I came to Idaho for the landscapes, but I stayed for the little moments: the quiet soak in a natural hot spring, the shimmer of a lake at dusk, the laughter echoing on a wooden rollercoaster, or the hush of a garden path I didn’t expect to love so much.
This state doesn’t shout to be noticed. It reveals itself slowly, trail by trail, museum by museum, view by view. And somewhere between the mountain air and a huckleberry milkshake, I remember thinking, “There’s way more to Idaho than people realize.” Here are a few of the places that made me stop, smile, and stay just a little longer.
Best Things to Do in Idaho
Soaking it all in at Lava Hot Springs
Lava Hot Springs was one of those rare places where my whole body and brain seemed to let go at the same time. The steam rose up in the cool air, the mineral-rich water surrounded me, and the world felt blissfully quiet. I remember thinking, “I didn’t realize how much tension I was carrying until it melted away.”
What I Loved Most: Switching between the steamy hot pools and the crisp mountain air—pure therapy. And watching the river rush past added this meditative soundtrack I didn’t know I needed.
My highlight? A cozy meal at Riverwalk Thai, where I had the yellow curry with tofu and jasmine rice. Warm, spicy, and so comforting after a long soak. Sitting near the window, wrapped in a blanket, I felt completely reset.
Lava Hot Springs At a Glance
- Drive Time from Pocatello: ~45 minutes southeast
- Vibe: Healing, mellow, small-town cozy
- Highlights: Soaking pools, river tubing, massage options
- Best Time to Visit: Fall or spring for fewer crowds
- Cost: $8–$12 for pool access
- Hours: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily
- Address: 430 E Main St, Lava Hot Springs, ID 83246
Getting lost in the light at Lake Coeur d'Alene
The lake shimmered like a dream, light bouncing off the water in every direction. There was something deeply peaceful about just being near it—whether cruising along the shoreline or sitting on the dock with bare feet dangling. I remember thinking, “This is the kind of place that makes you feel small in the best way.”
What I Loved Most: Paddleboarding early in the morning, watching mist lift off the lake, then slowly drifting back to shore while the world woke up.
My highlight? A waterfront lunch at Cedar’s Floating Restaurant, where I had fresh grilled trout with lemon butter and a local cider. The views stretched for miles, and everything tasted like summer.
Lake Coeur d’Alene At a Glance
- Drive Time from Spokane, WA: ~40 minutes east
- Vibe: Tranquil, scenic, classic lake getaway
- Highlights: Boating, paddleboarding, biking the Centennial Trail
- Best Time to Visit: Late spring through early fall
- Cost: Free lake access; boat rentals ~$20/hr
- Hours: Open daily
- Address: Lake Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814
Strolling through serenity at the Idaho Botanical Garden
This wasn’t just a garden—it was a calm and colorful pause in my day. Every path wound through a new kind of quiet, from desert blooms to shaded groves and leafy sculptures. I remember thinking, “Places like this remind you to slow down and notice the small things.”
What I Loved Most: Sitting on a stone bench under a flowering tree, listening to bees and feeling the dry breeze drift by.
My highlight? I grabbed an iced lavender tea at the on-site café and wandered the Meditation Garden with it in hand. It was fragrant, floral, and felt like something a softer version of me would always drink.
Idaho Botanical Garden At a Glance
- Drive Time from downtown Boise: ~10 minutes east
- Vibe: Peaceful, lush, thoughtful
- Highlights: Native plants, Meditation Garden, live concerts in summer
- Best Time to Visit: Spring for blooms, fall for crisp walks
- Cost: $10 general admission
- Hours: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily (seasonal)
- Address: 2355 Old Penitentiary Rd, Boise, ID 83712
Finding joy in the unexpected at the Museum of Clean
I went in expecting something quirky—and walked out genuinely moved. The Museum of Clean was playful, yes, but it was also thoughtful, full of stories about how clean spaces connect to clear minds and healthy lives. I remember thinking, “Who knew a mop could make me emotional?”
