Best Places To Visit In Idaho
If you’re looking for a place with natural beauty and plenty of outdoor activities, look no further than Idaho. This underrated state has everything from mountains, rivers, forests and hot springs. We spent six weeks in Idaho starting at Lava Hot Springs and ending at Idaho Falls. Every place in Idaho had something different and exciting to do and see.
Here are the 7 best places to visit in Idaho the gem state!
1. Lava Hot Springs
Lava Hot Springs is a picturesque hot spring resort located along the Portneuf River. This small town of 400 people has hot springs and pools where you can take in the natural mineral water, which is believed to have healing powers. Also called “the Spa City”, Lava Hot Springs offers a variety of spas, massage therapy centers and beauty salons.
We went tubing down the Portneuf River. It was so much fun! You can bring your own tube or rent one in town.
The waterpark is a fantastic place for the kids to have fun and cool off in the summer months. They have plenty of parking but it does get crowded. You can bring chairs, cooler and snacks. They have both indoor and outdoor pools, diving boards and water slides.
The Geyser Park in Soda Springs is the only man-made geyser in the world. The town of Soda Springs has preserved this unique landmark and several other historical sites, including an old train depot, log cabins and a pioneer museum.
2. Southern Idaho Twin Falls
Twin Falls is a popular spot for outdoor recreation. One of the most famous attractions is Shoshone Falls, also known as “The Niagara Falls of the West”. The falls are located on Snake River and can be viewed from an overlook above or by hiking down to the river level.
Other popular activities include The Craters of the Moon National Park and Preserve is located in south-central Idaho territory and is one of only eight national monuments in the country. This volcanic area has over 800 caves, lava tubes and craters. It’s also home to diverse wildlife including elk, deer, bighorn sheep and black bears.
Evil Knievel Museum is located in Twin Falls. This museum honors the legendary stunt performer and motorcycle daredevil Evel Knievel, who was born as Robert Craig Knievel. The museum features an exhibit of his most famous jumps, including the Snake River Canyon jump that took place near Twin Falls in 1974.
The planetarium at the College of Southern Idaho is one of the largest in the United States. It features a 45-foot domed ceiling, 60 reclining seats and a star projector that can project more than 19 million stars into its night sky. The planetarium also offers daily shows for visitors to enjoy as well as an astronomy club for enthusiasts who want to learn more about astronomy and space exploration. There is also a small museum free of charge.
Shoshone Ice Caves-one of the largest known lava ice caves in the state with Shoshone Ice Caves Idaho. Bring a coat, it gets cold.
3. Central Idaho Boise
Boise is the capital and most popular city in Idaho. The Boise River Greenbelt is a 25-mile long path that follows along both sides of the river through downtown. You can hike or bike, stop for lunch at one of many restaurants along the way and take a dip to cool off on hot summer days.
The Freak Alley Gallery is a unique outdoor art gallery in Boise that features the work of local artists. The art changes frequently, so you’ll see something new each time you visit this urban oasis.
The Idaho Botanical Garden is a beautiful attraction located on the south side of Boise. It has more than 20 acres (81,000 m²) of gardens and walking trails where visitors can enjoy nature year-round.
This garden boasts an impressive collection of plants from all over the world as well as some native species like huckleberries and Douglas fir trees.
Boise Depot is a beautiful old train depot that has been restored and turned into a museum. It’s located in the heart of downtown Boise and is open to the public for free.
Idaho Anne Frank Human Rights Memorial. It was created in memory of those who lost their lives during the holocaust and honors survivors who escaped persecution by Nazi Germany’s regime.The Anne Frank Human Rights Memorial is a .81 acres cenotaph complex and educational park in Boise, Idaho near the Boise Public Library and the Greenbelt.
Boise Art Museum showcases contemporary art and is home to a permanent collection of over 3000 works. It’s located in downtown Boise near the State Capitol building, which makes it easy for visitors to see both attractions when they come into town.
State Capital Building – The Idaho State Legislature meets at this historic building each year from January through March (or April). The capitol was built between 1906-1920 on top of an old fort that had been used during World War II as well as being part of the Oregon Trail route taken by pioneers heading westward across America during pioneer days!
Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area is a beautiful area that is home to birds of prey like hawks, eagles and owls. It’s located about an hour west of Boise near the small town of Emmett.
Visiting Silver City is like stepping back in time. This small town has preserved its old-west charm and is a great place to visit if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Silver City was established in 1860 when prospectors came looking for gold. We rented an ATV in the town of Murphy and rode it 25 miles to Silver City and back (pack a lunch).
