It's summertime in Idaho and you know that what means. It's road trip season! Here at Only In Idaho, we've compiled quite a few scenic road trips for you to enjoy. These road trips show you the best of our state, from our most picturesque small towns to some of our most stunning waterfalls. But if you're looking for a unique adventure that is full of quirks and oddities, you'll want to take a look at the road trip we compiled here. This adventure will take you to some of our state's weirdest spots and roadside attractions. Create some unforgettable memories by experiencing the bizarre side of our state.
As you can see from the map below, this road trip clocks in at a whopping 972 miles and takes you from the northern to the southern region of our state. You'll definitely want to stretch this out over several days in order to appreciate each unique stop to the fullest. Alternatively, you can break up the trip however you please and accomplish it in bits and pieces. Click here to be taken to the Google Map for the trip.
Please note, Oasis Bordello Museum is temporarily closed.
Welcome to Idaho's most scandalous museum! The Oasis Bordello Museum perfectly preserves and showcases the town's infamous illegal brothel. The brothel was in business until 1988 when the occupants hastily abandoned the place to escape an FBI raid. They left in such a hurry that personal items, furniture, and even recently bought groceries were left behind. Today you can tour the bordello and see exactly how it was left. Despite the risque subject matter, the tour is appropriately presented for all ages.
2. Miner's Hat Realty - 300 E Cameron Ave, Kellogg, ID 83837
One of Idaho's most uniquely shaped buildings can be found right off of Highway 10 near Kellogg. The circular building was constructed to look like a miner's hat back in 1939 and has been luring motorists from the highway ever since. The building spent some time as a roadside diner where you could grab a famous "Coney Island" hot dog. Today, the miner's hat acts as a real estate office. However, guests are still encouraged to stop by. You'll even find some cool historic artifacts inside.
If you've visited St. Maries during Labor Day weekend, you probably know about their iconic Paul Bunyan Days celebration. The charming event features logging competitions, water events, carnival rides, and much more. Well, the town's obsession with Paul Bunyan goes way back. Check out the giant Paul Bunyan statue at the local elementary school. It's stood proudly on the lawn since 1967. Sometimes he is painted in the school's colors of green and gold (shown above) and other times he is painted in traditional red and black.
advertisement
4. Dog Bark Park Inn - 2421 Business Loop 95, Cottonwood, ID 83522
Did you know Idaho is home to the world's largest beagle? Oh, and you can spend the night in him! This dog-shaped bed and breakfast is located in Cottonwood and it is by far one of the weirdest sights you'll see. If you're looking for a unique place to stay for the night, consider this 35-foot high dog affectionately named "Sweet Willy".
5. Shoshone Ice Caves - 1561 State Hwy 75, Shoshone, ID 83352
The scenery can get to be kind of boring while you're driving down Highway 75 in southern Idaho. That is, until you come across the giant green dinosaur marking the location of the Shoshone Ice Caves. Take a tour of the biggest ice cave in all of Idaho. It's especially gratifying on a hot summer day. Don't forget to stop by the wacky gift shop before you leave.
Of course, Idaho is home to the world's largest potato. See it for yourself when you visit the Spud Drive-In Theater in Driggs. The beloved theater has had an extremely loyal following since it opened back in 1953. It almost closed in 2011, but arrangements were made to keep it open after a public uproar. Catch a movie and take a picture with the giant spud that sits on the back of a flatbed truck at the theater's entrance.
7. Museum of Clean - 711 S 2nd Ave, Pocatello, ID 83201
You probably never thought cleaning tools and products could be so fascinating. Hiding in Pocatello is one of the oddest museums you'll ever come across—the Museum of Clean. Opened in 2012 by a man named Don Aslett, the museum showcases historic cleaning techniques and items. Exhibits such as "The World's First Vacuum" and "Brooms Around The World" are actually incredibly fascinating, if not a little eccentric.
advertisement
8. Soda Springs Geyser - E 1st St S, Soda Springs, ID 83276
Soda Springs is a small and quiet town, but it's home to one particularly unique attraction. The Soda Springs Geyser is considered "The Largest Man-Tamed Geyser". It's scheduled to blast streams of water up to 150 feet in the air every hour on the hour.
