Top Best Things To Do in Idaho

Source: https://top-list.co/top-best-things-to-do-in-idaho-v3856.html

1. Visit Shoshone Falls, 2. Spend A Weekend In Twin Falls, 3. Walk Across The Perrine Bridge, 4. Drive Thousand Springs Scenic Byway, 5. Explore Craters Of The Moon National Monument, 6. Visit Bruneau Sand Dunes State Park, 7. Hike In The Sawtooth Mountains, 8. Take An Epic Central Idaho Road Trip, 9. Visit Bayhorse Ghost Town, 10. Spend A Weekend In Sandpoint, 11. Take A Ski Trip To Schweitzer Mountain, 12. Camp At Farragut State Park, 13. Visit Wallace, 14. Spend The Day At Silverwood Theme Park. If you’re looking for the best things to do in Idaho, then you have come to the right place because you are going to be getting the inside scoop from an almost local! What is so special about Idaho? From its least visited unspoiled forests in the panhandle, to sparkling alpine lakes and colorful wildflower-filled meadows in the central parts, to the dramatic canyons and dusty deserts in the south, this state will constantly surprise you with its variety of pristine landscapes. Idaho is truly under-appreciated, but this is probably what has kept it such a special and surprising place to visit. These are the best things to do in Idaho, listed by Toplist.

1. Visit Shoshone Falls
2. Spend A Weekend In Twin Falls
3. Walk Across The Perrine Bridge
4. Drive Thousand Springs Scenic Byway
5. Explore Craters Of The Moon National Monument
6. Visit Bruneau Sand Dunes State Park
7. Hike In The Sawtooth Mountains
8. Take An Epic Central Idaho Road Trip
9. Visit Bayhorse Ghost Town
10. Spend A Weekend In Sandpoint
11. Take A Ski Trip To Schweitzer Mountain
12. Camp At Farragut State Park
13. Visit Wallace
14. Spend The Day At Silverwood Theme Park

Visit Shoshone Falls

Shoshone Falls may be Idaho’s most well-known and popular tourist destination. This waterfall is synonymous with the Gem State, just like Yosemite Falls is synonymous with California, Multnomah Falls is synonymous with Oregon, and Havasu Falls comes to mind when people think of vacations in Arizona, and so on. The spectacular waterfall may be one of the most visited destinations in Idaho, owing to its proximity to Interstate-84 between Salt Lake City and Boise, making it a popular detour for motorists traveling north to Portland or south to Utah.

So, what makes Shoshone Falls unique? Shoshone Falls is not just the biggest waterfall in Idaho, but also one of the largest in the United States. This waterfall is taller than Niagara Falls and is even known as the Niagara Falls of the West! Shoshone Falls is one of the best sites to see in Idaho and is a terrific introduction to the Gem State’s southern region. Shoshone Falls may be visited in Shoshone Falls State Park, or if you’re feeling brave and visiting during the summer, you can kayak or paddleboard to this cascade from Twin Falls.

Google rating: 4.8/5

Phone: +1 208-736-2265

Address: 4155 Shoshone Falls Grade, Twin Falls, ID 83301, United States

Website: http://www.tfid.org/index.aspx?NID=309

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https://www.beyondmydoor.com/

Spend A Weekend In Twin Falls

Twin Falls is also a wonderful addition to any Idaho road trip plan, regardless of which route you take, where you may spend a weekend or more visiting the numerous attractions that cater to every type of visitor. Many travelers stop at Twin Falls on their way to Yellowstone National Park, a popular route in southern Idaho. There are so many waterfalls you can find near Twin Falls that you could spend an entire day visiting them. In addition to natural attractions, the city of Twin Falls has plenty of great restaurants; a range of accommodation options to suit all budgets and styles of travel; and best of all, super friendly locals that will make your stay a delight.

Twin Falls is known as the “Gateway to Snake River Canyon,” and it attracts hundreds of thousands of people each year due to its stunning Shoshone Falls and Snake River Canyon. However, the seventh-largest city in Idaho, with a population of less than 50,000 people, is home to a variety of other attractions, ranging from ziplining to base jumping to hiking trails. What about lush parks, historical museums, and delectable eateries and cafes? Whatever you choose, you will have a lovely holiday in Twin Falls.

