If you ask just about anyone who isn’t from Idaho, they tend to say that all of Idaho is in “the boonies.” After all, I’m sure we’ve all heard an out-of-towner say that there’s “nothing to do here” or that “Idaho all looks the same.” Right?
But we also know that those people are wrong. There’s is plenty to do and see in middle-of-nowhere Idaho and we’ll prove it!
In fact, these places that are seemingly lost from civilization in Idaho are actually thriving hot spots in their own way because really, “the boonies” are where it’s at. Check out these diverse places in the Gem State that are worth the time and effort to find.
Please note, Syringa Café is temporarily closed.
- Initial Point, Kuna
Rachel Kaelyn Photography
Rachel Kaelyn Photography We;ve talked about the Center of the Universe before (right here in Idaho), and even the center of Idaho (which can be found near Challis), but Initial Point is an overlooked “center” of Idaho that is worth a trip. Officially the starting point for all land-surveying in Idaho, this monument on the outskirts of the Boise valley features breathtaking mountain views and a small plaque that commemorates its significance.
- Cleo’s Ferry Museum, Melba
Jennifer/OnlyInYourState
Jennifer/OnlyInYourState This whimsical hidden gem hidden away in the rural outskirts of the Treasure Valley is a beautiful and inspiring place to take a stroll. The quaint trail meanders through a lush oasis of natural beauty, accented with eclectic displays of statues, water features, and signs that will keep you entertained and reflective.
More info and directions.
- Spud Drive In, Driggs
plum_marie/TripAdvisor
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr Once a favorite summertime outing, drive-ins today are a fading American icon. Fortunately, Idaho has a number of them still dotting the state, including the Spud, which has become a favorite stopping point for Yellowstone and Idaho visitors alike. The giant outdoor screen rises from the middle of Idaho’s sprawling rural countryside and offers double-feature movies throughout the spring and summer months. A throwback concession stand and landmark giant potato on a flatbed truck also combine to make this theater a nostalgic must-see.
231 ID-33 Scenic, Driggs, ID 83422
- Boondocks, Island Park
James S./TripAdvisor
Ponder S./TripAdvisor A local favorite for good reason, this aptly-named family restaurant on the edge of Idaho is renowned for spectacular huckleberry cheesecake, cinnamon rolls, and oh so much more. But when the craving for red meat hits, Boondocks knows how to deliver with perfectly seared steak that has just the right amount of buttery deliciousness to seal in the flavor.
3587 Kilgore-Yale Rd, Island Park, ID 83429
- Pine Flats Hot Spring, Pine Flats
Gerry Thomasen/Flickr
Google Maps To take a dip in a natural geothermal pool that features a hot waterfall and views of the Payette River, this hot spring on the river’s edge is truly special. The spring is tucked away near Lowman in the Boise National Forest, and requires a short hike down loose rock and through the Pine Flats Campground to reach. However, since it is in a national forest, you’ll feel miles away from civilization.
- Silver City
Gigi F./TripAdvisor
Gigi F./TripAdvisor The vast majority of Idaho’s ghost towns are “ghostlike” for good reason. But for a true adventure into the literal middle of nowhere, Silver City is a must. The never-ending dirt road that leads to this partial ghost town will test your patience, but the end result – a trip through time – is incredibly worth it.
More info and directions.
- Syringa Cafe, Kootenai
River Dance Lodge/Facebook
River Dance Lodge/Facebook The Syringa Cafe is part of the River Dance Lodge, situated on the banks of the Wild & Scenic Clearwater River, near the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness Area in Kooskia, far away from the hustle and bustle of town life. Woodsy, rustic, and absolutely beautiful, the fresh air here makes everything taste that much better.
- Last Resort Vacation Cabin, Clark Fork
Last Resort Vacation
Last Resort Vacation Nestled on the Montana border amid endless trees, picturesque waterfront views, and colorful nature at its finest, this cabin haven away from it all is mind-blowingly serene and too charming for words. But to book this hidden gem first, you’ll have to act quickly and plan ahead! This lovely slice of Idaho is booked solid until next year.
58 E. River Dr, Clark Fork, ID 83811
- Spragpole Museum, Murray
AuggieDogProductions/YouTube Murray is one of those towns that seems lost in time, but is absolutely charming set against the trees of northern Idaho. Tucked away in this town of 300 is a special, little-known museum that is as “Idaho” as it gets. This historic building is filled to the brim with over 9000 square feet of local and regional memorabilia, collections, and relics of yore: art, antiques, photos, sculptures, logging equipment, jar collections… it’s literally impossible to describe, so you’ll just have to see it for yourself!
