Things to do Today in Idaho
Idaho is a state that is a little bit of everything. It is locked between the west coast and the Midwest and has some of the geography, and history of each of these regions.
Idaho shares a border with Canada in the north Utah in the south, with Washington and Oregon to the west and Montanan and Wyoming to the east.
Visitors to Idaho will enjoy the gorgeous landscapes ranging from rocky snowcapped mountains to wide sweeping valleys and arid deserts.
Idaho is also known for its historical points of interest. It’s been right in the middle of many key historical movements including the Gold Rush and Westward Expansion.
Zoo Boise
Zoo Boise experiences can feature a variety of activities. Close-up animal encounters include hands-on activities, creating a diet or enrichment treat for a zoo animal, and participating in wildlife conservation.
Home to over 300 animals from more than 100 species. From the small tailless whip scorpion to the majestic Amur tiger. The zoo offers a unique educational and recreational experience for visitors of all ages.
Zoo Boise is one of the most popular attractions in Idaho as well as a living science facility. Offering a variety of private animal experiences available.
Idaho Botanical Garden
Idaho Botanical Garden is a lush 15-acre tapestry of dappled shade and vibrant splashes of color. A peaceful haven nestled in the Boise Foothills. Located in the heart of Old Penitentiary Historic District.
The Garden is home to over 800 species of plants, from 42 families, located in 14 specialty gardens. The Garden promotes horticulture in the Treasure Valley using native and domestic plants adapted to the intermountain region.
A stroll through the Garden takes roughly 60-90 minutes. A small Information Station that sells water, beverages, and snack items.
Boise River Greenbelt
Boise River Greenbelt is a recreational and alternate transportation trail along the banks of the Boise River in Idaho. The Boise Greenbelt extends more than 20 miles beginning at Lucky Peak Dam in the east to a short distance beyond Eagle Road in the west in Eagle, Idaho.
The Boise Greenbelt links over 850 acres of parks and natural areas along the Boise River. There are several sites and overlooks next to the Greenbelt for wildlife viewing. The Boise River Greenbelt provides ample opportunities to see birds and other wildlife.
Sawtooth National Recreation Area
Sawtooth National Recreation Area is one of the best places to go to enjoy the great outdoors of Idaho. This central Idaho area encompasses the Boise, Challis, and Sawtooth National Forests. The area named for the rugged Sawtooth Mountains whose jagged ridges appear like a saw’s teeth.
Popular activities in the recreation area include hiking, backpacking, and camping. Sport enthusiasts can also find great spots for white water rafting, rock climbing, kayaking, and mountain biking.
Has over 700 miles of trails, 40 peaks rising over 10,000 feet and more than 300 high mountain lakes that add to the spectacular scenery.
Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve
The awesome effects of volcanism are evident throughout Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve. Over the past 15,000 years, lava eruptions created a rugged landscape. That provides habitat for a surprising diversity of plants and animals in a high desert ecosystem.
Start at the visitor center for park maps and information, educational exhibits, and the park film. Features at Craters of the Moon include lava tubes caves such as Indian Tunnel, which is passable for 800 feet. Big Cinder Butte, at 700 feet, one of the largest basaltic cinder cones in the world. Blue Dragon flow named for its striking blue color.
Museum of Idaho
The Museum of Idaho exhibitions highlight the state’s natural environment and cultural history. It’s permanent and traveling exhibits, displaying a variety of artifacts and other objects. The museum’s collections and physical buildings are continuously expanding to provide more information about the great state of Idaho.
Visitors can also spend time in the Children’s Discovery Room, which includes interactive features and exhibitions perfect for kids. One of the country’s best places to see world-class interactive displays on the humanities and sciences.
Old Idaho Penitentiary
Old Idaho Penitentiary State Historic Site was a functional prison from 1872 to 1973. From its beginnings the penitentiary grew to a complex of several distinctive buildings surrounded by a 17-foot-high sandstone wall.
The stone quarried from the nearby ridges by the residents of the penitentiary. Visitors can experience years of Idaho’s unique prison history with a visit to Solitary Confinement, cell blocks, and the Gallows. Explore the facility that housed some of the West’s most notorious criminals for 100 years.
Shoshone Falls
A 1,000-foot-wide waterfall on the Snake River will definitely impress any visitor. Shoshone Falls is often called the “Niagara of the west” but it actually is 45 feet taller than Niagara. The best time to visit the falls is during spring when the Snake River is at its highest.
Shoshone Falls is located on the Snake River as it carves its way through a deep Canyon on its way to the Columbia River. The falls offer a blend of recreational facilities, including playgrounds, hiking trails, picnic areas, a boat ramp, swimming area, and a scenic overlook.
City of Rocks National Reserve
This National Reserve, also known as the Silent City of Rocks. Known for beautiful rock formations and excellent rock climbing. The City of Rocks is especially popular among rock climbers who come to tackle some of America’s most difficult routes.
The 14,512-acre Reserve is situated at the south end of the Albion Mountains. It features fascinating granite formations, captivating history, scenic beauty, and recreational opportunities for all. Aside from its significance as a historical and climbing area, it is also notable for abundant and diverse wildlife and plants.
Silverwood Theme Park
Over the years, Silverwood Theme Park has grown in both size and popularity. From a small local amusement park to a regional theme park destination. Today, Silverwood is the largest theme and Water Park in the American Northwest.
The park features over 200 acres of fun and over 70 rides, slides, shows and attractions. You can experience world-class coasters, hair-raising attractions, kiddie adventures, a 1915 steam engine train, live award-winning entertainment, restaurants and more.
Things to Do in Idaho
The beautiful state of Idaho is the destination for seeing the great outdoors and reminiscing about America’s West. Visitors to Idaho should spend time in one of the state’s many natural areas. Don’t forget to stop by the cities, big and small, to experience the history and culture of this unique state.