Google rating: 4.5/5
Phone: none
Address: Twin Falls, Idaho
Website: none 

https://mauiguidebook.com/

Walk Across The Perrine Bridge

The Perrine Bridge is the star attraction in Twin Falls. If you only have time to visit one thing in Twin Falls, make sure you stop by to see this man-made wonder! This 1,500-foot-long bridge, named for Twin Falls’ founder, traverses the magnificent Snake River Canyon. It is a four-lane bridge with pedestrian decks on both sides that provide amazing views of the Snake River. The Perrine Bridge is a famous BASE jumping site for people from all over the world. They may utilize one of the few structures they may utilize without obtaining specific city licenses.

The bridge literally shakes every time a vehicle rolls across it, which makes walking across an even more scary situation. You needn’t walk across the bridge to enjoy the views of the Snake River Canyon, though, as there are viewing platforms from both sides of the bridge. There is a visitors center adjacent to the Perrine Bridge that has all sorts of information about attractions in Twin Falls and the surrounding area. A walk across the Perrine Bridge is considered to be one of the best things to do in Idaho.

Phone: none

Address: Jerome, ID 83338, United States

Website: none

https://www.flickr.com/

Drive Thousand Springs Scenic Byway

When you are looking for the perfect day trip in Idaho, consider a scenic drive. While there are dozens of them around the state, one of the favorites is found in south-central Idaho. The Thousand Springs Scenic Byway will take you through some of the most incredible geological features in the Gem State and they guarantee you’ll be in awe of the beauty this state has to offer when your drive is complete. The Thousand Springs Scenic Byway is one of the best – and the most beautiful – scenic drives in Idaho.

The Thousand Springs Scenic Byway travels over 67 miles of Idaho’s most spectacular geology and natural splendor. There are hundreds (yes, thousands!) of spectacular waterfalls, calming hot springs, lovely tiny villages, and Idaho’s famed trout here. Thousand Springs Scenic Byway is an idyllic stretch of road that follows the Snake River through south-central Idaho leading motorists through farmland, small towns, and some incredible geological features. There are also opportunities to hike (although not that much) and kayak or canoe on the Snake River. You’ll end this beautiful scenic drive in Idaho at the small town of Hansen.

Google rating: 4.6/5

Phone: +1 208-837-4505

Address: 2314 S Ritchie Rd, Hagerman, ID 83332, United States

Website: https://parksandrecreation.idaho.gov/parks/thousand-springs/

Idaho. Beyond Words.

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Explore Craters Of The Moon National Monument

There are several ways to enjoy this lava paradise! Begin at the visitor center, where you may get park maps and information, as well as educational exhibits and the park film. Craters’ caves and trails are all located along the 7-mile Loop Road, making it easy for visitors to see and do a lot in a short amount of time. Relax and take in the scenery, or stop along the road to wander, hike, picnic, take photographs, or explore a cave.

The Moon’s Craters Idaho’s most well-known nationally protected location, famed for its unusual moon-like terrain. The entire national park is a big ocean of lava flows and strange cinder cones, so it isn’t exactly what most people think of as attractive, but it is nevertheless stunning, although in an unexpected way. The picturesque 7 Mile Loop Road, which leads to several of the park’s top attractions such as Devil’s Orchard and Inferno Cone, is the ideal way to explore the park.

There are several opportunities to stop and admire or photograph the park, and if you want to get some exercise, there are several easy to moderate hiking paths along the way. Craters Of The Moon is also notable for its caverns, which were produced by underground lava rivers. Visitors are permitted to visit parts of these caverns, but must first get a permission from the Visitor Center.

Google rating: 4.7/5

Phone: +1 208-527-1335

Address: Idaho, United States

Website: https://www.nps.gov/crmo/index.htm

Visit Bruneau Sand Dunes State Park

Most people are unaware that Idaho holds the record for having the highest sand dune in North America! Yes, there is a massive sand dune in Idaho that stands 470 feet above the desert bottom. It is larger than Death Valley’s sand dunes and the enormous beach dunes on Oregon’s coast. This world record-holding sand dune may be seen at Bruneau Sand Dunes State Park, which is about an hour south of Boise. You may not only climb the sand dunes in the state park, but also hire a sandboard from the Visitor Center and ride down them!

Aside from sandboarding, you may also walk, fish, swim, or camp here. Another unique experience you may enjoy at this state park is stargazing using the telescopes available at the onsite Observatory. Throughout the summer, the stargazing program is accessible on Friday and Saturday nights. Tickets are restricted to the first eighty persons, so attend early on the weekend to avoid disappointment. The evening starts at 9 p.m. with an interior lecture, followed by telescope watching.

Bruneau Sand Dunes is about an hour’s drive from Boise and makes a terrific day trip from there or a pleasant diversion if you’re going between Salt Lake City and Portland, Oregon.

