art gallery; fee for planetarium shows

Jerome County Historical Museum - 220 N. Lincoln, Jerome, ID 83338 - (208) 324-5641 - Discover the history of and see artifacts from the Jerome area at this county museum located next to the Jerome Memorial Library. Exhibits include the Hunt Japanese American Relocation Center displays and the North Side Irrigation Project displays. Hours: Tue. -Fri., 1pm - 5pm Saturday 1pm-4:30pm Fees: Donations

Twin Falls County Historical Museum - 858 Blue Lakes Blvd. N., Twin Falls, ID 83301 - (208) 733-3974 - Located in the old Union School at Curry Crossing, the Twin Falls County Historical Museum offers its visitors a unique opportunity to take a step back to the early days of the Magic Valley. Hours: Tues.-Sat., 10am-5pm Fees: Donation

Appaloosa Museum - 2720 W. Pullman Rd., Moscow, ID 83843 - (208) 882-5578 ext: 2 - Visitors learn about the history of the Appaloosa horse, which is as unique and colorful as its coat pattern. Exhibits explore the evolution of the breed, its importance to local Native American cultures, its role in the lives of cowboys, rodeos and circuses, and the history of the Appaloosa Horse Club. Our Kid's Area invites little buckaroos to hop on a saddle, do hands-on activities and enjoy learning about the world of the Appaloosas. Hours: Mon.-Fri., 10am-5pm; Sat., 10am-4pm Fees: Donations

Clearwater Historical Museum - 315 College Ave.. Orofino, ID 83544 - (208) 476-5033 - Dedicated to preserving the history of the Clearwater River area, this museum displays samples from their collection of more than 4,000 old pictures and historical artifacts from the past, including gold mining, logging, farming, the Nez Perce Indians and the Lewis & Clark Expedition. Hours: Jun.-Sept., Tues.-Sat. 12:30am-5:30pm Oct-May, Tues.-Sat.,1:30-4:30pm Fees: Donations

Historical Museum of St. Gertrude - 465 Keuterville Rd., Cottonwood, ID 83522 - (208) 962-2050 - Located on the grounds of St. Gertrude, the museum has a collection of over 70,000 artifacts, 11,000 of which are on display. The exhibits pertain to the early days of the region, including pioneer days and mining and farming. The museum features a varied array of firearms, indian artifacts, minerals and religious items. The museum also has a collection of Asian and European artifacts. Hours: May-Sept., Tues.-Sat., 9:30am-4:30pm, Sun. 1:30-4:30; Oct.-Apr., Tues.-Sat., 9:30am-4:30pm. - Adults, $5, Children 7-17, $2

Nez Perce County Museum - 306 3rd St., Lewiston, ID 83501 - (208) 743-2535 - The Nez Perce County Historical Museum displays the chronological highlights of the County's history with exhibits of Native American and pioneer artifacts, photographs and interpretive text. The museum's recent renovation and exhibit update was made possible with funds from the Governor's Lewis & Clark Trail Committee. Hours: Mar.-Nov., Tues.-Sat., 10am-4pm Fees: Donations appreciated

Lemhi County Historical Museum - 210 Main St., Salmon, ID 83467 - (208) 756-3342 - Features Lewis and Clark information. Also features the largest collection of Lemhi Shoshoni artifacts, headdresses and peace pipes. Hours: Jun.-Aug., Mon.-Sat., 9am-5pm; Apr.-May & Sept.-Oct., Mon.-Sat., 12:30pm-4:30pm -Closed Nov.-Mar. Fees: Adults, $2, Children under 12, free

Lost River Museum - 312 Capitol St., Mackay, ID 83251 - (208) 588-3133 - Located in a century-old church, this museum features artifacts from early days in the valley, including mining tools, ranch implements, vintage clothing and photos, plus railroad memorabilia. Also shown are early newspaper history and equipment and a large display of collectibles. Open Memorial Day-Labor Day, Sat.-Sun., 1pm-5pm. Donations.

Stanley Museum - Stanley, ID 83278 - (208) 774-3517 - The Stanley area, at the base of the magnificent Sawtooth Mountains, has its roots in the mining era. It was founded in 1890 and named for Civil War veteran Capt. John Stanley, who found gold in the area while passing through on his way to Idaho City. The Stanley Museum is located in the former Valley Creek Ranger Station and interprets local history of Stanley and the Sawtooth Mountains. - Hours: Memorial Day-Labor Day, 11am-5pm Daily Fees: Free

