Top 10 Things to Do in Albion

Albion may be a tiny town — fewer than 300 people reside there — but it’s a great place to live large. Between Albion’s rich history and astounding outdoor recreation, you’ll find yourself planning a return trip in no time.

1. Learn About the Old West.

The notorious Old West villain Diamondfield Jack once rampaged through Cassia County. You can learn more about him, and his trial at the Albion courthouse, at the Albion Valley Historical Society. Don’t forget to check out the information about the Oregon Trail, Native American history, and Albion’s unique architecture.

2. Get cozy at a historic college.

The Albion Bed and Breakfast once housed Southern Idaho’s only college, the Albion Normal School. Stay in one of the 1907 building’s intimate rooms, wake up to the gorgeous backdrop of the Albion Mountains, and nosh on breads made with freshly-milled flour from the in-house Albion Schoolhouse Bakery.

3. Hit the trail.

Pomerelle Mountain Resort might be famous for its powder in the winter, but when the weather turns warm it’s a must for mountain bikers. The resort opens its lift for summer mountain biking along its trails and tracks — make it a weekend with a stay at the lodge!

4. Savor some barbecue.

Albion might seem like an odd place to find a Texas-style outdoor barbecue joint, but PiggySue Bar-B-Que devotees swear by this food truck. As one Facebook reviewer put it, “Absolutely the best bar-b-que ribs I’ve ever eaten and I’m from the south, Alabama, where we eat barbecue all the time.” Pro tip: Try the brisket nachos.

5. Do you dare enter the Haunted Mansions of Albion?

From late September to early November, the old Albion Normal School (location of the Albion Bed & Breakfast, above) transforms into the creepiest nightmare dreamscape in the state. Warning: Not for the faint of heart. Check out this year’s schedule here.

6. Hit the powder at Pomerelle.

Pomerelle Mountain Resort is a relaxed, fun-filled day resort nestled in the Sawtooth National Forest. With an annual snowfall of 500 inches, it is usually one of the first Idaho ski resorts to open — and it’s refreshingly free of lift lines. Pomerelle offers 24 runs, groomed daily, plus gladed tree skiing.

7. Look for precious wildflowers.

High-altitude Lake Cleveland is accessible only during the summer months, but once you arrive you’ll be greeted with hardy, bright wildflowers that bloom well into July. Adventurous wildflower seekers should try Mount Harrison in the Albion Mountains, which is home to two of the rarest plants in the world: Christ’s Indian paintbrush and Davis’ springparsley.

8. Hike to Independence Lakes.

Independence Lakes is considered the best destination for high mountain lake hiking in Southern Idaho. The lakes offer good fishing and camping, too. You can do the trip as a day hike or overnight backpack trip.

9. Celebrate at Albion Fourth of July events.

Idaho’s small towns really do July 4 right — and in Albion, they go all out with three days of events. The Albion 4th of July celebration includes a dance, a color run, food booths, games for kids, and — of course — a parade. Get this year’s schedule here.

10. Explore backcountry snow.

Mount Harrison, located near Pomerelle Mountain Resort and accessed by Howell Canyon, features incredible panoramic views of the valley below and reliably deep powder. Of course, you can always go off-trail — there are plenty of places to play along all those groomed trails! But don’t worry about competing for space: Only 3,500 snowmobiles are registered in Southern Idaho each year, which means you’ll have plenty of room to roam.