Idaho Museum of Mining and Geology

There is such a fascinating geologic history and rich mining history within the state of Idaho, so it's just as well that there is a museum dedicate to JUST that - the aptly named Idaho Museum of Mining and Geology!

Exploring the local geology of Idaho, you can soon see that there is something unique about each part of the region. The Idaho Museum of Mining and Geology has a HUGE collection of rocks, minerals and gems from each of these regions - from the mining districts of the north, to the rocky batholith of the central mountains, and the volcanic activity in the south.

Have you ever seen rocks glow in the dark? The Fluorescence Minerals galley teaches kids all about fluorescence, where they can see a regular rock, then turn the light off and - whoa!

Did you know that not all the rocks on Earth are FROM Earth? The Meteorites galley displays rocks that have fallen from outer space, and even talks about the meteor blamed for the extinction of dinosaurs!

The museum also features a seismic station that can track earthquakes from all around the world, and of course not only features exhibits that looks at the mining history but the miners too! Hear the stories of the men and women who worked hard in the mines for over 100 years.

This free admission museum is next to the Old Idaho Penitentiary (also worth a visit!) and uncovers some pretty amazing things about the state of Idaho.

And you just thought Idaho was famous for potatoes!