Are you craving a one-of-a-kind adventure? Look no further than a road trip through southeastern Idaho! This stunning region is a must-visit for anyone seeking a truly unforgettable road trip experience. From beautiful scenery to geothermal hot springs and unique attractions, southeastern Idaho has it all!
Here is a road trip itinerary that includes some of the area’s best attractions and experiences. Buckle up and get ready for an adventure you won’t forget!
Must-See Destinations in Southeastern Idaho
Stop 1: Idaho Falls
Start your southeastern Idaho road trip in Idaho Falls, a charming little city in eastern Idaho. Idaho Falls is the 5th largest city in Idaho and has the perfect blend of natural beauty and urban amenities. It’s also a great place to start your road trip.
Walk or bike the Idaho Falls River Walk
One of Idaho Falls’s top attractions is the Idaho Falls River Walk, a scenic path that winds along the Snake River and offers stunning views of the Idaho Falls waterfall! You can stop at the Japanese Friendship Garden or stop at Snow Eagle Brewing near the walking path for a drink or lunch.
Visit the Museum of Idaho
History buffs will enjoy a visit to the Museum of Idaho, which showcases the area’s rich cultural heritage through interactive exhibits and artifacts. It offers an interesting glimpse into the past and a deeper understanding of Idaho and Idaho Falls’ history. Tickets are for sale at the front entrance.
Shop and dine in Historic Downtown Idaho Falls
Idaho Falls’ downtown area is full of charming shops, restaurants, and cafes. Try The Snake Bite for lunch, Krung Thep Thai Cuisine for a great Thai dinner, and be sure to visit The Celt for a live band! There’s also a new distillery in town! Check out Heads & Tails Distillery to try local liquors and cocktails on their rooftop.
Unique Place to Stay in Idaho Falls
The Idaho Falls Penthouse Airbnb is a great option if you’d like to stay in downtown Idaho Falls. Situated conveniently across the street from The Celt, this unique Airbnb was once an old brothel but has now undergone a transformation by its owner and Airbnb Superhost, Janet. The penthouse has modern amenities, a spacious kitchen, an inviting living room, and is centrally located. It’s perfect for a weekend stay in Idaho Falls. Book your stay!
Stop 2: Blackfoot
Blackfoot is a small town located just 30 minutes from Idaho Falls. Known for its rich agricultural history and abundant potato farms, it is often called the “Potato Capital of the World”!
Visit the Idaho Potato Museum
The Idaho Potato Museum is Blackfoot, Idaho’s main attraction! It celebrates the potato’s role in the region’s economy and culture through interactive exhibits and educational displays.
If you’re hungry and interested in sampling some of the local potato cuisine, stop at the Potato Station Cafe, located within the museum. Here, you can try potato-based dishes such as potato soup, loaded baked potatoes, tater tots, and even potato cupcakes! It’s a unique experience that you won’t want to miss.
Walk around Blackfoot’s Historic Downtown
Take a stroll through Blackfoot’s quaint downtown area and admire the architecture and small-town ambiance. Pop into Teton House for lunch or dinner. If you’re a fan of antiquing, be sure to visit the Collecting Americana shop to explore a unique collection of American antiques.
Stop 3: Pocatello
Pocatello, also referred to by locals as “Poky,” is located only 30 minutes from Blackfoot, Idaho. It’s home to Idaho State University and offers a variety of cultural and recreational activities, including museums, hiking trails, and an up-and-coming downtown area with local shops, restaurants, and breweries.
Visit the Museum of Clean
The Museum of Clean is a unique and quirky museum that celebrates the art and science of cleaning! It features exhibits from antique cleaning tools and equipment to modern innovations and sustainable cleaning practices. Visitors can explore the history and culture of cleaning and participate in interactive exhibits, making it a fun and educational experience for the whole family!
Take a stroll through the historic Old Town Pocatello District
The Old Town Pocatello District is a charming area located in downtown Pocatello. It’s home to various local businesses, including boutiques, antique shops, galleries, restaurants, and more.
If you’re hungry, check out Thanks a Brunch food truck for delicious brunch, Glean Coffee Roasters for coffee, and The Yellowstone Restaurant for dinner! For people interested in antiquing, there are plenty of shops on Main Street.
Another great feature of downtown Pocatello is the array of iconic neon signs all over the area! Some signs have been gracing the area since the mid-20th century, adding a touch of nostalgia and character to the downtown.
Sample local craft beer at a Pocatello brewery
Pocatello’s craft beer scene has grown in recent years, and there are now several breweries in the area to choose from. A few popular stops are Portneuf Valley Brewing and Jim Dandy Brewing. Portneuf Valley Brewing is located in a historic building with a warm and inviting atmosphere and a large selection of craft beers on tap. Jim Dandy Brewery is a unique microbrewery that prides itself on being community-oriented.
A few others to try are: Off the Rails Brewing and Star Route Brewing.