Google rating: 4.5/5

Phone: +1 208-366-7919

Address: 27608 Bruneau Sand Dunes Rd, Bruneau, ID 83604, United States

Website: http://parksandrecreation.idaho.gov/parks/bruneau-dunes

https://www.outdoorsy.com/

Hike In The Sawtooth Mountains

Idaho holds some of the most majestic mountain scenery in the country, a fact most domestic and international travelers are unaware of. Although there are several mountain ranges in the state of Idaho that are contenders for the title of most beautiful like the White Clouds or the Pioneer Mountain Range, and sure that the Sawtooth Mountain Range is the clear winner!

The Sawtooth Range is a Rocky Mountain range in central Idaho that reaches a maximum elevation of 10,751 feet at Thompson Peak. It has a total size of 678 square miles. The Sawtooth Range has 57 peaks with elevations above 10,000 feet, which are between 10,000 and 10,751 feet. Nearly 400 lakes formed by melting alpine glaciers may be found in the Sawtooth Range and Wilderness. Not unexpectedly, Ernest Hemingway, who is buried in the Ketchum region, loved this stunning alpine environment.

The Sawtooth National Recreation Area (Sawtooth NRA) consists of 756,000 acres of scenic mountain country. It includes over 700 miles of trails, 40 peaks rising above 10,000 feet, and more than 300 high mountain lakes that add to the spectacular scenery and vistas. Outdoor recreational pursuits include camping, hiking, backpacking, fishing, boating and canoeing, rafting, observing nature, photography, and bicycling.

Address: Idaho, USA

Home – Southwest Idaho Travel Association – Boise, Meridian, McCall, Treasure Valley hotels & attractions

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Take An Epic Central Idaho Road Trip

A road trip is the finest way to experience Idaho’s magnificent environment. And, because Central Idaho is the most gorgeous section in the state, traveling through this area should be at the top of your list of best things to do in Idaho. There are several fantastic trips across Central Idaho depending on how much time you have and where you want to start and conclude your road trip.

For example, you can take Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway from Boise to Stanley which offers lots of outdoor recreational opportunities such as hiking, hot springs, and camping, or take the Sawtooth Scenic Byway from Twin Falls to Stanley for awe-inspiring mountain views, gorgeous lakes, hiking, and fly-fishing. If you’re on a longer road trip between Utah and Montana, try exiting the Interstate and travelling through Idaho’s beautiful central area.

You may do an epic Central Idaho road trip that incorporates the Sawtooth Scenic Byway and the Salmon Scenic Byway. This is the ideal driving route for visitors to or from Glacier National Park and Utah’s national parks.

Google rating: none

Address: Central Idaho

America From The Road

https://lazytrips.com/

Visit Bayhorse Ghost Town

There are other ghost towns in Land Of The Yankee Fork State Park between Stanley and Challis, including Bonanza and Custer, but the favorite along this stretch of road is Bayhorse Ghost Town. Bayhorse, like many other ghost towns in Idaho, was a silver and gold mining boomtown in the late 1800s. The first mineral deposit was discovered here in 1864, but the rush to the region didn’t begin until 1877, when a significant lead-silver vein was discovered.

Bayhorse reached its pinnacle in 1888, but that was the final year that the mines here were fully operational. In 1889, a lot of catastrophes happened, including a fire that destroyed multiple structures. This, along with falling silver and lead prices, resulted in the closing of the Bayhorse mines in November.

At Bayhorse you can walk down the narrow, dusty main road through the town that once was and see historical buildings including the original mill which stands imposingly on a hillside. One of the things that make visiting Bayhorse so exciting is its location nestled inside a stunning canyon in the mountains. The drive out to this ghost town is quite spectacular so if you are driving through the area be sure to take the short detour to visit.

Address: Challis, ID 83226, United States

Spend A Weekend In Sandpoint

Sandpoint is a lovely city in Idaho’s panhandle. It’s easy to understand why this is a popular summer vacation spot for Idaho and Washington citizens. Sandpoint, located on the banks of Lake Pend Oreille, provides spectacular lake vistas and a plethora of water sports. The entire region is surrounded by tall mountains, so there are breathtaking views in every direction. There are several good restaurants, cafés, and pubs in the downtown area, as well as public art, exhibited on buildings.

There is a tiny municipal beach where visitors may sunbathe and swim, and if you want to venture out on the water, a nearby marina offers boat rentals, kayaks, and paddleboards. Many hotels and resorts are directly on the waterfront, just a few steps from the downtown center. If you’re searching for a quiet weekend break or investigating potential summer vacation spots, Sandpoint could be the place for you. Spend A Weekend In Sandpoint: It is said to be one of the best things to do in Idaho.

