What a wonderful find! Sadly none of the buildings on site were open but we enjoyed walking the trails. The beautiful peacocks that were everywhere were a wonderful surprise. We saw many deer and a variety of birds. We loved all the positive signs and many birdhouses. There are many trails to explore. If you climb the hill to the three crosses you will have a beautiful view of the Snake River and the Owyhee mountains. There is a guest book to sign in on when you arrive and they take donations which I guess is for upkeep. You can tour the grounds for free. It would have been great to have a docent or someone around to ask questions to and it would be nice to be able to share about the history of this place. We will be definitely be back now that we know what to expect. read more

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This will probably be one of the most personal reviews I write on yelp. Cleo is my grandmother and this was her nature trail, her passion project, her sanctuary. (She passed in 2008 and is actually buried on-site in a little family cemetery, a long with a few other family members). Growing up I watched this space turn into what it is today. Cleo took a simple path along the snake river and turned it into a very unique place people would find delightful, a place people would come and find peace and smile because of a surprise or two a long the way. As a kid it was the best. Exploring all the new with fake animals and statues I didn't quite understand. As an adult I now appreciate all the thought that went into trying to create a space to preserve all the history of what went on here. And then of course you had to know Cleo, she had flare and was full of sayings that she then put on bird houses...hoping to encourage and inspire others. There are a lot of birdhouses. There is a lot of things to see and it's definitely different and that is the point. To me this is more of a nature trail you can walk any day. The trail is paved 90% and is 75% flat. 10% that's not paved takes you through an enchanted forest which loops you back to the starting point. The ground is still flat but depending which direction you start on the trail there will be a bit of hill to climb (very reasonable). And if you're feeling adventurous climb up to the prayer house or at the far end of the trail before it loops back there is another trail that shoots up to a bench that over looks the snake river and the views are breathtaking. I added a picture of that and details on how to access below: To get there it is just right as you come out of the enchanted forest or just before to drop down into it. Go to the end of the trail just passed the seven cardinal sins display and look for a " white trail" marker arrow. Follow it up to the top .25 miles there is a bench at the top and that is when you know you have arrived. Don't go any further to persevere the area. The views are breathtaking! Gate closes at 5pm, when you enter look for parking on the left-nice big lot. The museums are open on select Saturdays through out the summer but check the website for official times and dates. Since I don't live in the area I make sure I come out here at least 2 times a year and during the Christmas season with the lights up it's truly magical. Add it to your list for the next year. read more

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Great one-of-a-kind place! We first heard about this attraction from friends and then I found some favorable reviews. Made the pleasant drive on country roads from Meridian today and very happy we did! So much to see... we liked the variety of buildings, birdhouses, sayings, sculptures, animals, benches, river views, etc., etc. If I could use only one word to describe this magical place, it would be: Inspiring! When I asked my wife to do the same, she replied, "Whimsical!" The day was sunny and cool which matched perfectly with the overall vibe of Cleo's creation. Three deer strolled across a path and then circled around the buildings near the entrance. When we approached them to take a photo and video, they were not alarmed -- just sauntered away. The peacocks did much the same. Don't expect your normal museum -- there is nothing simply normal about this place. For precisely that reason, I highly recommend it for people of all ages! Next time, we want to bring our children and grandchildren. read more

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Cloe Swayne and her husband built the ranch at the historical of site of Walters Ferry where people would stop for the night to rest their horses before crossing the Snake River on a small wood Ferry that was operated by Walter using a long rope connected to the other side. Cleo stated adding small garden statues to the Nature Trail for the kids and did not stop for 30 years. The buildings are museums full of Cleo's collections from antique Medical equipment and Clocks to rare Faberge eggs and one dinosaur egg. The Peacocks are everywhere and why no dogs are allowed. read more

This is by far one of the neatest attractions I've seen in the treasure valley and should be on every list of things to do out here! Although maybe I'm glad it's not because it keeps it a small town gem? My husband and I were just looking for a place to do a casual walk this afternoon and were in awe the entire time. Peacocks are my favorite animal of all time so that alone was enough of a reason for me to want to come. The fact that a lot of the trail is interactive is incredibly neat. We are not super religious, but were still very appreciative of everything this place had to offer. I will definitely be coming back and bringing any friends or relatives here. read more

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Our group enjoyed a comfortable one mile hike around the beautiful grounds and River. A very interesting adventure! We'll be back!

We still love this place and my kids find it fascinating, as do I! From the peacocks to the inspirational messages, there's always something to look at. They have a great family history there and I would love to find out more. It seems like a cool place to host a big party or have a Christmas fair but there's nothing that shows they have any events there. It's definitely a unique place to take out-of-towners and fun for kids to explore. read more

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Such a relaxing walk with neat, original bird houses along the path and motivational ( religious) messages to ponder. A marquee outlined the family history and how the area was developed. A wonderful way to spend a leisure few hours read more

This place is absolutely amazing! There is a ton to see, lots of signs to read, statues to gaze at, and peacocks to feed. Definitely bring quarters to feed the peacocks, they love to eat right out of your hands! My family loves to come here and explore the pathways. read more

I take everybody I know to this place! The first time I went to Walter's Ferry, I was pretty sure that I had stepped into Oz. Part-historical museum, botanical garden, animal farm, and religious icon area, it's almost impossible to describe. Get ready for an abundance of plastic yard art, bronze sculptures, Christ's tomb, inspiration signs, license plates, bird houses, and albino peacocks. Plus, you can get a Belgian Waffle on a paper plate for $2.50 at the gas station on the way out. I'm an Idaho native and I don't know how I spent a quarter century of my life not knowing about Walter's Ferry. Highly recommend-maybe I'll see you there! read more

Cleo's Ferry Museum - Good Times! - Museums Near Me - Melba, Idaho

Feeds my soul!! It's thoughtful and quirky and delightful! Places to pray and take in nature.

