The Best College Town In Idaho

Located in eastern Idaho, Rexburg holds a unique place in the state’s story. Established in the late 1800s, what began as a modest settlement grew rapidly supported by agriculture, industrious settlers, and an emerging sense of community. Over the years, Rexburg played a significant role in regional development, serving as a center for local farming efforts and drawing interest because of its resourceful population. By the early 1900s, it had carved out an identity as a forward-thinking community committed to education and progress.

That commitment paved the way for Rexburg to become a leading college town in Idaho. There are several factors that typically define a top-tier college town: a university with a strong academic reputation, a safe and welcoming environment, and a blend of cultural, recreational, and economic opportunities for both students and residents.

Rexburg meets all of these standards and then some, with recent country-wide recognition speaking volumes about the town and its university, Brigham Young University-Idaho. Not only was it ranked as the second safest college town in the United States by Research.com, Forbes named it the third best college town in the country. High praise indeed.

The Founding of Brigham Young University-Idaho

Brigham Young University-Idaho, or BYU-Idaho, has undoubtedly been the cornerstone of Rexburg’s past and will certainly play an important role in its future. Established in 1888, the institution began as Bannock Stake Academy, set up by local church and civic leaders who recognized the need for formal education in the region. It quickly grew, thanks to strong support from the community and local church leadership, eventually becoming known as Ricks College, a name that paid tribute to Thomas E. Ricks, a leader and settler who was influential in choosing Rexburg as the location for the school.

Over the decades, Ricks College built a solid reputation for academic achievement and student involvement, drawing attendees from nearby towns as well as other parts of the United States. In 2000, Ricks College underwent a major transformation, officially becoming Brigham Young University-Idaho, a change that elevated the institution’s stature as a four-year university within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ educational system.

Today, BYU-Idaho attracts close to 20,000 students annually and offers a wide range of majors, from business and engineering to fine arts and education. It’s also frequently recognized in national rankings for its commitment to quality teaching, student-centered learning, and affordability, with graduates exceling in fields from government service and entrepreneurship to academia and media. Notable examples include Richard D. Hansen, a respected archaeologist; actor and musician Kirby Heyborne; and influencer Stuart Edge, whose YouTube channel attracts millions of followers.

The Relationship Between “Town and Gown”

The BYU-Idaho campus, located close to the heart of Rexburg, integrates seamlessly with the town’s core, ensuring students and faculty are never far from local businesses and events. From the very beginning, Rexburg has been shaped by the university’s presence with generations of students having called the town home, contributing to local businesses, community projects, and volunteer efforts.

The town’s population has grown significantly in tandem with the university’s enrollment. In terms of economic influence, BYU-Idaho’s student body stimulates local businesses by renting apartments, dining at restaurants, and purchasing everyday goods. As a result, housing developments have expanded over the years to accommodate the ongoing stream of new students, and numerous local companies cater directly to the university community. Culturally, the campus hosts an array of public lectures, concerts, sports tournaments, and community outreach programs, with football games and other athletic events in particular drawing crowds of both students and locals.

The university also fosters cultural interaction by hosting music recitals, theatrical productions, and art exhibitions. For instance, performances of the school’s orchestra have become a beloved tradition, and students and faculty also organize academic conferences that bring notable scholars to the town, adding an intellectual dimension to the region.

Must-See Campus Attractions

The BYU-Idaho Center (BCTR) is a multi-purpose building that serves as a venue for devotionals, forums, musical events, and large-scale university gatherings. Designed with a spacious auditorium seating up to 15,000 people, you can check the schedule of events for anything from classical music concerts to motivational speaker engagements.

Dedicated to the founder whose vision brought higher education to Rexburg, the Thomas E. Ricks Building (RKS) houses classrooms and administrative offices and serves as a symbol of the institution’s ties to local history. Inside, plaques and historical displays pay homage to Ricks, detailing his role in guiding the community. The John Taylor Building, named after a key figure in the Church’s history, represents the spiritual cornerstone of BYU-Idaho and features rooms dedicated to religious instruction.

The campus itself covers over 430 acres and is fun to explore on foot. As you wander, keep an eye out for the university’s museums, including the the Geology Museum with its displays of minerals, rocks, and fossils; and the Life-Science Museum with its exhibits of local wildlife. The Jacob Spori Art Gallery is a great stop for those who appreciate art and features exhibits by students as well as national and international artists (admission is free).

Exploring Rexburg’s Urban Attractions

Some of the best sightseeing in Rexburg is easily accessible from the university campus, including a few, like the Rexburg Idaho Temple, that are within walking distance. Dedicated in 2008, this impressive single-spired place of worship, positioned on a rise that overlooks the city, makes for a superb photo opportunity.

The Legacy Flight Museum, located a short drive from campus at the Rexburg-Madison County Airport, is home to a collection of around 15 vintage aircraft, some of which still fly. Fun guided tours include a close-up look at these well-preserved historic planes as well as fascinating stories of their roles in World War II and beyond. Occasional flight demonstrations and events are also hosted.

For a chance to some of Idaho’s native wildlife, Yellowstone Bear World is an easy 15-minute drive south of town and offers a drive-through experience where bears, elk, bison, and other species roam in realistic habitats. This family-friendly attraction also has a petting zoo where children and curious adults can interact with some of their gentler animals.

Natural Sites and Landmarks

Idaho’s best college town is also located close to some of North America's most stunning scenery. Rexburg makes for an excellent base from which to explore Yellowstone National Park and the Grand Tetons, both a scenic couple of hours away to the east of campus in neighboring Wyoming. Jackson Hole is also easy to reach and features outdoor adventures such as fishing, rafting, and even trail riding on horseback.

Closer to home, fun outdoor activities such as rock climbing, kayaking, hiking, and whitewater rafting are all available to do on campus. Another fun place to visit is Warm Slough, which is a popular area for floating down the Snake River in the summer in a tube, kayak, or canoe, or simply soaking up the scenery. Come winter, the Idaho countryside becomes a winter wonderland with fun activities on local hills including sledding and cross-country skiing.

Rexburg Nature Park is another great spot for some fun outdoors that’s close to the downtown area. This popular community gathering place features scenic trails and a fishing pond, and hosts a variety of wildlife including ducks, geese, and the occasional heron.

Where To Stay and Dine

For those looking to stay close to BYU-Idaho, several hotels and rental options sit within walking distance of campus. Places like the SpringHill Suites Rexburg, close to University Avenue, or the AmericInn by Wyndham near the downtown core offer comfortable lodging within walking distance of the university’s main buildings. While there are of course cheaper accommodations further away, the convenience of being able to explore the campus and return to your room without the need for a car is certainly a benefit.

Dining options around Rexburg are as varied as they are plentiful, with a range of great cafés, sandwich shops, and sit-down eateries serving up everything from classic American burgers to international flavors. Restaurants such as The Hickory offer hearty barbecue dishes, while other nearby spots like Righteous Slice cater to those who enjoy pizza, tacos, or fresh salads, and are worthy of their high consumer ratings. And with so many students in the area, several establishments stay open later in the evening, providing quick bites and laid-back hangouts for study sessions or casual gatherings.

The Final Word

There’s little doubt that Rexburg’s growth is intimately tied to the progress of BYU-Idaho. What started as a small academy more than a century ago has since developed into a thriving university that not only boosts the local economy but also enriches the community’s cultural scene. Regularly rated as one of the safest and best college towns in the country, Rexburg is as excellent a destination for students seeking a fulfilling educational experience as it is for faculty, residents, as well as tourists.