Welcome to the Idaho Museum of Natural History's Website!

Symposia at Idaho State University :

Predator-Prey Symposium
May 12–14, 2008
Idaho State University and the University of Idaho are jointly hosting a symposium on Predator-Prey Dynamics. The purpose of these symposia is to provide relevant information to resource professionals and interested students.

2008 International Symposium on Saber-toothed Mammals
May 14–17, 2008
Idaho State University and the Idaho Museum of Natural History are hosting the 2008 International Symposium of Saber-toothed mammals. Although saber-tooths have captured the imaginations of researchers and public since their first discovery, our understanding of these peculiar hypercarnivores remains far from complete.

Click here for more information and for the registration form. Other questions concerning the workshops should be directed to Susan Rittenhouse, ISU Dept of Biological Sciences, at (208) 282-2809 or rittsusa@isu.edu.

On Exhibit at IMNH:

The Art of Paleontology Now Open!
“The Art of Paleontology” features the outstanding artwork of world-renowned Paleoartist Mark Hallett. Check out his website at www.hallettpaleoart.com! Stunning bronze casts of 4 saber-tooth cats attacking a Bison latifrons fill the center of the gallery. The exhibit also features elements from IMNH’s Tolo Lake Exhibit to teach visitors about one of the most significant paleontological sites in Idaho.

Mark Hallett is coming to IMNH in May!
Click here for details.

A Century of Fish Hatcheries
Now Open! This exhibit, created by the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, celebrates the 100th anniversary of the legislative act that created the first state fish hatchery. The exhibit features historical aquaculture equipment designed and built out of necessity at the fish hatcheries. This equipment along with historical photographs chronicle the 100-year-old practices and techniques of the hatcheries.

See Other Exhibits See Other Exhibits

Other Museum Happenings:

Boise's KTVB television reporter Alyson Oüten visited IMNH a while back. Click here for her behind the scenes tour of our collections: Ancient Artifacts Revealed

Click here to read our latest Newsletter!

Sawtooth Science Institute
Learn more about the natural history of Idaho and the northern Rockies. Here's the full catalog of the year's course offerings.

IMNH's "In Step with Lewis and Clark"
Radio Program!
"In Step with Lewis and Clark," a radio series originating out of the Museum, launched in June. Find out more about it here.

Browse the Museum Store
The Museum Store provides visitors an opportunity to purchase unique gifts and merchandise that reflect the natural history of our State.

May Events & Programs:

ISU Graduation Appreciation Day
Saturday • May 10 • All Day
In celebration of ISU Graduation, all ISU graduates and their families are invited to visit the museum free of charge on this day. The Museum is a great way to spend time with out-of-town visitors.

A Sabertooth Celebration
A Private VIP Reception in Honor of Mark Hallett
Wednesday • May 14 • 5:00-7:00 p.m.
Location: IMNH Classroom
Tickets: Available at IMNH and the ISU Student Union Information Desk ~ include admission, beverages, and hors d’oeuvres
Guests will have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to watch this master artist up close and in action. Mark will be demonstrating how he uses a cast of the skull of a Sabertooth cat as the base upon which he sculpts and reconstructs the animal. Mark will also be available to visit with the guests, answer questions, and sign books and autographs. Mark was the artist and scientific consultant who helped create the dinosaurs for Steven Spielberg’s movie, “Jurassic Park.” His artwork is currently featured in the Museum’s newest exhibit, “The Art of Paleontology.”

Partners for Prosperity Multicultural Fair
Thursday • May 22 • 5:00-8:00 p.m.
Location: Eastern Idaho Fairgrounds in Blackfoot
Free Admission
IMNH is excited to participate in the 6th Annual Multicultural Festival to help celebrate the wide range of culture and diversity present in southeastern Idaho. Bring your children by our booth for fun projects and cool museum stuff!

High School Graduation Appreciation Day
Thursday • May 29 • All Day
In celebration of High School Graduation, all high school graduates and their families are invited to visit the museum free of charge on this day. The Museum is a great way to spend time with out-of-town visitors.

RiverWalk - Desert Plants of Idaho
Saturday • May 31 • 8:00-9:30 a.m.
Location: Meet at the Edson Fichter Trailhead
This is a great opportunity to learn more about the native plants growing in Pocatello. Learn how these plants thrive in our hot dry area, as well as some of the historical uses of these native plants. Janet Bala, a botanist at ISU and native plant expert, will lead this hike through the Edson Fichter Nature Area. IMNH and Portneuf Greenway Foundation are pleased to partner with the Idaho Native Plant Society to offer this walk. Terrain is accessible to all.

Upcoming Children's Classes

Art on the Road: A Spring Frolic with Fish & Art
Saturday • June 7 • 8:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Ages: 3rd - 6th Grades • Fee: $30.00 Per Child
Spring has finally arrived! It’s time to be out and about spending a marvelous day drawing, painting, learning, and experiencing the natural world. Come along for a wonder-filled fieldtrip to the Mackay Fish Hatchery to learn about rainbow trout and salmon from Mick Hoover at the Idaho Department of Fish and Game. Fish are amazing, however, learning how to paint these incredible creatures is our next adventure. We’ll spend the afternoon with Linda Wolfe, Visual Artist, learning how to interpret fish through art with pencil and brush.

Pint-Sized Science Academy 2008 - Starts June 19!
Classes for preschoolers and kindergarteners
Click here for complete schedule

Summer Science Snack 2008 - Starts July 21st!
Classes for 1st-6th grades
Click here for complete schedule

Forays Into the Field
July 28 - Aug 1 • Ages 12-16, completed 7th-10th grades
This innovative program invites young women to spend their summer exploring science! They spend a week in the field learning about biology, paleontology, geology, chemistry, and physics with cool, practicing scientists from ISU. Click here for the registration form.

Our Mission

The Idaho Museum of Natural History actively nurtures 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.

Become a Member

A membership in the Idaho Museum of Natural History supports the Museum, provides added bonuses, and is an economical way to visit the Museum year 'round.

Check out our new membership categories and the privileges of membership.