Idaho, a state boasting spirited small towns and abundant natural playgrounds, offers diverse recharge options, from relaxing beach days to high-octane adventures. These seven destinations promise a much-needed two-day escape, catering to every preference.
Sandpoint
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This northern panhandle town is a hub for restoration. In summer, Sandpoint City Beach Park on Lake Pend Oreille draws sunbathers and swimmers. Boaters frequent the adjacent marina. Winter transforms the area with skiers and snowboarders heading to Schweitzer Mountain, Idaho’s largest ski resort, located just 10 miles north. The mountain boasts 92 runs across nearly 3,000 acres and averages 300 inches of snow. Throughout the year, 1st Avenue is a lively spot for dining and shopping, featuring the unique Cedar Street Bridge Public Market, a two-story structure housing boutique vendors, reminiscent of Florence, Italy’s Ponte Vecchio.
The town offers a range of accommodations, from the upscale Talus Rock Retreat on the outskirts to more central options. It provides a perfect setting for a restorative getaway, blending natural beauty with vibrant community life.
Coeur d’Alene
Coeur d’Alene offers an invigorating mix of natural and social attractions, much like Sandpoint but on a grander scale. Situated on Lake Coeur d’Alene, the city is ideal for lake cruises, swimming from Boardwalk Public Beach, or cliff jumping at Tubbs Hill. The Boardwalk Marina, the world’s largest floating boardwalk, provides bars and viewpoints. For lake enthusiasts, The Coeur d’Alene Resort offers prime waterfront lodging.
Downtown Coeur d’Alene features numerous coffee shops, eclectic eateries, and art galleries. For a unique city overview, especially with children, the Mudgy Moose Trail offers a 2-mile scavenger hunt marked by life-sized moose statues.
Kellogg
In the Silver Valley, Kellogg leverages its scenic Bitterroot Mountains setting. The former mining town offers year-round recreation at Silver Mountain Resort. Activities include skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing, downhill biking on dozens of trails, and scenic gondola rides to Kellogg Peak. The resort also houses Idaho’s largest indoor waterpark, Silver Rapids, and is adjacent to the Galena Ridge 9-hole alpine golf course.
For a glimpse into the past, visit the Mining and Smelting Museum. Uptown’s Main Street features Radio Brewing Company, filled with antique memorabilia, offering a nostalgic indulgence.
Wallace
Further east in the Silver Valley, Wallace stands as another mining community, often accessed via the 72-mile Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes bike path. Declared the “Center of the Universe” by the mayor, Wallace’s entire downtown is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, making exploration a unique experience. Delve into the town’s history with a Sierra Silver Mine Tour, visit the Wallace District Mining Museum, the Northern Pacific Railroad Depot Museum, or the Oasis Bordello Museum.
Accommodations like the quirky Stardust Motel or the historic Ryan Hotel provide comfortable stays in this distinctive town.
Idaho Falls
For national park enthusiasts, Idaho Falls serves as an excellent base. It’s within day-trip distance of Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks in Wyoming, and Craters of the Moon National Monument & Preserve in Idaho. The city itself offers numerous attractions, including the artificial falls created by the Snake River damming. Popular spots include the Idaho Falls Zoo and the East Idaho Aquarium. Cultural sites like the Museum of Idaho and the Art Museum of Eastern Idaho are also nearby. Numerous hotels are available along the riverfront.
Pocatello
About 50 miles south of Idaho Falls, Pocatello offers similar attractions with its own unique charm. The Portneuf River provides opportunities for fishing and paddling. Ross Park expands the adventure list with rock climbing, pickleball, swimming, horseshoes, and a skate park. The park also houses Zoo Idaho and the Bannock County Historical Complex, showcasing 19th-century Oregon Trail migration history.
Pocatello’s museums cater to diverse interests, including the Model Railroad and Historical Society, the Museum of Clean, and the Shoshone-Bannock Tribal Museum on the Fort Hall Reservation, which highlights the region’s Native American heritage.
Moscow
Home to the University of Idaho, Moscow is an attractive college town known as “Fest City.” It hosts numerous annual events like Moscowberfest, Moscow Mountain Music Fest, Moscow Comedy Fest, and the Kino Short Film Festival, offering vibrant cultural experiences. For a quieter retreat, the university campus features the 18-hole Vandal Golf Course and an Arboretum & Botanical Garden, both open to the public. Downtown Moscow is a haven for book lovers, record collectors, and vintage shoppers, with galleries and theaters adding to its charm. The Hattabaugh boutique hotel is a prime spot for easy access to these attractions.
From lake towns to historic mining communities and vibrant college cities, Idaho offers a wealth of destinations for a revitalizing two-day break, blending relaxation with stimulating experiences.
