Visit Shoshone, ID

Discover the Coolest Spot in Idaho’s Lava Country

Experience caves, history, and small-town charm in Southern Idaho

Tucked in the heart of southern Idaho’s lava country, Shoshone is a small town with big discoveries waiting beneath the surface. From the icy depths of the Shoshone Ice Caves to the ancient wonders of Idaho’s Mammoth Cave and Bird Museum, this is where fire and ice come together in unforgettable ways.

Above ground, stroll through the peaceful Mary L. Gooding Memorial Park or explore local history at the Lincoln County Historical Museum. Whether you’re chasing cool air on a hot day or uncovering stories carved in stone, Shoshone offers a refreshing escape into Idaho’s wild and wonderful past.

Discover

the natural wonders hidden beneath Idaho’s lava plains

Enjoy

a quiet stroll through parks and small-town streets.

& Learn

about the area’s rich pioneer and railroad history..

A red brick two-story building with arched windows and a central entrance in Shoshone, ID, seen from a paved walkway, surrounded by green grass and tall trees under a clear blue sky.
A small town intersection in Shoshone, ID, with low-rise buildings, trees, and parked cars lining both sides of the streets, seen from above on a clear day. Railroad tracks run across the foreground.

30 Second Trailer

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Things To Do in Shoshone, ID

Shoshone offers a unique mix of natural wonders and local history that invites exploration. Step underground at the Shoshone Ice Caves or Idaho’s Mammoth Cave & Bird Museum to experience the region’s fascinating volcanic past. Above ground, unwind in the peaceful surroundings of Mary L. Gooding Memorial Park, then dive into the area’s rich heritage at the Lincoln County Historical Museum. Each stop reveals a different side of Shoshone—where adventure, relaxation, and history all come together.

Shoshone
Ice Caves

Step underground to explore a natural lava-tube cave filled with year-round ice.

Idaho’s Mammoth Cave & Bird Museum

Discover one of the world’s largest volcanic caves and a fascinating natural history collection.

Mary L. Gooding Memorial Park

Relax under shady trees, enjoy open green space, and unwind in this peaceful community park.

Lincoln County
Historical Museum

Learn about Shoshone’s pioneer past through artifacts, photographs, and exhibits celebrating local heritage.

NOTE: All images on this site are originals from Touch Point Designs unless noted otherwise. They are copyrighted and protected.
Interior Shoshone Ice Caves image used with permission.

Shoshone Ice Caves

Begin your adventure at the Shoshone Ice Caves, where you’ll step into a chilled lava tube that’s carved from fire and holds ice year-round. Feel the temperature drop as you descend along wooden walkways suspended above the frozen floor, while your guide shares stories of volcanic eruptions, pioneer ice harvesting, and the natural “refrigerator” hidden beneath the Idaho sun. The echo of dripping water and the hush of the cave create a contrast to the wide-open lava fields outside. Bring a light jacket and sturdy shoes — this is exploration at its coolest.

Interior images courtesy of Shoshone Ice Caves. Used with permission.

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"Went to the ice caves for the first time in my life and I've lived in Idaho 40 plus years. There is a small museum and a gift shop. You have to take the guided tour, they go on the hour. There are steep stairs so it's not wheelchair accessible. People from all over the world stop there to visit the cave."

Daisy G. - Google Review
Shoshone Ice Caves May 2025 02
A large wooden roadside sign in Shoshone, ID, reads Shoshone Ice Cave—One of the Natural Wonders of the World—Over 20,000 Ton of Ice—Guided Tours Only, with a phone number and an arrow pointing to the ice caves. Dry brush and blue sky in the background.
A large green dinosaur statue with a human figure riding on its back stands in the dry, grassy Shoshone landscape under a clear blue sky. A small warning sign and an ID marker are visible near its feet.
Shoshone Ice Caves May 2025-21
A rustic red log building with a sign reading Geode Breaking Station stands outside in Shoshone, ID, surrounded by colorful painted totems, display tables, and geodes under a sunny blue sky.
Shoshone Ice Caves May 2025-02
Large, rough pieces of petrified wood from Shoshone, ID, in shades of brown and tan are displayed on a red wooden surface outdoors in sunlight, with more petrified wood in the blurred background.
Shoshone Ice Caves June 2024-20
A small red log cabin labeled Museum stands in Shoshone, ID, with antlers mounted on the exterior. In front, antlers encircle rocks and a sign. The gravelly area includes another red building and wooden fence under a blue sky.
A tall statue of a Native American man wearing a feathered headdress and yellow pants stands on a stone base in Shoshone, ID. Nearby are informational signs and a red building with a tin roof under a clear blue sky.
Shoshone Ice Caves 2025-09

