Idaho Falls and Beyond
An Eastern Idaho Adventure
Idaho Falls, located in eastern Idaho along the beautiful Snake River, is known for its year-round outdoor recreation, an upbeat arts and culture scene and family-friendly attractions. But, when you venture outside the city limits, there are more attractions near Idaho Falls to discover.
Feature image credited to Peter Ramirez.
Pick a Town, and Start Exploring.
Cress Creek Nature Trail near Ririe. Photo credit: Bruce Hallman.
Ririe
Ririe is a small town that packs a big punch when it comes to quality hiking and biking trails, tasty local restaurant menus and an exciting variety of adventures on the water.
Don’t Leave Town Without Visiting…
- Kelly Canyon Ski Resort offers four-season experiences with skiing and snowboarding in the winter and hiking and mountain biking trails in the warmer seasons. Put your hunger at ease at the American-style Half Cab Grill.
- Heise Hot Springs is jam-packed with fun. Take a dip in the hot pools or swim in the summer pools, show off your swing at the Heise Hills Golf Course, feel the rush of the wind on a zipline at Heise Zip and then extend your stay at the Heise Campground. You can even grab a bite to eat at the Heise Pizza Parlor.
- Stretch your legs on the Cress Creek Nature Trail—a one-mile, paved path with interpretive signs along the way.
- Go for an ace at Cedar Park Golf Course’s par-three executive course, and then round out your visit on their outdoor putting course or driving range.
- Make a splash at Ririe Reservoir, with opportunities to boat, kayak and paddleboard on the water. Fish the reservoir and cozy up at one of the campsites for an overnight stay.
- The South Fork of the Snake River stretches for 66 miles and is a scenic space for whitewater rafting, wildlife viewing and fishing. Stop alongside the river for picturesque views.
- The Stinking Springs Canyon ATV and Mountain Bike Trail has terrain for off-roading and mountain biking with sections for riders of varying skill levels.
- Dine on traditional American fare at the South Fork Restaurant or grab a bite at The Ririe Bar.
There’s more to explore! Find more adventures in the area.
Grand Teton Brewing Company, Victor. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.
Victor & Driggs
The neighboring towns of Victor and Driggs are known by outdoor enthusiasts for their spectacular views of the Tetons, native wildlife, mountain trails and rugged natural beauty.
Don’t Leave Town Without Visiting…
- Spend a day relaxing in Victor’s City Parks or walking the connected trails. Additionally, break out your balancing skills at the Kolter Ice Arena or Victor Bike Park.
- Try a movie night at the Spud Drive-In Theatre, a local landmark with a giant potato, where you can watch a movie under the stars on Friday and Saturday nights.
- At the Grand Teton Distillery and Brewery, the vodka is crafted from potatoes! Peer into the fascinating distillation process on a guided tour, or schedule a spirits tasting.
- Visit the Teton Geo Center to learn about the incredible Teton Valley by walking through extensive exhibits that showcase the unique history of the area.
- Beginning at Victor and eventually merging with the Henry’s Fork of the Snake River, the Teton River runs along the edge of the Teton Range and has sections offering rafting and fly-fishing.
- You won’t go hungry in eastern Idaho! The Royal Wolf, Forage Bistro and Lounge and Citizen 33 Brewery should all be on your must-visit list. Pan-Asian fare takes center stage at Teton Thai Restaurant and you’ll want chow down on the award-winning barbecue dishes at Big Hole BBQ. The Knotty Pine Supper Club serves steaks, fresh seafood and seasonally sourced veggies from its garden, while the Brakeman Bar and Grill boasts mouthwatering burgers. Butter Café is open daily with delightful breakfast and lunch specialties, and the Atelier Coffee House has homemade French pastries and a selection of grab-and-go snacks. Finally, Wildlife Brewing features unique beers, with or without a meal pairing.
There’s more to explore! Find more adventures in the area.
Town of Ashton. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.
Ashton
Two scenic byways—Mesa Falls Scenic Byway and Teton Scenic Byway—meet in Ashton, and that means no matter which direction you go, the drive will be stunning. That entrance sets the tone for the array of activities that visitors can pursue while staying in town, including waterfalls, scenic trails and fishing spots along the Snake River.
Don’t Leave Town Without Visiting…
- While visiting the majestic Upper and Lower Mesa Falls, stop at the historic Mesa Falls Visitor Center, housed in the historic Big Falls Inn. Use the wheelchair-friendly boardwalk to reach the Grandview Overlook for striking views of the falls.
- The Ashton to Tetonia Trail is a 29.6-mile, packed gravel rail-to-trail route with beautiful scenery and interesting landmarks throughout its length.
- Angling to fish on your trip? You are in the right spot! The Henry’s Fork of the Snake River is touted as one of the best fisheries in the state.
- Visit the Frostop Drive-In offering a classic vacation pitstop complete with a menu ranging from burgers to banana splits, dig into a burger basket complete with fresh-cut fries at Big Jud’s or swing into the old-fashioned soda fountain and pizzeria 511 Main—housed in the historic City Drug Store building—for a bite. El Rincon serves flavorful, authentic Mexican dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
There’s more to explore! Find more adventures in the area.
Harriman State Park, Island Park. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.
Island Park
The incredible Island Park has a wide range of activities that are sure to quickly fill your itinerary in every season. Not to mention, this quaint town boasts the “Longest Main Street America.”
Don’t Leave Town Without Visiting…
- At Harriman State Park, access 22 miles of trails for hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking in this breathtaking part of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Learn how Union Pacific Railroad played a part in the existence of this park or try your luck fishing some of the best fly fishing waters in the nation.
- Big Springs, one of the headwaters of the Snake River, generates 120 million gallons of crystal-clear spring water a day. The picture-perfect water is ideal for the resident rainbow trout which visitors can spot from the bridge. Explore the accessible half-mile wildlife viewing trail and check out the Historic Johnny Sack Cabin, built in 1932.
- Surrounded by the Continental Divide on three sides, Henrys Lake State Park is a high mountain lake known for its exceptional fishing. Explore nature trails for hiking and biking as well as wildflower viewing.
- When it’s time to dine, check out The Parlor at Mack’s Inn for homemade pizza, salads, and desserts or Connie’s Restaurant, a comfortable American eatery with takeaway lunches. A variety of lodges feature fantastic restaurants including Last Chance Bar & Grill at TroutHunter Lodge. Henry’s Fork Lodge and Restaurant along the river features a daily rotating menu and to-go picnic lunches. The historic Pond’s Lodge has a range of yummy American cuisine and Café Sabor’s mouthwatering Mexican dishes are sure to hit the spot.
There’s more to explore! Find more adventures in the area.
