If you’ve ever searched for “day trips near me in Idaho,” you may be overwhelmed with all the choices. Not to worry, we put together this handy guide with some of the most beautiful day trips in Idaho, best done over the course of a three-day weekend. It’s the perfect amount of time to check a few adventures off of your bucket list and explore some of the forgotten corners of the state that you don’t quite have time for on an ordinary weekend. Start creating a lifetime of memories by taking one (or more) of these unforgettable day trips:
- Explore the City of Rocks National Reserve.
City of Rocks National Reserve/Facebook
City of Rocks National Reserve/Facebook This geologic wonderland is not only a historic, rocky playground for all ages, it’s also surprisingly idyllic in every season. Spring is especially rewarding for the nature lover, and visitors will be treated to small streams and creeks bubbling up from hidden nooks and crannies. And what if one day isn’t quite long enough? Camping is available as well. You have to add the City of Rocks National Reserve to your Idaho bucket list.
Read our previous coverage for more info and directions. 83312, Almo, ID 83312, USA
- Spend the day wining and dining at Colter’s Creek Vineyard and Winery.
Scott Rulander/Colter’s Creek/YouTube
Colter’s Creek Vineyard and Winery/Facebook Idaho has no shortage of picture-perfect vineyards, but there’s something to be said for this one out-of-the-way, sustainable, family-owned gem. It’s so easy to spend the day enjoying fabulous food, sampling local wines, and enjoying great company in small-town Idaho at Colter’s Creek Vineyard and Winery.
Read our previous coverage for more info and directions. 308 Main St, Juliaetta, ID 83535, USA
- Visit the magical Thomas E. Ricks Gardens in Rexburg.
BYU-Idaho
BYU-Idaho Sometimes, the best place to go and enjoy a special day out is a lush, colorful botanical garden. While the Thomas E. Ricks Gardens at BYU-Idaho aren’t traditional by any means, they sure are stunning! Ten breathtaking acres of fountains, ponds, waterfalls, pavilions, and charming flower beds - all in one place. This is another perfect addition to your Idaho bucket list.
Read our previous coverage for more info and directions. 525 S Center St, Rexburg, ID 83460, USA
- Take a day trip to a forgotten ghost town…or three within Land of the Yankee Fork State Park.
Land of the Yankee Fork State Park/Facebook Because why not? This cluster of ghost towns is wrapped in one of Idaho’s newest (and yet oldest) state parks, with plenty of history and scenic mountain hikes to delight the average traveler. If you’ve ever wanted to explore some Idaho ghost towns, now’s your chance.
Read our previous coverage for more info and directions. Land of Yankee Fork State Park, 24424 State Hwy 75, Challis, ID 83226, USA
- Hike to the forgotten city of Boulder City and its secret lakes.
Nicholas D./Flickr
Nicholas D./Flickr A lost city, an abandoned mine, a rugged trail, and endless beauty just outside of Sun Valley makes for an unforgettable trip into Idaho’s beautiful Boulder Mountains. And the pinnacle lakes - while a challenge to reach - are well worth the determination.
Read our previous coverage for more info and directions. Boulder Basin, Idaho 83340, USA
- Drive the breathtaking Salmon River Scenic Byway.
DAN/Flickr Few things kick off a fantastic weekend quite like a road trip, and this journey through Central Idaho is one of the state’s finest. Incredible history, stunning natural beauty, wilderness adventure, and some of the wildest landscapes Idaho has to offer all collide in this truly magnificent journey - complete with off-road options and hot springs galore. It will be one of the most beautiful day trips in Idaho you can take.
Read our previous coverage for more info and directions.
- Immerse yourself in nature at the biggest natural spring in Idaho.
Scott Tomlinson/GoogleMaps
Scott Tomlinson/GoogleMaps While the quaint sight of Johnny Sack’s historic cabin is a must-see, the dense trees and bounty of nature surrounding the spring pool is absolutely divine in every season. Multiple hiking paths will carry you into the lush trees that make up the park, while the crisp sight of the blue-green water of Big Springs is simply rejuvenating.
Read our previous coverage for more info and directions.. Big Springs Group Area - Island Park, S Big Springs Loop Rd, Island Park, ID 83433, USA
- Kick off your boots in Idaho City.
CrankingChick/TripAdvisor
Idaho City/Facebook Of all the Wild West towns dotting the state, Idaho City is an absolute Idaho bucket list must-visit. Charming, welcoming, resilient, and full of historic beauty, there’s something new to discover and learn around every corner. Dress up in saloon garb and reenact a bar scene for the camera. Camp in a yurt. Explore the historic remnants of decades past. Take an auto tour of the Ponderosa Pine scenic byway. Hot spring it up au naturale or in luxury. Grab some pie… you won’t regret it.
