As we prepare to ring in the new year in Idaho with our famous Idaho Potato Drop, it’s important to look back and reflect upon 2016. But it’s just as important to think ahead to 2017 and all of the places to see, things to do, and opportunities to explore and experience even more beauty (and delicious eats) here in the Gem State. As we countdown to a brand new season, check out this list of 15 places to add to your 2017 Idaho bucket list. And stay tuned for Part II!
- Ride the longest gondola in the world at Silver Mountain Resort in Kellogg.
Silver Mountain/Facebook Forget the Alps or a trip to Vail; this world record-holding gem runs year-round and is open to all ages. It’s 3.1 miles of heartpounding, breathtaking views all the way from the base of Silver Mountain in downtown Kellogg to the snowy, picturesque summit.
More info and directions.
- Feed the bears at Yellowstone Bear World.
Yellowstone Bear World/Facebook Here, you can take a drive-thru tour of the area and see some of Idaho’s most majestic creatures up close and personal, take a curator tour for the chance to see them enjoy a delicious snack, feed baby bears, and enjoy the company of wild and tame animals alike.
More info and directions.
- Take an inspirational walk through Cleo’s Ferry Museum.
Jennifer/OnlyInYourState A journey for both heart and soul, this whimsical trail meanders through multiple oases, captivating sculpture gardens, and heartfelt faith retreats right along the historic waters of the Snake River in Melba. The photo ops abound, and the opportunities for relaxation and rejuvenation are what this local gem is all about.
More info and directions.
- Hike through Black Magic Canyon.
Dan Larson Uniquely hidden and only hike-able during certain times of the year, Black Magic Canyon is a truly unique journey that is a treat for both the imagination and the senses. Dip and weave around naturally carved rock sculptures, chiseled by the power of the river and challenge your stamina with multiple slippery scrambles in one of the state’s most overlooked canyons.
More info and directions.
- Camp at the oldest state park in the Northwest.
Heyburn State Park ID/Facebook Heyburn State Park in Plummer was established in 1908, but you wouldn’t know its age from the looks of it. Instead, you’ll find some perfect, star-studded views of the Milky Way without the drive into Canada.
More info and directions.
- Hike to the abandoned B-23 Dragon Bomber in Idaho’s wilderness.
goochrules/Flickr Idaho’s most unique survival story and best-kept secret hike leads through some spectacular scenery in Valley County to a historic plane crash site like no other.
More info and directions.
- Visit the historic New Plymouth water wheels.
Linda Hoxie Just on the outskirts of the charming town of New Plymouth is scattered a series of century-old water wheels that still run every spring and summer for local irrigation. They’re a truly spectacular sight running at full speed –one that will take you back to the simpler time of Idaho’s agricultural roots.
More info and directions.
- Stroll through the most unique small town in Idaho–which also happens to be the Center of the Universe.
Wallace Idaho Chamber/Facebook Enjoy the sweet sounds of the Accordion Festival, the delicious flavors of the Huckleberry Festival, delight in the historic Depot Days, or explore the wealth of phenomenal sights, tours, nature, and architecture of this one-of-a-kind town. This is one quintessential small town that should be on everyone’s bucket list!
More info and directions.
- Tour the Butch Cassidy Museum in Montpelier.
Bank of Montpelier/Facebook The West’s most notorious criminal and rural Idaho culture collide in the historic town of Montpelier, where you can tour the bank that Cassidy and his cohorts held up–but don’t forget to drop by for Butch Cassidy Days too!
More info and directions.
- Take an extended hike to the most remote spot in Idaho.
Idaho Public Television/YouTube Find ultimate peace and quiet, plus unrivaled beauty, miles away from any trace of civilization. But be warned– this journey will likely take you a full week to complete.
More info and directions.
- Soak your cares away on the full Idaho Soaktennial Hot Springs Trail.
Ross M. Perkins/Flickr The ultimate relaxing vacation is just a soak away. On this one-of-a-kind trail, 63 hot pools–each tucked away in some of Idaho’s best hidden locales and stretching from the Idaho-Utah border all the way to Canada–are mapped for your marinating and hiking enjoyment amongst the trees.
More info and directions.
- Dine at Idaho’s oldest restaurant, the Snakepit in Enaville.
The Snakepit in Enaville, Idaho/Facebook Well over a century old and still going strong, this vibrant northern Idaho staple boasts a lively atmosphere, a rockin’ dining special, downhome live music, and the perfect gateway setting to everything that the Coeur d’Alene region has to offer. As you tilt back in your chair, you’ll have the pleasure of knowing that Wyatt Earp and other western notables probably tilted their hats right where you’re sitting.
More info and directions.
- Attend the Spirit of Boise Balloon Classic in downtown Boise.
Spirit of Boise Balloon Classic/Facebook Boise’s most colorful and eventful end-of-summer festival just gets bigger and bigger every year, boasting over 3 dozen balloons in every size, color, and shape, multiple launches, and plenty of family-friendly activities from the lush grass of Ann Morrison Park.
More info and directions.
- Dash through the snow on a winter sleigh ride.
