Idaho Destinations

⮕ Boise, Idaho

Explore local shops and walk the Greenbelt on an easy weekend trip.

Boise, Idaho

Where is Boise located?
- Boise is located in the tree-lined lush valley of the Boise River in southwestern Idaho, in a high-desert area of the Rocky Mountain foothills.
What makes Boise a lively city?
- Boise is a lively university town with Boise State University students dominating the cultural and sports life.
What is downtown Boise like?
- The Boise downtown area, focused around 8th Street, is full of restaurants, sidewalk cafes, galleries, and shops.
What is the Basque Block in Boise?
- The Basque Block accounts for the city’s Basque heritage.
What notable attractions can visitors see in downtown Boise?
- As you stroll through downtown, check out the Idaho State Capitol, the Boise Art Museum, the renowned classic Egyptian Theatre, and Julia Davis Park.
What can visitors find at Julia Davis Park?
- Julia Davis Park features Zoo Boise, strolling paths, and picnic areas.
What is unique about the Albertsons Stadium?
- The Albertsons Stadium, located on the BSU campus, is home to the Boise State Broncos football team and features a unique blue field.

⮕ Idaho Falls

Stroll the riverwalk and admire waterfalls on a peaceful retirement outing.

Idaho Falls

Where is Idaho Falls located?
- Stretched beneath the majestic Grand Teton in the Snake River Plain, Idaho Falls is known for its warm western hospitality, active arts community, and spectacular nature to explore and enjoy.
What art attractions are available in Idaho Falls?
- Art lovers should check what the local artists are doing at the Art Museum of Eastern Idaho and the Willard Arts Center.
- Visitors can also enjoy “Art You Can Sit On”, a collection of benches scattered downtown designed by several local artists.
What performing arts venues are in Idaho Falls?
- The venues for the performing arts include the Colonial 7 in its beautiful Greek neoclassical building.
- The Actors' Repertory Theatre of Idaho at the Phoenix Theatre offers a series of award-winning shows every year.
What outdoor activities can visitors enjoy in Idaho Falls?
- Local and visiting outdoor enthusiasts have access to 35 parks and green spaces with playing fields and trails.
What is the Idaho Falls Greenbelt?
- The popular five-mile Idaho Falls Greenbelt, found on both sides of the Snake River, is perfect for walking or biking.

⮕ Coeur d'Alene

Go boating and relax by the lake on a romantic summer getaway.

Coeur d'Alene

What makes Coeur d'Alene a magical place to visit?
- When the glaciers withdrew about ten thousand years ago, they left behind 55 magnificent lakes, all just a short drive from today’s Coeur d'Alene area.
What activities can visitors enjoy on Lake Coeur d’Alene?
- Visitors can take one of the lovely, leisurely boat cruises on Lake Coeur d’Alene and admire the views of the city and surrounding nature.
What can visitors learn at the Museum of North Idaho?
- The Museum of North Idaho will teach you about the fascinating and turbulent history of the area.
What family-friendly attractions are available?
- Families can take the kids to the Silverwood Theme Park, which features 70 slides, rides, and attractions.
Are there any recurring events in Coeur d'Alene?
- There is a special event every month of the year.
- The Art Walk, which covers seven galleries in a seven-block downtown area, takes place every month.
Where can visitors enjoy performing arts in Coeur d'Alene?
- Visitors can enjoy a show at the Coeur d'Alene Summer Theatre or the Coeur d'Alene Arts & Culture Alliance.
What art experiences are available in Coeur d'Alene?
- The Art Spirit Gallery will fascinate visitors with artworks produced by local artists.

⮕ Pocatello

Visit local museums and hike nearby trails on an affordable adventure.

