12 Best Things to Do in Island Park, Idaho

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Harriman State Park is situated in a wildlife refuge spanning approximately 11,000 acres within the greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. The Henry's Fork of the scenic Snake River, one of the country’s best fly fishing streams, winds its way through eight miles of the park. More than twenty miles of trails can be found throughout Harriman State Park, offering opportunities for cross-country skiing, horseback riding, biking, and hiking. Visitors can also take a guided horseback tour of the park with Dry Ridge Outfitters. Many original buildings of the historic “Railroad Ranch” can be seen in the park as well.

3489 Green Canyon Rd, Island Park, ID 83429, Phone: 208-558-7368

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Situated at Big Springs, the Johnny Sack Cabin can be found in Island Park, Idaho approximately five miles to the east of Mack’s Inn along Highway 20. Visitors can reach the one-of-a-kind cabin by way of a paved, short walking path that starts at the Big Springs campground. The unique furnishings, construction, and location of the cabin offers an interesting visit. Part of what makes Johnny Sack’s craftsmanship unique is his use of bark in the cabin’s details, as well as the furniture inside, giving color and creative texture to ceiling lamps, wall panels, beds, desks, charis, and more.

S Big Springs Loop Rd, Island Park, ID 83429, Phone: 208-624-7332

© Henry's Fork Anglers

Henry's Fork Anglers, located on Highway 20 in the outdoor adventure-filled town of Island Park, is just a short distance upstream from the scenic Harriman State Park. As the name suggests, guests can experience some of the nation’s best dry fly fishing on Henry’s Fork, with the fly shop situated near the fork of Snake River’s banks. Henry's Fork Anglers provides locals and visitors alike with some of the best guide services and outfitting in the area. The guides are able to patiently introduce beginners to fly fishing or challenge the skills of some of the most experienced anglers.

3340 US-20, Island Park, ID 83429, Phone: 208-558-7525

© Yellowstone Playhouse

The Yellowstone Playhouse has been entertaining both tourists and locals in Island Park, Idaho and the greater Yellowstone area for more than a decade, offering plenty of family-friendly entertainment and fun near the west gate of Yellowstone. A summer stock dinner theater, the Yellowstone Playhouse was founded by Julie and Andrew Durrant in 2008 after they began leasing the building and changed its name from the old Mack's Inn Dinner Theater, launching the theater into a fresh, new direction. The theater now presents musical spoofs for all ages and serves dinners made on-site, including options like prime rib.

5163 N Highway 20 West Yellowstone, Island Park, ID 83429

© Yellowstone Horses - Eagle Ridge Ranch

The Eagle Ridge Ranch is Island Park is a working cattle ranch that has been offering horseback rides for more than twenty years. Visitors can explore the beautiful scenery of the ranch during a horseback ride from May to September, Monday to Saturday. The horses are given a much deserved break on Sundays. Visitors of all skill levels can enjoy horseback riding here. However, there’s more to the Eagle Ridge Ranch than simply grazing cattle and horseback riding. Conveniently located between Island Park and Yellowstone National Park, the ranch also includes paddling, canoeing, fishing in private fishing ponds, and cabin rentals.

3438 Old Shotgun Rd #2, Island Park, ID 83429, Phone: 208-558-7077

© TRR Outfitters - Island Park

TRR Outfitters is a family-owned and operated outfitting company run by Three Rivers Ranch in the town of Island Park, Idaho. For almost one hundred years, TRR has been providing top quality resources, education, and gear to anglers, as well as guided fishing trips and lodging in Idaho, Yellowstone National Park, Oregon, and Montana. TRR Outfitters operates a full-service fly fishing shop on the banks of Snake River’s Henry's Fork, where anglers can find a full selection of fly fishing gear. In addition to all manner of fly fishing equipment, the store also carries some supplies for camping.

3386 US-20, Island Park, ID 83429, Phone: 208-558-7501

© Ponds Lodge

The historic Ponds Lodge in Island Park, Idaho has become a destination for visitors looking for a “true mountain adventure” with numerous amenities. The main building of the lodge houses a restaurant and full-service bar and is open daily to both Ponds Lodge guests and the general public. The restaurant serves a menu designed for a variety of tastes, from its hearty breakfasts to lunch to elegant dinners. The lounge offers a wide selection of beers on-tap, wines, and a full bar. Guests of Ponds Lodge can also enjoy several different outdoor recreation activities and miles of trails.

3757 US-20, Island Park, ID 83429, Phone: 208-558-7221

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The Elk Creek Ranch lies on five hundred acres of land only thirty minutes away from the famous Yellowstone National Park. Featuring a private trout-stocked lake, the secluded and quiet ranch offers an ideal base for visitors to explore the region. Guests can take in amazing views of the lake as they dine on a farm breakfast family-style dinner in the historic lodge’s restaurant. Sack lunches are available as well for those who want to spend the day outdoors. The back porch offers a place to relax after dinner for a great bird’s eye view of the surrounding nature.

3906 Phillips Loop Rd, Island Park, ID 83429, Phone: 208-558-7404

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One of the Snake River’s headwaters, Big Springs near Island Park, Idaho is a large spring that features a massive volume of gushing crystal clear waters. There are two things that Big Springs is known best for. The first one is Johnny Sacks cabin and the second is the large trout that can be seen from the bridge over the springs. While the springs are known for the huge rainbow trout, fishing isn’t permitted. A particularly popular place during the summer months, facilities around Big Springs include a picnic area, walking trails that include a handicap-accessible trail, camping areas, and parking.

© Meadow Vue Ranch

Meadow Vue Ranch is located in Island Park, Idaho and near the famous Yellowstone National Park. Offering a dinner and rodeo, this unique dining experience offers fun for guests of all ages. Taking place on Wednesday and Saturday nights during the summer season, Meadow Vue Ranch provides visitors with a glimpse into the “cowboy way of life.” Evenings begin with a one-hour rodeo that’s full of all the rodeo classics, such as kids calf riding, roping, pole bending, barrel racing, bareback riding, saddle bronc riding, and bull riding. A dinner of dutch oven chicken, fire grilled steaks, potatoes, and more follows.

3728 Red Rock Rd, Island Park, ID 83429, 208-558-7411

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TroutHunter’s Last Chance Bar and Grill is considered by many to be a true gathering place for anglers. Guests are able to dine on fine dining fare, but in a more casual setting where a variety of delicious dishes are made from scratch using seasonal fresh ingredients. Food is served at Last Chance Bar and Grilled from morning to night during the fishing season, with cocktails served until late night. Diners can also take in the views of the Henry’s Fork from the seating on the outdoor patio, in the restaurant’s dining room, or at the bar.

3327 US-20, Island Park, ID 83429, 208-558-9900

© Connie's

Connie and Jum Funkhouser owned and operated the Island Park Lodge for 25 years and decided to open Connie’s Restaurant and Saloon in Island Park, Idaho in 2014. Drawing from their many years of experience, the couple created another local eatery that’s great for both visitors and locals alike. The menu at Connie’s features many high quality dishes, such as their original Sawtell Burger, specialty pasta dishes, BBQ Baby Back Ribs, and Prime Rib. Dessert options include ice cream and pies baked on site. Connie’s also offers a full-service saloon that serves as a great place to start off a meal.

4130 Quakie Ln, Island Park, ID 83429, 208-558-6987