Statewide - Idaho

« Historic Trails
The movement of travelers across
the Oregon Trail became the greatest
migration in American history. Between
1843 and 1869, more than half
a million emigrants undertook the
arduous journey to the West. They
entered Idaho near Montpelier and
headed toward Fort Hall for a respite
from the trek. Trails multiplied here
as new routes west were etched into
the landscape. Register Rock, with
emigrant inscriptions, is now part
of Massacre Rocks State Park, and
the National Oregon/California Trail
Interpretive Center is located
at Montpelier.
oregontrailcenter.org
Bear Lake
A “hidden gem” of a destination,
Bear Lake shares its beauty with both
Idaho and Utah. The striking turquoise
blue color is the result of tiny soluble
carbonates in the water. At midday, the
water is turquoise, while at sunrise and
sunset, it turns into a dazzling array of
reds, yellows, and pinks. At 120 square
miles, the lake is a haven for swimming,
waterskiing, boating, and fishing. The
wide expanse of the lake and its altitude
make it ideal for sailing as well.
On the north shore of the lake is Bear
Lake National Wildlife Refuge—home
to Sandhill Cranes, ducks, and numerous
species of songbirds. Check with
the headquarters in nearby Montpelier
for activities allowed at the refuge.
Two units of Bear Lake State Park are
situated on the north and east ends of
the lake for visitors to enjoy. With more
than five miles of sandy beaches, there
is access to all water activities, and the
gradual slope of the lake bottom makes
for enormous swimming areas. Naturally,
there are trout for the fishermen.
But in the winter, you can fish for the
Bonneville Cisco, a sardine-like whitefish
found nowhere else on earth.
« Filled with plenty of natural characters »
Bear Lake has more to offer than just
scenic views and recreation. During
the summer, the small town heats up
for the Bear Lake Fun Fly Kite Festival,
Outdoor Heritage Days, and Bear Lake
Raspberry Days—opportunities to
experience this lakeside resort area’s
small-town charm and culture.
Be sure to stop in Paris. While you
won’t see the Eiffel Tower, you will see
the historic and beautifully restored
Paris Tabernacle, open for tours in
the summer. Built in 1889 in the
Romanesque-style architecture, it is
recognized as one of the true pioneer
landmarks of the West and is listed on
the National Register of Historic Places.
If you like to discover natural wonders
off the beaten path, Minnetonka Cave
just might interest you. This is the largest
developed limestone cave in Idaho. Tours
through a half-mile of stalactites and
stalagmites are available from June to
September (not recommended for those
with health conditions or access issues).
For those seeking a tamer tour, check
out the National Oregon/California Trail
Interpretive Center in Montpelier. Built
on the site of the historic Clover Creek
Encampment, it guides you experientially
on the 2,000-mile, five-month
journey along the Oregon Trail in a
computer-simulated covered wagon.
Blackfoot
Follow the Pioneer Historic Byway to the
Blackfoot Reservoir and Blackfoot River
to fish for rainbow and cutthroat trout.
The community of Blackfoot is a city
with an abundance of parks and a challenging
18-hole municipal golf course
that is considered one of Idaho’s best.
Be sure to stop at the Idaho Potato
Museum on Northwest Main Street
(open all year). The museum includes
dozens of fun and educational exhibits
featuring Idaho’s most famous product
and houses displays of old farming
equipment, samples of 1,600-year-old
Peruvian vessels, and a visual presentation
about the potato industry in Idaho.
At the Spud Cellar Gift Shop, you can
purchase almost any potato gift imaginable,
including T-shirts, potato lotion,
and potato fudge.
visitidaho.org |
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Paris Tabernacle
Mallard duck
Bear Lake
Whitetail Deer
Caribou Mountains
Portneuf River