11 Unforgettable Tours Everyone In Idaho Should Take At Least Once

Idaho is much more fascinating than many people give it credit for! With dozens of art, culture, and landscape tours offered throughout the state, it's easy to find the perfect educational field trip, summer day trip, or activity for the kids. To help you see our state from a new perspective, we’ve highlighted a variety of tours that will show you some of Idaho’s best scenery and history. From skyhigh dam tours, to delicious food tours (with samples!), here are just a few ideas for your next family outing.

1. Hells Canyon Jet Boat Tour

Hells Canyon is one of those stunning places in Idaho that is so packed with adventure and beauty that there's simply no way to fit it all into one visit! With Killgore's Jet Boat Tours or Hells Canyon Adventures, you have multiple focused tour options (like fishing and history), multiple starting points, transportation there and back, and - of course - a close-up look at the deepest canyon in the country, without all the extra effort that comes from paddling a raft.

2. The Idaho State Penitentiary

Originally opened in 1872, Idaho's "Old Pen" has always been a must-see for visitors to our state's capital. Reported paranormal activity alone has made this old prison a hotbed of attention, but this unique sandstone compound (built by the prisoners) is also fascinating for its unique history and architecture. Visit solitary confinement, check out the informative displays, and see where infamous murderers like Lady Bluebeard once dined.

3. A Wine Tour

Southern Idaho is our state's wine country, with the Treasure Valley area being home to the delicious (and beautiful) Sunnyslope Wine Trail. For a relaxing day out filled with wine and good company, take a travel tour through some of the valley's best and most diverse vineyards -- samples included! Or, take your own self-guided tour across the trail with family and friends.

4. A Historic Mine Tour

Our state's fascinating past is full of short-lived boom towns that have faded into ghostly obscurity, but our state is still home to a number of mines that are open for visitors to experience firsthand. Sierra Silver Mine in Wallace is one such tour, complete with trolley guide and underground walkthrough.

5. A Cross-Idaho Bike Tour

For the active adventurer who wants to explore the diverse beauty of Idaho's great outdoors up close and personal, a guided bike tour is an awesome option. Every year, Ride Idaho features a week-long bike tour route that showcases our state's natural beauty, while also offering time for community, camping, and exploration. Signup required!

6. A Buck Knives Factory Tour

It's no secret that Idahoans love outdoor gear. And a good knife is a necessity more than anything - so why not see what goes into making one of the sturdiest knife brands on the planet? Tour the production facility, check out the peddle-powered whetstone, and a brief history of this old-school weapon. Sparks are sure to fly!

7. A Dairy Farm Tour

For the ultimate cheese-lover, why not see how your favorite dairy product is made, take a taste of the freshest cheese on the planet, and come to understand why Idaho-born dairy repeatedly make it onto the list of Top 50 cheeses in the country? Ballard in Gooding and Reed's Dairy in Idaho Falls are just two of the many options.

8. A Ghost Tour

Downtown Lewiston is a stunning cultural center that is fitting for our state's original capital city. But you'll also find a few hidden gems here, but not without the help of a skilled tour guide! From Lewiston's resident haunts on a private ghost tour to a lovely, guided stroll through Lewiston's oldest district, it's a fascinating adventure ripe with photo ops.

9. Idaho State Capitol Tour

Idaho's capitol building in downtown Boise is stunning, to say the least. Built in the same architectural style as our nation's capital, the inside of this beautiful building also features stately marble finishes, a mesmerizing aperture, and - of course - luxurious state rooms. It's an eye-opening tour that can be guided for larger groups, or self-led in small groups. Just grab the walking tour guide from the state website!

10. Dworshak Dam Tour

The tallest dam in Idaho has oodles of history to it, plus one of the most epic panoramic views in Central Idaho! Take a tour of the inside workings, then climb up top to truly experience one of Idaho's greatest man-made wonders.

11. Art Walk Tour

For a culturally enriching experience that you can take part in over and over, an Art Walk tour in any one of Idaho's artistic hubs is an incredible opportunity to see Idaho through new eyes. Self-guided and complete with maps, audio, and plenty of photo ops, why not immerse yourself in the finer side of Idaho?

Do you know of any other awesome Idaho tours?