Pocatello

What is unique about Pocatello?
- Pocatello is the only town in the world with a municipal ordinance making it illegal not to smile.
- This ordinance started as a joke to lift people’s spirits during a particularly brutal winter, but it became a major part of the city's identity.
Why is Pocatello called the "Gateway to the Northwest"?
- Founded by pioneers, gold miners, and settlers in 1889, Pocatello earned the nickname "Gateway to the Northwest."
What cultural attractions can visitors enjoy in Pocatello?
- Pocatello has a rich cultural life, featuring venues such as:
  - Palace Playhouse Theatre
  - Westside Players Dinner Theater, located in Pocatello's Historic Warehouse District
  - Old Town Actors Studio
What museums and historical sites are in Pocatello?
- The Idaho Museum of Natural History features collections in anthropology, life sciences, and earth sciences.
- The Shoshone-Bannock Fort Hall Reservation showcases the area's tribal history.
What winter activities are available in Pocatello?
- The Mink Creek Nordic Ski Complex has trails for everyone.
What outdoor activities are available when the snow melts?
- In warmer months, visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, golf, fishing, bird watching, and much more.

⮕ Salmon

Fish the river and explore scenic mountains on an exciting outdoor trip.

Salmon

Where is Salmon, Idaho located?
- Salmon, Idaho is a small town on the edge of the vast Frank Church-River of the No Return Wilderness.
- It serves as a gateway to some of the best fishing, hunting, and outdoor recreation.
What historical byways are near Salmon?
- A short distance from downtown Salmon are:
  - The Lewis and Clark Back Country Byway
  - The Salmon River Scenic Byway
  - The Sacajawea Historic Byway
What outdoor activities are popular in Salmon?
- Outdoor adrenaline junkies flock from all over the world to raft the fast middle fork of the River Salmon.
- The surrounding Salmon and Lemhi Valley ranges invite exploration.
What winter activities are available in Salmon?
- In the winter, visitors can enjoy:
  - Skiing
  - Ice skating
  - Ice fishing
  - Snowboarding
Is biking popular in Salmon?
- Yes! Biking is a very popular sport in Salmon, with miles of scenic trails for bikers.

⮕ Sandpoint, Idaho

Swim in Lake Pend Oreille and browse downtown shops on a fun family weekend.

Sandpoint, Idaho

What makes Sandpoint, Idaho special?
- Sandpoint, Idaho has its own fine sand beach in its downtown core.
- The beach is located on the huge Lake Pend Oreille, surrounded by three massive mountains and 111 miles of shoreline.
- The entire city life revolves around the lake.
What can visitors experience at Sandpoint’s Farmers’ Market?
- The Farmers’ Market is an open-air space where local producers offer fresh fruits, vegetables, and handicrafts.
- There is also live music to enjoy.
What is unique about the Cedar Street Bridge Public Market?
- The Cedar Street Bridge Public Market features a series of shops, restaurants, and seasonal events.
- It is located on a bridge over Sand Creek in downtown Sandpoint.
Where can art lovers explore in Sandpoint?
- Art lovers can find something to satisfy their interests with two-dozen galleries all over town.
- One great example is the Hallans Gallery.
What attractions are available for kids in Sandpoint?
- Kids will love Silverwood Theme Park, which features 60 rides, attractions, and shows.
Where can visitors learn about Sandpoint’s history?
- The Bonner County Historical Society and Museum provides insights into the city’s past.
What makes skiing in Sandpoint special?
- When it comes to skiing, it is difficult to beat the award-winning Schweitzer Retreat.

⮕ Mountain Home

See desert views and explore local parks on a quiet spring outing.

Mountain Home

Where is Mountain Home located?
- Mountain Home is snuggled between the Danskin and Owyhee Mountains.
- It is located less than 40 miles from Boise.
What is the history of Mountain Home?
- Mountain Home was originally just a post office at Rattlesnake Station and a stagecoach stop on the Overland Stage Line.
What is the significance of the Mountain Home Air Force Base?
- Mountain Home is home to the Mountain Home Air Force Base, and the city and base lives are intricately linked.
What outdoor adventures can visitors enjoy?
- The surrounding mountains offer spectacular outdoor adventures.
- Start with the Bruneau Canyon Overlook, which offers a magnificent view of the 800-feet deep canyon of the Bruneau River.
What makes Bruneau Dunes State Park unique?
- Bruneau Dunes State Park features 470-foot tall sand dunes towering above two small lakes, creating a very different landscape.
Where can visitors learn about Mountain Home’s history?
- Visitors can learn about the area's history at the Mountain Home Historical Museum.
- They can also visit historic Silver City, established in 1864, where they can imagine the way of life of early settlers and even pan for gold.
What can visitors experience at Three Island Crossing State Park?
- Visitors can enjoy the lush green Three Island Crossing State Park on the Snake River.
- They can also visit the Oregon Trail History & Education Center located in the park to learn about the early pioneers and Native Americans living in the area at the time.

