Destination attractions things to do in idaho

Posted: 02/09/2007--25/11/2008 || Rate this Article: 3 || Views|| Sign In || Register ||Hello Guest

Idaho? Wheres Idaho? Idaho, a northwestern state that borders Canada, has many interesting attractions, yet not many people think of it when planning a trip. If you want a vacation with adventure, beautiful scenery and friendly people, choose Idaho as your destination. Although some places are a little remote, the mountain views and white-water rivers are among the best in America. Here are some of my favorite places to visit in Idaho:

Boise, the capital of Idaho, doesnt really look like much if youre just driving through it, but you can find some very interesting spots if you stop for awhile. While the motto of Boise seems to be Boise, its not Chicago, I found its small size to be part of its charm, and its sophistication surprised me. The downtown area is casual and laid-back, and there are great restaurants, giant murals, and historic buildings. Check out the 1920s-era Egyptian Theater, The Grove, a plaza that has evening concerts during the summer, and the Basque Block. Boise has a large Basque population, and theres also a Basque Museum.

The Boise River runs through the city, and if you are looking for fun family activities, check out the Greenbelt, a 25-mile path and park along the river. You can walk, skate, bike or simply hang out in the park. Book a tour with Boise River Tours, located on the Greenbelt, or ride the shuttle to a park station six miles upstream and then tube or raft back down the river. Its a mild ride, but youll go across a spillway and have a pleasant, relaxing float. Raft and tube rentals are available at the station, as are air hoses to inflate your own raft. Dont worry, the shuttle takes wet money.

Idaho Botanical Garden is small but interesting, and is located on Old Penitentiary Road, as is the Old Idaho Territorial Penitentiary, which has a fascinating tour. The architecture is remarkable, the womens prison has sad stories and photographs displayed, and the wardens home is now a venue for special occasions. The Old West comes alive there, and there are also exhibits on transportation and electricity.

In June, Boise celebrates with the Boise River Festival, and in August, theres the Western Idaho Fair. The river fest has tons of events, and features four days of free concerts by well-known artists. Theres also a hot-air balloon rally and a parade, plenty of food, and usually the weather is great. The fair has the usual fair events with an Idaho twist; I found the llama tent interesting, although a bit smelly. Llama trekking is popular in Idaho; if you look closely, youll see llamas in many backyards in Boise.

White-water rafting is my favorite activity in Idaho, and Idaho has over 3,000 miles of white water, more than any other state except Alaska. If youre staying in Boise, head north about forty miles to Banks, a tiny city on the Payette River where you can book a rafting trip or a train ride along the river. The Cascade Raft Company offers several types of white-water rafting trips, ranging from mild to Class III and IV rapids. Theres also a trip where you can see different kinds of wildlife, and package deals including hotel accommodations. Check their website for details.

McCall, located at the southern end of Payette Lake, is north of Banks and offers year-round recreation. Summer fun includes boating and swimming on the lake, picking huckleberries, and mountain biking down Brundage Mountain on more than 20 miles of trails. In the winter, skiing and snow cat skiing at Brundage Mt. Ski Resort are fun, and the fabulous winter carnival begins the end of January. The snow sculptures that are built then have to be seen to be believed!

Hells Canyon National Recreation Area, on the Snake River, is on the border between Idaho and Oregon. This is the deepest canyon in North America, deeper even than the Grand Canyon. You can catch a jet boat to see the gorge at Lewiston on the north or at the Hells Canyon dam on the southern end. You can also raft through a 34-mile section of the 71 mile long canyon; fishing is also popular on the river.

Twin Falls, southeast of Boise, is home to Twin Falls (two waterfalls on the Snake River) and the massive Shoshone Falls, which are higher than and have about the same volume of water as Niagara Falls. If you want to see the falls in full volume, visit in the spring.

Stanley is a small town northeast of Boise, and is a gateway to the Sawtooth National Recreational Area. One of the most scenic places Ive ever visited, Stanley fills up in summer with visitors who want to hike, raft, fish or just enjoy the beautiful views. Redfish Lake is a popular resort, and theres a fish hatchery nearby that will inform you about the journey of the salmon from the Pacific Ocean back to Stanley. Stanley has over 30 places to lodge, and one of my favorites is the Mountain Village Lodge, which has its own private hot springs behind the lodge. You can find hot springs all around the area; there are some wooden tubs on the Salmon River that you can see if you raft. There are several companies who will outfit you for rafting or fishing in Stanley.

The Sun Valley area is south of Stanley, and is a popular ski resort. The village around Mount Baldy has restaurants, shops, and lodges, built in the European style. There are attractions at Sun Valley year round; you can bike, swim, hike, golf, play tennis, or shop in the summer, and in the winter ski, have a sleigh ride, or relax around the fire. Sun Valley has an ice show all summer, a summer symphony, and an arts and crafts festival in August. The towns of Ketchum and Hailey are south of Sun Valley; Ketchum has a memorial to Ernest Hemingway, who lived there and is buried in the local cemetery.

In the eastern part of Idaho, Lava Hot Springs has geothermal springs that are 110 degrees, and five indoor and outdoor pools that are fed by the hot water are open to visitors. Tubing on the Portneuf River is also popular in Lava Hot Springs. Hot springs are also a popular tourist attraction in Idaho Falls.

Idaho is a beautiful state, and if you want an adventure vacation with breathtaking views, this could be the place for you to go. Summer or winter, Idaho has something to offer for all tastes, and there are many different types of activities going on in all seasons. Check websites or order brochures for additional information on Idaho.