9. Butch Cassidy Museum - 833 Washington St, Montpelier, ID 83254
One of Idaho's most infamous bank robberies occurred on August 13, 1896 when Butch Cassidy chose a small bank in Montpelier as his next victim. Of all the banks Cassidy robbed, this is the only one still standing and it's since been turned into a museum. Walk on top of the same floor Butch Cassidy did while perusing old artifacts and learning all about the infamous man himself.
Best Travel Gifts of 2024, Hand-picked by Our Travel Experts
If you're looking for gifting ideas for the travelers in your life this holiday season, check out our list of our favorite, tried and true travel gifts.
Welcome to Hand-Picked, a curated series highlighting the travel gear and goods our staff truly love. From practical essentials to playful extras, these are the items that make travel fun—and shopping even better! Each pick is independently selected by our editors, and if you make a purchase through our links, Only In Your State may earn a commission.
There is nothing that makes me happier than picking out the perfect gift. Friends often ask me for ideas of what to gift to their family, children, partners, friends... the challenge of finding that special item (or experience) is my favorite kind of adrenaline rush. And because of this, the holiday season is like my version of sky diving.
advertisement
Our team of travel experts here at Only In Your State joined me in selecting our favorite travel gifts of the season. We've hand-picked 24 gifts that we own and love and would joyfully wrap up with a shiny bow for other travel lovers in our lives. We've chosen a variety of options, from candles to books, to the perfect travel shoes and bags. There is also a wide range of prices for any gifting budget. Pick out a few to gift this season and maybe even send some of these ideas to those who are shopping for you. It may be the holiday season, but it is also always travel season in our minds.
Why We Love Them: How fun is this candle? I love picking out meaningful gifts and this one is perfect for the woman in your life who can't help but plan another trip. Or, maybe this is you and this candle needs to make its way into your own stocking! The LEADO store on Amazon actually has several unique gifts and it's worth checking out. Where to Buy Them: Shop this candle and more on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 Bonus: Manager of Editorial Megan Shute swears by these rechargeable USB lighters – add one to your favorite candle lover's stocking, and they will not be disappointed.
Why We Love It: We've tried some pretty spiffy eye masks, but have you ever experienced an eye massager? The Bob & Brad EyeOasis 2 is as relaxing as it gets. With adjustable pressure & heat settings, this is a must-have if you want to tune out the world and treat yourself. It's the first thing we reach for when we feel a migraine coming on! Where To Buy It: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $59.99 (normally $74.99)
Why We Love Them: It's safe to say I am in my sneaker era and I know I'm not alone. When I discovered Kizik shoes, especially their sneakers, I felt like I discovered gold at the end of the rainbow. I love that the brand is size inclusive (I have big feet) and you literally just slip these on and go. Hands-free shoes! This makes them perfect for travel and the fact that these go with everything means no over-packing necessary. Where to Buy Them: Check out the Milan sneaker and several other styles (boots, too!) on the Kizik website. Price (at time of publication): $149
Why We Love Them: I discovered Frankie Jean while in Austin with my daughter and once I saw the Y'ALL Baseball Cap, I knew it would make the perfect souvenir -- and travel hat! I always travel with a baseball hat; they're handy for post-plane hair and offer protection from the elements. Frankie Jean has an array of adorable caps for non-y'allers, too, with all 50 states represented in the web store. Where to Buy It: Visit Frankie Jean online for this hat and many others! Price (at time of publication): $32
