Teton Flood Museum

 After a severe drought in 1961 and flooding in 1962, the Bureau of Reclamation proposed building a dam across the Snake River north of Rexberg, Idaho to provide a water supply in the summer and control spring runoff. Construction on the dam began in 1972 despite concerns from many different groups and individuals about the suitability of the location due to the environmental impact, the seismic activity recorded close to the location, and the fissured and unstable rock of the canyon walls. The dam was completed in November of  1975 but before the reservoir was totally filled, a leak developed in the wall of the dam. The leak was spotted on June 5, 1976, at 7:30 am and by 11:57 am most of the dam had collapsed.

 Rushing water wiped out the downstream cities of Wilford, Sugar City, Salem, Hibbard, and Rexburg. The flooding stopped when the water flowed into the American Falls Reservoir 85 miles downstream. Amazing only 11 peopled died. Local media spread the word about the leak so the people in the towns closest to the reservoir were evacuated quickly. The water moved slower as it spread across the flood plain which gave the people living in the larger cities farther downstream more time to evacuate. 

 The museum has a few exhibits on local history but the main exhibits are about the dam and the flood. A wall of stories from people who witnessed the flood lines one side of the museum. There's a well done short video about the dam and flood. 

   The dam site is a short drive from the museum so we visited that too. A large paved parking lot that must have been built when the dam was an attraction has a walkway to an overlook for a view of the portion of the dam that is still standing and the Teton River Canyon. This is Bureau of Reclamation land so overnight stays are permitted, although we did not stay. 

The museum is in the basement of the Rexburg Tabernacle. The accessible entrance is on the right side of the building but we didn't notice a buzzer so you may need to call ahead of time to have someone open the door. A lift goes down to the basement level. Everything in the museum is accessible. The walkway at the dam overlook is very steep. 

 RVs can be parked on the street at the museum. The road to the dam site is paved and the lot is large enough for any RV.  Museum  43.82738, -111.78392