Travel

Idaho At A Glance

Ask anyone who has ever been a 4th grader in Idaho and the one thing they're going to remember from that school year? Doing Idaho History. Not the actual history necessarily, but studying it and doing projects probably. I don't remember a lot about the actual history from that class but I do remember the field trips (the Idaho State Museum, the Capitol), making a topographical map out of styrofoam and spray paint (spray paint will melt styrofoam and it's really cool) and a huge binder of facts. Confession? I still have my binder. Yes, for real. I couldn't tell you when the last time I looked at it was (probably when my kids were in 4th grade) but I know where it is. Crazy, huh?

Today's post isn't going to be a history lesson or a sales brochure on why you should explore this beautiful state. You can study, research and make those decisions on your own. Today I want to share with you some of the amazing places we've explored in this state we call home. (These are some, not all!) There really is something for everyone here if you just take a look.

I suppose it seems fitting to start the list with one of the better known vacation destinations in Idaho: McCall. McCall is built around beautiful Payette Lake and offers all sorts of outdoor activities for every season from boating to ice skating to skiing to swimming to fishing...and let's not forget the giant pancakes & delicious ice cream. (Priorities friends.) McCall is special to me because we spent many, many summers there as a kid (it wasn't quite as touristy as it is now) in my Uncle's family cabin. So many good, carefree memories. It's definitely a different town now, but it's a beautiful destination none the less. I actually prefer the laid back feel of Little Payette Lake (just east of McCall) so definitely take those less-traveled paths to see what you find. There are loads of places to explore. Our favorite family trip there was when we rented a gorgeous cabin tucked in the woods and were able to relax and explore. When you're exploring, be sure to take a visit to Historic Roseberry.

I always like to find unique things to experience - things that aren't your "normal" road trip or camping trip. Three of those have since closed up so the chance that we got to do them makes them all the more special. Look for those moments - they might not be around forever. First, a sleigh ride up to a hidden cabin at the top of Bogus Basin for dinner and cowboy poetry. (This was not a kids trip!) Second, we took the kids to ride the Thunder Mountain Railroad that traveled from Horseshoe Bend to Banks and back. (They did a Christmas train that was lots of fun too!) Finally, we camped in a teepee at Moore's Creek. We nearly froze our butts off (do NOT be fooled - even in August the nights get cold in the mountains) but it was an amazing experience!

Another of those "unique" experiences? Staying in a Yurt in Winchester. The campground up there has so many activities geared towards kids and it was one of our favorite yurts to stay in. Staying in the yurts also gives you free access to the paddle boats, canoes and other watercraft on Lake Winchester. (Bonus!)

One thing Idaho has no shortage of is amazing waterways: Lakes, Rivers, Creeks...so many options. Oh! And don't forget to stop at Hells Canyon. (Bit of advice though? Do NOT decide to be an adventurer and drive Kleinschmidt Grade - just don't. That's yet another one of those roads that I was certain we were going to die on. We like to find those.)

Idaho is also a rock climber's & spelunker's paradise! I'd recommend stops at Craters of the Moon (pretty sure it's the only place like it on the planet), City of Rocks in the SW Corner of the state along the Mormon Trail and the "Little" City of Rocks near Fairfield. (Be sure to watch for snakes though - these locations are remote and in the warmer months that's a definite issue. Be prepared for anything.)

Up for some real adventures? Ghost Towns. Idaho was home to a number of mineral, gold, silver and precious gems strikes during it's history. I love learning about each and every one of these abandoned towns and the people that chased their dreams. There is something truly humbling about walking those roads, exploring those buildings and trying to see the countryside as they saw it. So many lives lost, so many tragedies, so much history that will never be told.

There's so much to see...so much to do...so many adventures to be had in this state. What's even cooler? I don't think there is anywhere in the state where you are more than a couple hours away from a completely different experience: desert, mountains, farms, rivers, rocks, plains, sand dunes, hot springs, cliffs...it's all here. Get outside - go explore. You'll never regret spending time with your family in the outdoors.

Clickable Souvenirs