TV Museum

Only about 15 minutes from Idaho Falls is Rigby, Idaho, the "birthplace of TV."

The TV was invented by Philo T. Farnsworth, who was born in Utah but spent most of his childhood on his family's potato farm in Rigby. I highly recommend this book about him. It tells the story of his interest in machines and how he came up with the idea for the TV, then was able to develop it.

In Rigby is this fun museum about Farnsworth, as well as the history of the general area.

The people who volunteer at the museum are super friendly and helpful. Be sure to bring cash, since they don't have a card machine. But it's not super expensive to get in. Also be sure to call ahead because they have limited hours.

The museum was filled with interesting pieces that tells the history of the area. Most of the pieces are "on loan" from locals. Other pieces have been donated.

The building used to be a motel, so there are lots of little rooms. They are filled with items from the different cities in Jefferson County.

I loved this tree. It displayed photos of local veterans. 

They had a TON of awesome war artifacts, like letters and medals. 

And of course, they had a few displays about Farnsworth and the TV.

Lots of Farnsworth's awards and personal items, like his violin. 

The old Rigby Star printing press.

Historic Chesterfield

On Labor Day, Jon had an itch to get out of the house. We'd always wanted to check out Chesterfield, Idaho, so we hopped in the van and took off.

We stopped  at Lava for lunch then headed onto Chesterfield.

We really had no idea what Chesterfield was all about, and we were very amazed by what we saw. It was a mini city! It really felt like stepping back in time.

Basically you just find some people and join a tour. There are lots of houses and stuff to look through. The first stop we went to was the mansion owned by a family here years ago.

Each house had lots of cool stuff in it, like this old doctor's kit.

Then of course when there is a bear skin, you have to try it on.

Sydney loved the baby room.

Besides houses, there were things like the Blacksmith Shop.

The tour guide showed us what the blacksmith would do, like fix horseshoes.

It was super hot, but the kids really enjoyed themselves.

Some of the houses were big, but most were just little modest cabins.

And if you get a fun tour guide, they'll let you ride in the back of their golf cart....

Church building. It was huge!

This old organ needs to be played regularly to keep running smoothly, so they asked if I would play it. It was soooo fun!

The lady who lived here was a midwife and kept a journal.

I loved this!

The old store was awesome! Tons of candy and stuff for sale, plus cool portraits of people who lived in Chesterfield. 

We enjoyed Chesterfield so much, we are planning to return on Memorial Day, which is when they have a lot of extra fun activities to celebrate days gone by here.

Harriman State Park

One Saturday in July, I woke up and just felt like I NEEDED to be in the forest. So we drove up by Island Park, Idaho, had lunch, then went to Harriman State Park.

It was amazing.

We parked in a little parking area and got out and just walked around. It was perfect. A little hot in July -- bring bug spray and plenty of water and hats. Otherwise it was just what I needed.