Jump Creek Falls is a beautiful waterfall located about an hour north of Boise. There are several ways to get to the falls, but we recommend taking the dirt road that starts near the small town of Crouch. The hike is about two miles (one way) and it’s a bit steep in some areas, but it’s worth it!
4. Salmon, Idaho
Salmon is a historic town located on the banks of the Snake River. The city is home to the Salmon-Challis National Forest and is a popular spot for fly fishing, hunting, camping and rafting.
We dry camped here in the Salmon-Challis National Forest along the snake river (very tight for 45ft).
Custer Ghost town is a historic mining town located in the Sawtooth National Recreation Area. They have some great dirt-bike trails.
Yankee Fork Gold Dredge Boat is a historic dredge boat that was used to mine gold in the Salmon River. The dredge has been restored and turned into a museum where visitors can learn about mining history while enjoying views of the surrounding mountains and forests.
Sunbeam Hot Springs (free) is a natural hot springs located near Stanley. The water is said to have healing properties and many people come here for health reasons or just as an escape from their busy lives in the city.
5. Stanley, Idaho
Stanley at the foot of the Sawtooth Mountains on the banks of the Salmon River, Stanley, Idaho defines natural beauty.The most popular activity is hiking, with over 700 miles of trails to choose from. Other activities include fly fishing, camping, horseback riding, mountain biking, white-water rafting.
Visitor Centers and Museums along the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail, Sacajawea Interpretive, Cultural & Educational Center is a museum and interpretive center dedicated to the life of Sacagawea.
6. Northern Idaho North Fork
North Fork is a small town in the Salmon-Challis National Forest. This is another popular spot for fishing, hunting, camping and white-water rafting. The Canyon Section of the South Fork Payette has some of the best whitewater rafting in Idaho. The North Fork of the Salmon is one of the best trout streams in the country.
7. Is Idaho Falls worth visiting?
Idaho Falls is the largest city in eastern Idaho. Located along Snake River, it’s a popular spot to enjoy outdoor activities like camping and fishing as well as visit museums and art galleries. According to the world report, Idaho Falls is one of the most peaceful places to live.
In downtown Idaho Falls there is a greenbelt where it’s great place to stroll, visit the waterfalls and take in some of the local culture.
Yellowstone National Park is about 2 hour drive from Idaho Falls. Yellowstone National Park is one of the most popular national parks in the USA.
We stayed at Snake River RV park that was close to downtown Idaho Falls (the only campground we could find).
What is the prettiest part of Idaho?
There are many beautiful places in Idaho but my favorite is the Lava Hot Springs. This small town has a river running through it with the incredible hot springs and pools on both sides. It’s a great place to relax and take in the natural beauty of Idaho.
What’s the number one attraction in Idaho?
The number one attraction in Idaho is definitely the Shoshone Falls. This waterfall is located on Snake River and is often called “The Niagara of the West.” It’s a beautiful sight to see and definitely worth a visit.
What is the best month to go to Idaho?
The best month to go to Idaho depends on what you want to do. If you’re looking for outdoor activities, then September or October would be the best months. But if you want to enjoy the fall colors, then October would be the best choice. November is also a good month because it’s not as crowded as some of the other months. There is something available for everyone in Idaho no matter what time of year you visit!
Where are the prettiest mountains in Idaho?
The prettiest mountains in Idaho are definitely the Sawtooth Mountains. These granite peaks are located in Idaho and are a popular spot for hiking, fishing and camping. They are some of the most beautiful mountains in the country and well worth a visit.
What is Idaho known for?
Idaho is known for its potatoes, but it’s also home to some of the best skiing in North America.
What is the coolest place in Idaho?
The coolest place in Idaho is definitely Stanley. This small town is located at the base of the Sawtooth Mountains and offers some great hiking trails as well as fishing, camping and other outdoor activities. The area has beautiful scenery with granite peaks all around you. It’s also a popular spot for photographers because there are so many scenic locations nearby.
What city in Idaho has the best weather?
Boise has some of the best weather in Idaho! The average high temperature during July ranges from 80 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit while January lows range between 20-40 degrees Fahrenheit on average each year (depending where exactly within city limits). A little bit warmer than places but that’s because Boiseans love their sunshine year round!
Is there anything cool in Idaho?
Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve is a U.S. national monument in the Snake River Plain, Idaho near Arco and Carey that protects three major lava fields as well as some other volcanic features around them (such as cinder cones). The area includes more than 25 square miles of mixed-age lava flows with many tree molds from coniferous forests destroyed by past eruptions. Craters also offers hiking trails for visitors who want to enjoy nature at its finest!
Idaho area definitely has something for everyone! So if you’re looking for best places to visit in Idaho and an outdoor adventure or just want to relax in a hot spring, be sure to add Idaho to your list of places to visit.
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