STANLEY HISTORICAL MUSEUM

The Stanley Historical Museum is located on State Highway 75, near the confluence of Valley Creek and the Salmon River. Located in historic Valley Creek Ranger Station, the Museum displays photographs and artifacts depicting the early days in the Sawtooth Valley, and offers a glimpse of pioneer life in this not-so-gentle landscape. The Museum is open daily, 11 am to 5 pm, from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

The Ranger Station complex was built in 1933 by U.S. Forest Service Ranger Merle Markle and his wife. It served as a working ranger station until 1972, when Congress established the Sawtooth National Recreation Area. At that time, the current ranger station, located a few miles upriver of Stanley, was built to replace it. In 1972, the Sawtooth Interpretive & Historical Association was granted a special use permit by the Forest Service to operate it as a museum.

The Museum is a work in progress, and we welcome artifact donations that are specific to early settlement, commerce, and lifestyles in this rugged area.

Ice House   /   Cold Cellar

In 2008, we began the restoration of the ice house. With the help of the Forest Service, donations from members and friends, and grants from the Sawtooth Society and Idaho Heritage Trust, and the expertise of Sawtooth Valley Builders, exterior restoration was completed in 2011.

Tool Shed

In 2018, we began working on an exhibit for the tool shed, attached to the south side of the ice house. With the help of the Sawtooth Society and Evelyn Phillips of Quigley Design, new interpretive panels were developed to highlight the history of the USDA Forest Service in the area. The exhibit is dedicated to Marilyn Marquis who was a long-time SIHA board member. She had a passion for the history and preservation of historic buildings in the Sawtooth Valley and Stanley Basin. We will announce the opening of the exhibit in summer of 2021 and  we are excited to share our newest project with the public.

Clerks Cabin – Museum Upgrade Project

We need your help!  We are raising funds to accomplish upgrades and enhancements at the Stanley Museum, including improving existing structures/foundations and building a historic replica ‘Clerks Cabin’ staff house.  Become a part of history by having your name, the name of a loved one or inspiring words inscribed on a commemorative brick to be installed in walkways at the Stanley Museum.  Details on this project and an online order form to purchase a 4″ x 8″ or 8″ x 8″ brick can be found at Polar Engraving.  If you have any questions, please send an email to info@discoversawtooth.org.