One of the best things about Idaho is the abundance of free and affordable adventures. Whatever your budget or activity level, here are 20 ideas for budget-friendly things to do in Idaho that range from $0–$30 per person.
Picnic Beneath Towering Trees
Pack a picnic and spend a day exploring the DeVoto Cedar Grove, home to gigantic, ancient western red cedar trees. Explore the ADA-accessible paved trail and take in the views of the Lochsa River.
Rail-to-trail Adventures
Idaho has a huge offering of rail-to-trail routes great for biking or hiking. Check out the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes, the Route of the Hiawatha, the Ashton–Tetonia Trail or the Weiser River Trail, for starters., or the Ashton to Tetonia Trail, for starters.
Historical Museum Stop
With a rich, in-depth collection focusing on the history of north central Idaho, the Historical Museum at St. Gertrude tells the stories of localse, the Nez Perce people and the Benedictine sisters.
Oregon Trail History
History comes to life at the National Oregon/California Trail Center in Montpelier. Situated along the original Oregon Trail route, this center shares the tales of the pioneers through living history reenactments and interpretive exhibits. You’ll find other signs of the Oregon Trail at Massacre Rocks State Park when you visit Register Rock and at City of Rocks National Reserve (look for Camp Rock).
Stop & Smell the Flowers
The Sawtooth Botanical Garden in Ketchum comprises five acres of unique gardens that represent central Idaho. From a wildflower garden to ponds and babbling streams, this garden destination will set your mind at ease. During the spring and summer months, take part in free wildflower walks. You can also explore the dazzling Idaho Botanical Garden in Boise for another flora-and-fauna-filled adventure. If you’re in the mood for a nature escape, take a look at this wildflower guide to learn how and where to find Idaho’s native wildflowers.
Museum at The Brig
Located at Farragut State Park, the Museum at the Brig captures the history of the Farragut Naval Training Station and World War II. Farragut was once the second-largest training facility in the world.
Center of the Universe
You’ll find this unique landmark in the historic town of Wallace. The marker sits at the intersection of Bank and 6th Streets in the downtown area.
Native American History
Explore the rich history, culture and traditions of the Nimiipuu people at the Nez Perce National Historical Park Visitor Center in Spalding. It’s one of more than three dozen historical sites that span Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington. Find other Native American experiences and exhibits at the Fort Hall Replica in Pocatello and the Shoshone–Bannock Tribal Museum in Fort Hall.
Nature’s Balancing Act
This precarious rock formation will have you doing a double-take. Balanced Rock is 48 feet wide at the top and only 3.5 feet wide at the base. Picnic at Balanced Rock Park before snapping a photo with this unusual formation.
Tube Time
Rent a tube (and life jackets) or bring your own inflatable ride for some splish-splashin’ good times on the Portneuf River in Lava Hot Springs. The full river ride only takes about 25 minutes, so once you reach the end, hop out and make the short walk to the river put-in to do it all over again.
Idaho State Museum
If you’re looking for budget-friendly things to do in Boise, the Idaho State Museum offers a fun, interactive experience where people of all ages can come to explore the story of Idaho. Wander through 500+ artifacts and dozens of multimedia and hands-on displays. Tip: If you’re in town on the first Thursday of the month, take advantage of the free tours at 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
Animal Adventures
Once you leave the Idaho State Museum, take a short walk to Zoo Boise, where you’ll find more than 300 animals. While you’re here, participate in a giraffe encounter or pop into the Zoo Farm to feed goats and sheep. Tip: Save even more money on your affordable adventure by taking advantage of the zoo’s discounted admission every Thursday.
Zoo Idaho in Pocatello is another noteworthy stop with nearly 100 animals, 30 exhibits and monthly events ranging from the Roar and Pour Wine Walk to the Ice Cream Zoofari.
Capitol Curiosity
Located in Boise, the Idaho State Capitol building is open for visitors to explore at their leisure. Start at the Garden Level, and work your way through the only capitol building in the country heated with geothermal water. Tours can be arranged at least two weeks prior to arrival. ASL tours are also available.
Wings of Adventure
Make friends with eagles, owls, falcons and California condors at the World Center for Birds of Prey in Boise. Attend the Fall Flights from mid-September through October to see these raptors show off their aerial skills.
Cruise the Canyon
Enjoy stunning views of the Snake River while strolling along the 12-mile Snake River Canyon Rim Trail system in Twin Falls. You’ll find scenic overlooks, waterfalls, views of the Evel Knievel jump site and access to Shoshone Falls Park along this path.
Eagle Watching
Each winter, from approximately November to February, hundreds of bald eagles move into the area around Lake Coeur d’Alene and Lake Pend Oreille. Spot these birds at Wolf Lodge, or climb aboard a Lake Coeur d’Alene Cruise or Lake Pend Oreille Cruise for even more opportunities to view these majestic animals.
Fall in Love With a Waterfall
Fall Creek Falls, located outside of Rexburg, is a great place to stop for a photo-op. These falls tumble 60 feet to the Snake River below and are easily accessed from the road. Sunsets and sunrises here are worth the detour. Make sure to bring sturdy hiking shoes if you’re going to do some exploring.
Stanley Museum
Visitors looking for places to go on a budget will enjoy the Stanley Museum in the town of Stanley, at the base of the Sawtooth Mountains. Built in the 1930s, the building was used as a ranger station until 1972. Now it houses a variety of exhibits on mining, ranching and life in the surrounding area.
Sky-High History
Explore one-of-a-kind historical collections at the Warhawk Air Museum in Nampa. Exhibits include historic warbirds, warplanes, memorabilia from World War I and World War II and archives from the Iraq, Persian Gulf, Vietnam, Korean and Cold wars.
Care to geek out on even more aircraft? Then head to the Legacy Flight Museum in Rexburg, where you can marvel at Bob Hoover’s Famous “Ole Yeller” P-51D Mustang and even more spectacular displays.
Big Springs & Johnny Sack Cabin
See one of the largest natural springs in the world at Big Springs (near Island Park), home to crystal-clear waters, rainbow trout, muskrats and moose. The beautifully crafted Johnny Sack Cabin is on the National Register of Historic Places and is open for visitors during the summer months. Drive the beautiful Mesa Falls Scenic Byway to visit both these sites.
Find more inspiration in the Official Idaho Travel Guide, and don’t forget to share your adventures with us using #VisitIdaho.
Updated on September 12, 2023
Published on January 16, 2020
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