idaho's mammoth cave

the poor donkey at ten bucks a head you would think they would trim the poor things feet totally gross DONT GO HERE THERE ARE OTHER CAVES DONATE TO HUMANE OR ANIMAL SHELTER

The large sign along the hi-way caught our attention and it was worth the side trip. Idaho's Mammoth cave is far from a large commercialized attraction. It felt like we were visiting someones private farm and I questioned myself whether we had made a wrong turn someplace.After we payed and were given our lanterns it was a real short walk to the cave entrance. Inside the cave the fenced trail was in good shape and easy to follow. It is cool visitors are allowed to move at their own pace and stop and do what they want. You aren't able to step off the trail. It is real dark in the cave and the only light is from the lantern or flashlights you are holding. There are a few informational signs along the way that could easily be overlooked. I wish the trail would have been longer but was still cool.After the cave hike we checked out the museum. It is very overwhelming. There seems to be no organization to the items. I was amazed at some of the pieces they have in the collection. Most of the items are dusty taxidermied animals but there is a number of rare artifacts from around the world that most large historical museums would love to have. It's easy to over look them but there are ancient artifacts from Egypt, South America, and Africa to name a few. There was stuff I would only expect to see in a place like the Smithsonian.The whole place is worth the visit but don't expect a large typical tourist trap that the signs along the hi-way would suggest.

The cave tour fun but the bird museum even more interesting. We could not believe all the artifacts on display including fossils, taxidermic animals of all kinds and oddities of nature such as a two headed calf. The lava carved rocks at the entrance to museum excellent. The owner of the cave is an amazing outdoorsmen and hunter. Perhaps half of the animals on display were caught by the owner.

We enjoyed the cave and museum experience - for $20 for 2 adults it kept us amused for over an hour. The lava tube cave self guided tour with propane lamps is fun (the kids in other groups particularly loved it). It's a huge tube and although you only go in half a mile or so it's worth the effort.When you come out you must go through the taxidermy museum - it's absolutely amazing. Yes it's a bit dusty but where else can you see a stuffed shark, a two headed rabbit, more bears, eagles and snakes than you can poke a stick at and this is all included in your cave admission price.

Love this place! The self guided tour with a lantern was fun. There were several informative signs along the path, which was very easy to walk on. We enjoyed taking our time and exploring. After the cave, the museum was fun also. We spent a lot of time looking and I still don't think we saw it all!

I read lots of awesome comments about Idaho's mammoth caves so my husband and I drove hours to go see the place. it was Horrible! the cave was probably less then half a mile so short it wasn't worth $10 per person on top of that it was so dark and all they gave you was camping lanterns you could only see a few steps to the front and back. The place looks so abandon I felt they were going to robe us and rape me we were in the middle of nowhere. the museum was horrible as well it was dusty full of spider webs and most of the exhibits were so old they were falling apart. it was mostly dried animals and bugs. We saw the whole cave and museum in probably half an hour. Every one who was arriving were First Time Visitors me and my husband felt so bad seeing them pay and be excited to enter the cave not knowing the disappointment they were about to receive. it wasn't surprising not have seen people visiting the place for a second time. I'm actually starting to believe all the nice comments are made by the owners of the place.

So much more than we expected. One of the most fun ways to explore a cave. Cave path is well maintained and an easy hike. The true value is in the museum, after scoring the cave you are turned loose to explore a truly impressive private collection. Wow!!! Is all you can say about the museum.

This place is really quirky,but we loved it. The museum is amazing just by the volume of what's in there alone.The cave experience is fun,self guided with lanterns. Bring extra flashlights if possible.Its really hard to take pictures inside the cave with only lanterns.

If you love caves, animals, and adventure, this is the place to go. There were so many awesome things to see in the Bird Museum - it took us almost 2 hours to really see everything. The cave is really cool too, especially with using the propane lanterns that were provided by the curator. We loved walking dark tunnels and enjoyed thinking about how people have explored the cave before us. If you want a great day drive, visit Idaho's Mammoth Cave, the Ice Cave and the small gift shops along the way. Our kids had a blast and it felt like a mini-vacation on the weekend.

This is an amazingly AWESOME place to go off road and visit. With an AWESOME collection at the museum and an AWESOME adventure that is just perfect for a family friendly adventure in the dark with lanterns. Inside the Mammoth Cave the perfect weather is delightfully refreshing on a hot summer day. ENJOY!!! Ask lots of questions and spend lots of time.

I've driven by this place countless times, thinking I'll have to check it out someday. Finally did, and was amazed at what I found!The cave itself is pretty cool (literally) -- a half-mile lava tube, into which you can hike a quarter-mile with a provided lantern. It's an easy hike, not too steep, but the trail is narrow and wouldn't accommodate a wheel chair.The natural history museum -- included with the $10 adult admission (cash only!) -- is incredible. You'll never come across a museum with so many artifacts of all different ages from all over the world displayed up close and personal. Local Indian artifacts, 2,000-year-old items from the Holy Land, treasures from the Mayan and Incan cultures, Inuit tools, ceremonial masks from Africa, dinosaur and mammoth fossils, and on and on. There are mounted displays of animals from around the world, too. All housed in a unique round building constructed of lava rock.If you are into natural history at all, this is a must-see. Figure at least an hour. Posted hours: 9-6 daily during the summer.

This cave was used as a fallout shelter in the late 50's, and was used for 20 years. There is no electricity on the site. When you go into the cave you are handed a propane lantern. It is like going back in time. There is a museum in a building that has all kind of cool artifacts from around the world.There are peacocks walking around the area. The cave is actually a lava tube. If you liked usual places and things, Mammoth Cave is for you.