From street art and dog-themed hotels to ice caves and lava fields, Idaho offers more than just potatoes! If you’re looking for some quirky things to do, add these offbeat attractions to your Idaho itinerary.
Freak Alley
Explore the vibrant and ever-changing street art at Freak Alley, located between 8th and 9th Street in downtown Boise. This is the largest outdoor art gallery in the Northwest, where one mural seamlessly blends into the next. Snap photos of graffiti-style doodles, a massive painting of a growling bear, or the cheeky “Breaking Boise” sign. With murals constantly being added or updated, no two visits are the same!
Yellowstone Bear World
Get up close to Idaho’s wildlife at Yellowstone Bear World in Rexburg. From the comfort of your car, spot grizzly bears, black bears, bison, and elk roaming freely. After your safari, head to the amusement park for a spin on the Log Roller Coaster or Wildlife Wheel, then visit the petting zoo, where you can bottle-feed bear cubs and meet friendly goats, deer, and more.
Dog Bark Park Inn
Dog lovers, this one’s for you! Spend the night inside the world’s largest beagle at Cottonwood’s Dog Bark Park Inn. This quirky bed and breakfast is a canine-themed dream, with dog-shaped pillows, cookies, and puzzles waiting in your room. Don’t miss the onsite wood carving gallery, where Dennis, the owner, crafts adorable dog sculptures with his chainsaw.
Niter Ice Cave
Cool off in the Niter Ice Cave – this ancient lava tube in Grace, Idaho, naturally stays icy year-round. Early settlers once used it as a giant fridge, but today, it’s a popular roadside attraction located about 100 yards from the main road. Look up to see shimmering icicles at the entrance, and don’t forget a flashlight and a warm jacket if you’re venturing deeper into the cave.
Hell’s Half Acre Lava Field
Take a hike through Hell’s Half Acre Lava Field in Bingham for jaw-dropping views of Idaho’s volcanic past. This otherworldly terrain, shaped by ancient eruptions, includes sharp lava rock, lava tubes, and desolate trails. Choose from three paths, ranging from a half-acre paved loop to a strenuous 4.5-mile path on rough terrain – this surreal adventure feels more like Hawaii than Idaho!
Black Magic Canyon
There’s no need to visit Utah’s slot canyons when you can check out Black Magic Canyon in Shoshone instead! Sculpted by the Big Wood River over the course of thousands of years, this canyon now showcases breathtaking black rock formations. Winter is the safest time to visit, as the river’s floodwaters subside. Wear sturdy hiking boots—those basalt rocks can be slippery!
Silverwood Theme Park
For some family-friendly thrills, head to Silverwood Theme Park in Athol, the largest theme park in the Northwest. Ride heart-pounding coasters like Aftershock, reaching speeds of 65 miles per hour, and the Corkscrew, the first-ever modern inverting coaster. If you’d rather take it easy, check out classic attractions like the Ferris wheel and carousel. With over 70 rides, there’s something for everyone!
The Center of the Universe
Did you know the Center of the Universe is in Wallace, Idaho? At least, that’s what the mayor declared in 2004, and who can prove otherwise? Wander this charming mountain town with its historic downtown and scenic trails, then snap a photo at the famous “Center of the Universe” manhole cover to mark your visit to this delightfully quirky spot.
