Tourist needs ideas :) (Rexburg, Payette, St. Anthony: to rent, live in, store)

[angelagardner]

Ok, it's a long time off but next year we are driving across the country on our move to the East Coast. I live in Northern Washington and haven't decided if I am going through northern Idaho or Southern Idaho on our way to Yellowstone. Our goal is to find something of interest to visit in each state we cross. So locals of Idaho: help me with cool places or things to do/see in Idaho in the summer months. I hear mining for opals is fun--any thoughts on that? Give me your input, thoughts, ideas, etc so I can compile a list and give my pre-teen something to research over the next year that allows her to contribute to our adventure. I know you can find stuff on the internet but I want locals opinions.

[cleosmom]

Let's see you have Craters Of The Moon National Monument & Preserve - Craters Of The Moon National Monument & Preserve (U.S. National Park Service)

and then there's City of Rexburg - Teton Flood Museum

also kind of fun is Yellowstone Bear World | Yellowstone Animals

and of course square ice cream Rainey Creek Country Store : visitidaho.org

[jufrbo]

White water rafting on the Payette.

[lilnickles85]

If you are toting around a four wheeler or would want to rent one, maybe you should check out the St. Anthony Sand Dunes: St. Anthony Sand Dunes : visitidaho.org

[lilnickles85]

Originally Posted by cleosmom

and of course square ice cream Rainey Creek Country Store : visitidaho.org

I agree- it is very good. Though housed in a gas station, don't let that deter you. I recommend the Huckleberry flavor.

[cleosmom]

Originally Posted by lilnickles85

I agree- it is very good. Though housed in a gas station, don't let that deter you. I recommend the Huckleberry flavor.

Indeed Huckleberry, can't get more Idaho than that

[angelagardner]

We have a similar ice cream place in Bellingham---it's fantastic and locals love the Basil Ice Cream or SHC (spontaneous human combustion--spicy cinnamon). LOVE IT!!!

[jufrbo]

I would suggest hitting up the mountains in Idaho. Go somewhere like Stanley. Save the funny ice cream for the midwest.

[stingraynm]

Originally Posted by cleosmom

Indeed Huckleberry, can't get more Idaho than that

I miss huckleberry ice cream. And huckleberry cobbler... *drool*

[stingraynm]

Originally Posted by jufrbo

I would suggest hitting up the mountains in Idaho. Go somewhere like Stanley. Save the funny ice cream for the midwest.

Hiking would definitely be a rewarding way to stretch your legs on a road trip, whether in Northern or Southern regions. Just be forewarned that you'll be quickly over-whelmed once you have to narrow the abundant Idaho wilderness opportunities down to a couple trails. Stanley, with the Sawtooth range nearby (do a Google image search for "Idaho Sawtooth" and you'll be sold), is definitely a great highlight once you have to narrow down choices. It wouldn't be too far out of the way on a jaunt to Yellowstone NP, either.