There's never been a better time to take advantage of the beauty that's in our own backyard! When you feel like getting away for the day, you'll find that Idaho is chock full of potential "daycation" destinations. Located just outside of Boise, Lucky Peak State Park is especially ideal for escaping civilization and immersing yourself in natural beauty. Made up of three individual units, you'll definitely want to plan a day to explore this beautiful park.
Lucky Peak State Park is just a short, 10-minute drive from Boise, making it the perfect destination for those seeking a quick but memorable "daycation."
Made up of three distinct day-use units, there's something for everybody at this popular state park. Whether you're looking to lay out a family picnic or set off on the nearest hiking trail, Lucky Peak has it all.
Discovery Park is probably the most popular section of the park. It's easily accessible from the highway and a great place to picnic, fish, or simply relax under the trees. It also boasts access to a section of the Boise River that's popular among canoeists and kayakers.
If it's a fun-filled day at the beach you're after, look no further than the park's Sandy Point unit. Featuring a large and sandy swimming area, this is where families come to cool off and have some fun in the water. The area also offers water toys, paddleboard rentals, and two beach volleyball courts.
Finally, the park's Spring Shores Marina is for the boating enthusiasts. Located on the shores of Lucky Peak Lake, the full-service marina boasts a convenience store and equipment rentals.
It's amazing to think this oasis is just a short drive from Idaho's capital city! From the rugged yet beautiful scenery to the abundance of recreational activities, we can definitely see why Lucky Peak has become a regular daycation destination for many.
The next time you need to get away for the day and surround yourself in Idaho's beauty, plan a trip to Lucky Peak. Simply put, this park has it all and we couldn't ask for a better day trip destination!
Have you visited Lucky Peak State Park? Tell us about your favorite memory of this popular park in the comments below! And be sure to fill out a nomination form for other daycation destinations you'd like to see featured.
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!
Some of my favorite day trips are those where I’m surrounded by the natural world. While there are incredible outdoor destinations all around Idaho, there is one that makes for a fantastic day outside — the Palouse Nature Center. Located on Rodeo Drive in Moscow, this 26.2-acre nature center is the perfect place to explore. Home to many features such as nature trails and a learning nursery, this destination is ideal for individuals of all ages. It’s the perfect day trip destination in Idaho.
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The Palouse Nature Center is located in the heart of the Palouse in Moscow. This nature center is lesser known but home to incredible features to get you outside and learning.
The Palouse Nature Center got its start just over 20 years ago. In 2004, a 7.6-acre historic farm on Rodeo Drive was purchased with the intent of expanding the Palouse-Clearwater Environmental Institute headquarters. Since then, additional acreage has been bought to create the space we know and love today.
When visiting, bring your hiking shoes as you’ll want to spend plenty of time exploring the nature trails. These trails, as well as other areas of the nature center, are open from dawn to dusk seven days a week.
You’ll also want to stop at the John Crock Learning Nursery. In this nursery, you’ll find native plants that will be used in restoration projects all across the region. There are also plants for sale if desired.
As you explore this northern Idaho nature center, you’ll also notice various sustainability projects including a straw bale bike pavilion, a water catchment system, and two living roofs. Even the parking lot is unique as it’s made of a GeoWeb system, which is an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional pavement.
I particularly am drawn to the Artist Studio. Here, individuals can reserve the space by the hour or even long term. This is a quiet space where you can work, reflect, or just admire the area's beauty as it overlooks the Nature Center.
Fun fact: This building features a living roof and was built using timber framing. This is a method where heavy timbers are milled and designed to fit within one another. They are held by a hardwood peg.
If you time your visit to the Palouse Nature Center in Moscow just right, you can also participate in one of the many events hosted at this outdoor destination.
The Palouse Nature Center is more than just a place to get away from the hustle and bustle of daily life, it’s an outdoor day trip where you can find tranquility, natural beauty, and education.
Have you visited the Palouse Nature Center in Moscow? What are some of your favorite outdoor spaces in Idaho? Are there any day trips in Idaho that you love? Share your thoughts with us in the comments.
For more information on this outdoor destination, visit the Palouse Nature Center's website.
If this is your first time visiting Moscow, I recommend you stay for a while. There is so much to do and see in this college town that one day is not enough. If you need a place to stay during your visit, consider a vacation rental.
