The Best Idaho Travel Destination For Retirees
Idaho, nestled in the northwestern United States, is a state that promises to exceed your expectations. While not discussed nearly as much as the states it borders—Washington, Oregon, Utah, Nevada, Montana, and Wyoming—it boasts just as much natural beauty and fascinating history as these other northwest states. In fact, what makes Idaho such a wonderful travel destination for retirees is its diversity. Visitors will find everything from awe-inspiring national parks and monuments to vibrant cities brimming with culture and history. Keep reading to discover a few of the most exciting places for seniors to travel in Idaho.
Yellowstone National Park
If you’re planning a visit to Idaho, then you won’t want to miss stopping at the first national park in the United States, Yellowstone National Park. Over 4 million visitors make their way to Yellowstone each year, with few people realizing that Yellowstone isn’t just in Montana and Wyoming; part of the park is also located in Idaho. That said, only 1% of Yellowstone National Park is in Idaho, so we recommend venturing into the Wyoming portion of the park as well. As you may already know, Yellowstone National Park is famous for its wildlife (visitors can see bison in their natural environment) and active geysers (make sure to stand back!). A few of the park’s top attractions include the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River, Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic Spring, and Mammoth Hot Springs.
Sandpoint
Near the Canadian border in the northern part of Idaho lies the small town of Sandpoint. Home to fewer than 10,000 residents, Sandpoint is a mountain town surrounded by the Selkirk and Cabinet Mountain ranges and sits on Lake Pend Oreille (pronounced pond o-ray). Retirees will have fun between the lake and the mountains no matter what time of year they visit. In the winter, there are several ski slopes at Schweitzer Mountain Resort. In the summer, visitors can take advantage of the leading bike and walking trails that go around the lake's perimeter and up the surrounding mountains. Other must-see attractions include the Kinnikinnick Native Plant Society's arboretum and the Bonner County History Museum, which houses several rare Native American artifacts.
Hells Canyon National Recreation Area
Despite its less-than-appealing name, Hells Canyon National Recreation Area is a sight to behold. Hells Canyon National Recreation Area is located inside Wallowa-Whitman National Forest in northern Idaho. It contains the deepest river gorge in all of the United States. The gorge is nearly 8,000 feet deep and was formed by the wild waters of Snake River, over 1,000 miles long. Beyond marveling at the stunning gorge, there are several other ways that you can enjoy your time at Hells Canyon. For example, Snake River offers additional activities, like whitewater rafting, jet boating, and fishing. History and archaeology buffs will also love learning about the area’s earliest inhabitants, with records showing human habitation as far as 7,000 years back. Today, visitors can look at ancient petroglyphs and other historical remnants from early Native American tribes and the settlers that came later.
Rexburg
If you’re looking for a place to stay in Idaho, especially if you plan on exploring Yellowstone National Park, look no further than Rexburg. Roughly 83 miles south of Yellowstone in eastern Idaho is where you will find the small town of Rexburg. Rexburg is a family-friendly community that is home to roughly 40,000 inhabitants. The town is affordable and has a number of its own stand-out attractions, like the Legacy Flight Museum and the Rexburg Temple. Cress Creek Nature Trail is also nearby and is a great place for retirees to enjoy a quiet stroll. Beyond Rexburg’s proximity to Yellowstone National Park, it’s also only 85 miles west of Grand Teton National Park.
Craters of the Moon National Monument
Craters of the Moon National Monument is one of the most other-worldly destinations in the entire state of Idaho. Located in the state's southeastern corner, stepping onto the lava formations that make up this monument will make you feel like you’re walking on the moon. In fact, NASA astronauts once trained at the lava field when preparing for a moon landing. Although Craters of the Moon ended up being very different from the actual moon, it is still one of the best-preserved basalt flood areas in the continental United States. The lava formations date back to volcanic eruptions that occurred in the area between 15,000 and 20,000 years ago. While the area is still geologically active, there hasn’t been an eruption in over 2,000 years. The best way for seniors to explore Craters of the Moon National Monument is to take The Loop drive or go on a hike on the North Crater Flow Loop Trail, make sure to bring lots of water and sunscreen with you if you’re visiting in the summer.
Shoshone Falls
Did you know that only one waterfall in the United States is taller than Niagara Falls? It’s true, and the waterfall in question is Shoshone Falls in Twin Falls, Idaho. Shoshone Falls is located in south central Idaho and stands 212 feet tall. This is 45 feet taller than Niagara Falls, which is 167 feet tall. For this reason, Shoshone Falls has been nicknamed the “Niagara of the West.” The water that flows down Shoshone Falls comes from Snake River, the same River that flows through Hells Canyon National Recreation Area. The best views of the falls are in the spring and summer, and they are easily accessible via Shoshone Falls Park, which has a parking lot just off I-84.
Idaho Potato Museum
If you know anything about Idaho, you probably know that it’s famous for its potatoes. Thus, it may not surprise that the state is home to a museum all about potatoes! The Idaho Potato Museum offers a fascinating exploration of the state's history and cultivation of potatoes. Even better, it’s housed inside the former Oregon Short Line Railroad Depot. Located in the southeastern Idahoan town of Blackfoot, it’s roughly an hour east of the Craters of the Moon National Monument and three and a half hours east of Boise. The museum covers the origins of the potato industry in Idaho, showcases the largest potato crisp ever made by the Pringle’s Company, and explains the growing and harvesting process. If your museum tour makes you hungry, the on-site Potato Station Cafe can satiate you! As you might suspect, the cafe largely serves potato-based snacks and meals, including multiple types of French fries and their famous baked potato (the cafe recommends ordering two hours ahead of time for maximum fluffiness).
Boise
The last Idaho travel destination for retirees is none other than the state capital of Boise. Boise is the largest city in Idaho but with a population of just over 230,000 people, it’s still very manageable to explore. Plus, there are so many sights to see here, from the Old Idaho State Penitentiary to the Idaho State Museum and Idaho State Capitol building. Beyond the vibrant and historic downtown core, this mid-sized city is known for its natural surroundings. The Boise River runs right through the center of the city. The Boise River Greenbelt runs parallel to it and is a fantastic place to bike or stroll. Traveling to Boise also gives you an opportunity to try a dish that the region is famous for - finger steaks! Finger steaks are battered, deep-fried beef strips that you will find on menus all over Boise.
At this point, you probably can’t wait to start exploring Idaho. As you now know, this hidden gem of a state has so much to offer retirees. Whether you want to learn more about Idaho’s fascinating agricultural potato history, explore one of the most iconic national parks in the United States, or feel like you’re an astronaut walking on the moon, you can find a place to do it in Idaho. This state has so much natural diversity, from dramatic mountains and picturesque lakes to rugged lava fields and the deepest river canyon in the U.S. On top of this, there are tons of small, charming towns to explore, not to mention the vibrant state capital. What are you waiting for? Start planning your Idaho vacation today!