⮕ Meridian

Go shopping and enjoy splash pads during a fun kids-friendly day.

Meridian

Where is Meridian located?
- Meridian is a friendly small town in the heart of the Treasure Valley.
When was Meridian established?
- Meridian was established in 1891.
How did Meridian become a thriving farming community?
- Early settlers built Settlers' Irrigation Ditch in 1892, transforming the arid region into a thriving farming community.
Why is Meridian known as a dairy center?
- When a creamery was built in 1897 followed by the establishment of other dairy-related businesses, Meridian became known as a dairy center for the state.
What cultural attractions are in Meridian?
- The Meridian Symphony Orchestra has been active for more than 20 years.
- Artists display their latest creations at the Initial Point Gallery in Meridian City Hall.
- The Meridian History Center, also located in City Hall, houses archived photos, documents, and artifacts from Meridian's past.
What family-friendly attractions are in Meridian?
- Roaring Springs, a large water park, is a great spot for kids.
- Wahooz is an entertainment complex featuring go-karts, miniature golf, bumper boats, bowling, an arcade, and more.
How many public parks are in Meridian?
- There are seventeen public parks in the city.
- The most popular is Meridian Settlers Regional Park, where free movies are shown during the summer.
What is the Village at Meridian?
- The Village at Meridian is the true heart of the city, a large outdoor shopping mall.
- It features shops, an ice rink, a theater, an arcade, a playground, and a fountain.
- A music and light show takes place every hour in the playground.

⮕ Nampa

Visit wineries and explore downtown sights on a relaxing couples trip.

Nampa

Where is Nampa located?
- Nampa is located in Southwest Idaho in the heart of Idaho's wine country.
When was Nampa established?
- Nampa was established in the early 1880s when the Oregon Short Line Railroad passed through the community.
Why is Nampa known as a railroad town?
- As the importance of the railroad grew, Nampa became an important and thriving railroad town.
- The historic Oregon Short Line Depot was built in 1903 to celebrate and showcase the history of the railroad and Nampa.
What is the heart of Nampa?
- The heart of Nampa is its Historic Downtown, a dedicated Main Street community with numerous shops, galleries, and restaurants.
What is Celebration Park known for?
- Celebration Park, located on the Paiute Indians’ wintering ground, is the city’s most popular park.
- It features unique 12,000-year-old Indian art.
What can visitors experience at Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge?
- Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge includes the beautiful 11,000-acre Lake Lowell.
- It is a popular spot for watching wildlife, hunting, fishing, and environmental education.

⮕ Ketchum

Ski the slopes and enjoy cozy dining on a winter weekend escape.

Ketchum

When was Ketchum established?
- Ketchum was established in 1880 and was one of the richest mining areas in the Northwest.
How did Ketchum become a tourist destination?
- With the development of the Sawtooth Recreation Area and the Sun Valley Resort, Ketchum became primarily a tourist resort and recreation area.
What outdoor activities can visitors enjoy in Ketchum?
- The city attracts tourists for its fabulous fishing, trail riding, hiking, tennis, and more.
What is Ketchum’s connection to Ernest Hemingway?
- Ketchum was the last home of Ernest Hemingway, who was buried in the Ketchum Cemetery.
- Visitors can see his memorial on Trail Creek Road.
What art experiences does Ketchum offer?
- The Sun Valley Center for the Arts offers theatre productions, visual arts, music, and educational programs.
- Ketchum has nine major art galleries and hosts the annual Art Walk, when all galleries are open.
Where can visitors learn about Ketchum’s history?
- The best place to learn about the city’s history is the Ketchum Sun Valley Historical Society.
- The Ore Wagon Museum celebrates the city’s mining origins with a collection of original 1880s ore wagons used in the historic Wood River Valley.
What seasonal attractions does Ketchum offer?
- In the winter, visitors can enjoy skiing at the Sun Valley Resort.
- In the summer, a visit to the magical Sawtooth National Forest is a must.