Nestled in the heart of Southern Idaho, Idaho’s Mammoth Cave offers visitors a rare blend of natural wonder and cultural discovery. On top of a subterranean adventure, it’s home to two remarkable museums, the Shoshone Bird Museum of Natural History and the Richard Arthur Olsen Museum of Natural History, that showcases an extensive collection of natural history items and cultural artifacts from around the world. As one of the most unique things to do in Idaho, this destination is a hidden gem that’s perfect for families, history enthusiasts, and nature lovers alike, blending history and exploration for an unforgettable journey into the past.
Idaho’s Mammoth Cave: A Natural Marvel
Idaho’s Mammoth Cave is one of the largest volcanic caves open to the public. Every year, thousands of visitors venture to this Idaho treasure to escape the summer heat and explore its expansive cavern. Formed thousands of years ago by the movement of the North American tectonic plate over the Yellowstone hotspot, the cave unlocks the geological history of Southern Idaho and provides a glimpse into the forces that shaped its rugged terrain. Here, you can explore the cave’s subterranean landscape on a self-guided tour while taking in the natural beauty and geological significance of this hidden wonder.
The Shoshone Bird Museum of Natural History
Adjacent to Idaho’s Mammoth Cave is the Shoshone Bird Museum of Natural History. As a one-of-a-kind collection founded by Richard Arthur Olsen, it features an astonishing array of natural history exhibits featuring birds and animals from around the globe, fossils from prehistoric eras, and cultural artifacts from civilizations throughout time. Each exhibit is a tribute to Olsen’s dedication, featuring items he personally preserved and collected over his lifetime.
The Richard Arthur Olsen Museum of Natural History
Expanding upon Olsen’s vision, the Richard Arthur Olsen Museum of Natural History provides even more for visitors to explore. This museum complements the Shoshone Bird Museum, offering a broader perspective on the fascinating discoveries that shape our understanding of the natural world.
This new addition to the complex houses additional exhibits while standing as a tribute to Olsen’s passion for education and his dream of sharing the beauty of the natural world with others. Visitors can immerse themselves in displays that transport them through time while gaining a deeper appreciation for Earth’s history and the impact of time throughout the ages.
Featured Exhibits
The exhibits at Idaho’s Mammoth Cave celebrate history and nature, offering insights into the ancient world and its enduring legacies. From ancient artifacts to the fossilized remains of prehistoric creatures, each exhibit offers a unique opportunity to learn about the world’s past.
Anthropology
Featuring thousands of archaeological objects from around the world, the anthropology exhibits at Idaho’s Mammoth Cave help visitors understand human behavior and cultural evolution over time. With artifacts from civilizations spanning every continent, visitors can explore the cultural achievements and innovations that have shaped the course of human history.
- Paleolithic
- Mesolithic
- Neolithic
- Bronze Age
- Native American
- Amazon
- American Frontier
- Roman
- Chinese
- African
- Victorian
- Indonesian
- Peruvian
- Mayan
- Aztec
- And More…
Fossils
Founded to educate the public about the natural world, Idaho’s Mammoth Cave offers an extensive collection of ancient fossils from diverse time periods and regions. Exhibits range from the smallest plants to some of the largest creatures to have existed on our planet. These displays bring ancient history to life, sparking wonder and fostering an understanding of Earth’s ancient history.
- Trilobites
- Ammonites
- Heliobatis
- Dinosaur Bones
- Ancient Shells
- Crocodiles
- Aquatic Creatures
- Petrified Wood
- Birds & Feathers
- Plants & Sea Lillies
- Wolly Mammoth
- Camel & Muskox
- Megalodon Teeth
- Fossilized Insects
- And More…
Pottery & Baskets
For thousands of years, pottery and baskets have played essential roles in daily life, serving a wide range of purposes from food storage and medicine to storytelling. At Idaho’s Mammoth Cave, you can view displays that showcase these handcrafted creations with intricate designs and patterns from ancient cultures worldwide. These artifacts provide valuable insights into the past, celebrating the artistry and individuality of their creators throughout time.
- Mayan Ceramics
- Spanish Jugs
- Roman Pottery
- Mortar & Pestle
- Native American Bowls
- Saharan Baskets
- Anasazi Baskets
- Pueblo Pottery
- New Mexico Pottery
- Salado Polychrome
- Ancient Wine Jars
- Peruvian Tapestries
Animals
The collections at Idaho’s Mammoth Cave showcase the beauty and importance of animals in nature. Featuring hundreds of species, including insects, mammals, fish, reptiles, and birds from around the globe, the displays inspire a deeper appreciation for wildlife. By observing these animals up close, visitors gain insight into their unique adaptations, strengths, and roles in the natural world, as well as their connection to life on Earth.
- Arthropods/Insects
- Birds
- Mammals
- Fish
- Reptiles/Amphibians
- Other Sea Life
Rocks & Gemstones
Inspired by his father, William Oscar Olsen, Richard Olsen started collecting his own rocks and mining displays over the course of his life. Today, both museums showcase an array of fine rocks, minerals, and gemstones from across the world. These exhibits reveal the fascinating story of Earth’s past while deepening our understanding of its geological evolution.
- Quartz
- Baryte Rose
- Amethyst
- Azurite
- Volcanic Glass
- Rose Quartz
- Sea Coral
- Pyrite
- Chrysocolla
- Coral Animals
- Fossil Rocks
- Stalactite Notches
- Cylonoid Chipson
- And More…
Idaho’s Mammoth Cave – Unique Things to Do in Idaho
As one of the most unique things to do in Idaho, Idaho’s Mammoth Cave provides a rare opportunity to explore one of the largest volcanic caves open to the public while diving into the history of our planet. Located eight miles north of Shoshone, Idaho, on Highway 75, this seasonal attraction is open 7 days a week, including all major holidays from May – October each year, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. with the last tours of the day going out at 5 p.m. Admission includes all three attractions and lanterns are provided. For more information, visit idahosmammothcave.com or call (208) 329-5382.
Quick Facts About Idaho’s Mammoth Cave
- Idaho’s Mammoth Cave is one of the largest volcanic caves in the world open to visitors, featuring a self-guided tour through its subterranean landscape.
- Formed millions of years ago by volcanic eruptions, the cave provides a glimpse into the geological past of Southern Idaho, showcasing ancient lava flows and mineral deposits.
- The cave walls are adorned with cyanobacteria, ancient living organisms dating back four billion years, giving the walls a silvery, otherworldly appearance.
- The cave was once used by Shoshone and Bannock tribes for shelter and preserving meat, with remains of ancient animals such as camels, buffalo, and small horses discovered on its floor.
- During the Cold War, the cave was prepared as a potential fallout shelter for Lincoln and Camas Counties, capable of protecting over 8,000 people with supplies stocked by local students.
- Built by founder Richard Arthur Olsen, the Shoshone Bird Museum of Natural History features an expansive collection of fossils, rocks, gemstones, taxidermy, and cultural artifacts from across the globe.
- As a recent addition to the complex, the Richard Arthur Olsen Museum of Natural History expands the collection even more with additional artifacts, fossils, and geological treasures.
- Nicknamed “The Smithsonian of the Desert,” the museum complex at Idaho’s Mammoth Cave is a privately funded attraction that relies on visitor support to continue its mission of education and preservation.
