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A lighted museum display showing tools used by Basque shepherds and a section of an Aspen tree that includes carvings left by shepherds.

Culture & History

No matter the month or season, Idaho’s rich culture and history are on full display at museums, historical sites, and unique events around the state.

Museums

Trace the journey of Lewis and Clark at the Museum of Idaho. Tour the cells of some of the West’s most notorious criminals at the Old Idaho Penitentiary. Get up close with warplanes and memorabilia from World War I and World War II at the Warhawk Air Museum. Celebrate and savor Idaho’s most popular tuber at the Idaho Potato Museum. Learn all about Idaho at these other museums and galleries.

Historical Sites

Discover Native American history and customs at the Nez Perce National Historical Park and the Sacajawea Interpretive, Cultural & Educational Center. See what pioneer life was like along the Oregon Trail at Massacre Rocks State Park and Three Island Crossing State Park. Experience a lunar-like landscape at Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve. Dig into Idaho’s other national monuments and historical sites.

Festivals

Rock out at Treefort Music Fest—a five-day festival featuring 400 artists and showcasing food, beer, film, yoga, technology and more. Immerse yourself in the unique culture, food and music of the Basque at Jaialdi (Boise is home to the largest concentration of Basques per capita in the U.S.) Encounter Native American culture and history, along with singing, dancing and food, at the Shoshone-Bannock Indian Festival. Celebrate Idaho’s sheepherding and ranching history at the Trailing of the Sheep Festival.

Cultural Arts

Enjoy the masterful sounds of a symphony orchestra in a spectacular outdoor setting at the Sun Valley Music Festival. Revel in the works of the Bard of Avon under the stars at the Idaho Shakespeare Festival. Bask in the art and icons of the big screen at the Sun Valley Film Festival. Find other unique festivals and events in Idaho.

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