What I Loved Most: The vintage cleaning tools and the light-hearted energy of every exhibit. It made me smile more than I expected.
My highlight? After the tour, I popped into Museum Café and had their “Dirt-Free Delight” sandwich—turkey, apple slices, brie, and fig spread on sourdough. It was fresh, sweet, and totally on theme.
Museum of Clean At a Glance
- Drive Time from Twin Falls: ~1.5 hours northeast
- Vibe: Whimsical, educational, surprisingly deep
- Highlights: Interactive exhibits, vintage cleaning tools, eco-messages
- Best Time to Visit: Anytime—it’s all indoors
- Cost: $8 general admission
- Hours: Tue–Sat, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Address: 711 S 2nd Ave, Pocatello, ID 83201
Big thrills at Silverwood Theme Park
I hadn’t expected to scream and laugh so much in one afternoon. Silverwood brought the full rollercoaster experience—plus a splash of water park fun—all wrapped in pine trees and mountain views. I remember thinking, “I’m way too old to be this giddy…but here we are.”
What I Loved Most: The wooden coaster “Tremors” shaking my bones and making me grin like a teenager again. Plus, the lazy river for balance.
My highlight? Fried pickles and a huckleberry milkshake from Lindy’s, the on-site diner. Sweet, salty, silly—just like the day.
Silverwood Theme Park At a Glance
- Drive Time from Coeur d’Alene: ~30 minutes north
- Vibe: High-energy, family fun, nostalgic
- Highlights: Coasters, Boulder Beach water park, classic carnival games
- Best Time to Visit: Summer (park open May–Sept)
- Cost: ~$60 adult day pass
- Hours: Varies by season; typically 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
- Address: 27843 US-95, Athol, ID 83801
Riding through wonder on the Route of the Hiawatha
This was more than just a bike ride—it was an unforgettable journey through tunnels, over sky-high trestles, and deep into forested magic. The Route of the Hiawatha felt like time travel with a gentle breeze. I remember thinking, “This is the kind of beauty you don’t rush.”
What I Loved Most: Coasting through the 1.6-mile St. Paul Pass Tunnel and emerging into sunlight—it felt like being reborn into the mountains.
My highlight? A post-ride bite at The Trailside Café—a warm panini with roast beef, sharp cheddar, and horseradish cream. It hit the spot after the ride and paired perfectly with a cold lemonade.
Route of the Hiawatha At a Glance
- Drive Time from Wallace, ID: ~20 minutes
- Vibe: Epic, peaceful, nature-soaked
- Highlights: Bike tunnels, trestles, mountain scenery
- Best Time to Visit: Late May to mid-September
- Cost: $15 trail pass + bike rental if needed
- Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily (seasonal)
- Address: East Portal Trailhead, I-90 Exit 5, Taft, MT (border of ID)
Conclusion: Idaho, the Quiet Showstopper
By the end of my trip, Idaho had become one of those rare places that changes how you move through the world. Not just because of what I saw, but because of how I felt while I was there—curious, grounded, and just a little more open. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, biking through tunnels, soaking in steam, or strolling a wildflower trail, Idaho has this quiet magic. It doesn’t push. It doesn’t boast. But it stays with you, long after the roads wind you somewhere else.
The Story of Wild Love Preserve in Challis, Idaho
This nonprofit organization protects Idaho's iconic wild horses through community-based conservation that honors freedom, habitat, and heritage. You will find it in Challis, Idaho, set against a backdrop of the stunning White Cloud Mountains.
Jump to a Spot...
- • Soaking it all in at Lava Hot Springs
- • Getting lost in the light at Lake Coeur d'Alene
- • Strolling through serenity at the Idaho Botanical Garden
- • Finding joy in the unexpected at the Museum of Clean
- • Big thrills at Silverwood Theme Park
- • Riding through wonder on the Route of the Hiawatha
- • The Story of Wild Love Preserve in Challis, Idaho