Idaho’s Mammoth Cave & Bird Museum

Just a few miles north of town, Idaho’s Mammoth Cave & Bird Museum offers one of Shoshone’s most surprising adventures. Step inside one of the largest volcanic caves open to the public, where a gentle walkway leads you through ancient lava passages that stay cool even on the hottest days. After your underground exploration, browse the quirky Bird Museum, filled with fascinating wildlife displays, fossils, and artifacts collected over decades. This family-run spot perfectly blends natural wonder and roadside nostalgia, giving visitors a glimpse into both Idaho’s geological past and its small-town charm.

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"100% worth going to! The museum is awesome!! I saw a lot of people comment that the museum is " a bunch of stuffed animals," but that's such a gross discredit to this place. The museum has sooooo many things to look at it's incredible. Mammoth and dinosaur bones, artifacts, yes a lot of taxidermy too. Exploring the cave was an excellent adventure also. I only wished the path went further."

Anastasia D. - Google Review
Large blue signs with white letters spelling CAVE stand on wooden frames in a dry, grassy landscape near Shoshone, ID. Power lines and a utility pole are visible nearby under the clear blue sky.
A carved stone face stands in front of a large wooden sign for Idaho’s Mammoth Cave and Shoshone Bird Museum in Shoshone, ID, surrounded by dry grass and shrubs under a clear sky.
Large stone sculptures with human faces are arranged in a row on a dry, grassy landscape under a blue sky, hinting at ancient Shoshone artistry, with shrubs and bushes in the background.
An old, weathered wooden wagon with large, rusted iron-rimmed wheels sits abandoned among dry bushes and grasses under a clear blue sky near Shoshone, ID.
Large blue signs with white letters spelling CAVE stand on wooden frames in a dry, grassy landscape near Shoshone, ID. Power lines and a utility pole are visible nearby under the clear blue sky.
A stone sculpture of a human face sits atop a rock in the dry, grassy landscape of Shoshone, ID, with bushes and a clear blue sky in the background.

Mary L. Gooding Memorial Park

Mary L. Gooding Memorial Park is the perfect place to slow down and enjoy a slice of small-town Idaho. Families can spend the afternoon at the Lincoln County Swimming Pool, let kids soar across the zip line, or try a round on the park’s disc golf course. A quiet canal flows through the park, adding a refreshing touch to the open green space. You’ll find plenty of picnic tables, shady trees, and a covered pavilion—ideal for gatherings or a relaxing lunch outdoors. Whether you’re cooling off, playing, or simply taking it easy, this park is a local favorite for all ages.

Benches sit under tall, shady trees beside a calm creek in Shoshone, ID. Sunlight filters through the branches, casting dappled shadows on the ground. A fence runs along the creek, with a grassy park area visible to the left.
A concrete path leads through a grassy Shoshone park in ID to a covered picnic pavilion surrounded by trees, with sunlight casting shadows on the ground.
An outdoor swimming pool with clear blue water is surrounded by a concrete deck. A white fence decorated with colorful flower murals and tall trees evoke the charm of Shoshone, ID, all beneath a clear blue sky.
A sunny park in Shoshone, ID, with tall trees casting shadows on a large green lawn and a gazebo visible in the background among the trees.
A green-framed sign displays a map and information for Shoshone Disc Golf Park in Shoshone, ID, set in a grassy area with trees and blue sky. The sign features the course layout, rules, and sponsor recognition.
A metal disc golf basket with an orange top stands in a grassy park surrounded by trees and greenery on a sunny day in Shoshone, ID.
Benches sit under tall, shady trees beside a calm creek in Shoshone, ID. Sunlight filters through the branches, casting dappled shadows on the ground. A fence runs along the creek, with a grassy park area visible to the left.

Lincoln County Historical Museum

Step back in time at the Lincoln County Historical Museum, where Shoshone’s rich pioneer heritage comes to life. Housed in a beautifully preserved historic building, the museum features artifacts, photographs, and exhibits that tell the story of early settlers, the rise of the railroad, and life in Idaho’s high desert. Visitors can explore rooms filled with antique furnishings, vintage tools, and local memorabilia that paint a vivid picture of the area’s past. Friendly volunteers share stories and insights, making every visit personal and memorable—a must-see stop for anyone who loves history, heritage, and hometown pride.

