Idaho is a beautiful state full of mountains, water, trees, and city life; it offers a variety of everything. No matter the time of year, there are awesome activities available across the state. Whether you are a traveler or just looking to wander, here are some must visit places in the Gem State.
McCall
McCall is a beautiful mountain town that sits on the southern shore of Payette Lake. Summer and winter offer a variety of fun activities. It is a great small town for families and is full of activities for all age groups. Visit downtown and grab a bite to eat at one of the many local restaurants and then head out to explore.
During summertime, the sunny weather is perfect for visitors to kayak, paddleboard, and swim in the vibrant blue lake. You can also hike in the area or visit various music and art festivals.
Brundage Mountain shines in the wintertime, where you can ski, snowboard, or go snowmobiling. The famous Winter Carnival in late January is a 10-day festival full of live music, fireworks, ice sculptures, and Mardi Gras parade. You can also check out the hot springs or simply enjoy being in the snow.
Coeur d’ Alene
Coeur d’ Alene is one of the largest towns in the state. This beautiful area with more than 55 lakes has endless possibilities for water based activities. There are plenty of options to choose from, whether you want to take a lake cruise, go sailing, kayaking, or whitewater rafting. If you are a golfer there are 18 courses, so you are sure to find one you enjoy. Silverwood Theme Park is a great summer activity with over 65 rides including roller coasters, waterslides, wave pools, etc.
If you are interested in hiking, the Tubbs Hill Nature Trails are beautiful and span over 120 acres of land. They are very scenic and feature lots of photo opportunities. If you prefer to take it easy on vacation, check out the charming Coeur d’ Alene downtown filled with shops, restaurants, and art galleries. You can also visit the Farmer’s Market and pick up some fresh produce or crafts.
In the winter, there are over 121 runs from the three different ski resorts. The Silver Mountain Resort is a top notch resort that gets over 300 inches of snow annually. It also offers a golf course and the largest indoor water park in Idaho.
Shoshone Falls, Twin Falls
The most beautiful waterfall in Idaho is Shoshone Falls. Sometimes referred to as the “Niagara of the West,” Shoshone Falls is located on the Snake River and is a great site to see. The water falls a whopping 200 feet to the water below. Peak visit time is in the spring and early summer. The area offers hiking trails, picnic areas, boat ramp, swimming areas, and scenic overlook. Plus, enjoy a picnic while you look at the beautiful view.
While you’re there, check out the town of Twin Falls. If you are a golfer, you will be amazed at the 18 hole course located at the base of the towering Snake River Canyon. Expect to see lots of wildlife and be wowed by the setting.
Bruneau Dunes State Park, Bruneau
This beautiful state park hosts the tallest freestanding sand dunes in the U.S., the highest reaching 470 feet. A fun spot to visit with friends or family, climbing up them to workout and rent a sandboard to slide down them. It’s like sledding without the cold! In the area, there are lots of hiking trails and camping areas. The park has a variety of wildlife like birds, coyotes and more. Check out the museum to learn more about the geology of the area.
Most visitors go during the warmer parts of the day, but the evening is an awesome time to cool down and check out the summer months. This trip is better suited for the warmer months.
Sun Valley/Ketchum
These are beautiful cities in both the summer and winter. Sun Valley and Ketchum are close next door neighbors in south-central Idaho. Sun Valley is known for their ski resort, but there are lots of fun activities to do year round. If you are interested in hitting the slopes, there are two options; Bald Mountain and Dollar Mountain. These resorts are great options for both beginner and advanced skiers and snowboarders.
In the spring and summer you can check out fly fishing in the pristine rivers, go horseback riding, or go hiking. You can also bike up the mountains and enjoy the nice views from the top. Both cities have beautiful architecture and host a variety of restaurants, shops, and other fun things in their downtown area. There are themed Wagon Festivals in the summertime.
Ketchum is known for Ernest Hemingway and the Sun Valley Lodge where he worked on For Whom the Bell Tolls. The lodge is beautiful with restaurants and shops located in it. Walks and other fun activities offered at the lodge year round.
Boise
The capital of Idaho, and the largest city in the state. Boise is beautiful and a booming city. The downtown displays the beautiful capital and a wide range of restaurants, shops, and local businesses. It gives off a small town charm with big city attractions. The capital is open year round with guided group tours or individual tours.
There are endless outdoor activity options: fly-fishing, mountain biking, rock climbing, hiking, etc. A fun summer activity is the inner tube floating down the Boise river. The History Museum, Boise art Museum, and multiple performing art centers are a great way to learn more about Idaho’ history or sit back and enjoy a performance.
Whether you are looking to travel now or in the future, Idaho Reverse Mortgage is here to help. We can help secure your reverse mortgage, so you can use the funds to start planning a trip somewhere in Idaho. Contact us today!