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Boise, the capital of Idaho, is home to a host of unique attractions, including several small museums that provide an unusual glimpse into the state’s history, geology, and culture. Travelers to Boise have an opportunity to explore a range of uncommon exhibits, tours, and demonstrations on offer.

Idaho Black History Museum

The Idaho Black History Museum features exhibits about Frederick Douglass, Jim Crow, the Underground Railroad, and various other important people and topics that document the history of African Americans. It houses an art display that includes a painting of Martin Luther King, Jr., and a statue of Abraham Lincoln is located on the grounds. The museum provides community outreach and educational programs through lectures, literacy programs, workshops, and musical performances.

The Idaho Black History Museum is located inside the St. Paul Baptist Church in the Boise Julia Davis Park in downtown Boise. Admission is free, and it’s open on Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Thursday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tours are available by appointment.

Idaho Museum of Mining and Geology

The Idaho Museum of Mining and Geology includes over 2,300 square feet of exhibits. A non-profit founded in 1989, the museum emphasizes Idaho geology while providing a general overview of the study of earth science. Featuring a historic mining camp, mining elevator, minerals and rocks from Idaho, meteorites, and a seismograph, the museum explores Idaho’s rich and complex geological legacy in a way that’s entertaining for people of all ages.

Located a few miles east of Boise next to the Old Idaho Penitentiary Museum, the Idaho Museum of Mining and Geology is free for all visitors. It’s open April through October, Wednesday through Saturday, from noon to 5 p.m.

Consider staying in a hotel near the Idaho Museum of Mining and Geology during your trip to Boise. Hotels near the museum are also in close proximity to dining and shopping, enabling you to relax and enjoy a nice dinner out after a day of exploring.

Idaho Military History Museum

The Idaho Military History Museum is an indoor-outdoor facility housing historic military flight gear, vehicles, guns, and medals. Featuring exhibits relating to every branch of the military, the museum commemorates wars fought by Americans including the Spanish-American War, World Wars I and II, the Vietnam War, Gulf War, and various other conflicts. After touring the exhibits, visitors are invited to stroll through Gowen Field Memorial Park, an outdoor area built to honor our service members.

Located about three miles south of town next to Gowen Field (Boise’s largest airport), the Idaho Military History Museum is free for visitors. It’s open Tuesday through Saturday from noon to 4 p.m.

Boise is an active city with a rich history and culture. While outdoor activities abound in the area, the diverse assortment of museums located there offers visitors a variety of interesting experiences they won’t find elsewhere. Travelers looking for a unique way to enjoy the city should take advantage of all that Boise’s museums have to offer.

Image via Flickr by Sangre-La.com