The best museums in Boise in September 2025

These are the top 5 best museums in Boise, United States, ranked by their rating and popularity in 2025. Click a museum for more information about the museum, including visitor information, exhibitions and reviews.

For a complete overview of museums in Boise, their exhibitions and discount cards & passes, see our overview page with all museums in Boise.

Looking for the best museums in Boise? These are the best ones:

  1. Idaho Botanical Garden1

    Idaho Botanical Garden

     Boise, ID
    The Idaho Botanical Garden is a significant botanical garden that spans across 50 acres. It is situated in Boise, Idaho, and is open to the public every day. The garden is a living museum dedicated to promoting and recognizing gardening, horticulture, and conservation through plant collections and educational programs within an aesthetic landscape.
  2. Old Idaho Penitentiary2

    Old Idaho Penitentiary

     Boise, ID
    The Old Idaho Penitentiary State Historic Site, located east of Boise, Idaho, is a significant historical landmark. It served as a functional prison from 1872 to 1973. The site offers a unique glimpse into the past, showcasing the evolution of the American penal system over a century. Visitors can explore the original buildings, including the Territorial Prison, and learn about the inmates who lived and worked there.
  3. Idaho Black History Museum3

    Idaho Black History Museum

     Boise, ID
    The Idaho Black History Museum, located at 508 Julia Davis Drive in Boise, Idaho, is a significant institution dedicated to African American history and culture. It provides a comprehensive overview of the African American experience, from the early 1800s to the present, within the context of Idaho's history.
  4. 4

    Aquarium of Boise

     Boise, ID
    The Aquarium of Boise, located in Boise, Idaho, United States, is a non-profit organization that opened its doors to the public in 2011. This aquarium is a significant attraction for tourists, offering a variety of aquatic exhibits and educational programs.
  5. 5

    Hemingway Western Studies Center

     Boise, ID
    This center concentrates on better understanding of American West. Contains small exhibition of Hemingway artifacts.

All museums in Boise