Why We Love Them: The Yoto Mini is an excellent gadget for kids on the go. Physical cards allow children to expand their imagination through audiobooks, music, activities, and educational audio. Manager of Editorial Megan Shute purchased the mini-player for her daughter's 4th birthday earlier this year ahead of an overseas move and has been endlessly impressed: "Not only did it replace her standard sound machine with its white noise options, but it has given us another portable screen-free entertainment option for at home and while traveling. The Yoto is also perfect for anyone who asks what your child wants for the holidays — cards for their new Yoto collection, please!" Where to Buy Them: Yoto is available on their website and Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $69.99 for player
Why We Love Them: The Vuori Performance Joggers might just be the most comfortable piece of clothing we own. The buttery-soft, stretchy material is the perfect weight, and the slim yet relaxed fit is one of the most universally flattering styles we've tried. Engagement Editor Meg Archer has gifted these to many people over the last few years: "I have yet to hear anything but rave reviews (and a bit of friendly shaming for spawning new obsessions). Don't be surprised if these just so happen to, umm... multiply... in your closet. I couldn't stop at just one pair." Bonus: The matching Vuori Halo Performance Hoodie is one of our favorite lightweight layers for all types of travel! Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From Vuori Price (at time of publication): $94
Why We Love Them: If you have a friend or family member who loves to travel and loves bags (who doesn't?), then this Calpak tote bag is the ultimate gift. When I say ultimate, I mean it, because this is the ultimate bag. My own tote bag is pictured above, when used on an overnight trip. I've also used it as a carry-on bag on flights, to tote sports equipment around for my kids, and for a weekend getaway. It is much larger than it looks in this photo and keeps everything organized. It also wipes clean! Where to Buy Them: Calpak has countless travel bags, but you can find this particular one on their website. Price (at time of publication): $131.75
Why We Love Them: I've purchased two of these portable hammocks with lightweight frames throughout the years — one as a gift for my father and one for myself after realizing how fantastic the hammock was. While it's not a travel product, per se, it has made my everyday life feel more like a vacation, something we could all use a bit more of these days. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $69.99
Why We Love Them: All of the staff at Only In Your State loves to represent their roots and Wear Your Roots allows you to do that in a fashionable - and comfortable - way. We love the wears from this Montana-based company and we happen to believe that these hoodies, shirts, hats, and more make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: Shop now on the Wear Your Roots website Price (at time of publication): Varies by Product
Why We Love It: It's taken several trips for me to figure out my perfect "weekender bag that's TSA approved," but I've found my perfect carry on with the TOBIQ Colorado 30L. An Instagram ad caught my eye during a late-night scroll session and I was intrigued by the colorful compartments and versatility of the bag, which can be carried as a duffle or as a backpack (I prefer the backpack for even weight distribution and airport navigation.) Made of durable, weather-resistant recycled materials, I've stashed this bag under my seat and in the overhead compartment; it's easy to maneuver and the top zip pocket is perfect for easy phone/ID access. Bonus: I loved this carry on bag so much, I purchased TOBIQ's Toiletry Bag; it fits perfectly inside one of the Colorado's four compartments and has a smart, intuitive design with the brand's signature "plethora of zippered pouches and pockets."