6353 Prichard Creek Rd. Murray, ID 83874
- Bruneau Observatory, Bruneau
Bruneau Dunes State Park/Facebook
Chaval Brasil/Flickr Bruneau’s sand dunes get a great deal of attention for being the tallest natural, single-structured dunes in the country, but just a short jump away is an observatory that doesn’t get quite as much attention it should. Southern Idaho is perfectly positioned for clear skies, but the city lights of nearby Boise can drown out the sky in other areas. Bruneau Dunes State Park, however, is set in the perfect spot to see the stars up close with the help of local astronomy professionals and their high-tech equipment, but far enough away from the city that you’ll have no issues with light pollution. However, the drive here will make you think you’re lost in the desert - it’s the very definition of “boonies!”
27608 Sand Dunes Rd. Mountain Home, ID 83604
We’ve just barely scraped the surface of Idaho’s favorite remote places, but my gas tank can only get me so far in one trip! Where are your favorite out-of-the-way gems in Idaho?
Rachel Kaelyn Photography
We;ve talked about the Center of the Universe before (right here in Idaho), and even the center of Idaho (which can be found near Challis), but Initial Point is an overlooked “center” of Idaho that is worth a trip. Officially the starting point for all land-surveying in Idaho, this monument on the outskirts of the Boise valley features breathtaking mountain views and a small plaque that commemorates its significance.
Jennifer/OnlyInYourState
Jennifer/OnlyInYourState
This whimsical hidden gem hidden away in the rural outskirts of the Treasure Valley is a beautiful and inspiring place to take a stroll. The quaint trail meanders through a lush oasis of natural beauty, accented with eclectic displays of statues, water features, and signs that will keep you entertained and reflective.
More info and directions.
plum_marie/TripAdvisor
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr
Once a favorite summertime outing, drive-ins today are a fading American icon. Fortunately, Idaho has a number of them still dotting the state, including the Spud, which has become a favorite stopping point for Yellowstone and Idaho visitors alike. The giant outdoor screen rises from the middle of Idaho’s sprawling rural countryside and offers double-feature movies throughout the spring and summer months. A throwback concession stand and landmark giant potato on a flatbed truck also combine to make this theater a nostalgic must-see.
231 ID-33 Scenic, Driggs, ID 83422
James S./TripAdvisor
Ponder S./TripAdvisor
A local favorite for good reason, this aptly-named family restaurant on the edge of Idaho is renowned for spectacular huckleberry cheesecake, cinnamon rolls, and oh so much more. But when the craving for red meat hits, Boondocks knows how to deliver with perfectly seared steak that has just the right amount of buttery deliciousness to seal in the flavor.
3587 Kilgore-Yale Rd, Island Park, ID 83429
Gerry Thomasen/Flickr
Google Maps
To take a dip in a natural geothermal pool that features a hot waterfall and views of the Payette River, this hot spring on the river’s edge is truly special. The spring is tucked away near Lowman in the Boise National Forest, and requires a short hike down loose rock and through the Pine Flats Campground to reach. However, since it is in a national forest, you’ll feel miles away from civilization.
Gigi F./TripAdvisor
The vast majority of Idaho’s ghost towns are “ghostlike” for good reason. But for a true adventure into the literal middle of nowhere, Silver City is a must. The never-ending dirt road that leads to this partial ghost town will test your patience, but the end result – a trip through time – is incredibly worth it.
More info and directions.
River Dance Lodge/Facebook
The Syringa Cafe is part of the River Dance Lodge, situated on the banks of the Wild & Scenic Clearwater River, near the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness Area in Kooskia, far away from the hustle and bustle of town life. Woodsy, rustic, and absolutely beautiful, the fresh air here makes everything taste that much better.
Last Resort Vacation
Nestled on the Montana border amid endless trees, picturesque waterfront views, and colorful nature at its finest, this cabin haven away from it all is mind-blowingly serene and too charming for words. But to book this hidden gem first, you’ll have to act quickly and plan ahead! This lovely slice of Idaho is booked solid until next year.
58 E. River Dr, Clark Fork, ID 83811
AuggieDogProductions/YouTube
Murray is one of those towns that seems lost in time, but is absolutely charming set against the trees of northern Idaho. Tucked away in this town of 300 is a special, little-known museum that is as “Idaho” as it gets. This historic building is filled to the brim with over 9000 square feet of local and regional memorabilia, collections, and relics of yore: art, antiques, photos, sculptures, logging equipment, jar collections… it’s literally impossible to describe, so you’ll just have to see it for yourself!
6353 Prichard Creek Rd. Murray, ID 83874
Bruneau Dunes State Park/Facebook
Chaval Brasil/Flickr
Bruneau’s sand dunes get a great deal of attention for being the tallest natural, single-structured dunes in the country, but just a short jump away is an observatory that doesn’t get quite as much attention it should. Southern Idaho is perfectly positioned for clear skies, but the city lights of nearby Boise can drown out the sky in other areas. Bruneau Dunes State Park, however, is set in the perfect spot to see the stars up close with the help of local astronomy professionals and their high-tech equipment, but far enough away from the city that you’ll have no issues with light pollution. However, the drive here will make you think you’re lost in the desert - it’s the very definition of “boonies!”
27608 Sand Dunes Rd. Mountain Home, ID 83604
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