Peekaboo Canyon | Kanab

Information

Landmark: Peekaboo Canyon
City: Kanab
Country: USA Utah
Continent: North America

Peekaboo Canyon, Kanab, USA Utah, North America

The Idaho Military History Museum is located at the Gowen Field Air National Guard Base in Boise, Idaho. It preserves and displays artifacts related to Idaho's military history.

Visual Characteristics

The museum is housed in a single-story, rectangular building constructed primarily of concrete block with a metal roof. Its exterior is painted a neutral, utilitarian gray. The main entrance features double metal doors and a small, attached flagpole. The building's design is functional, prioritizing storage and display space over aesthetic ornamentation.

Location & Access Logistics

The museum is situated at 301 West Stewart Avenue, Boise, ID 83705, within the Gowen Field Air National Guard Base. Access is via Stewart Avenue, which connects to Orchard Street. Visitors must enter through the main gate of Gowen Field and follow signage to the museum. Parking is available in a designated lot directly in front of the building. Public transport options to the immediate vicinity of Gowen Field are limited; the closest bus routes typically require a significant walk to the base perimeter.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The building that houses the Idaho Military History Museum was originally constructed in the 1940s as a support facility for Gowen Field. It has since been repurposed and renovated to serve as the repository for the state's military artifacts. The land itself is part of the Boise Front foothills, characterized by arid, scrubland vegetation typical of the high desert environment.

Key Highlights & Activities

Exhibits focus on Idaho's participation in various conflicts, including the Civil War, World War I, World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. Displays include uniforms, weaponry, photographs, documents, and personal effects of Idaho service members. Visitors can view a collection of military vehicles and aircraft components outside the main building. Self-guided tours are the primary mode of exploration.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available within the museum. Limited shade is provided by the building's overhang and a few trees in the adjacent outdoor display area. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally reliable within the museum. No food vendors are located on-site; visitors should plan to bring their own provisions or dine in nearby Boise.

Best Time to Visit

The museum is best visited during daylight hours when interior lighting is supplemented by natural light. The months of May through October offer the most stable weather conditions for travel to Boise. The outdoor displays are most accessible and comfortable to view during these periods.

Facts & Legends

A notable artifact within the museum is a fragment of the USS Idaho battleship's hull. The USS Idaho (BB-42) was a New Mexico-class battleship commissioned in 1919 and served throughout World War II. Its connection to the state is primarily through its name, making this fragment a significant piece of naval history linked to Idaho.