Overview

The Ketchum/Sun Valley Heritage & Ski Museum has a wonderful exhibit covering the life of Ernest Hemingway. The Museum is located near downtown Ketchum and includes other historical items and memorabilia related to the heritage of the Wood River Valley.

During the later part of this life, Ernest Hemingway had strong ties to the Wood River Valley. Making his first trip to Sun Valley in 1939 as a part of a promotional event for the then new Sun Valley Resort, Hemingway returned many times over the next several years. It is reported that he spent time in his designated suite #206 in the Lodge working on his famous book For Whom the Bells Toll.

In 1959, Hemingway became a resident of the Valley along with his fourth wife, Mary Welsh. He spent time in his home writing and additionally enjoyed all the ambiance of the Ketchum/Sun Valley area. Many of the businesses that he frequented are still in operation today. Many other celebrities would come to the Valley as guests of the Hemingways.

Battling manic depression and various physical ailments, Ernest Hemingway took his own life in 1961. Today, visitors come to the Wood River Valley to see the area that apparently inspired the well-known writer. In addition to the exhibit at the Ketchum/Sun Valley Heritage & Ski Museum, photos of the Hemingway family can be seen hanging in the hallways of the Sun Valley Lodge, as well as the last letter that he wrote before his death.

Location/Directions

Ketchum-Sun Valley Historical Society
Heritage and Ski Museum
Washington Ave. & 1st St.
Ketchum. ID 83340
(208) 726-8118

Hours/Seasons

The Ketchum-Sun Valley Historical Society Heritage and Ski Museum is open year round:

• Monday-Friday 12pm - 4pm
• Saturday 1pm - 4pm
• Closed on Sunday

Fees/Cost

There is currently no fee charged to visit this museum.