Discovering the Best Places to Visit in Idaho

Idaho, often referred to as the "Gem State," is a treasure trove of natural beauty, outdoor adventures, and charming small towns. From rugged mountains and scenic lakes to cultural hubs and historic sites, Idaho offers something for every traveler. Here are some of the best places to visit in this diverse and captivating state:

1. Boise

Boise, the capital city of Idaho, is a vibrant urban center with a welcoming atmosphere and a rich cultural scene.

• Boise River Greenbelt: This 25-mile long pathway runs along the Boise River, offering a scenic route for biking, walking, and jogging. It's also dotted with parks and picnic areas.
• Old Idaho Penitentiary: This historic site offers a glimpse into the state's past with guided tours of the old prison, exhibits on famous inmates, and the prison yard.
• Boise Art Museum: Located in Julia Davis Park, the museum features contemporary art exhibits, an outdoor sculpture garden, and various educational programs.
• Idaho Botanical Garden: This beautiful garden offers themed areas such as the Meditation Garden and the Children’s Adventure Garden, providing a peaceful escape from the city.

2. Sun Valley

Sun Valley is a premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering year-round activities in a stunning alpine setting.

• Sun Valley Resort: Known for its world-class skiing and snowboarding in the winter, the resort also offers hiking, mountain biking, and golf in the summer.
• Bald Mountain: Skiers and snowboarders will love the slopes of Bald Mountain, which offers a variety of runs for all skill levels. In the summer, the mountain is popular for hiking and scenic gondola rides.
• Ketchum: This charming town adjacent to Sun Valley is filled with art galleries, boutiques, and fine dining restaurants. The Sun Valley Center for the Arts offers cultural programs and exhibits.

3. Coeur d'Alene

Coeur d'Alene is known for its stunning lake and outdoor recreational opportunities, making it a popular destination for nature lovers.

• Lake Coeur d'Alene: This beautiful lake is perfect for boating, fishing, kayaking, and swimming. The surrounding area also offers scenic hiking trails and picnic spots.
• Tubbs Hill: A natural area located near downtown Coeur d'Alene, Tubbs Hill offers hiking trails with breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
• Silverwood Theme Park: Located just north of Coeur d'Alene, Silverwood is the largest theme park in the Northwest, offering thrilling rides, water slides, and entertainment for all ages.

4. Shoshone Falls

Often called the "Niagara of the West," Shoshone Falls is a breathtaking natural wonder located near Twin Falls.

• Shoshone Falls Park: The park offers several viewing platforms for the falls, which are higher than Niagara Falls. The best time to visit is in the spring when water flow is at its peak.
• Snake River Canyon: The area surrounding Shoshone Falls offers hiking trails and scenic overlooks of the dramatic Snake River Canyon, perfect for photography and nature walks.
• Perrine Bridge: Near Twin Falls, this bridge spans the Snake River Canyon and is a popular spot for BASE jumping. It also offers spectacular views of the canyon.

5. Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve

This unique landscape of volcanic rock and lava fields offers an otherworldly experience for visitors.

• Lava Tubes and Caves: Explore the park's extensive network of lava tubes and caves, which provide a fascinating glimpse into the volcanic activity that shaped the area.
• Scenic Drives and Trails: The park offers several scenic drives and hiking trails that take you through the rugged terrain, including the popular Broken Top Loop and Tree Molds Trail.
• Visitor Center: The visitor center provides exhibits on the park's geology and history, as well as information on ranger-led programs and guided tours.

6. Stanley and the Sawtooth Mountains

Stanley is a gateway to the Sawtooth Mountains, offering spectacular scenery and a range of outdoor activities.

• Sawtooth Wilderness: This pristine wilderness area features over 700 miles of trails, making it a paradise for hiking, backpacking, and horseback riding. The Sawtooth Lake and Alice Lake trails are particularly popular.
• Salmon River: Known as the "River of No Return," the Salmon River offers excellent opportunities for white-water rafting, kayaking, and fishing.
• Redfish Lake: This stunning alpine lake is perfect for swimming, boating, and hiking. The surrounding area offers campgrounds and cabins for those looking to stay overnight.

7. Sandpoint

Located on the shores of Lake Pend Oreille, Sandpoint is a picturesque town with a vibrant arts scene and plenty of outdoor activities.

• Lake Pend Oreille: The largest lake in Idaho offers boating, fishing, swimming, and water sports. The surrounding mountains provide excellent hiking and biking trails.
• Schweitzer Mountain Resort: This year-round resort offers skiing and snowboarding in the winter and mountain biking, hiking, and scenic chairlift rides in the summer.
• Downtown Sandpoint: Explore the town's charming downtown area, which features art galleries, boutique shops, and a variety of restaurants and cafes.

8. Hell's Canyon National Recreation Area

Hell's Canyon, the deepest river gorge in North America, offers stunning scenery and a range of outdoor adventures.

• Snake River: The Snake River runs through Hell's Canyon, providing opportunities for white-water rafting, jet boating, and fishing.
• Hiking and Backpacking: The area offers numerous trails with varying levels of difficulty, providing access to scenic overlooks, waterfalls, and remote wilderness areas.
• Wildlife Viewing: Hell's Canyon is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including bighorn sheep, elk, and bald eagles. The area is also popular for bird watching.

9. McCall

McCall is a charming mountain town located on the shores of Payette Lake, offering year-round recreational activities.

• Payette Lake: This beautiful lake is perfect for boating, fishing, swimming, and water sports. In the winter, the lake's surroundings offer excellent opportunities for ice fishing and snowmobiling.
• Ponderosa State Park: Located on a peninsula jutting into Payette Lake, the park offers hiking, biking, and cross-country skiing trails, as well as scenic picnic areas and campgrounds.
• Brundage Mountain Resort: Known for its "Best Snow in Idaho," Brundage Mountain offers excellent skiing and snowboarding in the winter, and mountain biking and hiking in the summer.

10. Idaho City

Idaho City, a historic gold rush town, offers a glimpse into Idaho's rich mining history.

• Boise Basin Museum: Learn about the history of the gold rush and life in a mining town through exhibits and artifacts at this local museum.
• Idaho City Historic District: Stroll through the historic district to see well-preserved buildings from the gold rush era, including saloons, general stores, and the old jail.
• The Springs: Relax in the natural hot springs at The Springs, a luxurious geothermal pool facility offering stunning mountain views and a range of spa services.

Idaho's diverse landscapes and vibrant communities make it a fantastic destination for travelers seeking adventure, relaxation, and cultural experiences. Whether you're exploring the urban delights of Boise, the scenic beauty of the Sawtooth Mountains, or the historic charm of Idaho City, the Gem State promises unforgettable experiences and warm hospitality.