Shoshone Ice Caves

Shoshone, ID

Temporarily closed to visitors. The cave is closed for repairs.

An underground ice cave in Shoshone, Idaho that is currently closed for repairs; the museum, gift shop and mining sluice stay open in season.

The story

In the 1800s, the ice cave was used as a source of ice for the town of Shoshone. In the 1940s, overdevelopment and a poorly placed access tunnel caused almost all of the ice to melt. In the 1950s, the ice cave was acquired by the Robinson family. In 1962, the effect of the overdevelopment and integrity of the cave was restored by Russell Robinson. After Russell Robinson's death in 1981, his brother Dr. Henry Robinson took over the business until his death in 2013; ownership then passed to Dr. Robinson's son, Charles Fred Cheslik, who passed away in 2015. In 2019, it was sold to the current owners, Shane Wallace and Shelly Adamson.

History source: shoshoneicecaves.com.

Tickets and timing

Hours: Cave closed for repairs. Museum and shop Thu–Sun 10am–5pm in season.

Getting around underground

The walk: Descend across a historic path and take stairs down to a depth of 100 feet under lava.

Dogs, weather and what to wear

Temperature: Temperatures vary from about 23 to 29 degrees all year round.

Good to know

Food and drink: Refreshments available at the picnic area.
On site: museum, gift shop, mining sluice, picnic area, displays and exhibits, statues for photo opportunities