Idaho has a captivating history connected to several bank robberies and well-known outlaws. In the past, it was an area where cowboys from the Wild West used to wander. European settlers began exploring Idaho in the year 1805. Since there was an abundance of valuable metals like gold, lead, and copper, it quickly became a popular place for mining.
The state boasts a stunning and diverse landscape, ranging from barren areas to snow-capped mountains. Therefore, it’s no wonder that many of the activities in Idaho revolve around enjoying the state’s magnificent outdoors.
18. Sawtooth National Recreation Area
The SNRA is a great place to visit if you enjoy nature and wildlife. It has 300 alpine lakes and 40 tall mountains that are over 10,000 feet high. If you want to go on a multiple-day hike, the only difficult part will be choosing which 700 miles of trail to explore.
You can stay at a nearby campground and leave your belongings there while you explore the mountains. If you prefer, you can also stay in a comfortable bed in town, as the park is just a short 15-minute drive away from Sun Valley.
17. Boise River Greenbelt
Boise, the capital of Idaho, is home to a popular 25-mile loop that connects beautiful parks and nature spots along the Boise River. As you embark on this journey, you’ll come across charming parks such as Barber Park, Municipal Park, and Julia Davis Park. Whether you prefer walking or biking, this trail accommodates both options.
Along the way, keep an eye out for the majestic blue herons, Canadian geese, and swooping bald eagles that grace the surroundings. If you’re seeking a break from the city and crave a day immersed in nature, this loop is your perfect getaway. Don’t forget to pack a picnic so you can relish in the tranquility and serenity of the surroundings.
16. Snake River Greenbelt
The Idaho Falls Greenbelt trail is a scenic, paved trail that stretches five miles along both sides of the Snake River. You have the option to walk, bike, or take a leisurely stroll and only explore a portion of the trail.
As you enjoy the trail, you’ll be treated to picturesque views of the river and even encounter a majestic waterfall that is 600 feet wide. Despite being surrounded by nature, you’ll also find convenient amenities such as shops and restaurants along the trail.
It’s quite astonishing that such a stunning natural area exists right here in the city of Idaho Falls. It’s the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy a peaceful break.
15. Schweitzer Mountain Resort
If you enjoy winter sports, you should consider visiting Schweitzer Mountain Resort during your trip to Idaho. It is the biggest ski area in both Idaho and Washington, making it an obvious choice for the best skiing experience. Located only 11 miles from the lively town of Sandpoint, the resort is easily accessible.
Sandpoint offers a variety of accommodations, restaurants, and places to rent equipment. Schweitzer Mountain provides numerous slopes for skiers of all abilities, ensuring there is something for everyone.
Additionally, one special feature of this resort is its tree skiing routes, which allow you to test your skills by maneuvering between tree trunks in the deep forest.
14. Lava Hot Springs
The small town of Lava Hot Springs is famous for its natural hot springs, which are known for their healing properties. At Lava Hot Springs Mineral Pools, there are five pools filled with warm and bubbly water where you can unwind and let the natural minerals relieve your stress.
Unlike other natural hot springs, you don’t have to worry about a strong sulfur smell here. The hot springs at Lava Hot Springs are free from sulfur, allowing you to enjoy the luxurious water without any unpleasant odors.
The spring water can reach temperatures as high as 112 Fahrenheit and it remains clean as it flows into the pools and eventually into the Portneuf River. Additionally, the town offers a variety of restaurants and accommodations, making it an ideal place to stay overnight if you wish.
13. Yellowstone Bear World
The United States has some interesting and sometimes frightening wildlife. It may not be appealing to encounter these creatures in the wild, but you can safely enjoy them at the Yellowstone Bear World wildlife park.
Located just a 15-minute drive from Rexburg, this park is home to a variety of fascinating animals such as bears, elk, bison, mule deer, Rocky Mountain goats, and many others. The most famous residents of the park are black and grizzly bears.
