Pictured above: St. Anthony Sand Dunes
Idaho has something for everyone, whether you are interested in great food and drink or heart-pounding outdoor activities. Try a James Beard-nominated restaurant, like Amano’s or the Stanley Supper Club, or sip at one of the 80-plus breweries and 60-plus wineries. Are you looking for more adventure? Follow any one of the 31 scenic byways to find thrilling activities like jet boating in the deepest river gorge in North America, Hells Canyon, or hiking in the largest wilderness space outside of Alaska, the Frank Church River of No Return. Finally, enjoy a peaceful moment taking in the nature around you at one of more than 130 hot springs like Goldbug, near Salmon, or Burgdorf, near McCall.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Basque culture — Honoring the pioneer spirit through food and dance is Basque tradition. In 2025, enjoy a bigger celebration in July with Jaialdi, a festival held every five years in Boise.
Skiing — Breathe in cold, crisp air under endless sunny skies as you carve down world-class slopes at any of Idaho’s 19 ski areas. In 2025, Sun Valley will host the Alpine World Cup Finals in March.
NATIVE AMERICAN CULTURE:
Appaloosa Museum — Step through the history of this distinct horse breed. Appaloosa horses were cultivated by the Nez Perce, allowing their tribe to become fearsome warriors.
Camas Lily Days — Celebrate the coming of summer while standing in a sea of purple blooms. Camas Lily Days honors the return of camas lilies, a staple in Native American diets.
Indian Relay Races — A centuries-old tradition for the Shoshone and Bannock people. You can marvel at the speed riding teams reach throughout the summer in eastern Idaho.
OFF THE BEATEN PATH:
Polly Beamis Ranch — Tucked deep in the Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness sits the log cabin of pioneer woman Polly Beamis. Visit this historic site on a jet boat up the Main Fork of the Salmon River.
Emerald Creek Garnets — Try your hand at panning for gemstones at Emerald Creek. This is one of only two sites in the world where you can find star garnets. Visitors who find gems get to keep them!
St. Anthony Sand Dunes — Formed after the last Ice Age, these 121-metre-tall white quartz sand dunes rise up from the Snake River Plain. Enjoy riding around these dunes on ATVs.
Oregon Trail — Follow in the wheel ruts of pioneers searching for a better life at the National California/Oregon Trail Center in Montpelier. Then find some of these same people trekking west at City of Rocks, where they carved their names in the stones.
THE GREAT OUTDOORS:
Rails to Trails — Roll along past towering pine trees and over stunning train trestles while looking for eagles, moose and deer. Try Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes or Ashton to Tetonia rails to trails for breathtaking views.
Natural Thrills — With over 5,000 kilometres of whitewater to enjoy, rafting on an Idaho river is a great way to explore the state’s natural beauty. Try the adrenaline-pumping Lochsa River or the calmer Payette River.
Western Lifestyle — Saddle up and hold onto to your hat as you trek through some of Idaho’s most stunning mountain landscapes on horseback. Western Pleasure near Sandpoint or Dry Ridge Outfitters in Island Park offer trips that will have you reaching for the camera.
Images courtesy of Idaho Tourism. For more information, visit VisitIdaho.org.
