Idaho has mountains, rivers, historic sites, and lots more to explore. In fact, you may want to create an Idaho bucket list to help you keep track of everything you want to see in the state.
City of Rocks National Reserve
Often referred to as the “Silent City” by emigrants of the California Trail, City of Rocks National Reserve is full of bizarre rock formations that create what looks very much like a city skyline. This is the perfect place for campers, hikers, rock climbers, and scenery seekers.
Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve
Craters of the Moon is an otherworldly place. It’s an ocean of ancient lava flows that contain occasional islands of cinder cones and sagebrush. A visit to this strange landscape leaves you feeling as if you might be visiting the moon, and it makes for an interesting experience.
Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument
Fossils tell stories of our past, including the story of the horse, which evolved right here in North America. The Hagerman horse was the first ever one-toed horse, and fossils of its bones were first found at the Hagerman Fossil Beds. Besides horse fossils, scientists have also discovered the fossil remains of saber-toothed cats, mastodons, camels, and more.
Minidoka National Historic Site
Minidoka National Historic Site was home to nearly 10,000 Japanese American citizens during World War II. After the attack on Pearl Harbor, these Americans were rounded up and sent to incarceration sites, including Minidoka over fears that they could be spies for Japan. The historic site tells the story of those citizens who were imprisoned in their own country.
New Perce National Historical Park
Nez Perce National Historical Park is home to 38 places that are important to the Nimíipuu (Nez Perce) Tribe. Learn about their history and culture while exploring this fascinating park.
Yellowstone National Park
Yellowstone National Park is one of the top 5 most popular national parks in the U.S. This park features geysers, hot springs, and a huge variety of plants and animals. The park is so big you could easily spend a week or more exploring it.
Try Huckleberry Ice Cream
During the summer months, huckleberries are everywhere in Idaho. And huckleberry-flavored treats are everywhere as well. Try jam, pies, or some delicious huckleberry ice cream to cool off on a hot day.
Ride the Lionhead Natural Water Slide
The natural water slide of Priest Lake State Park’s Lionhead Unit is a slippery flat rock covered in icy cold running water. Guests use it as a slide into the refreshing pool below. The park has a swim beach as well.
Visit the Idaho Potato Museum
The Idaho Potato Museum in Blackfoot is in the historic Oregon Short Line Railroad Depot. It has a variety of exhibits where you’ll learn about the history of potatoes and how important these tubers are to Idaho’s economy. You can also see the world’s largest Pringle and a huge wall of potato mashers.
See Shoshone Falls
Shoshone Falls is a sparkling example of Idaho’s natural beauty. Standing 212 feet tall and 900 feet wide, these majestic falls are even taller than Niagara Falls. You can go swimming, boating, hiking, and more in the park as well.
Dine on Finger Steaks
Idaho finger steaks are a local treat to order up for dinner. These deep-fried strips of steak are delicious and perfect served alongside some Idaho potatoes.
Experience Ketchum and Sun Valley
Ketchum and Sun Valley are beautiful Idaho resort towns where you can ski in winter or hike in summer. You can also browse art galleries, visit Ketchum’s Ore Wagon Museum to learn more about area mining history, or see the Hemingway Memorial near Sun Valley.
Get Out on the Water at Lake Stanley
Stanley Lake is another wonderful place to enjoy the great outdoors. This lake in the Sawtooth National Forest has fishing and hiking, and you can watch for elk, deer, black bears, osprey, sandhill cranes, and other wildlife.
Relax in Kirkham Hot Springs
Kirkham Hot Springs is a great spot to soak and relax after a hike. These hot springs are some of the most famous in Idaho. They’re on the edge of a river, and a trail leads you down to the soaking pools. You’ll find several other natural hot springs pools along Highway 21 so you may want to plan for several stops to soak.
Play in Hell’s Canyon National Recreation Area
Hell’s Canyon Recreation Area straddles the Snake River, and you’ll find steep river gorges and cliffs. In fact, this is North America’s deepest river gorge. You can go whitewater rafting, hiking, horseback riding, fishing, and try many more outdoor activities here.
Check Out Coeur D’Alene
Coeur D’Alene is a great Idaho town to visit. You’ll find opportunities for parasailing, swimming, fishing and more on Lake Coeur D’Alene. There are also plenty of hiking trails, and you can check out the town’s breweries, art galleries, and other shops.
Bike the Hiawatha Trail
The Route of the Hiawatha is 15 miles long and leads you through underground tunnels that are the remains of an abandoned railway system. Meanwhile, bridges take you high among the trees, and signs along the route offer tidbits about the trail’s history.
Ski at Schweitzer Mountain Resort
Schweitzer Mountain Resort is one of the most popular and best places to ski in Idaho. This ski resort is the largest in Idaho and Washington and is home to 2,900 acres of excellent terrain. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, you’ll find trails here for you.
Get Your Thrills at Silverwood Theme Park
Silverwood Theme Park is the largest amusement park in the Northwest. The park has over 70 rides, shows, and other attractions. It’s usually open from May through October each year.
Grab Some Croquetas at the Boise Basque Market
The Boise Basque Market celebrates the history of the Basque people in Idaho by bringing some of their unique culture to the city. Try some tasty croquetas and other delicious tapas.
Tour the Old Idaho Penitentiary
Old jails and prisons provide some interesting historical insight, and the tour of the Old Idaho Penitentiary can teach you a lot. The prison opened in 1872 and held some of the Old West’s most hardened criminals. The prison housed Henry “Bob” Meeks, who was thought to be a member of Butch Cassidy’s gang. It also held female serial killer Lyda Southard, who poisoned several family members for their life insurance.
Stroll Julia Davis Park
Julia Davis Park is home to the city’s art museum. The park is also home to the Idaho Historical Museum, Idaho Black History Museum, and Zoo Boise. You’ll also find playgrounds, a rose garden, paddle boats, plenty of greenery, sports courts, and much more.
Smell the Roses at Idaho Botanical Garden
The Idaho Botanical Garden has a number of gardens in the 32-acre grounds that are sure to inspire you. You can also take classes and workshops to learn more about gardening, crafting, and other activities.
Learn Something at The Peregrine Fund’s World Center for Birds of Prey
The Peregrine Fund’s World Center for Birds of Prey is also in Boise. Learn all about birds of prey through exhibits, live programs, and more. You’ll also be able to get up close and personal with some of these majestic birds.
Hike Thousand Springs State Park
Idaho has a lot to offer when it comes to hiking trails, and you’ll find some nice ones in Thousand Springs State Park. Explore the Oregon Trail, picnic at Malad Gorge, go fishing, visit Ritter Island, watch for bald eagles, and much more.
Camp in a National Forest
Idaho is home to a lot of national forests. There are many spots for camping in these forests, and most are very inexpensive. In some places, campers have the option of dispersed camping, which is free (but includes zero amenities).
Have Some Sweets from Idaho Candy Company
The Idaho Candy Company has produced locally made candy since 1901. Sample Huckleberry Gems, Cherry Cocktail Bars, and the famous Idaho Spud – a chocolate treat shaped like a potato.
You’ll have plenty to see and do while visiting the Gem State. The best way to explore is in an Idaho rental RV. This allows you to wander the state with total freedom, sleeping in comfort no matter where you roam.
