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A view from the bottom of the stone steps inside Minnetonka Cave.

Whether you like to hike, bike, learn, or simply unwind, these seven affordable experiences let you explore Idaho’s remarkable scenery and history no matter your budget or activity level.

All activities listed range in price from $0-$30 per person.

1. Dig into Idaho’s Mining History

a group of people, all wearing hard hats, wait outside a mine entrance
Sierra Silver Mine Tour, Wallace. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

Experience life like a miner in the 1900s with a Sierra Silver Mine Tour in Wallace. The experience includes a narrated historical tour and a guided walk into a mine where you will hear stories, see demonstrations and learn about Idaho’s mining roots from a former hard-rock miner.

2. Hop a Ride on North America’s Longest Gondola

During the summer months, visit Silver Mountain Resort for a scenic 3.1-mile journey from the valley floor in Kellogg all the way up to the Mountain House. Once at the top, enjoy the view while exploring the interpretive nature trail and Kellogg Peak Fire Lookout, or let the kids climb on the play structure in the fresh mountain air.

people hiking near silver mountain scenic gondola
Silver Mountain Resort. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

3. Visit Idaho’s Oldest Building

cataldo mission at golden hour, surrounded by grass and trees
Cataldo Mission, Coeur d’Alene’s Old Mission State Park. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

Built between 1850 and 1853, the stunning Sacred Heart Mission, located in Coeur d’Alene’s Old Mission State Park, holds the title of the oldest building in Idaho and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This park features not only the Sacred Heart Mission church, but also a restored Parish House and a historic cemetery.

4. Dig for Treasure

a woman in a t-shirt, jeans and sun hit sits atop a rock pile with rock hammer looking for opals at Spencer Opal Mines
Digging for opals at the Spencer Opal Mine in Spencer.

Idaho and India are the only two places on earth to find the dazzling star garnet. This gem, which also happens to be recognized as Idaho’s state gem, can be unearthed by treasure hunters ready to dig through the dirt at the Emerald Creek Garnet Area in Northern Idaho.  The Spencer Opal Mines in Eastern Idaho is another great spot to find some sparkling treasures. Curious on how it all works? Check out this article about digging for your own Idaho star garnet.

5. Archaeology Adventures

view of an bridge going across a river with mountains in the background
Celebration Park, Melba. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

Established as Idaho’s only archaeological park, Celebration Park is home to petroglyphs nearly 10,000 years old. For an extended archaeology adventure, venture to Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument to check out the famous Hagerman Horse fossil.

6. A Bird’s-Eye View

a man wearing a falconry glove with an owl perched on his arm
World Center for Birds of Prey, near Boise. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

Make friends with eagles, owls, falcons and California Condors at the World Center for Birds of Prey in Boise. Watch scheduled Fall Flights from mid-September through October to see raptors’ aerial skills on display. If you would like to see birds of prey in a natural setting, take a drive to visit the Morley Nelson Snake River Birds of Prey National Conversation Area along the Western Heritage Historic Byway. This area along the Snake River is home to the greatest concentration of nesting birds of prey in North America.

7. Cave On

Venture below the earth’s surface for an afternoon of exploration at Minnetonka Cave. You’ll see stalagmites, stalactites, and cavernous rooms on the guided tour of this massive limestone cave.

Minnetonka Cave, St. Charles. Photo Credit: Idaho Tourism
Minnetonka Cave, St. Charles. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.

Bonus Idea: Take the Shuttle

Snag a seat on the Redfish Lake Marina boat shuttle for a scenic view of this breathtaking Idaho destination. The shuttle runs several times a day and even allows four-legged adventurers. Simply kick back and enjoy the ride, or hop out and hit the trails before returning to Redfish Lake Lodge.

Redfish Lake, Stanley. Photo Credit: Idaho Tourism
Redfish Lake, Stanley. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.


Published on August 20, 2020