After an exciting drive through the wildlife park, you can visit the petting zoo and meet the barnyard animals and birds that live there. If you’re looking for a completely different and unique experience, you can even sign up to feed bottles to the park’s bear cubs.
12. Craters of the Moon National Monument
The landscape at Craters of the Moon is incredibly unique and unlike any other. The cinder cones and sagebrush create a strange, alien-like atmosphere that you won’t find anywhere else. It’s an opportunity you don’t want to miss when visiting Idaho, allowing you to explore a park that was once active with volcanic activity.
To start your visit, go to the Robert Limbert Visitor Center. They have helpful maps and interesting exhibits to look at. Once you’re ready, venture into the vast, desolate landscape, but be careful not to get lost! A must-see is reaching the top of Inferno Cone, where you can enjoy a breathtaking 360-degree view of the surroundings.
Another option is to explore Devil’s Orchard Nature Trail, which is wheelchair accessible. Note that Loop Road is available for driving through the park, but it closes in winter. You can also camp nearby if you’d like.
11. Coeur d’Alene Lake
Coeur d’Alene Lake is a well-known lake in Idaho and is one of the largest in the state, ranking second in size in the northern region. The lake stretches for 26 miles and boasts a shoreline that spans 135 miles, offering plenty of opportunities for exploration. The surrounding area features beautiful mountains and charming towns near the lake.
Coeur d’Alene Lake is a popular destination during the spring and summer seasons, with a range of recreational activities available such as boating, camping, relaxing on the lakeside beaches, and various hiking options. For those interested in hiking, Tubbs Hill is a notable spot to visit.
In addition, if you choose to stay in Coeur d’Alene, a lakeside city, you can enjoy the popular City Park beach. During the winter, you may even have the chance to spot migrating bald eagles that make their way through the area each year.
10. Shoshone Falls
The Shoshone Falls are often compared to Niagara Falls, even though they are actually taller. Standing at 212 feet tall and 900 feet wide, these falls will definitely leave a strong impression on you.
Since the mid-19th century, tourists have been drawn to these falls, especially those traveling along the Oregon Trail who would take a detour to visit them. There is no other waterfall like this along the Snake River.
Before heading to the falls, it’s worth stopping by the Twin Falls Visitor Center, conveniently located off of HWY 93 on the south side of the Perrine Bridge. Spring is the best time to go, as that’s when the water levels are at their highest, and the falls are flowing abundantly.
If it happens to be a hot day, you may even be tempted to take a refreshing swim in the designated area.
9. Hells Canyon National Recreation Area
Hells Canyon, located in Idaho and Oregon, is the deepest river gorge in North America. It offers a variety of exciting activities, such as long hikes to the canyon’s highest points and thrilling whitewater boating in the gorge. The stunning Snake River flows through the canyon, providing breathtaking views throughout the year.
Additionally, you have the option to drive through certain sections of the canyon or explore the terrain on horseback. While enjoying these activities, it’s important to be mindful of the wildlife in the area, including cougars, bobcats, bears, elk, deer, mountain goats, and bighorn sheep.
8. City of Rocks National Reserve
Back in 1849, an emigrant named James F. Wilkens rode through this area and gave it the name “City of Rocks”. When you arrive here, you’ll quickly understand why. The landscape is adorned with massive granite spires and monoliths that tower as high as 60 stories.
The park’s history is also quite impressive, with some of the granite pieces estimated to be 2.5 billion years old. If you enjoy rock climbing, this place is a must-visit as it offers unique opportunities to climb on granite rock faces.
However, if you prefer to stay on the ground, you can still enjoy a hike or visit during the winter for some skiing.
7. Bruneau Dunes State Park
Bruneau Dunes State Park has the tallest sand dune in North America. You have the opportunity to climb up this huge 470-feet tall sand mountain from the desert floor. There are various activities to do in the park like hiking, fishing in dune lakes, horseback riding in the desert, and sandboarding on the tall dunes.
At night, you can go to the park’s observatorium which has a massive telescope that everyone can use. The park also offers camping options throughout the year, so you can visit in any season. Just be cautious of scorpions and other creepy crawlies.