Where to Buy Them: Visit tobiqtravel.com to purchase the Colorado 30L and/or Toiletry Bag. Price (at time of publication): $199 (Colorado 30L)/$69 (Toiletry Bag)
Why We Love Them: The Zestt Dreamsoft Travel Scarf doubles as a blanket, making it the perfect travel accessory for year-round adventures – especially on airplanes! Made from organic cotton and easy to wash and care for, we have even used this piece as a makeshift picnic blanket while traveling. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $50
Why I Love It: This raincoat is absolutely perfect: it's light (12.4 ounces!) and super packable, "self stuffing" into one of its pockets in a Houdini-like feat. The hood is generously sized to fit over a hat and has a cord-and-hook design that keeps rain out (seriously -- this photo was taken after a trip to Portland, Oregon, where its water resistance was put to the test!). I purchased my Torrentshellfive years ago and it still looks brand new, the fabric has never snagged or ripped despite being put through the ringer! Bonus: The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket comes in men's sizes, too! Where to Buy It: Buy it now on REI. Price (at time of publication): $179 (both men's and women's)
Why We Love Them: I love gifting books. Maybe it's the writer in me or the nostalgia I feel every time I sit down and open up an actual book. Coffee table books make for great gifts and I absolutely love this collection of photography of New York City. Whether you know someone who loves NYC or has a wanderlust for the Big Apple, this gorgeous book just needs a bow on top and it's ready to gift. Where to Buy Them: Buy this book and others in the collection on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $19.78
Why We Love Them: A well-stocked first aid kit is essential for any traveler, and we love these small Welly kits. They're the perfect option to keep in your car, diaper bag, or carry-on for accidents on the go. Another excellent stocking stuffer for anyone in your life. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Walmart Price (at time of publication): $9.70
Why We Love Them: The OluKai Pehuea Lī Sneaker is lightweight and breathable, but also extremely comfortable and surprisingly supportive. It's our go-to shoe when we know we're going to be on our feet all day! We love that they can be worn as either sneakers or slides, so they're easy to slip off when going through TSA checks. Plus, the style goes with just about everything. Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From OluKai Price (at time of publication): $110
Why I Love It: Fact: Airplanes are notoriously dry, dry, dry. No matter how much water I drink both before and during the flight, I always find myself in a hydration deficit for days. My skin feels so tight and parched during flights, and while I've been known to slap on a sheet mask at 12,000 feet, my 11 year old's mortification on a recent trip had me rethinking this strategy. My solution? BioRepublic's Lost Baggage biocellulose eye masks. These mini moisturizers contain an uber-hydrating cocktail of peptides, hyaluronic acid, squalene, rose water, and vitamin E that feel oh-so-refreshing on parched skin. Bonus: Each of these little masks has enough moisture that I'm able to massage the excess into the rest of my face after my brief, in-flight spa moment. Where to Buy It: I have a BioRepublic Lost Baggage Under Eye Emergency Repair Mask Subscribe & Save order through Amazon -- you'll get a slight discount if you set this up! Price (at time of publication): 3/$15.00
Why I Love It: I am a dedicated Stanley girl, but when I travel, I like to keep things as light and portable as possible. A recent trip to Washington D.C. had me singing the praises of my Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle, especially after paying $6 for a tiny bottle of water the afternoon we arrived and embarked sans water. I love the bottle's muted color options (I have the Hydaway in Twilight), sturdy handle, and fuss-free cleaning; fully extended it holds 17 ounces of water, making this smart little number perfect for filling up on the go. Where to Buy Them: The Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle is available at several online merchants; I purchased through REI. Available here on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $27.95.
