Here’s how to experience the region’s history and culture.
By Kevin Litwin on September 17, 2024
Visit Idaho
Whether you’re new in town or a longtime resident longing to get a deeper understanding about where you live, you have plenty of great opportunities here in Eastern Idaho. Learn about everything from artifacts to artistry when you visit these museums in Idaho Falls and Eastern Idaho.
The Art Museum of Eastern Idaho (TAM) in Idaho Falls
Located on a greenbelt trail, TAM overlooks the scenic Snake River. The museum has five galleries, a children’s interactive art learning area, art classrooms and a gift shop. In addition, TAM hosts ART Idaho, a competition open to all artists currently residing in Idaho.
Farnsworth TV & Pioneer Museum in Rigby
Philo T. Farnsworth is credited with inventing the television in Rigby. Farnsworth TV & Pioneer Museum highlights include the first-ever television tube along with exhibitions of TVs from the pre-electric and early electric era. One of the most popular displays details the life of Farnsworth and the process of his invention.
Idaho Museum of Natural History in Pocatello
More than 500,000 fossils and animal and plant specimens are displayed in this natural history and official state museum on the Idaho State University campus. Collections are divided into three areas – anthropology, earth sciences and life sciences – and special events occur often.
The world’s largest collection of potato mashers and the biggest Pringles potato chip ever made are among the attractions at the Idaho Potato Museum, which opened in 1988. The potato industry is significant in Blackfoot and Eastern Idaho, so it makes sense that the “Potato Capital of the World” should house such an impressive museum.
Legacy Flight Museum in Rexburg
On the grounds of Rexburg-Madison County Airport, the Legacy Flight Museum showcases historic military uniforms and weapons. More than a dozen World War II aircraft are on-site with well-known brand names like Beechcraft, Bell, Boeing, Cessna and Grumman, and there is even a MASH helicopter that kids can sit in and play with the controls.
Museum of Idaho
Museum of Idaho in Idaho Falls
About 80,000 people visit this museum each year, and a flagship permanent exhibit called “Way Out West” is divided into seven galleries. Other highlights include a life-size North American mammoth replica and an American flag from the Revolutionary War.
Oneida Pioneer Museum in Malad City
Local pioneer treasures are showcased at the Oneida Pioneer Museum, including old furniture, quilts, farm tools, toys, musical instruments and clothing. The museum itself is housed in a former drugstore built in 1914, and a collection of pioneer-era crayon portraits is displayed on the interior walls.
Shoshone-Bannock Tribal Museum in Pocatello
Several exhibits featuring Chief Pocatello highlight this museum in Pocatello, and old photographs that date as far back as 1895 show how the Shoshone-Bannock tribes settled much of Eastern Idaho. Be sure to visit the museum store, which offers tribal books, artwork and beadwork.
Teton Geo Center, Museum & Discovery Hub in Driggs
The Teton Valley is along the eastern border of Idaho against the 13,000- foot peaks of the Teton Range. The city of Driggs has established the Teton Geo Center to highlight the Valley’s history, recreation and resources.
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