Idaho is a great place to be if you're an animal lover. Not only are we home to a good amound ot zoos and wildlife preserves, but our state also contains a plethora of farms that make for fantastic day trips. If you're looking for a destination that the whole family will find absolutely adorable, look no further than the charming alpaca ranch featured here. This lovely farm is located in the most beautiful setting, but it's the incredible animals it contains that makes it a destination you can't help but love.
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Alpacas are beautiful and lovely creatures that everybody should get the opportunity to better know. You can do just that when you plan a family visit to Grazing Hills Alpaca Ranch, located way out near the small town of Viola, Idaho.
Nestled away in the rolling hills of the Palouse, Grazing Hills is simply a picturesque destination. The family owned and operated farm first began raising alpacas in 1993 and they care for a beautiful herd of alpacas to this very day.
There's no better destination for a unique family day trip. Currently home to 44 beautiful alpacas, visitors will have the opportunity to get closer than ever to these adorable animals. Visitors are welcome to stop by on Saturdays in between 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Farm tours are provided and they only ask for a $5 donation in return. If you'd like an even better look at what life is like on an alpaca farm, you can even opt to stay in their on-site bed and breakfast. This would definitely make for a dreamy getaway!
During your time at the farm, you'll learn all about just how intelligent, gentle, and curious these creatures are. Alpacas are indigenous to South America, but they were brought to the United State in the 1980s. Many of the farm's alpacas are for sale for people interested in starting their own alpaca ranch.
Alpacas are probably best known for their fleece. Each alpaca produces approximately eight pounds of fleece a year. Considered a specialty fiber that is both extremely light and soft but also resilient and thermal, you can purchase your own alpaca fleece product at the farm's on-site gift shop.
Reading about this dreamy farm is one thing, but seeing it for yourself is truly an unparalleled experience. Set off on a unique (and insanely cute) day trip to this alpaca ranch and get to know these beautiful animals for yourself. More information can be found on their website here.
Fall is an amazing time to explore Idaho's natural beauty. It's during this time of year that something pretty magical happens to the Gem State's landscape — the leaves begin to change, the air becomes crisp, and everything becomes a little more vivid. We compiled a list of ten destinations that make up some of the most beautiful fall destinations in Idaho. Don't miss out on what the Idaho in the fall has to offer and start thinking of which ones you would like to add to your bucket list!
A hot spot of summer activities and tourism, visiting Stanley during the Idaho autumn allows for a quieter adventure among the beautiful Sawtooth Mountains. Hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing are all made a little more exciting with the arrival of stunning fall colors across the paradise that is the Sawtooth Valley.
Almo, Idaho is immersed in vivid shades of autumn as the temperatures start to cool from summer. A great way to experience this fall beauty for yourself is by taking on the City of Rocks Backcountry Byway. Taking you past the neighboring parks of City of Rocks National Reserve and Castle Rocks State Park, you'll be treated to amazing fall scenery combined with the towering monoliths of these unique parks.
Autumn is a spectacular time to visit the beautiful North Idaho city of Sandpoint. Located along the shores of Lake Pend Oreille, visitors can enjoy all of the same activities of summer with a brilliant backdrop of fall scenery. With campgrounds and trails less crowded, you can enjoy this lakeside oasis all to yourself.
Considering Boise's most popular nickname is "The City of Trees," you can bet the fall scenery is simply magical in Idaho's capital city. Summer may be over, but this city is livelier than ever with an abundance of fall festivities, outdoor recreation, football games, corn mazes, pumpkin patches, and so much more.
One of Idaho's most stunning natural wonders, the Palouse region consists of gorgeous rolling farmland that seems to go on forever. In the spring and summer, the landscape is lush and green. In fall, the Palouse transforms into endless fields of gold. It's not the type of fall scenery that first comes to mind when you think of fall in Idaho, but it's absolutely breathtaking.
We know Boise is already featured on the list, but the Boise River deserves an entry all of its own. After all, there's no better time to take advantage of this prime fly-fishing destination. Lined with deciduous trees, fall at the Boise River is a spectacular sight as the leaves change colors. Flowing right through Idaho's largest metropolitan area, this river is like an autumnal oasis in our own backyard.
There's something extraordinary about fall in the Sun Valley area. Whether it's the vibrant scenery or the feeling of the crisp mountain air, this beautiful mountain town somehow becomes even more incredible in the fall season. Plan a visit to enjoy the town's fall festivities, fly fishing, and dining and nightlife.
Straddling the Idaho-Wyoming border, Palisades Reservoir is a scenic body of water that is best known for its fishing opportunities. During fall in Idaho, you can experience some of the state's most majestic fall foliage with a drive around the reservoir. With colorful mountains on one side and the reservoir on the other, you'll be completely immersed in the area's fall beauty. This is one of the best places to visit in Idaho during fall.
Autumn is typically a low time for the brilliant Shoshone Falls in Twin Falls, Idaho. If you want to see a healthy flow, we recommend visiting in spring or early summer. However, this waterfall still has plenty to offer as the cascade slows to a trickle. Fall's beauty transforms the Snake River Canyon, and the cooler temperatures are ideal for exploring this eye-popping landscape!
