Said to have the widest main street in the world and be the oldest town in Magic Valley, is the quaint, rural town of Shoshone, Idaho.
Established as a village in 1882 during the era of railroad expansion, it is home to several interesting shops and attractions. Two of which have to do with the fact that the town is also situated on top of one of the largest unbroken lava fields in North America today.
Shoshone Indian Ice Cave
Visitors who can see past the humongous citrine colored, weather worn dinosaur and other kitschy décor will be rewarded with a guided tour of the famous “Shoshone Indian Ice Cave.
The “Shoshone Indian Ice Cave” has a history as colorful and incredulous as its entrance décor. Tales of ice encased Indian princesses and bears, outlaws’ dens of depravity, and ghostly apparitions all have been associated with this cave.
Town legend has it that is also used by early townsfolk as a homemade refrigerator for the local’s beer as well as a makeshift ice cube source.
Tall tales aside, what remains today is a 1,000 foot long lava tube whose floor is covered with a slow moving sheet of solid ice and whose ceiling range in height from 8 to 30 feet. Though it may not be the “showiest” of caves it is still geologically interesting.
In order for an ice cave to exist, it must have an entrance and air flow that meets certain characteristics. Disturbances in the entrance and air flow can cause the cave to melt, which is actually what happened at one time to the “Shoshone Indian Ice Cave.”
One of the cave’s former owners attempted to alter the cave’s entrance and the end result was a major melt down of the cave’s interior. The mistake was later caught and corrected by a subsequent owner and the “Shoshone Indian Ice Cave” is back to its’ old self with the ice floor intact.
In order for visitors to access and tour the ice cave a wooden boardwalk has been created. The boardwalk extends deep into the ice cave, which averages a bone-chilling 33 degrees Fahrenheit.
The “Shoshone Indian Ice Caves” are open daily May through September from 8:00 am until 7:15 pm. As of 2010 admission is $8.00 per adult and $5.00 per child between the ages of 4 through 12. Children ages 3 and under are admitted into the cave for free.
Shoshone Indian Ice Cave
1561 North Highway 75
Shoshone, ID 83352
208-886-2058
Idaho’s Mammoth Cave
Considered to be the largest volcanic cave in the world open to the public, visitors to “Idaho’s Mammoth Cave” can engage in a ½ hour self-guided tour led only by the light of propane lanterns and their own idle curiosity.
“Idaho’s Mammoth Cave” was first discovered in 1902 by early pioneers. It is comprised of a large lava tube, which are common in Idaho. Virtually 1/3 of the state contains such geological structures. Unlike the nearby “Shoshone Indian Ice Cave”, “Idaho’s Mammoth Cave” is not an ice cave.
Scientists have speculated that at one time it may have been, however since its 1902 discovery it has seemingly been ice free.
After its initial 1902 discovery, “Idaho’s Mammoth Cave” went virtually unused and unseen again until 1954 when Richard Olsen re-discovered its entrance.
At present, the “Idaho’s Mammoth Cave” is open daily during the summer from 9:00 am until 6:00 pm. Admission is $8.00 per adult and $4.00 per child between the ages of 4 through 16 and includes admission into the adjacent “Shoshone Bird Museum of Natural History.”
Idaho’s Mammoth Cave
Highway 75
Shoshone, ID 83352
208-886-7072
Shoshone Bird Museum of Natural History
The “Shoshone Bird Museum of Natural History” can only be defined as a true labor of love. Constructed in an unforgiving terrain and made of 10 foot high and 4 inch thick lava rock walls, the distinct round building took 30 years to build and three generations to fill.
Over the years the proprietors have collected and displayed what can only be called a titanic amount of taxidermy and natural history that is sure to interest many curious travelers. Though mounted and stuffed wildlife may not be everyone’s idea of a good time, it is still a great testament to a family’s fortitude.
The Olsen’s had a dream to carve out a natural history museum that they could be proud of and despite the desolateness of the town’s lava fields, they accomplished just that.
Today’s visitors will find that the “Shoshone Bird Museum of Natural History” is a quirky, informative roadside attraction that is well worth a stop.
The “Shoshone Bird Museum of Natural History” is open daily during the summer from 9:00 am until 6:00 pm. Hours can vary so it is recommended to call in advance of one’s trip.
As of 2010 admission to the “Shoshone Bird Museum of Natural History” is $8.00 per adult and $4.00 per person between the ages of 7 to 16. The admission price is inclusive of a self guided cave tour at the adjacent “Idaho’s Mammoth Cave.” Children under 6 are admitted into both attractions for free.
Shoshone Bird Museum of Natural History
Highway 75
Shoshone, ID 83352
208-8876-7072
Second Time around Whistle Stop Antique Mall
Those who enjoy antiques would do well to stop at the “Second Time around Whistle Stop Antique Mall”, home to 12 different antique dealers all in one convenient location.
The “Second Time around Whistle Stop Antique Mall” is open Monday through Saturday from 11:00 am until 5:30 pm and features a plethora of intriguing wares.
The facility is also home to the town’s chamber of commerce and historical society where visitors can pick up a lot of information about the region.
Afterward, visitors can stroll down Shoshone’s Rail Street and pick up either a smoothie at “Wierdo’s Smoothies and Teas” or a cup of Joe at “Lava Java and Molten Ice.
Second Time around Whistle Stop Antique Mall
102 South Rail Street East
Shoshone, ID 83352
208-866-7787
Additional Information
In addition to the previously mentioned attractions and shops, the area is home to “Shoshone Falls” which is also worth a visit.
Those wishing to learn more about the town of Shoshone, Idaho should log onto the town’s website.
