Accessibility
The museum is for everyone
The Museum of Idaho is committed to providing a quality experience for all of our guests. The following provides information about a range of accommodations.
Visitors with limited mobility
- MOI is fully wheelchair-accessible in accordance with ADA standards.
- Wherever possible, artifact labels have been placed at accessible heights.
- All public restrooms have wheelchair-accessible stalls, and there is one family/companion restroom available to all visitors.
- The museum has no wheelchairs available for use. Wheelchairs may be rented through third-party companies in the Idaho Falls area.
- Handicapped parking spots are available in lots both in front of and behind the museum. View parking map.
- An elevator is available to provide access to all exhibit areas.
- Portable stools are available at exhibit entrances and may be used anywhere in the museum. The stools are sturdy, lightweight, easy to carry, easy to rise out of, and may also be used as assistive walking devices.
- Limited bench seating is also available throughout the galleries.
Visitors who are blind or partially sighted
MOI’s Adventure Backpacks and Dig Deeper STEM Stations both include tactile experiences aimed at low-vision visitors.
- Adventure Backpacks may be checked out at the ticket counter and include tactile experiences and activities encouraging visitors to enjoy the museum in new ways. Braille instructions are also available upon request at the ticket counter. Visitors are requested to leave a personal item, such as photo ID, at the ticket counter while using a backpack.
- Dig Deeper STEM Stations are staffed booths scattered throughout the Way Out West exhibit. The number of stations varies depending on staff availability.
The MOI website has been designed with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines in mind, including the use of alt image text, high contrast, and descriptive links.
Adventure Backpacks and Dig Deeper STEM Stations are made possible through a grant from the Laura Moore Cunningham Foundation.
Visitors who are deaf or hard of hearing
- Visitors can access audio tours that complement our Way Out West exhibit, accessible at museumofidaho.org/audio.
- Some galleries in the Way Out West exhibit contain background music and/or sound effects, but nothing including words or information required for the enjoyment or clarity of the exhibit.
- ASL interpretation is available for some kids’ educational programs when advance notice is provided, and dependent on available funding. Please contact Chloe at education@museumofidaho.org to learn more.
Visitors with sensory sensitivities
The Museum of Idaho features some exhibits that include noises and changing light levels. In order to make some of these surprises more predictable, we have created resources that can be used before and during your visit. Please also note the occupational therapist’s guide to the Above and Beyond exhibit in the next section.
- View this printable sensory map, which shows areas in the museum that may include noises or light changes.
- View this printable experience planning guide, which can help caregivers communicate visually with visitors about what to expect and how to navigate the museum.
- For a quieter or less-crowded visit, we recommend visiting during shoulder hours (early or late in the day) or on a weekday, especially in the off-season (October through April). Call 208-522-1400 to inquire about scheduled large group tours, such as school field trips, that may occur during your planned visit.
- Adventure backpacks are available to check out at the ticket counter. Each backpack contains stress-relief items, fidget items, and activities encouraging visitors to experience the museum in new ways. Mammoth backpacks also contain noise-cancelling headphones and sunglasses, and these can be made available with other backpacks upon request. Guests are requested to leave a personal item, such as photo ID, at the ticket counter while using a backpack.
Adventure Backpacks are made possible through a grant from the Laura Moore Cunningham Foundation and support from Bank of Commerce.
Service animals
Service animals are welcome. MOI follows ADA requirements for service animals, meaning the animal must be trained and certified to provide assistance to a person with a disability. Visitors are not permitted to bring pets or other animals, including emotional support animals, into the museum.
Questions?
Contact Ty at 208.522.1400 ext. 3014 or email.