Located near the East Idaho community of Swan Valley, the South Fork of the Snake River becomes totally surrounded by vibrant fall foliage during this time of year. We recommend seeking out the incredible Fall Creek Falls, a waterfall on the banks of the river that offers visitors an extraordinary sight in autumn.
What other beautiful fall destinations would you add to this list? Please let us know in the comments below what you would add! You really can't beat Idaho in the fall. Fill out a nomination form for the fall attractions you love most, and you may see them featured here soon!
Taking a road trip this fall to some of the most gorgeous destinations around Idaho? Make sure you check out our Ultimate Road Trip Packing List before you head out on your adventures!
Idaho is a gorgeous state, but sometimes planning your next adventure can be a little daunting - there are so many choices! We've compiled some of the most beautiful day trips in Idaho, from beloved destinations and scenic road trips for the whole family to a few gorgeous outings you perhaps have never thought of. While any of these can be done of the course of one day, to make the most of the journey, we definitely recommend venturing out on a three-day weekend if you can! Start creating a lifetime of memories by taking one (or more) of these unforgettable Idaho day trips:
Beautiful, unique, and perfectly situated to be easily explored by nearly every Southern Idaho local, City of Rocks is definitely a bucket list worthy day trip. This geologic wonderland is not only a historic, rocky playground for all ages, it's also surprisingly idyllic in every season. Spring is especially rewarding for the nature lover, and visitors will be treated to small streams and creeks bubbling up from hidden nooks and crannies. And if one day isn't quite long enough (hint: it won't be!), camping is available as well. The best part is this fantastic area is gorgeous no matter the season!
2. Spend the day wining and dining at a local vineyard.
Idaho has no shortage of picture-perfect vineyards that produce delicious wines, most of which can be found in the Southern half of the state. But there's something to be said for spending the day enjoying fabulous food, sampling new creations, and enjoying great company! Colter's Creek Vineyard and Winery in Juliatta (pictured) is one of many family-run, sustainable options around the state that offers tours and special events, and they even have a tasting room right in Moscow. But if you want to make an even longer trip of exploring Idaho's vineyards, this wine tour is the perfect way to (safely) indulge while enjoying Idaho's bounty.
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3. Visit the magical Thomas E. Ricks Gardens in Rexburg.
Sometimes, the best places to enjoy are the simplest! How about a special day out at a lush, colorful botanical garden? While the Thomas E. Ricks Gardens at BYU-Idaho aren't traditional by any means, they sure are stunning! Ten breathtaking acres of fountains, ponds, waterfalls, pavilions, and charming flower beds - all in one place. This is another perfect addition to your Idaho bucket list.
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4. Take a day trip to a forgotten ghost town (or three) within Land of the Yankee Fork State Park.
Because why not? This cluster of ghost towns (Custer, Bayhorse, and Bonanza) makes up one of Idaho's newest (and yet oldest) state parks, with plenty of historical remnants and scenic mountain hikes to delight the average traveler. If you've ever wanted to explore Idaho's ghost towns, this is the perfect place to start! Land of the Yankee Fork State Park is a (literal) gold mine for anyone who loves Idaho history.
5. Hike to the forgotten city of Boulder City and its secret lakes.
Speaking of ghost towns...A lost city, an abandoned mine, a rugged trail, and endless beauty combine just outside of Sun Valley for an unforgettable trip into Idaho's beautiful Boulder Mountains. The pinnacle lakes here - while a challenge to reach - are well worth the determination.
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6. Drive the breathtaking Salmon River Scenic Byway.
Few things kick off a fantastic weekend quite like a road trip, and this 161-mile journey through Central Idaho is one of the state's finest. Incredible history, stunning natural beauty, wilderness adventure, and some of the wildest landscapes Idaho has to offer all collide in this truly magnificent journey - complete with off-road options and hot springs galore. If you live in the area, you can drive the Salmon River Scenic Byway in one day, although you'll have a hard time not stopping every few minutes to enjoy the views!
7. Immerse yourself in nature at the biggest natural spring in Idaho.
While the quaint, snow-covered sight of Johnny Sack's historic cabin is a must-see across the water in winter, the dense trees and bounty of natural beauty surrounding Big Springs in Island Park is absolutely divine in every season. Multiple hiking paths will carry you into the lush trees, and the end reward - the crisp sight of the blue-green water of Big Springs itself - is incredibly rejuvenating. Keep your eyes peeled for moose!
Of all the Wild West towns dotting the state, Idaho City is an absolute gem. Charming, welcoming, resilient, and full of rugged, historic beauty, there's something new to discover and learn around every corner! Dress up in saloon garb and reenact a saloon scene for the camera. Camp in a yurt. Explore the historic remnants of decades past. Take an auto tour of the Ponderosa Pine scenic byway. Hot spring it up au naturale or in luxury. Go for a hike. Grab some pie and finger steaks...take your pick! You won't regret it.
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9. Spend the day exploring the Center of the Universe.
There's a lot to love about the most unique small town in Idaho, and Wallace's Center of the Universe manhole cover plaque is just the start of everything you'll find here. Dozens of woodsy trails, endless quaint museums, ziplining, and even historical tours barely scratch the surface of this larger-than-life community. One day might not be enough!
Our beautiful big-little state has so much more to explore than we could possibly fit into just one list! Do you have any favorite memories from these places?
