The Minidoka Visitor Center at 1428 Hunt Road in Jerome, Idaho, is a convenient starting point: you can get visitor information and a passport stamp there; the center also offers a park film, museum exhibits and a park bookstore.
Remembrance and Orientation
The Minidoka National Historic Site preserves several historic structures from the internment site for Japanese Americans during World War II. For hiking, the site offers 1.6 miles (2.5 km) of gravel trails. The preserved structures and trails give your visit both a historical and a scenic focus.
Museums and Regional History
The Northside Military Museum’s collection ranges from uniforms and specialized military equipment to models, dioramas, historical documents and weapons. The different types of exhibits offer a variety of ways to explore the subject: equipment and weapons are displayed alongside written documents, while models and dioramas complement the collection with illustrative displays. The museum offers tours for school and private groups.
The Idaho Farm and Ranch Museum was established to honor the agricultural history of the Magic Valley. The Jerome County Historical Museum presents history and artifacts from the area around Jerome. Its exhibits include displays about the Hunt Japanese American Relocation Center and the North Side Irrigation Project. Thus, a museum with an explicitly agricultural purpose sits alongside one with exhibits on regional history.
Market and Seasonal Produce
In summer, the Jerome Farmers Market offers fresh produce and handcrafted goods every Saturday; exact dates may vary from year to year. The market complements the museum and history themes with a seasonal look at produce and handmade goods.
Wilson Lake and Hikes along the Snake River
Wilson Lake is a 950-acre reservoir in Jerome County. User-created campsites and picnic areas are available on the south shore. Check local conditions before your visit.
At Snake River Canyons Park, choosing a trailhead is a specific part of planning your hike. In the section of the park east of Highway 93, you can park at Morley Arbor on Shoshone Falls Road or Zuck Arbor on 700 East Road, then plan hikes of any length into the park. For a more challenging option, the Nellis and Irwin Trail descends from the canyon rim to the Snake River. These offer two different approaches to planning: a hike of your chosen length from one of the named trailheads, or a designated route with the river as your destination.
A Benedictine Community
The Monastery of the Ascension is a Benedictine community founded in 1965. The Ministry Center is the monastery’s guest and retreat house. The founding year provides a specific historical reference, while the Ministry Center’s purpose offers a different focus from museums and hiking trails.
Discover more destinations: Jerome, Hazelton, Shoshone County, Adams County, Benewah County, Gooding County, Fremont, Cassia County
For the main travel overview: Idaho.