6. Sun Valley Resort
Sun Valley Resort is a charming city close to Ketchum that offers a variety of activities. The main attraction is the incredible skiing and snowboarding slopes located nearby. The winter season is the ideal time to visit, as the snow is thick and the resort is bustling with enthusiastic skiers.
One of the most popular slopes is Bald Mountain, which boasts a summit reaching 9,150 feet. However, it is important to note that this particular slope is quite challenging and should only be attempted by experienced individuals.
For less experienced skiers and snowboarders, Dollar Mountain is a better choice, as it offers a range of slopes suitable for all skill levels. Sun Valley Resort itself is a small and picturesque destination, surrounded by towering mountains. If you decide to stay for a few days, there are cozy lodges available in town for your comfort.
5. Hiawatha Mountain Bike Trail
The Hiawatha Mountain Trail is located in the Bitterroot Mountains and was formerly used as a railway route known for its breathtaking scenery. What’s great about this trail is that it is mostly downhill, making it easier to enjoy the outdoors without exerting too much effort on your bike ride.
Throughout the trail, you will pass through ten train tunnels, with the St. Paul Pass Tunnel being the most famous and extending for 1.7 miles at the beginning of the route. Additionally, there are seven tall trestles along the way. If you’re worried about transportation, there is a shuttle service available for the return trip.
To get your trail passes and shuttle tickets, you’ll need to go to Lookout Pass Ski Area, just a seven-mile drive from the trail’s starting point. If you don’t have your own bike, you can also rent one there.
4. Warhawk Air Museum
The Warhawk Air Museum is located in Nampa, Idaho. It houses a variety of aircraft replicas and originals, along with displays showcasing the weapons and clothing worn by fighter pilots in past wars. Visitors can explore artifacts from WWI, WWII, and the Cold War, providing insights into the experiences of American soldiers in combat.
The museum displays impressive aircrafts like the F-84G Thunderjet, which served as both an air strike and long-range escort fighter, as well as replicas of Fokker DR-1 Triplanes, capable of accommodating a single pilot and two machine guns.
3. Silverwood Theme Park
The Silverwood Theme Park is an excellent place to spend a fun day with your family. It features thrilling rollercoaster rides that have steep drops and twisty tracks, which can give you that exciting feeling in your stomach and make your head spin.
Moreover, there are also water coasters with splashy landings, perfect for cooling off on a hot day. After you’re done exploring the theme park, you might consider visiting the Boulder Beach Waterpark nearby, but keep in mind that fitting everything into one day might be challenging.
There are convenient accommodation options available, such as camping grounds and campervan park ups, situated close by. Additionally, the park offers numerous restaurants, ensuring that you can have a fun and stress-free day out, with all your practical needs taken care of.
2. Old Idaho Penitentiary
The Old Idaho Penitentiary was constructed in 1870 and started operating as a prison in 1872 until it closed down in 1973. Unlike many prisons in Idaho, it allows the general public to visit. During your visit, you will have the opportunity to explore the most deteriorated parts of the prison that were used for over 100 years.
If you have an interest in history, you can take a guided tour to learn all the intriguing and detailed information about the prison’s past activities. The scandals and horrifying crimes that took place there might send shivers down your spine.
As you step into the old prison cells, you can imagine what it would be like to spend a whole lifetime in confinement. The prison is located in Boise, which happens to be the capital of Idaho.
1. Museum of Idaho (Idaho Falls)
The museum of Idaho has a variety of exhibits that cover different topics such as history and science. These exhibits provide artifacts that tell the story of Idaho’s history, from its wild-west past to the present day.
For younger visitors, there are interactive rooms that recreate the homes of settlers and American Indians, as well as hands-on exhibits in the science sections. The museum also hosts exciting events, including opportunities to meet real-life scientists working in the industry.
Additionally, you can choose to have an overnight sleepover at the museum, where you can see the wax models come to life at night, similar to the movie Night at the Museum.