Address: City in Idaho

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Take A Ski Trip To Schweitzer Mountain

Schweitzer Mountain is considered one of the best family-friendly ski resorts in the Pacific Northwest and offers amazing views of the surrounding town (Sandpoint) as well as of Canada and Lake Pend Oreille.

Besides its many trails, it also offers 32 kilometers of Nordic trails, which can be used for snowshoeing or cross-country skiing in the winter, or mountain biking in the summer. After you’re done playing on the mountain, take advantage of the shopping, dining and available spa experiences available to you.

Schweitzer Mountain is a must-see for anybody considering a winter trip to northern Idaho. In fact, even if you aren’t planning a winter trip to Idaho, you should think about it if you like skiing or snowboarding. Schweitzer Mountain is Idaho’s flagship ski destination, offering all of the first-rate facilities of other states’ top ski resorts but with MUCH LESS tourists.

This mountain is massive, with a variety of terrain, and it frequently feels as though you have many of the runs to yourself. If you can schedule a trip during the week, this is almost certainly the case. Even if you don’t ski or snowboard, the spectacular vistas of Lake Pend Oreille in winter are worth the journey up the mountain. Schweitzer Mountain has a lot of good restaurants and stores, as well as slope-side accommodation.

Phone: +1 208-263-9555

Address: 10000 Schweitzer Mountain Rd, Sandpoint, ID 83864, United States

Website: https://www.schweitzer.com/

Camp At Farragut State Park

Farragut State Park is a tranquil spot near Athol on the southern point of Lake Pend Oreille. It’s located between Coeur d’Alene and Sandpoint, making it a nice spot to stop and break up the journey, but it’s also worth considering if you’re searching for a gorgeous area to camp. Hiking, mountain biking, swimming, fishing, and boating are all available at the 4,000-acre state park. Other watersports such as kayaking and paddleboarding are also available, but you must supply your own equipment.

The size and depth of the lake made it an ideal location for training. However, the navy wasn’t prepared for the weather and many a sailor suffered from the extreme conditions. Eventually, the land was donated to the State of Idaho for a state park, and it is a wonderful park. Check out the recreational opportunities. There are 217 campsites in four campgrounds. All of the roads are paved, but each campground is different. Whitetail has no hookups while the others have water and power. You may want to keep this area in mind if you are looking for somewhere nice to stay while you explore northern Idaho. Camping at Farragut State Park is one of the best things to do in Idaho when you come to this state.

Phone: +1 208-683-2425

Address: 13550 ID-54, Athol, ID 83801, United States

Website: https://parksandrecreation.idaho.gov/parks/farragut

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Visit Wallace

Many visitors had the pleasure of stumbling upon Wallace during a road trip between Spokane and Glacier National Park. You should observe the Victorian mansions situated on the side of the mountain and then the beautiful downtown area below the road as they drove along Interstate 90 and decided to take the exit and investigate. You will discover a town with a fascinating history and beautiful structures going back to the late 1800s. There were some pretty great boutiques, lovely cafes, and museums.

This destination should be one of the best things to do in Idaho because it is such a unique place and unlike anywhere else you’ll find in the U.S. or around the globe. While one day is enough to see the main downtown area, a whole weekend in Wallace would be much better so you can explore the numerous outdoor attractions nearby.

Spend The Day At Silverwood Theme Park

Silverwood Theme Park is Idaho’s only theme park that offers a variety of thrilling rollercoasters as well as a few family-friendly style rides. While there aren’t as many rides as some of the theme parks found in other states, there are still enough here to keep you having fun for the entire day.

In addition to the rides, there is also a waterpark called Boulder Beach, which is included in the price of admission to Silverwood. Silverwood is the Pacific Northwest’s largest theme park! Silverwood Theme Park, located just minutes from Coeur d’Alene, Sandpoint, Spirit Lake, Rathdrum, and Hayden, has over 70 rides, slides, shows, and attractions, including four roller coasters, Boulder Beach Water Park, a steam engine train, live entertainment scheduled several times throughout the season, several on-site restaurants, and more. Silverwood also has a huge RV park and a campsite nearby.

Silverwood’s season spans from May through September… Then, in October, it transforms into Scarywood for the Halloween season, with rides, spooky attractions, “scare zones,” and a whole lot of fun for families who appreciate a good scare.

Phone: +1 208-683-3400

Address: 27843 US-95, Athol, ID 83801, United States

Website: https://www.silverwoodthemepark.com/