The Unique Emu-Z-Um in Grand View, Idaho

Lawson’s Emu-Z-Um was a very unique mixture of wildlife and history, located in Southern Idaho. This open-air museum was more like a collection of buildings from the historic western settlement of Owyhee County than a traditional museum. These buildings contained many artifacts from the late 1800s and early 1900s. And, on the grounds of the museum, roamed emus — large birds similar to ostriches. 

Hence the name: Emu-Z-Um. The perfect wordplay for a collection of emus and museum artifacts in the same place.

But, why are we using the past tense to refer to this museum? Well, this museum still exists, but its founder recently passed away. So it is temporarily closed as the family decides what to do with the land. Which may include a sale to a new owner to keep the museum running.

This museum is located in Grand View, Idaho, which is about a one hour drive south of Boise. Since we are speaking of the United States, there are not really any transportation options besides by car.

The museum previously had different operating hours depending on the season. During the winter season (running from October through February), tours were only available by appointment. During the summer season (running from March through September), the open hours were Friday through Sunday, 9 am to 5 pm.

During these operating hours, you could do a self-guided tour through the grounds. Which included entering many historic buildings with different themes. For instance: an old diner with a jukebox, a hair salon, a house, and even an outbuilding filled to the brim with historic Christmas memorabilia.

And the entrance fee was very reasonable, at $10 for adults and $5 for children. Granted, the grounds were not the most accessible for everyone. There is a lot of outside walking and ducking into different buildings. Also, there was no food on-site.

But, where else can you go to visit historic buildings, encounter historic artifacts of the Wild West, and see emus all in the same place?