Two of Pocatello’s most distinctive outdoor museums are emerging from significant restoration work this season, with upgrades to both the Fort Hall Replica and Pocatello Junction representing a collaborative effort between city government, historical organizations, volunteers, and private donors.
The Fort Hall Replica, which recreates the 1834 fur trading post that once stood in the region, opened for its 63rd annual season on May 30 following substantial improvements. The work included a professionally completed mezzanine restoration at a cost of $39,574, partially funded by the Idaho Heritage Trust. Beyond the mezzanine, the replica faced urgent roof repairs, with restoration specialists identifying deteriorating membranes that required attention.
Pocatello Junction, the companion living-history site that depicts the city’s early railroad-era frontier town, underwent equally extensive work before the May 30 opening. Wilson Roofing replaced two failed membrane roofs and repaired three additional roofs at the replica Union Pacific Depot structure, with that phase of work totaling $8,476. A private contribution of $5,000 from Carlo Wilson helped offset the depot roof restoration costs.
Collaborative Restoration Effort
The City of Pocatello owns both sites, while Bannock County Historical Society operates the Bannock County Historical Museum and maintains cooperative oversight through an agreement established in 2017. The restoration initiative was proposed in 2025 by historian Randy Dixon, who emphasized the importance of maintaining a clear vision for historical preservation. “Creating a positive vision of any historic restoration project is always step one,” Dixon said.
Donnelly Construction managed the Fort Hall Replica mezzanine work and also alerted project leaders to the deteriorating roof conditions that required immediate remediation. The scope of repairs will extend beyond the current season; roof restoration for Fort Hall Replica is targeted for inclusion in the Parks and Recreation Department budget for 2027, with an estimated cost of $24,800.
Community and Volunteer Contributions
Preparation for the May 30 opening drew substantial volunteer labor. Thirty LDS service missionaries, accompanied by four service advisers, spent time cleaning both historic sites before the season launched. Additionally, 20 professional painters, organized by Elder Lloyd Hadderlie, contributed their skills to the project. Dave Reiland and volunteers from Rake a Difference provided landscape maintenance work to restore the grounds.
The restoration reflects broader community investment in preserving Bannock County’s heritage. Dixon encouraged residents to engage with the historical complex directly. “Please visit your Bannock County Historical Complex. The history of the Complex belongs to you,” he said.
What Comes Next
While the mezzanine and immediate roof work are complete, the Fort Hall Replica’s larger roof replacement project remains a priority for future funding cycles. City Parks and Recreation officials are evaluating how to allocate 2027 budget resources to address the estimated $24,800 in additional roof repairs needed to fully stabilize the structure.
Both sites remain open to the public throughout the season, offering residents and visitors the opportunity to explore representations of two pivotal eras in Pocatello and Bannock County history. The collaborative approach between municipal government, county historical organizations, and volunteer groups demonstrates the ongoing commitment to preserving the region’s distinctive heritage.
Residents interested in the Bannock County Historical Complex and its restoration efforts can visit during regular operating hours. The Fort Hall Replica and Pocatello Junction are located in upper Ross Park.