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A two-story, cream-colored building with a red roof stands in Shoshone, ID, fronted by a sign with the Masonic square and compass symbol. Trees, a small garage, and a red car are visible beside the building on a sunny day.

Additional Attractions in Shoshone & the Surrounding Area

Sun
Valley

A world-famous mountain resort area offering skiing, hiking, dining, and year-round outdoor adventure just an hour north.

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Lincoln County Courthouse

A striking 1904 stone courthouse built from local lava rock, showcasing beautiful early-Idaho architecture and history.

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Black Magic
Canyon

A hidden slot canyon carved through ancient lava rock, perfect for photography and exploration.

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Shoshone
Falls

Known as the “Niagara of the West,” this powerful waterfall drops 212 feet into the Snake River Canyon.

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Annual Events in the Shoshone, ID Area

Each year, Shoshone celebrates its small-town spirit with a lineup of lively community events. Summer kicks off with the Fourth of July Community Potluck and Fireworks, a tradition that fills the sky and the park with hometown pride. Art lovers gather soon after for Shoshone Arts in the Park, where local talent shines on the courthouse lawn. The excitement continues with the Lincoln County Fair & Rodeo, bringing rodeo action, carnival fun, and family memories. As summer fades, the Lost N Lava Cowboy Gathering keeps Idaho’s western heritage alive through cowboy poetry, music, and storytelling.

  • Early July

Shoshone’s 4th of July Celebration

A hometown BBQ, cake auction and fireworks show celebrating Independence Day.

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  • 2nd Weekend in July

Shoshone Arts in the Park

Weekend of art vendors, live music and food on the courthouse lawn.

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  • Last Full Week of July

Lincoln County
Fair & Rodeo

A full week of rodeo action, exhibits, rides and local livestock at the fairgrounds.

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  • Mid September

Lost N Lava
Cowboy Gathering

Celebration of cowboy poetry, music and ranch culture held at the fairgrounds.

Learn More

Images are from Envato Elements and used with permission & rights.

Image courtesy of Shoshone Ice Caves. Used with permission.

Historical Events of Shoshone, ID

Town Founded
The village was laid out in October 1882 ahead of railroad construction
Railroad Arrival
The Oregon Short Line Railroad camped and tracks entered town early 1883.
County Formed
Lincoln County, Idaho was created on March 18, 1895 with Shoshone as its seat.
Courthouse Completed
The lava-rock courthouse was finished in 1904, becoming the county’s landmark.
Cave Rediscovered
The Idaho’s Mammoth Cave was rediscovered by Richard Olsen while hunting bobcats.
Ice Caves Popular
The Shoshone Ice Caves became a well-known visitor attraction for their year-round ice.
1882
1883
1895
1904
1954
1960s

Drag the scroll bar to view historical information.

Dining & Drinking

Whet your appetite in town with a variety of inviting dining & drinking spots. Start your morning at Manhattan Café (133 S Rail St W), a cozy family-run diner serving breakfast classics next to the historic rail tracks. At lunch or for a casual dinner, swing by the nostalgic Shoshone Snack Bar (415 S Greenwood St) for burgers, shakes, and towering ice-cream cones. For a Mexican punch, head to The Burrito Lady (103 N Greenwood St) for stacked street tacos and fresh salsas. Wrap up with a relaxed drink at Main Street Bar & Grill, where locals gather for good company and a pint.

Restaurant Options

Lodging & Rentals

Looking for a place to stay? Gateway Motel offers cozy, clean rooms downtown at 412 N Greenwood St., with free WiFi and easy access to local dining and the attractions you’ve come for. Prefer a historic feel? Check out the charming Governor’s Mansion B & B in town for something a bit more boutique. For travelers looking for consistent amenities and a little more space, Best Western Sawtooth Inn & Suites just outside Shoshone provides reliable comfort with regional convenience.

Lodging Options

Visit Shoshone, ID

Visit the coolest spot in Idaho’s lava country—explore Shoshone’s caves, history, and small-town charm today.

A small town intersection in Shoshone, ID, with low-rise buildings, trees, and parked cars lining both sides of the streets, seen from above on a clear day. Railroad tracks run across the foreground.

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Disclaimer

All efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy of the information on this website. The details provided are accurate to the best of our knowledge as of the most recent update. However, Small Town Travel Sites (“Touch Point Designs”) is not responsible for any inadvertent inaccuracies, changes, or misinformation. For the most current information, we recommend contacting individual establishments or checking the latest online updates before planning your visit.