Read our previous coverage for more info and directions.. Idaho City, ID 83631, USA
- Feed the bears at Yellowstone Bear World.
Yellowstone Bear World/Facebook
Yellowstone Bear World/Facebook Do adorable baby bears, beautiful Idaho wildlife, and endless memories need any explanation?
Read our previous coverage for more info and directions. 6010 S 4300 W, Rexburg, ID 83440, USA
- Spend the day exploring the Center of the Universe.
Wallace, Idaho Chamber/Facebook
Wallace, Idaho Chamber/Facebook There’s a lot to love about the most unique small town in Idaho, but Wallace’s Center of the Universe manhole cover plaque is just the start of everything you’ll find. The Route of the Hiawatha, dozens of woodsy trails, endless quaint museums, ziplining, and even historical tours barely scratch the surface of this larger-than-life community. One day might not be enough!
Read our previous coverage for more info and directions. 414 6th St, Wallace, ID 83873, USA
If you’ve searched high and low for some good day trips near me in Idaho, this list should help. However, our beautiful big-little state has so much more to explore than we could possibly fit into a Top Ten list! Where are your favorite last-minute day trips to take in Idaho?
City of Rocks National Reserve/Facebook
This geologic wonderland is not only a historic, rocky playground for all ages, it’s also surprisingly idyllic in every season. Spring is especially rewarding for the nature lover, and visitors will be treated to small streams and creeks bubbling up from hidden nooks and crannies. And what if one day isn’t quite long enough? Camping is available as well. You have to add the City of Rocks National Reserve to your Idaho bucket list.
Read our previous coverage for more info and directions.
83312, Almo, ID 83312, USA
Scott Rulander/Colter’s Creek/YouTube
Colter’s Creek Vineyard and Winery/Facebook
Idaho has no shortage of picture-perfect vineyards, but there’s something to be said for this one out-of-the-way, sustainable, family-owned gem. It’s so easy to spend the day enjoying fabulous food, sampling local wines, and enjoying great company in small-town Idaho at Colter’s Creek Vineyard and Winery.
Read our previous coverage for more info and directions.
308 Main St, Juliaetta, ID 83535, USA
BYU-Idaho
Sometimes, the best place to go and enjoy a special day out is a lush, colorful botanical garden. While the Thomas E. Ricks Gardens at BYU-Idaho aren’t traditional by any means, they sure are stunning! Ten breathtaking acres of fountains, ponds, waterfalls, pavilions, and charming flower beds - all in one place. This is another perfect addition to your Idaho bucket list.
Read our previous coverage for more info and directions.
525 S Center St, Rexburg, ID 83460, USA
Land of the Yankee Fork State Park/Facebook
Because why not? This cluster of ghost towns is wrapped in one of Idaho’s newest (and yet oldest) state parks, with plenty of history and scenic mountain hikes to delight the average traveler. If you’ve ever wanted to explore some Idaho ghost towns, now’s your chance.
Read our previous coverage for more info and directions.
Land of Yankee Fork State Park, 24424 State Hwy 75, Challis, ID 83226, USA
Nicholas D./Flickr
A lost city, an abandoned mine, a rugged trail, and endless beauty just outside of Sun Valley makes for an unforgettable trip into Idaho’s beautiful Boulder Mountains. And the pinnacle lakes - while a challenge to reach - are well worth the determination.
Read our previous coverage for more info and directions.
Boulder Basin, Idaho 83340, USA
DAN/Flickr
Few things kick off a fantastic weekend quite like a road trip, and this journey through Central Idaho is one of the state’s finest. Incredible history, stunning natural beauty, wilderness adventure, and some of the wildest landscapes Idaho has to offer all collide in this truly magnificent journey - complete with off-road options and hot springs galore. It will be one of the most beautiful day trips in Idaho you can take.
Read our previous coverage for more info and directions.
Scott Tomlinson/GoogleMaps
While the quaint sight of Johnny Sack’s historic cabin is a must-see, the dense trees and bounty of nature surrounding the spring pool is absolutely divine in every season. Multiple hiking paths will carry you into the lush trees that make up the park, while the crisp sight of the blue-green water of Big Springs is simply rejuvenating.
Read our previous coverage for more info and directions..
Big Springs Group Area - Island Park, S Big Springs Loop Rd, Island Park, ID 83433, USA
CrankingChick/TripAdvisor
Idaho City/Facebook
Of all the Wild West towns dotting the state, Idaho City is an absolute Idaho bucket list must-visit. Charming, welcoming, resilient, and full of historic beauty, there’s something new to discover and learn around every corner. Dress up in saloon garb and reenact a bar scene for the camera. Camp in a yurt. Explore the historic remnants of decades past. Take an auto tour of the Ponderosa Pine scenic byway. Hot spring it up au naturale or in luxury. Grab some pie… you won’t regret it.
