National Parks in Idaho You Don’t Want to Miss

Whether you’re looking to call Idaho home or simply seeking a fun getaway, our state boasts numerous national parks that are sure to delight. Outdoor enthusiasts and couch potatoes alike will marvel at the varied natural beauty and fresh, clean air that our parks deliver. Check out our list and get ready to pack your hiking gear!

Nez Perce National Historical Park

Established in 1965, this national historic park comprises 38 sites spread throughout Washington, Oregon, and Montana. It preserves the traditional aboriginal land where the New Perce people once dwelled. The park features three different ecoregions as well as a museum located in the park headquarters.

Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument

Named a National Natural Landmark in 1975, this park boasts the largest collection of Hagerman horse fossils. A well-known feature of this park, Equus simplicidens (The Hagerman horse), is thought to be the first true one-toed horse. The monument is important locally but it’s also world-renowned. Fossils preserved here date back to the late Pliocene epoch; the animals and plants within this area were the last living existence from that age. Pretty cool, and fun for the entire family!

City of Rocks National Reserve

Rock climbers, hikers, campers, and anyone seeking adventure will love this reserve! Remnants of the Old West are peppered throughout the site and its beautiful scenic vistas replete with sagebrush valleys will charm the entire family. There’s no excuse not to visit as it’s open every day, all year round.

Craters of the Moon National Monument

Created by President Calvin Coolidge in May of 1924, the breathtaking landscape is often described as “weird”. Scattered sagebrush and cinder cones cover the vast ocean of lava flows at Craters of the Moon National Park. Camp out under the stars and check out an assortment of wildlife when you visit. The molten lava fields formed this unusual landscape 15 million years ago. With over 750,000 acres to explore, this national monument will take your breath away.

Minidoka National Historic Site

Learn important lessons from our country’s history when visiting this site. Commemorating over 9,000 Japanese Americans who were held captive here during WWII, this site is located in the remote high desert. The entire site measures only about 210 acres in land area. Located between the towns of Twin Falls and Jerome, ID, the site offers seasonal, limited visits with no admission fee.

Yellowstone National Park

Most of Yellowstone is located in northwest Wyoming, but part of the park is actually right here in Idaho. Stunning mountain vistas along with moose, bison, and elk sightings are just part of what you can expect when you visit. The world’s first national park, Yellowstone was created in 1872 and has charmed visitors every day since then. Check out the waterfalls, streams, meadows, and rivers on the Idaho side when you pass through—you’ll be glad that you did!

I’m a native Idahoan and Boise resident with 26 years in the real estate business. As the Idaho Area Manager, Loan Officer, and Team Lead for the Heffner Group at Guild Mortgage, I invite you to explore Idaho. When you’re ready to discuss owning a home here, give us a call at (208) 901-3540. We look forward to speaking with you!