Idaho, a state famed for its endless potato fields, is actually a hidden gem of American tourism. Many international tourists, especially from Vietnam, often only know about renowned national parks like Yellowstone or Grand Teton, overlooking Idaho. However, if you’re seeking unique, less crowded, and nature-immersed travel experiences, Idaho is the ideal destination. This article will guide you to explore lesser-known tourist spots in Idaho, where you can enjoy stunning natural beauty and exciting outdoor activities.
Idaho Falls – Beginning Your Exploration
Idaho Falls, a beautiful city nestled along the gentle Snake River, is often considered the gateway to Eastern Idaho. While not as bustling as major tourist cities, Idaho Falls possesses a unique, serene, and charming beauty. Stopping here, you’ll feel the slow, peaceful rhythm of life and the friendliness of the locals.
The highlight of Idaho Falls is the majestic Idaho Falls waterfall right in the city center. This waterfall isn’t natural but a hydroelectric structure built on the Snake River. However, with powerful water cascading from a height of over 15 meters, Idaho Falls still creates a spectacular and impressive scene. You can stroll along the riverbank, admire the waterfall from various angles, or relax in the peaceful Japanese Friendship Garden nearby.
Twin Falls waterfall seen from a distance with the winding Snake River
Furthermore, Idaho Falls is a cultural and artistic hub of the region. You can visit the Idaho Falls Arts Council to admire contemporary and traditional artworks or attend a performance at the Civic Auditorium. If you’re a history enthusiast, the Bonneville County Historical Museum is a must-visit, where you can learn about the area’s development from the pioneer era to the present day.
Snake River Canyon – A Magnificent Natural Wonder
Not far from Idaho Falls lies the Snake River Canyon, a majestic and magnificent natural wonder. This canyon was formed by the Snake River flowing through millions of years, creating towering cliffs and breathtaking landscapes. Compared to the famous Grand Canyon, Snake River Canyon may be less known, but its beauty is no less captivating.
Visiting Snake River Canyon, you’ll have the opportunity to admire the pristine and majestic natural scenery, participate in exciting outdoor activities such as hiking, rock climbing, fishing, kayaking, or simply relax and enjoy the fresh air. One of the most famous attractions of Snake River Canyon is Twin Falls, a pair of stunning waterfalls cascading from a cliff nearly 60 meters high. Twin Falls is not only an impressive natural landscape but also an ideal spot for photography and sightseeing.
Panoramic view of Snake River Canyon with the blue river flowing between towering cliffs
For a complete Snake River Canyon experience, you can join river cruises, exploring the canyon from a completely different perspective. Or if you’re an adventurous soul, try BASE jumping from Perrine Bridge, one of the highest bridges in the United States, spanning Snake River Canyon. From above, you’ll admire the panoramic view of the majestic canyon and feel the ultimate thrill of freefalling through the air.
Twin Falls – The Splendor of Double Waterfalls
As mentioned above, Twin Falls is a highlight not to be missed when visiting Snake River Canyon. This waterfall consists of two parallel streams cascading from a basalt cliff nearly 60 meters high, creating an incredibly magnificent and majestic spectacle. In spring and early summer, when meltwater is abundant, Twin Falls becomes even more powerful and impressive.
You can admire Twin Falls from various locations. Perhaps the most ideal viewpoint is the Twin Falls Visitor Center, where you can admire the panoramic view of the waterfall from above. Additionally, you can hike along the Snake River Canyon Rim Trail to explore the waterfall from different angles, or visit Shoshone Falls State Park, a state park nearby, for more beautiful views of Twin Falls and Snake River Canyon.
Old Faithful Geyser erupting powerfully in Yellowstone National Park
Not just a stunning natural landscape, Twin Falls also carries fascinating historical and cultural stories. In the past, Twin Falls was an important site for the Shoshone Native Americans, and today, it remains a symbol of the Idaho region. If you want to learn more about the history and culture of this area, visit the Twin Falls County Historical Society Museum, which displays many valuable artifacts and documents about the past of Twin Falls and the surrounding area.
Yellowstone National Park – A World-Class Geothermal Wonder
Although Yellowstone National Park is world-famous and cannot be considered “lesser-known,” it’s undeniable that it’s a must-visit destination when traveling to Idaho. A small portion of Yellowstone lies within Idaho, and exploring this part also offers unique and different experiences compared to the majority of the park located in Wyoming and Montana.
The Idaho portion of Yellowstone mainly focuses on the West Yellowstone area, a small but vibrant town located right at the West Entrance of the park. From West Yellowstone, you can easily access famous Yellowstone attractions such as Grand Prismatic Spring, Fountain Paint Pot, and Old Faithful Geyser. However, to truly discover the hidden beauty of Yellowstone, you should spend time exploring lesser-known areas, hiking on secluded trails, or joining eco-tours to learn about the park’s diverse and rich ecosystem.
Panoramic image of Yellowstone National Park with magnificent natural scenery
Yellowstone is not only famous for its unique geothermal phenomena but also a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts. Here, you can easily encounter wildlife such as bison, elk, grizzly bears, wolves, and many rare bird species. To increase your chances of wildlife viewing, you should go in the early morning or late afternoon and bring binoculars to observe them from a distance without disturbing them.
Bear World – North American Wildlife World
If you’re a wildlife lover but don’t want to venture deep into the wilderness of Yellowstone, Bear World is a great alternative. Bear World is a wildlife park near West Yellowstone where you can observe North American wildlife in their natural habitats.
At Bear World, you’ll drive through spacious animal enclosures, watching black bears, grizzly bears, elk, bison, deer, mountain goats, and many other animals from a very close distance. This is a fun and safe experience for the whole family, especially children. Additionally, Bear World has a walking area where you can observe smaller animals like foxes, weasels, and badgers.
Mt. Rushmore National Memorial with images of presidents carved into the mountain
Conclusion
Idaho may not be the first travel destination that comes to mind when planning a trip to the United States, but this state will certainly not disappoint you. With its pristine, majestic natural landscapes, lesser-known tourist spots, and unique travel experiences, Idaho is a hidden gem waiting for you to discover. Take the time to explore the hidden beauty of this potato state, and you will have unforgettable memories in your travel journey.