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Highest-rated museums in Idaho by visitors

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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 world's first museum 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 started in 1471. America's oldest museum predates our country's founding. The Charleston Museum, a preservation of South Carolinian Lowcountry history, opened in 1773.

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 reduce depression and increase people's sense of belonging. Quiet museum environments allow people to slow down and relax, and looking at exhibits can reduce stress. Museums also foster community by hosting events, activities, and tours that encourage social interaction.

No wonder they attract nearly 900 million visits a year.

With over 30,000 museums in the country to choose from, there's something for everyone. Stacker 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.

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#27. The Art Museum of Eastern Idaho

Tripadvisor

2 / 28

#27. The Art Museum of Eastern Idaho

- Rating: 4.5/5 (31 reviews)
- City: not available
- Read more on Tripadvisor

#26. Idaho Museum of Natural History

Tripadvisor

3 / 28

#26. Idaho Museum of Natural History

- Rating: 3.9/5 (55 reviews)
- City: Pocatello
- Read more on Tripadvisor

#25. Nez Perce County Historical Society & Museum

Tripadvisor

4 / 28

#25. Nez Perce County Historical Society & Museum

- Rating: 4.4/5 (48 reviews)
- City: Lewiston
- Read more on Tripadvisor

#20. Sacajawea Interpretive, Cultural and Education Center

Tripadvisor

9 / 28

#20. Sacajawea Interpretive, Cultural and Education Center

- Rating: 4.5/5 (124 reviews)
- City: Salmon
- Read more on Tripadvisor

#18. Herrett Center for Arts and Science

Tripadvisor

11 / 28

#18. Herrett Center for Arts and Science

- Rating: 4.6/5 (42 reviews)
- City: Twin Falls
- Read more on Tripadvisor

#16. Cleo's Ferry Museum and Nature Trail

Tripadvisor

13 / 28

#16. Cleo's Ferry Museum and Nature Trail

- Rating: 4.0/5 (33 reviews)
- City: Melba
- Read more on Tripadvisor

#8. Basque Museum & Cultural Center

Tripadvisor

21 / 28

#8. Basque Museum & Cultural Center

- Rating: 4.5/5 (216 reviews)
- City: Boise
- Read more on Tripadvisor

#7. Collector Corner Museum

Tripadvisor

22 / 28

#7. Collector Corner Museum

- Rating: 4.9/5 (94 reviews)
- City: not available
- Read more on Tripadvisor

#1. Old Idaho Penitentiary

Tripadvisor

28 / 28

#1. Old Idaho Penitentiary

- Rating: 4.5/5 (1,036 reviews)
- City: Boise
- Read more on Tripadvisor

This story features data reporting by Wade Zhou, writing by Jill Jaracz, and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 51 states.

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