The Shooting Gallery Wildlife Museum - 25341 Hwy. 93, Challis, ID 83226 - (208) 879-5999 - A wildlife museum located on the grounds of Rainbow's End Bed & Breakfast which offers free fly fishing in its trophy trout pond. The exhibits include 18 world records and 14 state records, which includes 13 world-record fish, Idaho state record elk, mule deer and whitetail, polar bear, big horn sheep, stone sheep, Dall's sheep, Mongolian High Alta Argali and Ibex, local wildlife video, educational wild life exhibit, art, antiques and collectibles in a rotating exhibit, which include bronze sculptures by A. Matthews, fish carvings by Ed Walicki, windmill weights, original Picassos, Mickey Mouse. - Hours: 9-5, 7 days a week; Summer extended hours: 9-7 Fees: Adults $10, Students $5.00, Children 11 under Free

Collectors' Corner Museum - 900 John Adams Pkwy., Idaho Falls, ID 83401 - (208) 528-9900 - Idaho Falls' newest museum has over 70 cases filled with something of interest to everyone, including dolls, bears, antiques, trains, coins, stamps and military memorabilia. Hours: Tues.-Sat., 10am-5pm

Museum of Idaho - 200 N. Eastern Ave., Idaho Falls, ID 83402 - (208) 522-1400 - This outstanding museum in Idaho Falls features changing exhibits plus the history of the city once known as Eagle Rock. Hours: Mon & Tues, 9am-8pm; Wed - Sat, 9am-5pm; Sun, closed Fees: Adults, $6; Seniors 62+, $5; Youth 4-18, $4; Children under 4, Free.

Teton Flood Museum - 51 N. Center St., Rexburg, ID 83440 - (208) 359-3063 - The Teton Flood Museum, located in the former LDS Tabernacle, displays artifacts and photographs of the disaster that occurred on June 5, 1976. On that date the new Teton Dam collapsed, pouring billions of gallons of water into the valley below. More than 25,000 people were driven from their homes and damages were estimated at $800 million. Presentations include a video of the actual break of the dam. Hours: May.-Sept., Mon.-Sat., 9am-4pm; Oct.-April, Mon.-Fri., 10am-3pm Fees: Adults, $2; Youths 12-18, $1; Children under 12, $.50

Willard Arts Center - 498 A St., Idaho Falls, ID 83402 - (208) 522-0471 - Managed by the Idaho Falls Arts Council, this facility houses 3 exhibit galleries, a theater, conference rooms and classrooms. Rotating exhibits featuring works by international, national, regional, and local artists are displayed. An upstairs gallery features the work of young artists and students. Open year-round. Mon.-Fri., 11am-4pm, Sat., 10am-4 pm - Free admission.

Bonner County Historical Museum - 611 S. Ella Ave., Sandpoint, ID 83864 - (208) 263-2344 - Located in Lakeview Park, the museum features exhibits detailing the history and development of Bonner County. Visitors take a trip back to the era of Native Americans, fur traders, steamboats, and railroads. Displays include: Farragut Naval Training Base, a pioneer kitchen, and an S.I.R.R. caboose. A research library and large collection of historical photographs are also available. Adjacent to the museum is an Idaho native plant arboretum and park. Hours: Tues.-Sat., 10am - 4pm Fees: Adults, $2, Students, $1, Family $5

Crystal Gold Mine Museum - 51931 Silver Valley Rd., Kellogg, ID 83837 - (208) 783-4653 - Visit the only authentic 1880s underground gold mine museum in the Northwest! This mine was worked from 1879 to 1881 and was only rediscovered in 1991. A guided underground tour explains how miners drilled, traced veins and tested for gold. Underground mine tours, museum and gift shop are open all year with seasonal gold panning. This is a AAA-approved attraction with an RV Park on site. Hours: Oct.- Apr., 10am-4pm; May-Sept., 9am-6pm Fees: $10/Adults, $8.50/Seniors, $7.50/Children under 17, $7.50; Family Rates, Children under 4 Free

Priest Lake Museum - 38 W. Lakeshore Dr., Priest River, ID 83856 - (208) 443-2676 - Housed in a cabin built in the 1930's which housed forest rangers for many years. The interior exhibits furnishings from the past, plus historical artifacts from Priest Lake's earlier times. Photo displays include early logging, area forest fires, local animals and memories of steamboat days. Open Memorial Day-Labor Day, Tues.-Sun., 10am-4pm. - Donations welcome.

Wallace District Mining Museum - 509 Bank St., Wallace, ID 83873 - (208) 556-1592 - The Wallace District Mining Museum captures the flavor of the mining industry in Northern Idaho from the days of the early gold rush to the more recent period of world-record silver production. Artifacts, models, photographs, paintings and displays of mining activity and techniques take you back in time and deep into the history of one of the most lucrative mining districts in the country. The entire town of Wallace is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is well worth a stop. Documentary video on area history included in Admission fee. Hours: Jul.-Aug., 9am-6pm daily; Call for hours other months. Fees: Adult, $2; Children, $.50; Seniors, $1.50