Visit Historic Pocatello Idaho
10 Interesting Things to See and Do Year-Round in Potato Country
Tour the Idaho Potato Expo
Learn everything about the famous Idaho Potato, from the potato’s history in Idaho to the booming potato industry. Visitors to the Potato Expo can learn history about how the railroads were important to the thriving potato industry. Visit the Potato Museum, participating in potato trivia, and learn potato facts, history and harvesting information.
Learn About the Oregon Trail at the Fort Hall Replica
Fort Hall, first established in 1834 as a trading post, was an important stop along the Oregon Trail. Fur traders, trappers, explorers, Native Americans and pioneers all called Fort Hall a temporary home as they moved throughout the West. The Fort Hall Replica is dedicated to the former standing fort, built on its site.
Visit the Pocatello Zoo
This zoo displays native Rocky Mountain animals of the Intermountain West zone. Animals at the zoo include, red fox, golden eagle, grizzly and black bear, elk, bison, pronghorn, bighorn sheep, porcupine, bobcat, cougar, sandhill crane and other birds. Visitors to the Pocatello Zoo can participate in educational programs about wildlife conservation.
Enjoy a Dip at the Lava Hot Springs
Visit Lava Hot Springs, consisting of four large hot pools made from natural underground mineral springs, which then flow into the Portneuf River. There springs contain no sulfur so they are odor free. The water temperature ranges from 102-112 degrees F. Lava Hot Springs also has an Olympic-sized swimming pool, high diving tower and 2 waterslides. The springs are open year-round. Enjoy a dip in the hot pools during the cold winter nights, engulfed in steam.
View Wildlife at Portneuf Wildlife Management Area
This area consists of 3,100 acres set aside for mule deer winter habitat. Visitors will enjoy viewing big game like mule deer, elk and moose in a natural habitat, or catch a glimpse of sharptailed grouse or other upland bird species. The area is also open to regulated hunting, hiking and Nordic skiing.
Explore the Craters of the Moon National Monument
Established in 1924 by President Coolidge, this “weird” park includes 1,100 square miles of volcanic lava flows. Hike over volcanic rock on the Broken Top Loop or North Crater Flow Trail or venture into one of the many lava tube caves. Make sure to check out the Craters of the Moon National Monument during your visit!
Tour the Downtown Historic District
Discover Potacello’s railroad heritage, exploring how the railway made it “The Gateway City.” Becoming the north-south junction point on the railway through the mountains, made Pocatello a booming frontier town. Take a walking tour of Old Town Pocatello.
Cheer on Idaho State University Athletics
Spectators can cheer on the Idaho State Bengals in sports such as football, basketball, cross country, tennis, golf, track and field or soccer. Join fans at the BengalFest, the football pre-game tailgate party for fans of all ages.
Tour the Idaho Museum of Natural History
Discover Idaho’s natural history and culture through exhibits in life science, paleontology, anthropology and the natural world of Idaho. Children can visit the Discovery Room, unearthing dinosaur fossils and playing with science.
Have Winter Fun at Pebble Creek Ski Area or Pocatello Area Nordic Ski Trails
Skiers of all ability will enjoy the vertical slopes of Pebble Creek Ski Area. Open from December to April, the area includes 54 runs and terrain for all ski and snowboard levels. Visitors get a great winter workout while Nordic skiing through the forests around Pocatello.