Read our previous coverage for more info and directions..
Idaho City, ID 83631, USA
Yellowstone Bear World/Facebook
Do adorable baby bears, beautiful Idaho wildlife, and endless memories need any explanation?
Read our previous coverage for more info and directions.
6010 S 4300 W, Rexburg, ID 83440, USA
Wallace, Idaho Chamber/Facebook
There’s a lot to love about the most unique small town in Idaho, but Wallace’s Center of the Universe manhole cover plaque is just the start of everything you’ll find. The Route of the Hiawatha, dozens of woodsy trails, endless quaint museums, ziplining, and even historical tours barely scratch the surface of this larger-than-life community. One day might not be enough!
Read our previous coverage for more info and directions.
414 6th St, Wallace, ID 83873, USA
For more awesome activities, check out this list of Things You Never Thought About Doing In Idaho (But Totally Should).
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Day Trips Near Me In Idaho September 07, 2021 Melissa M. What are some Idaho ghost towns I can visit? Idaho has so many ghost towns that it can be hard to choose which ones to visit first. To make things easier, we put together a handy road trip that will guide you to six different Idaho ghost towns. The trip starts with Wickahoney then heads to Silver City, Dewey, DeLamar, and Placerville before ending in Atlanta, Idaho. This is one spooky road trip you don’t want to miss! What else should I add to my Idaho bucket list? With so many incredible manmade and natural attractions around the state of Idaho, there’s a lot to add to the ol’ bucket list! One thing you definitely need to add is a cave tour at Minnetonka Cave in the Caribou-Targhee National Forest. The cave has nine rooms that must be seen to be believed and is open for tours from mid-June until Labor Day. If you love trying new wines, a trip to Fujishin Family Cellars in the Sunnyslope Wine District is a must-visit. Take a seat in the charming tasting room and enjoy sipping on a glass of wine made right on the property. What are some of the most beautiful day trips in Idaho? If you’re looking for scenic day trips in Idaho, we put together a list of seven that really showcase the state’s beauty. From Bogus Basin to Bruneau State Park, Round Lake State Park, and more, you won’t believe your eyes when you view some of the scenery on these trips.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Day Trips Near Me In Idaho
September 07, 2021
Melissa M.
What are some Idaho ghost towns I can visit? Idaho has so many ghost towns that it can be hard to choose which ones to visit first. To make things easier, we put together a handy road trip that will guide you to six different Idaho ghost towns. The trip starts with Wickahoney then heads to Silver City, Dewey, DeLamar, and Placerville before ending in Atlanta, Idaho. This is one spooky road trip you don’t want to miss! What else should I add to my Idaho bucket list? With so many incredible manmade and natural attractions around the state of Idaho, there’s a lot to add to the ol’ bucket list! One thing you definitely need to add is a cave tour at Minnetonka Cave in the Caribou-Targhee National Forest. The cave has nine rooms that must be seen to be believed and is open for tours from mid-June until Labor Day. If you love trying new wines, a trip to Fujishin Family Cellars in the Sunnyslope Wine District is a must-visit. Take a seat in the charming tasting room and enjoy sipping on a glass of wine made right on the property. What are some of the most beautiful day trips in Idaho? If you’re looking for scenic day trips in Idaho, we put together a list of seven that really showcase the state’s beauty. From Bogus Basin to Bruneau State Park, Round Lake State Park, and more, you won’t believe your eyes when you view some of the scenery on these trips.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Idaho has so many ghost towns that it can be hard to choose which ones to visit first. To make things easier, we put together a handy road trip that will guide you to six different Idaho ghost towns. The trip starts with Wickahoney then heads to Silver City, Dewey, DeLamar, and Placerville before ending in Atlanta, Idaho. This is one spooky road trip you don’t want to miss!
What else should I add to my Idaho bucket list?
With so many incredible manmade and natural attractions around the state of Idaho, there’s a lot to add to the ol’ bucket list! One thing you definitely need to add is a cave tour at Minnetonka Cave in the Caribou-Targhee National Forest. The cave has nine rooms that must be seen to be believed and is open for tours from mid-June until Labor Day. If you love trying new wines, a trip to Fujishin Family Cellars in the Sunnyslope Wine District is a must-visit. Take a seat in the charming tasting room and enjoy sipping on a glass of wine made right on the property.
What are some of the most beautiful day trips in Idaho?
If you’re looking for scenic day trips in Idaho, we put together a list of seven that really showcase the state’s beauty. From Bogus Basin to Bruneau State Park, Round Lake State Park, and more, you won’t believe your eyes when you view some of the scenery on these trips.