Jodie Wilson/Flickr Multiple private and resort-owned sleigh outfitters know how to make the most of the holiday and winter seasons with this classic snow activity, but it doesn’t have to be in winter to enjoy the trip! Spring and summer still offer plenty of riding opportunities through the trees…sans snow, of course. Hot cocoa, campfires, stories, and blankets included.
- Stay overnight at an old fire lookout.
U.S. Department of Agriculture/Flickr Idaho is one of the few states that is still home to dozens of historic fire towers, each with their own picturesque views of our state’s deepest wilderness areas and complete with all of the remoteness and roughing-it wonders you could ever dream of.
More info and directions.
Are there any other places or activities you’d add to your 2017 bucket list? If so, share them with us! And don’t worry… this is only Part 1! We have plenty more Idaho adventures to share with you.
Silver Mountain/Facebook
Forget the Alps or a trip to Vail; this world record-holding gem runs year-round and is open to all ages. It’s 3.1 miles of heartpounding, breathtaking views all the way from the base of Silver Mountain in downtown Kellogg to the snowy, picturesque summit.
More info and directions.
Yellowstone Bear World/Facebook
Here, you can take a drive-thru tour of the area and see some of Idaho’s most majestic creatures up close and personal, take a curator tour for the chance to see them enjoy a delicious snack, feed baby bears, and enjoy the company of wild and tame animals alike.
More info and directions.
Jennifer/OnlyInYourState
A journey for both heart and soul, this whimsical trail meanders through multiple oases, captivating sculpture gardens, and heartfelt faith retreats right along the historic waters of the Snake River in Melba. The photo ops abound, and the opportunities for relaxation and rejuvenation are what this local gem is all about.
More info and directions.
Dan Larson
Uniquely hidden and only hike-able during certain times of the year, Black Magic Canyon is a truly unique journey that is a treat for both the imagination and the senses. Dip and weave around naturally carved rock sculptures, chiseled by the power of the river and challenge your stamina with multiple slippery scrambles in one of the state’s most overlooked canyons.
More info and directions.
Heyburn State Park ID/Facebook
Heyburn State Park in Plummer was established in 1908, but you wouldn’t know its age from the looks of it. Instead, you’ll find some perfect, star-studded views of the Milky Way without the drive into Canada.
More info and directions.
goochrules/Flickr
Idaho’s most unique survival story and best-kept secret hike leads through some spectacular scenery in Valley County to a historic plane crash site like no other.
More info and directions.
Linda Hoxie
Just on the outskirts of the charming town of New Plymouth is scattered a series of century-old water wheels that still run every spring and summer for local irrigation. They’re a truly spectacular sight running at full speed –one that will take you back to the simpler time of Idaho’s agricultural roots.
More info and directions.
Wallace Idaho Chamber/Facebook
Enjoy the sweet sounds of the Accordion Festival, the delicious flavors of the Huckleberry Festival, delight in the historic Depot Days, or explore the wealth of phenomenal sights, tours, nature, and architecture of this one-of-a-kind town. This is one quintessential small town that should be on everyone’s bucket list!
More info and directions.
Bank of Montpelier/Facebook
The West’s most notorious criminal and rural Idaho culture collide in the historic town of Montpelier, where you can tour the bank that Cassidy and his cohorts held up–but don’t forget to drop by for Butch Cassidy Days too!
More info and directions.
Idaho Public Television/YouTube
Find ultimate peace and quiet, plus unrivaled beauty, miles away from any trace of civilization. But be warned– this journey will likely take you a full week to complete.
More info and directions.
Ross M. Perkins/Flickr
The ultimate relaxing vacation is just a soak away. On this one-of-a-kind trail, 63 hot pools–each tucked away in some of Idaho’s best hidden locales and stretching from the Idaho-Utah border all the way to Canada–are mapped for your marinating and hiking enjoyment amongst the trees.
More info and directions.
The Snakepit in Enaville, Idaho/Facebook
Well over a century old and still going strong, this vibrant northern Idaho staple boasts a lively atmosphere, a rockin’ dining special, downhome live music, and the perfect gateway setting to everything that the Coeur d’Alene region has to offer. As you tilt back in your chair, you’ll have the pleasure of knowing that Wyatt Earp and other western notables probably tilted their hats right where you’re sitting.
More info and directions.
Spirit of Boise Balloon Classic/Facebook
Boise’s most colorful and eventful end-of-summer festival just gets bigger and bigger every year, boasting over 3 dozen balloons in every size, color, and shape, multiple launches, and plenty of family-friendly activities from the lush grass of Ann Morrison Park.
More info and directions.
Jodie Wilson/Flickr
Multiple private and resort-owned sleigh outfitters know how to make the most of the holiday and winter seasons with this classic snow activity, but it doesn’t have to be in winter to enjoy the trip! Spring and summer still offer plenty of riding opportunities through the trees…sans snow, of course. Hot cocoa, campfires, stories, and blankets included.
U.S. Department of Agriculture/Flickr
Idaho is one of the few states that is still home to dozens of historic fire towers, each with their own picturesque views of our state’s deepest wilderness areas and complete with all of the remoteness and roughing-it wonders you could ever dream of.
More info and directions.
Have a Happy New Year!
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