5 Best Things To Do In Idaho (2024)

The state of Idaho might not be as popular a tourist destination as the incredible state of California or Florida, but this is still one state that you should never miss out on if you are traveling to the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. Not only is Idaho a beautiful state, but there are so many fantastic things to do in the state that you will need more time than you originally planned to spend here.

Idaho is the ideal destination to visit if you are an outdoor person. This amazing state is much more than just potatoes. In fact, Idaho is often known as the Gem State owing to the many natural wonders it is home to. From diverse landscapes to unique wildlife, there are many breathtaking places to visit and fascinating things to do in Idaho.

5 Best Things To Do In Idaho

Without any further delay, let us look at some of the best things to do in Idaho.

1. Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve

The first thing to do in Idaho is to head over to the famous Craters of the Moon National Monument. The landscape here will make you feel like you have landed on an alien planet. Located in central Idaho, this is the biggest protected volcanic region in the country, sitting along the Snake River Plain.

The Craters of the Moon is also designated as a national park. There are three lava fields located here, along with miles and miles of grasslands. The plains in the nature preserve are situated between two tectonic plates, which are the very plates that led to the formation of one of the deepest rift cracks in the world, popularly known as the Great Rift of Idaho. This is why geologically, this site is extremely significantly.

The unique part about this place is that unlike other volcanic landscapes in the world, Craters of the Moon has not been shaped by the eruption of just a single volcano. Instead, it has formed over nearly 2000 years from explosions from the volcanic vents and cracks here.

If you want to check out the entire National Monument and the National Park, the best thing to do is to take a drive along the famous seven-mile loop that takes you through the park, and you get the check out most of the important features as you drive alone. Some of the must-visit attractions inside the park include the Devil’s Orchard, the Great Rift, the Inferno Cone Viewpoint, and also the North Crater Flow.

As can be expected from any national park in the US, hiking is one of the most popular activities at this destination. There are many well-maintained and marked trails throughout the park, and you can even check out some of the areas that are designated for backcountry hikes that take you through the immense wilderness.

If you want a guided tour, you can head over to the Visitor Center to sign up for one of the many Ranger-guided tours that take place throughout the week.

2. The Peregrine Fund’s World Center for Birds of Prey

The state of Idaho is a wonderful destination for outdoor lovers and bird watchers. If you love nature and are a fan of bird watching, the perfect adventure for you and the entire family would be The Peregrine Fund’s World Center for Birds of Prey. Located in the town of Boise, this destination is home to a wide range of birds of prey. This includes all the big birds ranging from hawks, falcons, vultures to even owls and eagles. The center is famous for being home to one of the most expansive and exquisite selections of birds of prey ranging in all colors, shapes, and sizes. The center also houses many rare and endangered birds that you may not be able to spot elsewhere. And if you are unsure of where you begin your tour from, you can even sign up to be a part of a guided tour.

The reason why The Peregrine Fund’s World Center for Birds of Prey is such a respected and sought-after destination for bird watchers is that it also functions as a research facility that promotes conservation efforts. This is why you will many visitors making a donation towards this good cause while visiting the center.

A visit to The Peregrine Fund’s World Center for Birds of Prey is a rare opportunity for you and your family to get familiar and up close with these unique birds of prey. The best part is that the birds are brought out by their knowledgeable handlers, who then educate the crowd about everything related to these birds and also about their importance in our ecosystem. And if you visit the center in the Fall, you will be lucky to watch these birds take flight during many live shows. Imagine the awe-inspiring scene as a huge falcon flies above your head.

If you are interested in learning more about these birds of prey, you can visit the library as well as the many art and artifacts displayed all over the center that educates visitors about bird history and care tips. A trip to The Peregrine Fund’s World Center for Birds of Prey proves to be highly educational, especially for children.

The center also has a well-stocked gift shop that sells bird-themed jewelry and other handmade items.

3. Lava Hot Springs

Lava Hot Springs is actually a beautiful little town sitting in the stunning Portneuf River Valley. This charming little place falls on the way of many of the older California and Oregon Trails. These trails were actually the reason why the nearby town of Lava Hot Springs grew in popularity. In fact, it was only in the late 1800s that the hot springs and the town’s land, which was initially a part of the Fort Hall Reservation, were purchased by the US government from the Native Indians of the land.

As the name suggests, the town of Lava Hot Springs is, of course, most famous for the hot springs that dot the place. The waters of these hot springs are known to be rich in many minerals, and the original inhabitants of the area, the Shoshone-Bannock tribe, used to attribute the waters with many healing properties. The tribe used to call the hot springs Poha-Ba, meaning the Land of Healing Waters.

The hot springs of the town are now managed by the Lava Hot Springs Foundation under the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation.

The town of Lava Hot Springs is famous for having not just one but five hot pools. There is also an Olympic-sized pool here, along with an indoor aquatic center, several water slides, diving platforms, and there is even the Portneuf Kiddie Cove, specially designed for children. The temperature at the hot pools is maintained between 102 to 112 degrees.

4. Discovery Center of Idaho

The Discovery Center of Idaho is one of the best places to spend the day with your kids and to watch them become little scientists. The center opened its door in 1988. Since then, it has become home to many interactive and interesting exhibitions and activities for children to learn about a whole variety of topics, including geology, biology, math, physics, design, engineering, and of course, art.

You get to also check out the many artifacts on display at the center, including dinosaur skeletons, scale LEGO models, and even a couple of items from the sunken Titanic ship.

In fact, there are over 150 exhibits to check out here, making it a full day of fun for the whole family. And if you think that the center will only appeal to slightly older children, then you are in for a surprise as there is a separate section designed especially for younger kids so that they also get the chance to enjoy themselves at the museum.

Apart from the exhibits and interactive displays, the center also offers many types of STEM programs, camps, and events that ensure children get to learn throughout the year.

There is even a STEM gift shop on the premises where you can buy cool science toys and DIY science kits to encourage your child’s curiosity and to take the learning process at home as well.

Being situated in the very heart of the capital city of Boise, the Discovery Center of Idaho is a major hub for visitors, with thousands of families flocking here every year.

5. Yellowstone Bear World

When you think of visiting Idaho, one of the last things you probably imagine doing is getting up close and personal with bears. Well, Idaho offers you this very fascinating opportunity at the Yellowstone Bear World located near the grounds of the Yellowstone National Park. While most of this fantastic national park sits in the state of Wyoming, there are some parts that extend into Idaho and Montana as well.

Yellowstone Bear World is a private wildlife park that was established in 1998. It is today the only wildlife reserve in Rexburg, Idaho, that is drive-through with all types of vehicles allowed to pass through. It is while you are driving through the park that you get to come across the many free-roaming bears, deer, moose, bison, mountain goats, and many other wildlife. There are designated roads that you can take to catch sight of these wonderful animals. And if you are willing to pay a little extra, you can even get an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to feed baby bear cubs right from a bottle.

It is important to remember, though, that since the center’s main attraction remains the wild bears, the place remains only from Ail to October due to the bears’ hibernation period.

You can also take part in a Wildlife Excursion for an extra fee. While on this excursion, you get the unique opportunity to feed even adult bears, but alongside the safety of a professional bear keeper, of course. Feeding bears is one of the most exciting things to do in Idaho.

Apart from the wildlife that roams around freely through this reserve, there is also a petting zoo where you can get up close with many different barnyard animals and different birds. You can also feed a baby deer if you are lucky.

To make the place more appealing for children, there are several amusement rides for children over the age of three, making it a fun family experience.

While here, many visitors decide to complete this unique trip by visiting the Yellowstone National Park as well.