Front of rthe Historic Tabernalce where the Museum is located in the basement
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Museum of Rexburg Teton Flood Exhibit

4.7
·68 reviews·Rexburg, United States

Explore Rexburg's history, from the devastating Teton Dam flood to community resilience and local heritage.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing

CrowdLow
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Front of rthe Historic Tabernalce where the Museum is located in the basement

Museum of Rexburg Teton Flood Exhibit

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore Rexburg's history, from the devastating Teton Dam flood to community resilience and local heritage.

4.7
(68 reviews)

"A moving exhibit on the Teton Dam collapse and a testament to Rexburg's remarkable recovery."

Vertical photo
TIP

Allocate ample time

The Teton Dam exhibit is impactful; give yourself time to absorb the history.

Check for events

The Tabernacle hosts concerts and shows; check their schedule for cultural experiences.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Teton Dam Collapse Exhibit

Teton Dam Collapse Exhibit

Basement

Witness the power of the 1976 flood with artifacts, a high-water mark, and stories of Rexburg's resilience.

Rexburg Stake Tabernacle

Rexburg Stake Tabernacle

Main Building

Admire the stunning 1911 Romanesque Revival architecture of this historic LDS Tabernacle.

One-Room Schoolhouse

One-Room Schoolhouse

Children's Museum Area

Step back in time in this charming, preserved one-room schoolhouse, part of the Children's Museum.

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Planning Your Visit

Understand the Teton Dam's Impact

The Teton Dam collapse in 1976 devastated Rexburg. The museum's exhibit vividly portrays this event, showcasing artifacts and the city's remarkable reconstruction. Prepare for a moving and educational experience.

Explore Local History Beyond the Flood

While the Teton Dam exhibit is a highlight, the museum also preserves broader Rexburg history. Discover exhibits on local life, including a charming one-room schoolhouse and rotating displays like the impressive quilt shows.

Best Times

When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing
Crowd
Low
When
During special exhibits
Why
Unique displays like quilt shows
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Yellowstone Bear World 🐻 - Rexburg, Idaho #bears #yellowstone #yellowstonebearworld #cubs #safari #animalfarm #idaho #rexburgidaho #sanctuary
@august.seth
254 likes • 12.8K views

Allocate ample time

The Teton Dam exhibit is impactful; give yourself time to absorb the history. Reddit

Check for events

The Tabernacle hosts concerts and shows; check their schedule for cultural experiences. Reddit

Kid-friendly exploration

The Children's Museum and schoolhouse offer interactive fun for younger visitors. Reddit

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Tips

from all over the internet

Allocate ample time

The Teton Dam exhibit is impactful; give yourself time to absorb the history. Reddit

Check for events

The Tabernacle hosts concerts and shows; check their schedule for cultural experiences. Reddit

Kid-friendly exploration

The Children's Museum and schoolhouse offer interactive fun for younger visitors. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(68 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the museum's impactful Teton Dam collapse exhibit, highlighting its historical significance and the stories of community resilience. The beautiful architecture of the Rexburg Stake Tabernacle and the charming one-room schoolhouse are also frequently mentioned positives. Some visitors note that the museum's focus is heavily on the flood, which might be intense for some, and appreciate the additional exhibits for broader historical context.

"The Museum of Rexburg is a valued member of the Rexburg Area Chamber of Commerce, preserving and sharing the history of our community for residents and visitors alike. Their dedication to education, historical preservation, and engaging exhibits helps keep Rexburg’s stories alive for future generations. We’re proud to have the Museum of Rexburg as part of our Chamber family!"

Rexburg Chamber

"One of Rexburg’s finest landmarks is the Rexburg Stake Tabernacle, a Romanesque Revival building from 1911.

This was the tabernacle for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints before being sold off to the city in 1980.

In the basement is a museum for the Upper Snake River Historical Society, with a major exhibit about the devastating Teton Dam collapse of 1976, which left Rexburg underwater and resulted in the deaths of 11 people and the loss of 13,000 cattle.

The total damage estimates are $2 billion and the dam has never been reconstructed. You’ll see a line on the wall marking the high water mark as well as interesting artifacts from the event and the remarkable reconstruction of the city.

Also here is an old-fashioned one-room schoolhouse, home to the Rexburg Children’s Museum, which has lots of interactive displays and activities for kids."

Ankit Patel

"We went to the Quilt Show put on by the Museum of Rexburg. The quilts on display were not only beautiful but had almost every stitch exquisitely done by hand. The exhibit showcased both very old quilts, newer quilts, and hand irons through the ages. We had a wonderful adventure and the quilts were amazing."

