Labor Day weekend is coming up fast – and the kids are back in school. Here are five outdoorsy tips for guaranteed fun in Southern Idaho. We’ve also made some suggestions for overnight lodging as part of your journey.
Take a scenic drive on the Thousand Springs Scenic Byway and discover a multitude of activities to enjoy along the way. On the Thousand Springs byway, you could take a boat tour on the Snake River on the 52-foot “River’s Mist” Catamaran Cruiser, go swimming at Miracle and Banbury Hot Springs or 1000 Springs Resort, or go fishing at the bass and trout ponds at Hagerman Wildlife Management Area. You also could visit Thousand Springs State Park and go paddling on the Snake River, stop by Thousand Springs Winery and taste some of their local wines, or get ice cream at Cloverleaf Creamery in Buhl. Thousand Springs Winery also is a bed and breakfast establishment, with three elegant rooms located on the Snake River.
Go fishing, boating, camping or play disc golf at Lake Walcott State Park – Lake Walcott has a little bit of something for everyone. If you have your own boat, you can go out on the lake for a scenic boat ride or go fishing for trout or bass. The spacious lawn shaded by old-growth cottonwood trees is a favorite for disc golfers, but it’s equally nice for a picnic for a shady place to camp next to the lake. Here’s how to make reservations for camping. Rather sleep in a real bed? Try booking a room at Henry’s at the Drift Inn in Rupert Square, just 10 minutes from the park.
Visit Shoshone Ice Caves – It’s supposed by hot on Sunday and Monday of Labor Day weekend, and going to an underground cave is a perfect way to cool off – the temperature in the cave is about 30 degrees F. It takes about 45 minutes to one hour to do the walking tour. The highlight is seeing the underground ice in all of its weird and unique forms. You’ll take 160 steps down into the cave. Another highlight is to visit the gift shop, which has many different kinds of rocks for sale, among other items. The tour costs $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and $6 for children.
Go to Castle Rocks State Park and City of Rocks National Reserve for a fun-filled weekend adventure at this world-class rock-climbing and outdoor recreation destination. The parks are popular so be sure to reserve a camp site in advance, or consider staying at the Albion Bed & Breakfast. At Castle Rocks State Park, they also have cabins for rent or you could live it up and stay at the Lodge, which accommodates up to eight people and rents for $150 a night. The Lodge has wifi and large-screen TVs for kids to play video games or play movies.
If you’re into more of a sight-seeing adventure, consider driving the City of Rocks byway through the Albion Mountains. You’ll pass by Pomerelle Ski Resort, Castle Rocks State Park and City of Rocks National Reserve, and enjoy a backcountry drive with unique geology along the way. The drive ends in the small historic town of Oakley. You might check to see if the Haight Home Victorian bed and breakfast has any rooms – it’d be a great place to land after the mountain drive.
Go hiking or mountain biking – Get out early in the day to enjoy the cool temperatures in the mountains. We recommend biking on the Harrington Fork Trail, Third Fork-Wahlstrom Hollow Loop, Indian Springs trails or Auger Falls trails. The trailheads for Harrington Fork and Third Fork are on the way up Rock Creek Canyon, south of Hansen. Indian Springs trails are south of Kimberly next to the foothills. Auger Falls has multiple trails covering more than 20 miles for multiple abilities on the banks above the Snake River. Here are some lodging options for the Twin Falls area.
We hope you have a fabulous Labor Day weekend! For more information, go to https://visitsouthidaho.com.