The Surprising Idaho Town That Makes An Excellent Weekend Getaway
By Courtnie Erickson|Published February 04, 2022
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Courtnie Erickson
Author
From Southern Utah to the Panhandle in Idaho, Courtnie Erickson has lived in what she believes are the best (and the most beautiful!) areas in the country. She graduated with a journalism degree from Utah State University and has more than 15 years of professional writing experience. You’ll likely see her with a Dr. Pepper in her hand and a pair of running shoes on her feet. Courtnie is a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState.
When you want to get away in the Gem State, there are many towns like Sun Valley, McCall, and Coeur d’Alene that are often at the top of wishlists. However, Island Park also deserves to be near the top of every Idahoan’s bucket list. This surprising Idaho town is the perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts and for those who just want to get away from the stresses of daily life. This town offers something for everyone including many outdoor recreation opportunities, excellent places to eat, and charming places to stay. It is definitely one town that makes for an excellent weekend getaway.
Island Park is located in eastern Idaho and is near the Idaho and Wyoming state line. This town is certainly small with approximately 300 residents.
Island Park is just a short drive from the west entrance into Yellowstone National Park. Many tourists tend to drive through this town on their way to the popular national park but fail to stop and spend time here, missing all that it has to offer.
During the winter months, this town turns into a winter wonderland. In the summer, it's green, lush, and gorgeous. It's one town in Idaho that you will want to visit in every season of the year.
While Island Park has only a handful of residents, its city limits certainly are not small. Island Park holds the title as the “longest main street in America.” Main Street, which is also U.S. Highway 20, is 33 miles long.
If you love to spend time outdoors, Island Park is the ultimate weekend getaway location in Idaho. Nearby is Harriman State Park, which is known for its incredible fly fishing, but there are also miles of trails for hiking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, and more.
Henry’s Lake State Park also sits just outside of this small town. This 6,000-acre lake is not only a popular fishing destination, but it's also the place to go if you love to camp.
This cabin was built by Johnny Sack, a German cabinet maker who made the cabin primarily using handmade tools. All throughout the cabin are the most intricate and incredible details. You can learn more about this historic site here.
While you can float the river, hike, and fish, during the summer months in Island Park, this town is the best winter getaway destination in Idaho.
In the winter, you’ll find several lodges and companies that offer snowmobile rentals and tours. There are also groomed trails for both snowshoes and cross-country skis.
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If you do choose to visit during the summer, make sure you plan a night at the Yellowstone Playhouse. This dinner theater will keep you entertained all night long.
Various shows are performed throughout the summer, and you’ll definitely leave full after enjoying the buffet-style meal. You can learn more about the Yellowstone Playhouse here.
During your weekend getaway, book a stay at The Pines at Island Park. Here, you can stay in large cabins with many amenities including multiple bedrooms, satellite television, and private hot tubs.
The largest cabin available can comfortably sleep up to eight guests. The Lodgepole Grill is also located at this mountain resort in Island Park so you are nearby some tasty food. Click here to learn more about this place to stay in Island Park.
Doesn’t a weekend getaway to this Idaho town sound dreamy? Have you ever spent time in Island Park? What did you do during your trip? Tell us and your fellow travelers in the comments!
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