Why We Love Them: This is one of those things that we don't know how we traveled without them. Packing cubes keep things organized, save space in a suitcase, and take the pain out of the packing process. If you know and love someone who travels, this set would make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: There are so many options for packing cubes on Amazon, but we particularly LOVE this set. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 for 8 cubes
Why We Love Them: I've been a fan of Beis for years now, starting with the Weekender (it’s my absolute favorite travel bag for short car trips or flying and is surprisingly roomy). I recently purchased another Beis item — the backpack. With a padded interior sleeve, two water bottle pockets, and plenty of organization built-in — we’re talking zippered interior pockets, pen slots, a key leash, and more — this is the best backpack I’ve ever owned. It also has a full-zip opening, so it’s easy to pack, and the trolley pass-through makes it the perfect carry-on companion. This olive beauty is officially my new favorite personal item while traveling, and I’ve already brought it on several trips. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Beis Price (at time of publication): $88
Why We Love Them: We bought this set of two accessory organizers for a recent trip and think they would make a fun stocking stuffer filled with all sorts of small and useful travel goodies — chapstick, hair ties, mini lotions, bandaids, etc. The gift recipient can then use the organizers for travel. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $17.66
Why We Love It: The sleek style of the Away Everywhere Zip Backpack looks at home in just about any environment, making it a great transition bag if you need to hop right from a flight into a work meeting (or want to start exploring as soon as you land). It's water-resistant, has a padded laptop sleeve to keep your devices safe, and the full wrap-around zipper makes it incredibly easy to grab what you need in a cramped airplane seat. I love it! Where To Buy It:Buy Now From Away Price (at time of publication): $195
Why We Love It: Engagement Editor Meg Archer recently travel-testedthis high-end aluminum travel case, and it can only be described as the Lamborghini of Luggage: "The Sterling Pacific 40L Travel Case is hands down the best I've ever owned or reviewed. It's stunning inside and out, timelessly stylish, and rolls like a dream. Honestly, I didn't know luggage could move like this." It's undeniably a splurge, but if you're looking for a piece of eye-catching yet understated luxury-tier luggage, this is it. Where To Buy It: Buy Now From Sterling Pacific Price (at time of publication): $2,150
Why We Love It: Throw out all your assumptions about generators. The Anker Power Bank Portable Generator is all-electric (so it's totally silent), super compact, and has a massive 60,000 mAh capacity that can power multiple devices dozens of times on a single charge. It also retains an impressive 85% charge after a whole year of non-use, making it absolutely vital during emergencies. This bad boy kept us in touch with family during a multi-day blackout, but we also love it for camping trips and off-grid adventures. Where To Buy It:Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $149.99
advertisement
If you need anymore ideas for the best travel gifts of the season, we have you covered. Check out more of our travel-themed gift guides...
When you get the urge to go off on an adventure, a scenic drive is always a good option. Not only is Idaho full of them, but they give you the opportunity to see large sections of our beautiful state all at one time. It's one thing to read about these wonderful places and another thing entirely to actually go out and see them! Treat yourself to an underrated adventure that boasts a little bit of everything — stunning views, rich history, and small-town hospitality — when you set off on this little-known scenic drive in our state. In fact, this may be one of the best scenic drives in Idaho.
advertisement
Go for a memorable adventure through breathtaking eastern Idaho when you set off on the Sacajawea Historic Byway. Beginning at the intersection of I-15 and Idaho 33, this scenic drive shows off a vastly underappreciated region of our state.
Of course, this scenic drive has plenty of breathtaking vistas to enjoy, but that's not all this highway is known for. The best part about the Sacajawea Historic Byway is the incredible stories you're bound to discover about this region along the way.
This part of eastern Idaho is packed with history, including Sacajawea and the Lewis and Clark Corps of Discovery to the mining boom of the 1800s. Passing through this area is like experiencing a piece of living and breathing Idaho history.
From the intersection of I-15 and Idaho 33, the byway traverses a dozen or so miles before turning north on Highway 28. It then stretches all the way to Salmon, Idaho — a delightful small town that calls itself the birthplace of Sacajawea.
The route is as remote as it gets and you'll likely experience long stretches without another soul on the road. However, the surrounding beauty of the majestic Lemhi Valley is unlike anything you've experienced before.
On the way, you'll have the opportunity to stop by old charcoal kilns that were used to process lead and silver ore over a century ago. The kilns are an excellent reminder of the history that resides in this amazing region.
The former mining town of Gilmore can also be found along this route. It's practically a ghost town with nothing but dilapidated structures left of the community that it once was.
Traveling along the Sacajawea Historic Byway is so much more than a scenic road trip. It's a trip through Idaho's past and it's an adventure that's bound to leave an impression. It's an Idaho scenic drive that you need to experience at least once.
Are you ready to see what this scenic drive near me has to offer? What are some of your favorite scenic byways in Idaho? Let us know in the comments. And before you head out on the road, make sure you check out our ultimate road trip packing list and some of our favorite car-friendly snacks.