It's free, so 3 stars for that. Great little loop to walk. Very religious! It is like some old lady put a bunch of her garden clutter out for you to see. I wouldn't drive very far to see it, but it's a great way to spend a free hour if you are nearby. read more

Was absolutely very impressed how much biblically-based quotes and stuff there was here The bird houses with all the quotes was fantastic in the tomb took me by surprise when it actually opened read more

Cleo's Ferry Museum The old "Walters Ferry" site. It is just below :Dan's Ferry Station". Follow Hightway 45 to the North bank of the Snake River. This is an Unadvertised Gem in the Treasure Valley of Idaho. On the North bank of the Snake River just South of Melba Idaho. It is not well signed and could be driven by easly. Bring water and food you are going to want to stay awhile. Wear walking shoes, it is 1-2 miles on pavement up a moderate hill, with side paths. Bring a Camera and some kids if possible, sorry no dogs. Entry is free, please donate something, for the upkeep. Bring quarters for the birdfeed dispenser. Warning...It is very hot on the hillside in the warm season. Cleo Swayne collected and displayed inspirational devotional things, her collections is being maintained and visitors are welcome to enjoy it. She and her husband also collected antiques which are mostly visible through windows in the many building that they constructed. The site was once a Native American camp, once a Pioneer Ferry Crossing, and then the Swayne ranch. and now an outdoor museum trail. Take your time seeing a very large collection of Bronze Sculptures. Amazingly lively endearing children at play. The boy sky-boarding the paper airplane is my favorite. Fortunately Cleo decided to display her collection for all of us to view. The Marriage Ceremony of Cleo and Pappy Swayne are captured in Bronze. Contemplate a few great minds while sharing a bench alongside their bronze image. Have your photo taken with Albert Einstein, Thomas Jefferson, Mark Twain, Shakespeare, or Abraham Lincoln. There is a Bird Pin with pure-white, and colored peacocks, you can feed them from the dispensers for 25cents. Watch for photo opportunities of wood peckers, chipmunks, rabbits, killdeer, quail and deer. Avoid snakes and badgers . Enjoy a very large collection of birdhouses and inspirational sayings displayed together. There are several rustic buildings rock stone and wood, beautifully maintained with displays of antiques. A Replica stage. The old ferry landing is near a view sight with a covered pavilion. The whole setup is appropriate for a gathering of people who want to walk, view art sculpture, eat, and enjoy an outdoor activity together. A pioneer wedding theme would be ideal. A reunion would also be good. A 2-3 hour hike and photo session is very nice. read more

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We drove all the way there and got there at 10 til 5pm. Now I wasn't sure when they closed in the first place but the website said 7pm, so I figured around then. My 5 yr old was trying to read the sign when a man came outside and yelled at my son to leave his sign alone! My son wasn't touching anything! Then he told us harshly to leave, place is closed. From the outside the place looks magical and beautiful! But after being yelled at by some crotchety old man, I think we will pass. read more

Perfect little spot for family time or just peace and quiet. You can walk the trails or relax by the water. My kids love feeding the peacocks. Lots of angels, statues, bird houses, religious art. All around one of our favorite outdoor spots. Large picnic table under covered pavilion by the water is great for lunch! read more

Cleo's Ferry Museum - Museums Near Me - Melba, Idaho

The place is eclectic, unique, peaceful, and uplifting. The multiple signs and atmosphere is great. An occasional spotting of deer brings joy and excitement to anyone. This place in the winter if you choose to brave the cold can give you a very different feel. A Lot of beautiful sights to see in the winter. The cold the stillness with the occasional sound and spotting of animals is breathtaking. read more

This was a great way to spend an hour or two depending on what you feel like doing. We walked around, read the signs on the bird houses, enjoyed a long walk near the river and listened to the birds. There are picnic tables for anyone who wants to enjoy a lunch by the water. This is a quirky, unique place unlike anywhere else we've been. Would totally go again. read more

We've been bringing out of state guests to Cleo's Ferry Museum for many years and all have been inspired with joy and amazement. However who ever is now caring for the property are not cleaning the bird poop off many bronzes; especially those to picture taking seating. But the overall displays are outstanding and certainly offer time to reflect over one's life and how to embrace love of each other. read more

my parents (Chuck and Laurie Wisler) use to be one of the caretakers a long time ago when I was a little girl. We moved from Melba in 1989 but I always look back on our years living at the museum as some of the best years of my life. It is such a magical place. My dad would refer to it as my rainbow bright land (because I loved rainbow bright). living down in the museum filled my childhood with imagination and creativity. Christmas time was my favorite, it was so alive with lights and snow angels. I miss it so much and hope to get back there again soon. So glad it has been kept up after Cleo Passed away. read more

I've never experienced a more calming place in my life. I'm a native idahoan and this is the best place to go just to clear your head its beautiful, I recommend going in the morning hours like 8am to catch the wildlife. read more