7 Best Attractions To Visit In Idaho

From towering waterfalls and volcanic landscapes to cultural landmarks and historic sites, Idaho is chock-full of experiences that appeal to every type of traveler. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore dramatic mountain ranges and unique geological formations, while history fans and art lovers will find museums, heritage sites, and architectural gems throughout.

Whether you’re drawn to national parks, charming small towns, or bustling cities, here are some of the best places to visit if you find yourself in this wonderful Pacific Northwest state.

Shoshone Falls

Shoshone Falls, often called the “Niagara of the West,” is one of Idaho’s most incredible natural attractions. Located near Twin Falls on the Snake River, this waterfall stands at 212 feet, higher than Niagara Falls by nearly 25 feet!

The site around the falls boasts multiple viewpoints where you can take in the mighty cascade and the surrounding basalt cliffs formed by ancient volcanic activity. Shoshone Falls Park, around this fast-flowing landmark, further provides picnic areas, walking trails, and educational displays about the region’s geology and history. This area is also significant for its role in early irrigation projects that transformed southern Idaho into fertile farmland. Note that spring is the best time to visit, as snowmelt increases the water flow to its peak.

Craters of the Moon National Monument

Craters of the Moon National Monument is a volcanic landscape unlike any other in the United States. Spanning more than 750,000 acres in central Idaho, it features vast lava fields, cinder cones, and other rugged terrain formed by eruptions that began around 15,000 years ago.

The area was named after its resemblance to a lunar surface, which is why NASA astronauts used it in the 1960s for training missions. Now, you can explore via the scenic Loop Drive, hike trails across hardened lava, and venture into lava tubes, accessible caves created by ancient flows. Furthermore, interpretive exhibits at the visitor center explain the region’s fascinating geologic history and connection to the Great Rift, a series of deep cracks in the Earth’s crust.

About a three-hour drive east of Boise, this stark, otherworldly destination is a striking contrast to Idaho’s more well-known, more northern mountainous landscapes. It provides a unique window into the state’s surprising volcanic past, making it a must-see for geology enthusiasts and adventurous travelers alike.

Sawtooth National Recreation Area

The Sawtooth National Recreation Area covers 756,000 acres in central Idaho and is known for its snowcapped peaks, alpine lakes, and expansive, pristine wilderness. Centered around none other than the Sawtooth Mountains, the area features more than 40 peaks over 10,000 feet and over 700 miles of trails. With that, the Sawtooths are often regarded as the crown jewel of the state’s mountain ranges.

Established in 1972, this recreation area protects diverse ecosystems while also providing outdoor activities like camping, climbing, and backcountry exploration. Its combination of accessibility and remote wilderness makes it a top destination for anyone looking to experience some of Idaho’s most dramatic natural landscapes.

Redfish Lake is one of the most visited spots, offering visitors boating, fishing, and hiking opportunities. Scenic byways like the Sawtooth Scenic Route provide panoramic views of the jagged mountain range and surrounding valleys. Wildlife like elk, black bears, and mountain goats are common in this region, so keep your eyes peeled and your camera ready while touring around.

Old Idaho Penitentiary

The Old Idaho Penitentiary will give you a rare look at over a century of territorial prison history in the state capital of Boise. Operating from 1872 to 1973, the site housed some of Idaho’s most notorious criminals. Today, it is a museum complex with over 30 historic structures, including cell blocks, solitary confinement, and the gallows.

The preserved sandstone walls and original artifacts provide an authentic setting that gives insight into Idaho’s territorial and early statehood years. For those interested in history, criminology, or unusual attractions, the Old Idaho Penitentiary is a compelling stop in a city full of interesting draws.

You can check out exhibits detailing everything from daily prison life to escape attempts and the evolution of the state’s justice system. The penitentiary also features a unique weapons collection and interpretive programs that explain the architecture and social history of the era. Moreover, seasonal events, such as night tours and educational programs, add to the list of things to do here year-round.

Idaho State Capitol

The Idaho State Capitol, located in Boise, stands out in several cool ways. For one, it is the only state capitol heated by geothermal water, drawn from wells more than 3,000 feet underground. Completed in 1920, the building also showcases its eye-catching neoclassical architecture with a central dome rising 208 feet above the ground. Materials such as local sandstone and marble from Vermont, Georgia, and Italy were used in its construction, making the project a serious global undertaking.

Inside, you can tour the restored legislative chambers, rotunda, and historical exhibits detailing Idaho’s path to statehood and regional governance. Furthermore, the surrounding Capitol Mall includes monuments honoring veterans and significant state figures. Other public tours and educational programs make the site accessible to civic history and architecture visitors.

Positioned in downtown Boise, the Capitol remains an active government building but is also a great tourist stop while strolling around the area. The Boise Art Museum and the renowned Zoo Boise are both a short walk away.

Sun Valley Resort

Sun Valley Resort, located smack dab in the state's center, is a true landmark in American skiing history. Established in late 1936, it was the first destination ski resort in the United States and even introduced the world’s first chairlift!

Today, Sun Valley remains a premier destination for both winter and summer recreation. During the colder months, Bald Mountain and Dollar Mountain provide terrain for skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels. Conversely, in the summer, the area transforms into a hotspot for hiking, mountain biking, and golfing.

The resort also has a strong regional presence for other attractions, hosting events such as the Sun Valley Film Festival and outdoor concerts. Its rich history notably includes visits from celebrities and athletes, which helped define its reputation as a luxury mountain getaway that carries into modern times.

Museum of Idaho

Located in Idaho Falls, the Museum of Idaho is the state’s most significant history and science museum. It attracts curious minds with a mix of permanent exhibits and traveling displays. Its educational programs, lectures, and many other interactive elements make it a vital resource for visitors and local residents and a fun way to kill an afternoon.

Its core collection focuses on regional history, including Native American heritage, early pioneer life, and the development of Idaho’s communities. A main highlight is the “Way Out West” exhibit, which contains authentic artifacts from the region's fur trade era, mining boom, and general homesteading. The museum also hosts major rotating exhibits on science and culture, such as displays on space exploration, dinosaurs, and ancient civilizations. Housed in a historic building that once served as a public library, this museum is an essential stop for anyone in this far eastern corner of the state.

Each spot mentioned above gives a distinct perspective on this often overlooked PNW state, from outdoor adventure to cultural offerings. For travelers seeking variety and depth, they deliver fun and engaging things to see and do, whether they are simple roadside stops or expansive parklands that you can spend multiple days exploring. So, why not make Idaho your next road trip destination this year and see all it has to offer?