Idaho Vacation: Lawson's Emu-Z-Um, The Most Surprising Place in Owyhee County

If you think the name Emu-Z-Um is strange, just stroll around the museum Jack and Belva Lawson have put together.  I promise it will take your breath away.  This place has just been added to my list of "Must See" places while on your Idaho vacation.  There is a lot to do and see.



Sign at turnoff on ID-78 for Emu-Z-Um



Emu-Z-Um takes its name from the emus that once had run of the ranch Jack and Belva call home.  Say the name faster and it sounds better.   At this huge collection of items of yesteryear, one can really turn back the clock and take a good look at how things were at the turn of the century.  I judge that the collections represent the time frame of about 1860's to the 1940's. 



Outside of "TradingPost" at Emu-Z-Um



I expected to see old farming equipment, mining equipment, boots and saddles, barbed wire displays, and more representing the turn of the century period.  I was not disappointed, they have all that.  What I didn't expect was the huge variety of other items on display. 



Part of the Antique Tool Array, Emu-Z-Um



We were met at the parking area by Jack and given a brief overview of what to expect.  Jack started us down the row of buildings representing a rebuilt frontier town, complete with store fronts and appropriate contents.  Jack and Belva provide personalized tours of most exhibits to keep one from getting lost and missing some exhibits.  We did not feel rushed on our tour and questions were answered whenever asked. 



Reconstructed Main Street Stores,
Emu-Z-Um





Antique Washing Machine, Emu-Z-Um



Granny's Attaic, Emu-Z-Um




Antique Mining Display, Emu-Z-Um

The exhibits are housed in a dozen or so buildings scattered around the farmstead.  It is obvious that this is a work of love by the Lawson's.  Jack and Belva have lived in the area their entire lives and  as Jack explained, "Back a few years, we had to come up with our own entertainment.  I went to farm sales and bought boxes and piles of stuff for just a couple dollars.  We just kept collecting."  Belva takes credit for much of the creative display arrangements, including hand painted tiles or simulated planking in many of the buildings.  These personalized touches add a great visual impact to the displays. 



Old Time Soda Fountain With Hand
Painted Tile, Emu-Z-Um

 Probably the biggest surprise for me was an old time soda fountain room.  These types of unexpected displays are what really sets this museum  apart from what is expected and what is generally found.  The Christmas building was also unexpected.  I did not expect a well stocked Christmas display in rural Owyhee county.  A few years back the Lawson's acquired the contents of the Silver City museum and all those items are on display. 



Part of Bottle Collection Numbering in
Excess of 7,000, Emu-Z-Um

 Did I mention that there are over 7,000 bottles displayed in one building?  They also have a nice collection of glassware turned purple by the sun.  These manganese containing bottles have not been made since 1915.  In what the Lawson's call the old house (their prior residence), is housed a nice display of trophy animals.  In the kitchen are salt and pepper shaker collections, and various other period items.  The house is full of displays. 



Stagecoach at Emu-Z-Um



Hopefully, the photos will give a sampling of the collections.  There is no way to actually describe all the diversity in words.  This is truly one of those "you have to see it to believe it" places.  There are nice shade trees on the property with picnic tables for lunch.  Restrooms are available.  We found the Lawson's to be great hosts.  This is a museum the entire family will enjoy, make it an Idaho vacation.



Old Time Moonshiners Still
Emu-Z-Um



The museum is located about 7 miles west of Grandview on ID-78.  From Boise or Twin Falls take the Grandview exit 95 from I-84, travel to Grandview then west on ID-78.  The turnoff for the museum is between mile marker 52 and 53.  Follow this road in a northerly direction about one mile and turn left down a lane to the museum.  The lane is lined on both sides with old farm machinery. 

From Nampa, take ID-45 south, cross the Snake River and proceed on ID-78 towards Murphy and Grandview.  The turnoff for the museum is 23 miles east of Murphy.  The museum turnoff road is between mile marker 52 and 53.  Follow above directions from the turnoff. 


Fire Truck Formerly from Wendell
Emu-Z-Um



Museum hours are weekends and holidays 9:00am to 5:00pm.  Monday - Friday by appointment.  Winter hours are by appointment on all days.  Admission is $5.00 for adults and $2.50 for children 6-12.  More information is here.  Phone 208-834-2397, email museum@emuzum.com.  The Lawson's recommend a phone call prior to making the trip to ensure the museum will be open.