Visitor Information

It is the mission of the Idaho Museum of Natural History to actively nurture an understanding of and delight in Idaho’s natural and cultural heritage. As the official state museum of natural history, it acquires, preserves, studies, interprets, and displays natural and cultural objects for Idaho residents, visitors, and the world’s community of students and scholars. The Museum also supports and encourages Idaho’s other natural history museums through mentoring and training in sound museological practices.

The Idaho Museum of Natural History is home to collections in anthropology, vertebrate paleontology, earth science, and the life sciences. It holds an archive of documents and ethnographic photographs. Researchers pursue scholarly study of the collections and publish their findings in outside and Museum-sponsored publications. The Stirton-Kelson Library of the IMNH specializes in archaeological and paleontological holdings and is a branch of the main ISU Eli M. Oboler Library. Exhibitions emphasize the collections and mission of the Museum, and include permanent and special offerings. Educational classes for children, families, and adults provide more in-depth exploration of the natural history of Idaho.

Admission Prices:

Adults: $5.00
Seniors (55+): $4.00
Students with valid ID: $3.00
Children 4-11: $2.00
Children under 4: FREE
Museum Members: FREE

AAA Members receive a $1.00 discount on admission.

Hours:

Museum Gallery and Store Open to the Public:

Tuesday through Saturday - 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Closed major holidays

Admissions Desk:
Phone (208) 282-3317
E-mail store@imnh.isu.edu

Museum Administration Business Hours:

Monday through Friday – 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Phone (208) 282-3168
Fax (208) 282-5893
Email imnh@isu.edu

Location:

The Museum is located on the campus of Idaho State University. It is at the intersection of 5th Avenue and Dillon Streets in ISU Building #12, Room 205C. For directions and parking information, click here.

Handicap Access and Special Needs:

The handicap accessible entrance to the Museum is from the Lower Quadrangle. Visitors requiring a wheelchair can obtain one from the Museum Admissions desk for use while touring the Museum. Elevators provide access to restrooms on the Museum's lower level.