Idaho is a state built for exploring by road. Dramatic mountains, wide-open farmland, volcanic landscapes, rivers, and small towns create a destination that often feels wonderfully removed from the crowds. While potatoes may be the state's most famous export, there's a lot more waiting beyond the fields.
Our time in Idaho took us through some wonderfully unexpected places, from walking across the otherworldly lava fields of Craters of the Moon to fully embracing the state's potato reputation at the Idaho Potato Museum. Add in beautiful mountain scenery and unique places to stay, and Idaho quickly became much more than simply somewhere to pass through on a larger Western road trip.
Whether you're heading toward the Tetons, exploring southern Idaho, chasing outdoor adventures, or just looking for some wonderfully quirky roadside stops, Idaho rewards travelers who take the time to explore beyond the major highways.
Attractions
National Parks
Where We Ate
- Idaho Potato Museum & Potato Station Cafe - Blackfoot
- Guidepost Brewing - Victor
Where We Stayed
Getting There
For our trip, we drove north from Salt Lake City, which is a great option for exploring southern and eastern Idaho. Salt Lake City International Airport also makes a useful gateway for a larger road trip through this part of the Mountain West, allowing you to combine Idaho with destinations in Utah, Wyoming, and the surrounding region. Once you're in Idaho, having a car gives you the most flexibility. Many of the state's best experiences are spread across rural areas and smaller communities, and some of the most memorable parts of the trip come from the scenery and unexpected stops you encounter between destinations.