How much can one learn about the simple potato? Plenty more than what you already know. This tiny little museum, a converted railroad station, has a wide array of exhibits with no shortage of informational displays about the history of potato farming in Idaho and potato processing. Who knew where the term "spud" came from? No we know. The staff were engaging and friendly. Even the gift shop itself was interesting. We stopped in Blackfoot for the sole purpose of visiting this little gem, and we were not disappointed.
This is worth the little time it takes to get off the interstate. A history of the potato and how it came to America. Lots of displays and loads of information. Is it quirky ? You bet !The gift shop had the most unique gifts and the little spud buddies were perfect for my grandchildren who love them. I bought all our souvenirs at the gift shop because a. Made in America and b. They were unique and not all the same stuff you see in every shop.
This museum shows history of potato growing in Idaho and tools used for growing, along the displays describing grading of potatoes. We stopped because, we thought it would be interesting and it was, but it was a bit disappointing. Admission Fee was $3.00 per person with a AAA Discount bringing it to $2.50 each.
A lot of people get a kick out of getting a photo in front of the big potato out front. The museum is in a neat old railroad depot, which makes for a nice & interesting atmosphere. The employees are friendly, offering "taters for out-of-staters", and offer some clever & funny stuff in the gift shop. The museum exhibits were a lot more interesting than I expected, and we easily spent probably around 45 minutes to an hour looking around. Go with a bit of a sense of humor, some curiosity, and reasonable expectations for a small town museum, and you'll have a pretty good time.
we really enjoyed it! It was only a few dollars to get in, so we had nothing to lose. You can see all in about an hour. After driving thru miles and miles of potato fields it was interesting to see "the rest of the story". We also enjoyed looking at the novelty items in the gift shop. Not to mention the free sample of hash browns! The gentleman that was at the front desk was extremely friendly and truly loved his job and his town. So glad we made this stop. Very easy to find, too. Just drive til you see the big baked potato!
It is a standing joke in the family that one of our claims to fame was to have visited a lawnmower museum (Southport, England).So, when a sign on the I15 advertised there was a Potato Museum nearby there was a sense of eager anticipation that we could be about to witness a display of car crash proportions and that a deviation form plan was required..We arrived just as the place was about to close, alas, but the cheerful retiree at the entrance allowed us a quick look around. We were not to be disappointed. All sorts of things potato related are on display in this small museum. The potato history, naturally, but I liked the underlying sense of humour of some of the features. I have never seen so many potato mashers in one place! And Toy Story figures too.My education has been enhanced as I did not know that the spud comes from Peru!A brief but enjoyable visit that is worth the effort if you like quirky and informative displays.
Is it kitchy? Yes, Is it small town? BUT COME ON PEOPLE! It's a GIANT POTATO!! And its a couple dollars or so a person and if you go in with an open mind there are lots of things to see and learn! We really liked it, and we can say we saw a GIANT POTATO statue. The only reason to miss this museum is if you are a giant curmudgen that that doesn't like Giant Potatos. It takes maybe ten minutes. Do it, be a Spud nik.
Who hasn't heard of Idaho potatoes? In this little museum you will learn the fascinating history of the popular vegetable, interesting statistics, and how the potato is cultivated, harvested, and stored. Old farming equipment and potato mashers and peelers join charts and photos to make the exhibits interesting. Take time to watch the video. If you are not familiar with potato farming, after visiting this museum, you will recognize nearby storage facilities, and, if you visit during the September harvesting season, you might see harvesting in action.
We saw the sign for the Idaho Potato Museum on the interstate and had to follow it into Blackfoot, ID and follow more signs. A museum dedicated to the potato? Sounds fun, if maybe a little silly.But as it was Sunday, this attraction was closed.Judging by other reviews it was worth seeing. Still, we got pictures with the giant potato and something to remember about a day with little else to do but drive.
Being a huge potato person I just HAD to stop by a museum dedicated to the delectable starch! It was affordable (don't forget to mention your AAA card), and I found it to be very informative and interesting. Oh and you can't help but have your picture taken with the giant potato in the front. If you're in the area, it's absolutely worth the stop!