12 Unforgettable Idaho Day Trips, One For Each Month Of The Year
There’s no way around it: there is so much to see and do in our beautiful state. That’s why we were motivated to put together a list of adventures to fuel your Idaho bucket list. From ghost towns to breathtaking parks, there’s something on this list for every adventurous Idahoan to enjoy. And the best part of all? There’s an adventure tailored to each month of the year. Take a look at 12 of the best day trips in Idaho and be sure to hit the road soon. Adventure awaits!
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. When it comes to the best day trips in Idaho, the Eagle Tree definitely tops the list.
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.
South Mission Road, S Mission Rd, Idaho 83810, USA
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! There's just so much to appreciate about Nez Perce National Historic Park. You'll have to see for yourself!
Nez Perce National Historical Park Visitor Center, 39063 US-95, Lapwai, ID 83540, USA
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! When's the last time you visited the charming destination of Idaho City?
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! When it comes to the most charming small towns in Idaho, Cascade might just take the cake.
Please note, Fort Hall Replica is temporarily closed. For more information, be sure to visit the official Fort Hall Replica website.
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.
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. Without a doubt, Chesterfield is a must-see Idaho destination.
Chesterfield Idaho, 3123 Chesterfield Rd, Bancroft, ID 83217, USA
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! Learn more about what makes Lucky Peak State Park one of the best day trips in Idaho.
Lucky Peak State Park, 9725 ID-21, Boise, ID 83716, USA
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. Learn more about planning your visit to one of the most charming small towns in Idaho.
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. Did you know that Idaho had such an infamous ghost town?
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. You'll love visiting this place in Idaho where you can watch planes take off!
Legacy Flight Museum, 400 Airport Rd, Rexburg, ID 83440, USA
Last up on our list of the best day trips in Idaho is one that will round out your year filled with adventure. 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.
Do you agree that these are some of the best day trips in Idaho? Which adventures would you add to the list? Feel free to share your thoughts with us in the comments below — we’d love to hear from you! Looking for more places to explore around Idaho? Check out our guide to all things nature-related in Idaho. There’s an adventure for everyone!
Address: Nez Perce National Historical Park Visitor Center, 39063 US-95, Lapwai, ID 83540, USA
Address: Chesterfield Idaho, 3123 Chesterfield Rd, Bancroft, ID 83217, USA
Address: Lucky Peak State Park, 9725 ID-21, Boise, ID 83716, USA
Address: Wallace, ID 83873, USA
Address: Idaho City, ID 83631, USA
Address: South Mission Road, S Mission Rd, Idaho 83810, USA
Address: Cascade, ID 83611, USA
Address: Eagle Tree, W Point Rd, Wendell, ID 83355, USA
Address: Legacy Flight Museum, 400 Airport Rd, Rexburg, ID 83440, USA
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
The OIYS Visitor Center
best day trips in Idaho
April 21, 2022
Beth C.
Where can I go in Idaho that only the locals know about?
As we’ve expressed in the article above, one of the best ways to explore Idaho is by taking an unforgettable day trip. Of course, it’s also fun to experience the Gem State as the locals do. With that in mind, we’ve outlined some of the hidden gems around Idaho that are a bit off the beaten path but always worth the journey. For a tranquil, inspired secret garden in Idaho, head to a place known as Sportsman Park. It’s a beloved local destination in Idaho Falls and within it, you’ll discover a friendship garden, complete with meditation areas, creeks, and impressive landscaping. Next up is one of Idaho’s most overlooked state parks, Winchester Lake State Park. Visitors will delight in all the breathtaking scenery this park has to offer in any season. Lastly, if you’re looking for an Idaho hike with epic views, you can’t go wrong with a trip to Owyhee Canyonlands. It’s here you’ll discover a desert oasis complete with secret caves and hidden waterfalls. What could be better than that? Some other hidden gems in Idaho include the town of Weiser, Lilly Lake in the Sawtooth Mountains, Salmon River Lodge Resort, Black Magic Canyon, Box Canyon Springs, Trail Creek Cabin, and Independence Point.
Address: Nez Perce National Historical Park Visitor Center, 39063 US-95, Lapwai, ID 83540, USA
Address: Chesterfield Idaho, 3123 Chesterfield Rd, Bancroft, ID 83217, USA
Address: Lucky Peak State Park, 9725 ID-21, Boise, ID 83716, USA
Address: Wallace, ID 83873, USA
Address: Idaho City, ID 83631, USA
Address: South Mission Road, S Mission Rd, Idaho 83810, USA
Address: Cascade, ID 83611, USA
Address: Eagle Tree, W Point Rd, Wendell, ID 83355, USA
Address: Legacy Flight Museum, 400 Airport Rd, Rexburg, ID 83440, USA
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
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