Anthropology
The anthropology exhibits present a wide range of material from the IMNH collections that mark traditional life on the Snake River Plain, including children's dolls and games, sagebrush bark clothing, corn husk bags, bows and arrows, basketry, cradleboards, beaded attire, and more.
Also on display are archaeological materials such as pottery, ground stone, projectile points and various other tools including an extensive Paleoindian crescent collection.
The Wasden exhibit displays a sequence of material excavated from various depths at Owl Cave, including mammoth bones and associated Folsom points, bison bone from a kill event, and numerous other artifacts.
Earth Sciences
Idaho Geology
From minerals to fossils, unearth the natural resources Idaho has to offer. Discover and learn about the geology found right here in Idaho including its fossils, minerals, and gems. With hands-on activities, learn how our mountains are built by domino-like faults, piece together the complex history of geologic time, and play with our giant plate tectonics jigsaw puzzle.
Trackways of Idaho
The footprints of ancient animals are on display, preserved on sandstone from southern Idaho. Tracks from spiders, dinosaurs and early mammals are as fresh as if they were made yesterday. except these animals roamed Idaho nearly 200 million years ago!
Ice-age Megafauna
Discover the rich fossil history of our region with the Pleistocene Megafauna exhibit. Look at and touch real fossils. Imagine a paleontology dig site with the Tolo Lake Mammoth excavation exhibit, part of the dig site transported and captured in time for public viewing. See the large skeletons of the prehistoric creatures that once roamed Idaho, including saber tooth cats, giant bison and the state fossil - the Hagerman horse. In addition, watch as staff from the museum prepare new specimens and construct casts in the Paleo Lab.
Life Sciences
The life sciences exhibition highlights the diverse flora and fauna of the Snake River Plain. Currently on display are a diversity of rodents including flying squirrels, kangaroo rats, beaver and marmot. Owls and sage grouse are also featured.
All of the native reptiles, amphibians, and fish of Southern Idaho are on display in the gallery. Never before shown specimens from our collections include the desert horned lizard and the northern leopard frog.
Botanical specimens from the Ray J. Davis Herbarium feature plants characteristic of the different habitats of southeast Idaho, from sage desert to high alpine. Specimens on display include the yellow glacier lily, camas, syringa (the state flower), and many more.