While Idaho is packed full of extreme adventure—from heli-skiing to jet boating—there are lots of leisure activities that allow travelers to enjoy the state’s natural beauty (and quirks) from a tranquil spot.
Sleigh rides are a way to experience Idaho’s winter wonderland without skis or snowshoes. At Hap and Florence Points Sleigh Rides in Donnelly, hour-long trips by horse-drawn sleigh canter along the scenic Gold Fork River and bring guests up close to wild elk. At Linn Canyon Ranch in Victor, groups ride through the snowy fields with views of the Teton range and can enjoy warm drinks by the fire and a gourmet dinner upon returning to the lodge.
Roadside attractions can be explored in an unhurried fashion—and there are some unique ones to find. In Cottonwood is the Dog Bark Park Inn, a beagle-shaped bed-and-breakfast and state landmark. There are more dog-shaped treasures to see there, like oversized chainsaw dog carvings by resident artists in the Dog Bark Park. In Driggs, find the Spud Drive-In, a Teton Valley historical landmark where visitors can see a movie under the stars at a classic drive-in theater. And there’s a giant potato on-site.
Hot springs are common in Idaho. At Kirkham Hot Springs in Lowman, travelers will find soaking pools and waterfalls on the South Fork of the Payette River near a popular campground. Lava Hot Springs, a beautiful and well-known spot, has five pools filled with over 2.5 million gallons of hot mineral water at varying temperatures. The facility also has an outdoor Olympic-sized swimming pool and indoor aquatic center.
For more information, contact the Idaho Division of Tourism Development’s Amy Alpers or go to visitidaho.org.
Top photo: The Spud Drive-In
Photo by Josh Myers/Trekking Photography
Support for Courier articles provided by:
Black Hills & Badlands Tourism Association
The Cody Cattle Company
Cody Country Visitors & Convention Council
North Dakota Tourism Division
Visit Cheyenne
Visit Fort Worth