Visit the Fort Hall Replica and Museum
The Fort Hall Replica and Museum in Pocatello is an exciting spot for history buffs and those interested in 19th-Century explorers, trappers, pioneers and Native American culture. The museum features exhibits and artifacts that showcase the history and legacy of the Shoshone-Bannock tribes, including traditional clothing, tools, and weapons. While here, visitors can explore the replica of the original Fort Hall, a fur-trading outpost that was an important meeting place for settlers and Native Americans.
Unique Place to Stay near Pocatello
The Harkness Hotel in McCammon is a beautifully restored 1906 historic building that was once a bank and has a gift shop in the old bank vault! It is listed on the National Historic Registry, and the architecture is unique for the area. While it is an old building, it has ten guest rooms with modern amenities. With its convenient location off I-15, The Harkness Hotel is an ideal destination for anyone wanting to stay near Pocatello, Idaho. Book your stay!
Stop 4: Lava Hot Springs
Lava Hot Springs is a small-town famous for its natural hot springs in the center of the town. This is a great spot to visit if you enjoy relaxing in hot springs and exploring the outdoors!
Soak in the Lava Hot Springs
If you’re a fan of hot springs, Lava Hot Springs is for you! This spring is located right on Main St. in Lava Hot Springs. The pools range from 102˚- 112˚ and have no sulfur odor. They also have an Olympic Pool 4 blocks away to enjoy. The cost to soak varies depending on the time and day of the week you visit, and you can get tickets at the front entrance. The cost for adults range from $8-$10, and children under five can soak for free.
Float the Portneuf River
If you’re visiting Lava Hot Springs in the summertime, save time to float the Portneuf River. Many local businesses offer inner tube rentals and a shuttle service to simplify your tubing experience. The river is fast and exciting, with small rapids throughout. It can be floated from June through mid-September.
Unique Place to Stay in Lava Hot Springs
The Bins at Lava Hot Springs are a unique and cozy accommodation option located in Lava Hot Springs. These rustic silos have been converted into modern, comfortable living spaces that provide a unique experience! Each silo has an excellent design and layout and has a kitchenette, nice bathrooms, and comfy beds! Book your stay.
Stop 5: Soda Springs
Just 20 minutes from Lava Hot Springs is Soda Springs! This quirky town is known for its natural carbonated water. It also has the only captive geyser in the world, the Soda Springs Geyser, that erupts every hour on the hour!
Watch the Soda Springs Geyser
The Soda Springs Geyser is near downtown Soda Springs and erupts every hour on the hour. It shoots water up to 100 feet in the air, and you can get close to watch it happen. Be sure to time it right on the hour; it will be the perfect place to bring the whole family!
Visit Hooper Springs Park
Hooper Springs is a more than 160 years old spring that was said to be a highlight for people traveling on the Oregon Trail. Hooper Springs Park has a covered spring house with free, clear sparkling soda water! This spring is only two miles north of the city center and a great place to fill your water bottle with sparkling water. The park also has a covered pavilion, picnic tables, a playground, and a basketball court.
Explore downtown Soda Springs
Downtown Soda Springs is quirky yet charming. Check out Enders on Main, a historical hotel and museum, to learn some Soda Springs history. Grab breakfast at Main Street Diner and walk over to Eastman Drug, the oldest drugstore in Idaho—complete with an old-school soda fountain!
Unique Place to Stay in Soda Springs
Enders on Main Hotel & Museum is a charming hotel in downtown Soda Springs. This historic building has been renovated to offer comfortable rooms with modern amenities. It has individually decorated suites with unique antique furniture, and on the second floor, you’ll find the museum with artifacts from Soda Springs’ past. Book your stay!
Stop 6: Maple Grove Hot Springs
Maple Grove Hot Springs is a secluded hot spring resort in south eastern Idaho! It’s nestled on 45 acres along the banks of the Bear River and Oneida Narrows Reservoir and has five soaking pools that range between 95 – 107 degrees. You can either come here for a day soak, you can stay the night in their yurts, or you can camp! This spot books in advance, so be sure to get your spot early. Book your stay!
Continue Your South Eastern Idaho Road Trip
If you’d like to continue on your south eastern Idaho Road Trip, here are some more stops you can make:
- Preston, Idaho – This small town is known for being the filming location of the classic movie “Napoleon Dynamite.”
- Bear Lake – Located on the Idaho-Utah border, Bear Lake is often called the “Caribbean of the Rockies” due to its stunning turquoise waters.
- Downata Hot Springs – Another natural hot spring that is located in Downey, Idaho and offering a variety of hot pools, water slides, and other fun water activities for visitors of all ages.
We hope our itinerary has inspired you to explore all the hidden gems this region offers. From soaking in natural hot springs to sipping local craft beer and indulging in delicious potato dishes, there’s something for everyone on this adventure.
So grab some friends, cue up the tunes, and hit the road for an unforgettable journey through south eastern Idaho!
Feature image credited to Katie Williams.
Katie Williams is a world traveler and blogger at Traveling Spud. She documents her adventures around the globe and shenanigans in her home state of Idaho. Follow her on her blog Traveling Spud or her Instagram.
Published on June 11, 2024
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