Idaho Museum of Mining and Geology

2455 Old Penitentiary Road
Boise, ID, 83712
208-368-9876

URL : http://www.idahomining.org

overview : Mining became Idaho's first industry. Even today, more than 130 years after the discovery of gold, mining remains a keystone of the Idaho economy. - INTERESTING TRIVIA - "The name 'Idaho' was given to the state by miners searching for gold in the mid 1800's. They were traveling on the riverboat 'Idaho' as they made their way up the Columbia River, and the name stuck," says Idaho Museum of Mining and Geology Director Edward Fields.

hours (subject to change) : noon to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays through October