12 Unforgettable Idaho Day Trips, One For Each Month Of The Year
It’s never too early to get started on your annual bucket list, especially since there’s SO much to see and do in our beautiful state. From ghost towns to breathtaking parks, there’s something on this list for every adventurous Idahoan to enjoy. Take a look at these 12 Idaho day trips and be sure to hit the road soon. Your 2021 bucket list starts…now!
During these uncertain times, please keep safety in mind and consider adding destinations to your bucket list to visit at a later date.
January is a fantastic time to go bird watching here in Idaho, specifically for bald eagles. Hundreds upon hundreds of eagles make their way across the Gem State during the winter, and they especially like this big tree in Wendell, Idaho. Believe it or not, bald eagles have been coming to this specific tree for over 15 years! Be sure to see them in January, before they're gone for the year.
Find out more about this destination with our previous article here.
Find out more about this destination with our previous article here.
If you have yet to visit this beautiful historic structure in Idaho, consider it a must. Constructed in 1853, the Cataldo Mission is not only the oldest church in Idaho but the oldest standing structure - period. Located within Old Mission State Park in Coeur d'Alene, visitors are welcome to stop any day from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Find out more about this destination with our previous article here.
Find out more about this destination with our previous article here.
Consisting of 38 individual sites that span four states (Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington), Nez Perce National Historical Park is far from your average destination. Idaho is home to 26 of these historic sites, and each of them represents something of importance to indigenous history in the Gem State. Plus, the park is just beautiful!
Find out more about this destination with our previous article here.
Find out more about this destination with our previous article here.
Once considered the largest city in the Northwest, Idaho City is now a humble and quiet community. However, it still contains plenty of reminders of its days as a massive boomtown, including century-old buildings and authentic wooden boardwalks. Grab a treat at the Sarsaparilla Ice Cream Parlor and peruse the Boise Basin Museum, there's still plenty to do in this ex-mining town!
Find out more about this destination with our previous article here.
Find out more about this destination with our previous article here.
Kick off the end of spring and start of summer with a visit to a beloved mountain town near Donnelly and McCall. Cascade has something for everyone, including hot springs, easy-access camping, a big lake, and even a whitewater park. It's easy to fall in love with this quintessential mountain community!
Find out more about this destination with our previous article here.
Find out more about this destination with our previous article here.
Located in Pocatello, this replica of a historic fort is like a time capsule of Idaho's early days. Open to visitors from June through September, exploring the Fort Hall Replica feels like traveling back in time. It makes for a fun way to spend the day with the family learning about a notable period in Idaho history.
Find out more about this destination with our previous article here.
Find out more about this destination with our previous article here.
Hiding in the foothills of the Portneuf Valley is a long-abandoned townsite that exudes historic charm. Chesterfield was founded by Mormon settlers in the 1880s and boasted a peak population of around 700 people. Today, all that's left of it are the structures that were left behind. Visitors are welcome year-round, and docents give guided tours during the summertime.
Find out more about this destination with our previous article here.
Find out more about this destination with our previous article here.
No summer is complete without a visit to the popular Lucky Peak State Park, located just outside of Boise. Consisting of three day-use units, you'll find that there are all sorts of great activities to partake in at the park. Splash around, kayak, or paddleboard in the swimming area, or set out on one of the nearby hiking trails. Lucky Peak truly shines during the summertime, so don't miss out!
Find out more about this destination and check out our previous article here.
Find out more about this destination and check out our previous article here.
Located in the heart of North Idaho's Silver Valley, Wallace is a unique little hamlet that exudes historic charm AND natural beauty. Founded in 1884, it's one of just four cities in the nation that is entirely on the National Register of Historic Places. Meander around the charming downtown area, seek out the "center of the universe", or explore the beautiful parks or hiking trails in the area.
Find out more about this destination and check out our previous article here.
Find out more about this destination and check out our previous article here.
October is the perfect time to visit one of Idaho's creepy old ghost towns! Rocky Bar definitely fits the bill. Hiding out northeast of Mountain Homee, what remains of Rocky Bar is definitely worth exploring. The town's dilapidated buildings serve as a poignant reminder of the impact of Idaho's mining industry.
Find out more about this destination and check out our previous article here.
Find out more about this destination and check out our previous article here.
If you're a plane enthusiast, you're bound to feel like a giddy little kid when you visit the Legacy Flight Museum in Rexburg. Not only does the museum house a variety of historic aircraft, but it also puts on free air shows right outside the museum's hangar! It's open year-round and it makes for a memorable day trip for both young and old.
Find out more about this destination and check out our previous article here.
Find out more about this destination and check out our previous article here.
Make the most of Idaho's winter beauty and take on a winter sightseeing tour near the city of Sandpoint. Selkirk Powder Company offers snowcat tours of the snowy mountain, in addition to cat skiing, heli skiing, and snowmobiling tours. It's the perfect activity for families or large groups, and it's bound to be a winter adventure for the books.
Find out more about this destination and check out our previous article here.
Find out more about this destination and check out our previous article here.
Are you ready for another year of adventure? What do you plan on visiting this year in Idaho? Feel free to share with us in the comments below!
