10 Best Things to Do in Idaho

Lava Hot Springs is an Idaho resort city where you can enjoy a wide range of attractions, the most popular of which is a natural mineral pool. The hot spring has soothing therapeutic and healing properties, making it a great way to relax and recharge your batteries. 

Lava Hot Springs has an Olympic-sized swimming pool and a full waterpark with slides. You can also enjoy outdoor recreation at a wealth of nearby parks, explore historic sites, and walk along the shores of a mountain lake in Bannock County.

Lake Coeur d'Alene in North Idaho is a dam-controlled lake that's 25 miles long, with the city of Coeur d'Alene at its northern end. This massive yet peaceful spot offers plenty of recreational opportunities, such as fishing, kayaking, and watersports. 

You can head to the city for fantastic dining, shopping, and nightlife options, as well as all of the amenities you could want from an urban vacation. It's the best of all worlds – modern excitement paired with photo opportunities only a natural lake can provide.

The Idaho Botanical Garden is a picturesque spot in Boise. While the nonprofit garden was founded in 1984, it served as the Old Idaho State Penitentiary's farm and nursery until 1973. You can stroll along serene paths that overlooking hundreds of plant species with their natural scents perfuming the air, 

Surrounded by bursts of color, the Idaho Botanical Garden makes a great backdrop for events throughout the year. It's an ideal escape for just about anyone, especially couples and families in Idaho's capital city. 

The Museum of Clean is one of Idaho's quirky places, as it's dedicated to the value of hygiene. The complex encompasses 74,000 sq ft of gallery space, using many different types of displays, artwork, and exhibits to exemplify the idea and value of clean. 

Many of the exhibits are hands-on, all offering a fun, educational, and interesting look at the very idea of cleanliness. There's even a display of 250 pre-electric vacuums.

The Silverwood Theme Park, founded in 1988, is the largest of its kind in the Pacific Northwest. The park offers more than 70 rides, including roller coasters, whitewater raft rides, and bumper cars, as well as the adjacent Boulder Beach Water Park.

You'll also find dozens of classic amusement park and carnival games. Feeling peckish? Food vendors have just about every type of snack you could want, from fries and burgers to cotton candy and funnel cakes. The Silverwood Theme Park is in the city of Athol, around 32.2 miles northeast of Spokane Valley.

You'll definitely want to tackle the Route of the Hiawatha if you're looking for an outdoor adventure in Idaho. This bike trail takes you on a 15-mile journey of lush and green natural surroundings. There are also viewpoints with panoramic views that make for excellent photo opportunities.

It's a challenging track converted from old railroad tracks, going through 9 tunnels and over 7 trestles of varying heights. See an astounding variety of landscapes and terrain, while getting in some exercise during your vacation. 

Yellowstone Bear World is a wildlife park in Madison County that offers plenty of fun for all ages. It's most famous for its drive-thru wildlife safari, which takes you to see animals roaming freely in their natural habitat. Some of the park's most popular residents include black bears and huge grizzlies. 

Yellowstone Bear World has a petting zoo where your kids can feed various farm animals. Between spring and fall, there are theme park-like rides to enjoy at the wildlife park. 

The Warhawk Air Museum is a great attraction for fans of aviation and military history. The museum offers dozens of real planes and artifacts, along with interactive exhibits on important wars and modern aircraft. 

You can see real, historic warbirds up close and even get a look at the personal items of soldiers who fought in WWI, WII, the Vietnam War, and the Korean War. It's all on display to educate and entertain those interested in the technology that played a role in these conflicts and the sacrifices made by pilots seeking to serve their country.

The Wolf Center is a nonprofit research center dedicated to the gray wolf and its habitat. Located in Winchester, it's a great place to learn about conservation efforts related to these majestic creatures. You'll be able to walk through enclosures where wolves are kept and see them close up. 

Join a tour of the facility to discover the life cycle and ecology of the wolves. The center aims to dispel some of the many myths surrounding the wolf. If you're passionate about nature or interested in wolves and their relationship with humans, the Wolf Center is a must-visit. 

Roaring Springs Water Park has something to thrill and entertain the entire family. Located in Meridian, this theme park offers a wave pool, a lazy river area for quiet and relaxing rafting, waterslides of different lengths and speeds, and a refreshment section where you can grab a snack. 

Seasonal passes are available if you want to go more than once on your trip. You can check out the neighboring Wahooz Family Fun Zone and Pinz Bowling Center, thanks to a walkway connecting the theme parks.