Janell Black

What People Like

Impactful Teton Dam exhibit
Community resilience stories
Historic Tabernacle architecture

What People Dislike

Heavy focus on disaster

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The museum is located within the historic Rexburg Stake Tabernacle. It's easily accessible by car, with parking available nearby. Public transportation options might be limited, so driving is generally recommended for visitors coming from outside the immediate area. Reddit

Yes, there is typically parking available near the Rexburg Stake Tabernacle. It's advisable to check for any specific parking restrictions or designated areas upon arrival. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Admission fees can vary, and it's best to check the museum's official website or contact them directly for the most current pricing. Some exhibits, like the Teton Dam collapse, may have specific details. Reddit

Museum hours can change seasonally or for special events. It's highly recommended to visit the museum's official website or call ahead to confirm their opening and closing times before your visit. Reddit

While walk-in visits are common, for special events or during peak times, purchasing tickets in advance might be a good idea. Check the museum's website for any online ticketing options. Reddit

🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience

The most significant exhibit is the one detailing the devastating Teton Dam collapse of 1976, which profoundly impacted Rexburg. It features artifacts and information about the event and the city's recovery. Reddit

Yes, the museum includes the Rexburg Children's Museum with interactive displays, and a preserved one-room schoolhouse that appeals to younger visitors. Reddit

The museum covers local history, with a strong focus on the Teton Dam disaster and its aftermath. It also touches upon earlier community life, including the history of the Tabernacle itself. Reddit

Information regarding accessibility, such as wheelchair access and facilities, should be confirmed directly with the museum. The historic nature of the building might present some challenges. Reddit

Photography policies can vary. It's best to inquire at the information desk upon arrival about whether personal photography is permitted, especially for the Teton Dam exhibit. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Typically, museums of this size do not have full-service restaurants. It's advisable to plan for meals before or after your visit at nearby eateries in Rexburg. Reddit

Rexburg offers a variety of dining options, from casual cafes to family-friendly restaurants. Exploring the downtown area near the Tabernacle will provide numerous choices. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The exterior of the historic Rexburg Stake Tabernacle is architecturally stunning and makes for great photos. Inside, the Teton Dam exhibit's artifacts and the preserved schoolhouse offer unique visual elements. Reddit

Photography rules can be strict for exhibits dealing with sensitive historical events. Always check with museum staff before taking pictures, especially of artifacts related to the Teton Dam collapse. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Museum of Rexburg offers engaging experiences for families. The Rexburg Children's Museum section, often featuring the one-room schoolhouse, provides interactive displays designed to entertain and educate younger visitors. While the Teton Dam exhibit is powerful, parents may want to gauge their children's sensitivity to disaster-related content. Consider focusing on the historical aspects of community rebuilding and the charming schoolhouse for a more child-centric visit. Reddit

🏛️ History Buffs

For those fascinated by local history and disaster narratives, the Teton Dam collapse exhibit is a must-see. It provides in-depth information, artifacts, and a clear depiction of the event's impact and Rexburg's subsequent recovery. The historic Rexburg Stake Tabernacle itself is also a point of interest, offering architectural insights and a connection to the region's past. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Teton Dam Collapse: A Defining Moment

The Museum of Rexburg Teton Flood Exhibit offers a poignant look at one of the most significant disasters in Idaho history. On June 5, 1976, the Teton Dam failed, unleashing a catastrophic flood that devastated Rexburg and surrounding areas. The exhibit meticulously documents the event, featuring harrowing accounts, salvaged artifacts, and a stark visual representation of the flood's high-water mark on the Tabernacle walls. Visitors can gain a deep understanding of the immense destruction, the loss of life, and the sheer scale of the damage, estimated at $2 billion. Reddit

What makes this exhibit particularly compelling is its focus on the resilience and remarkable reconstruction of Rexburg. The community rallied together, undertaking an immense rebuilding effort that transformed the town. The museum showcases this spirit of perseverance, highlighting how residents rebuilt their lives and their city from the ground up. It's a testament to human strength in the face of overwhelming adversity, offering a powerful lesson in community spirit and determination. Reddit

Beyond the Flood: Exploring Rexburg's Heritage

While the Teton Dam exhibit is a central focus, the Museum of Rexburg preserves a broader spectrum of local history. The building itself, the Rexburg Stake Tabernacle, is a landmark of Romanesque Revival architecture dating back to 1911. Originally a place of worship for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, its sale to the city in 1980 paved the way for its current role as a community museum and cultural venue. Reddit

Within the museum, visitors can step into a charming one-room schoolhouse, offering a glimpse into early 20th-century education. This space is often integrated with the Rexburg Children's Museum, providing interactive elements for younger guests. Additionally, the museum frequently hosts special exhibitions, such as the highly praised quilt shows, which display exquisite handcrafted textiles, showcasing both historical and contemporary artistry. These rotating exhibits add another layer of cultural richness to the museum experience. Reddit

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