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    Cleo's Ferry Museum

    4.7 (21 reviews)
    Open 8:00 am - 7:00 pm

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    Hailei S.

    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.

    Jessica R.

    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.

    Good Times!
    Sheila W.

    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!

    Sign at Cleo's Ferry Museum.

    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.

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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!

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    3 years ago

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

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    Ask the Community - Cleo's Ferry Museum

    Review Highlights - Cleo's Ferry Museum

    If you climb the hill to the three crosses you will have a beautiful view of the Snake River and the Owyhee mountains.

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    Lawson's Emu-Z-Um Museum - Lawson's Legacy Museum
 22142 RIVER RD
 GRAND VIEW ID 83624-5016
 208-834-2397
 https://emuzum.com/

    Lawson's Emu-Z-Um Museum

    5.0(5 reviews)
    29.2 mi

    Five Stars -- A Must‑See Hidden Gem in Southwest Idaho!…read more Looking for family‑friendly attractions near Boise, an Idaho history museum, or roadside Americana along Highway 78? Lawson's Emu‑Z‑Um checks every box. With guided tours, photo‑worthy sets, and genuine Idaho heritage, it's a perfect day‑trip destination for history buffs, homeschool groups, church groups, RV travelers, and curious kids alike. Just 60 miles southeast of Boise, right along the Snake River outside Grand View, this family‑friendly history museum packs more pioneer artifacts, vintage farm machinery, mining memorabilia, and Silver City treasures than many big‑city institutions -- spread out over 50‑plus themed rooms and an 1860s replica frontier town. My family spent an entire afternoon here and still didn't see every corner. From antique automobiles to hands‑on sheep camps, every exhibit sparks stories, thanks to the warm, guided narration from owners Jessica and Eddy. Their hospitality is second‑to‑none; you'll leave feeling like longtime friends rather than first‑time guests. The museum's What to Bring page recommends weather‑appropriate clothing, sturdy shoes, and sunscreen, since several collections sit in unheated barns or outdoors. Until Jessica and Eddy finish their on‑site café, grab a sack lunch and take advantage of the shaded picnic tables and drinks for sale on the grounds. Bottom line: If you're searching for truly unique things to do near Boise or in Owyhee County, pencil Lawson's Emu‑Z‑Um (now officially "Lawson's Legacy Museum") onto your itinerary. Lawson's is the definition of a hidden gem -- affordable, welcoming, and overflowing with Old‑West charm. Bring your curiosity (and your lunch), and give yourself plenty of time; you'll be talking about this place long after you leave. Post‑visit tip: Say hi to the last resident emu on your way out!

    This venue is so far above what I expected I'm lost for words to describe it. How anyone could…read morecollect all the objects on display is beyond astounding.

    Photos
    Lawson's Emu-Z-Um Museum - Lawson's Legacy Museum
 22142 RIVER RD
 GRAND VIEW ID 83624-5016
 208-834-2397
 https://emuzum.com/

    Lawson's Legacy Museum 22142 RIVER RD GRAND VIEW ID 83624-5016 208-834-2397 https://emuzum.com/

    Lawson's Emu-Z-Um Museum - Lawson's Legacy Museum
 22142 RIVER RD
 GRAND VIEW ID 83624-5016
 208-834-2397
 https://emuzum.com/

    Lawson's Legacy Museum 22142 RIVER RD GRAND VIEW ID 83624-5016 208-834-2397 https://emuzum.com/

    Lawson's Emu-Z-Um Museum - Lawson's Legacy Museum
 22142 RIVER RD
 GRAND VIEW ID 83624-5016
 208-834-2397
 https://emuzum.com/

    See all

    Lawson's Legacy Museum 22142 RIVER RD GRAND VIEW ID 83624-5016 208-834-2397 https://emuzum.com/

    The Peregrine Fund's World Center for Birds of Prey - Bald Eagle

    The Peregrine Fund's World Center for Birds of Prey

    4.8(83 reviews)
    21.1 mi

    This was an outstanding experience. First, the people who work there obviously love what they do…read more They are very knowledgeable and take the time to greet you and explain what they do. There are also people who walk around with falcon-gear complete with falcon on their arm. Falcons, condors, owls, and an eagle were represented. They put on a short presentation where they allow a Peregrine Falcon to fly around the room while they talk about falconing, etc. That was exciting. There are outdoor and indoor exhibits. We picked a great day to visit - it was over 80 degrees, so we spent a lot of time walking around visiting the outdoor exhibits. We didn't miss anything indoors either. If you are in the Boise area - this is a must see.

    Such a great educational experience at the World Center for birds of prey. We lucked out arriving…read moreat opening time (10am) so there weren't too many people. The birds were not shy and being so close to their enclosures was so cool. There are several different types of falcons and raptors. My favorites were the California Condor whose wings span 9 feet across and the cute harpy eagle. The live demonstration with Macey was neat. She brought out Clara, a small falcon that would fly right above our heads from perch to perch. If coming to Boise, thos is a great stop. You only need up to 90 minutes to take it all in and learn about how the Peregrine Fund is saving so many birds from extinction.

    Photos
    The Peregrine Fund's World Center for Birds of Prey - California Condor.

    California Condor.

    The Peregrine Fund's World Center for Birds of Prey
    The Peregrine Fund's World Center for Birds of Prey

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    Canyon County Historical Society

    Canyon County Historical Society

    5.0(5 reviews)
    16.6 mi

    The Nampa Train Depot Museum sits somewhere at the end of Downtown Nampa. It's like any museum in…read moreIdaho, but I think it deserves more of our attention. That is what the problem is with all of the museums in Canyon County. You know they are there, but you have to depend on one website about Canyon County for hours and hopefully the admission. When you first enter it is a little bit awkward because it is like you are entering someone's property. If you continue to journey inside you can see a train set and touristy things to buy that is Idaho related. This area is impressive because they have a wider variety of books about the history of Idaho than Barnes and Noble. I bought a book there by Brigham Madsen who was well known for writing books about Southern Idaho and the Bear River Massacre. They have this cool display of old dresses from I believe the 1800s and the early 1900s. I even saw some tea cups made especially for men with mustaches. I will have to post pictures; I thought it was pretty funny. They have plenty of the same things as everyone else like cameras, typewriters, and old kitchen essentials, but I like looking at these kind of items. I realize how far we have came since many of the inventions were created. This museum is probably one of the tiniest in Idaho and Canyon County. There is there area where people used to purchase their tickets to ride the train then you go outside where there are a few sheds and you can look inside and see that they have more old items.They have some interesting items in what I call the garage. Inside there are old ovens, farming equiment, signs, and old medical equipment. More people should check out the Nampa Train Depot. There is a little bit of history about trains here and Idaho. I think this is a good place for those who are obsessed with trains like my dad is. The admission is only a couple bucks and an interesting building to tour in Nampa.

    The Nampa Canyon County Historical Museum has a great team. We sponsored an event at the Nampa…read moretrain depot and had a great time. Wonderful facility and staff I would recommend checking it out!

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    Canyon County Historical Society - We had a great time at the Nampa Train Depot raising awareness for the history of our county.

    We had a great time at the Nampa Train Depot raising awareness for the history of our county.

    Canyon County Historical Society
    Canyon County Historical Society

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    Cleo's Ferry Museum - museums - Updated May 2026

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