11 Hidden Places In Idaho Only Locals Know About

Have you ever noticed that some of Idaho’s best spots are hidden places that only locals know about? Sometimes you’ve just got to be in the know! As spring and summer road trip season begins, we’re here to help with just a few special places to explore this season:

michael guo/GoogleMaps

A treasured focal point of Idaho Falls, this city park is also hiding a stunningly lush secret friendship garden. Inspired by Japanese culture, meditation areas, small creeks, beatiful shade and landscaping all form an idyllic place to get away even in the heart of the city.

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Peitro de Grandi

This long-forgotten ghost town in Central Idaho has a unique history that is now lost to time and hidden beneath 50 feet of frigid alpine water. It's also a tragic story of heeding nature.

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Winchester Lake State Park/Facebook

For epic beauty in every season, photo-worthy trails, and gorgeous lakefront views, this underrated state park is just about as perfect as a family getaway could possibly be.

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Bureau of Land Management

Secret caves, hidden waterfalls, and desert oases? Oh, my! All found in the heart of the most remote place in the US.

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J. Stephen Conn/Flickr

There's more to love about this charming small town than just quaint architecture and rural beauty. It's a truly special community that offers more things to do, history, and treasured landscapes than meet the eye. The top-rated schools are perfect for young families!

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Katja Schulz/Flickr

Idaho's Sawtooths are a natural wonderland and playground for nature-lovers, featuring dozens of pristine alpine lakes and hundreds of trails, campgrounds, and the types of wilderness experiences that Idahoans crave. This overlooked low-elevation lake is truly special, however.

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Salmon River Lodge Resort/Facebook

For a rustic wilderness getaway so secluded you can only reach the lodge by boat up the Wild and Scenic Salmon River, this is the destination for you. Trees, isolation, rough and tumble accommodations, and easy access to the most revered river in the state is only the start.

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Aptly named for its deep basalt color and uncanny knack of appearing and reappearing, this canyon hike is truly magical in all the right ways. It's a volcanic sculpture garden, desert adventure, and scrambling challenge all in one!

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Southern Idaho is a true volcanic treasure, housing some of the state's biggest, boldest, and most unexpected waterfalls, canyons, and rock formations. Thousand Springs State Park is a mesmerizing haven of these natural wonders - this breathtaking hidden natural spring oasis included.

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Management/Yelp

Al fresco dining has never been so gorgeous. A 360-degree mountain panorama, lush treescaping, and the relaxing sound of babbling water adds a special dose of magic to this delicious eatery.

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Sandpoint, Idaho/Facebook

You don't have to go all the way across the country to see our country's most iconic symbol of freedom and safety. It's right here in Idaho.

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Of course, Idaho is a bit of a hidden gem in itself, which means we’re not even close to being finished exploring our state yet! For more ideas, check out these 11 Things You Never Thought About Doing In Idaho.