Are you planning an Idaho winter adventure with your family and friends? You made the right choice by choosing Idaho city as your trip destination.
Idaho winter destinations are one of the best in the country and must be visited at least once. Every year the city attracts a lot of tourists during the winter thanks to the fantastic blend of adventure, amusement, and leisure that this place offers.
Idaho has ample skiable terrains, ice rinks, and ski resorts to help make your vacation complete. Have you ever seen a castle made of snow and ice? If not, you can change that in Idaho. Idaho city makes sure it satisfies your winter spirit.
A trip to Idaho is perfect for anyone, irrespective of age. It offers a lot of fun things to do for kids as well as adults.
13 Winter Destination In Idaho To Spice Up Your Vacation
There is so much to experience in Idaho that even a week-long trip might feel less. If you are still preparing your itinerary for the Idaho winter vacation, this article should help. Here is a list of 13 places you must visit and things you must do in Idaho this winter.
1. Island Park
Location: Fremont County, Idaho
Highlights: Snowmobiling, winter activities
Eastern Idaho’s Island Park is a 33-mile stretch lined with well-equipped hotels, dining establishments, and cozy cabins. Island Park allows you to enjoy the winter season to its’ fullest. After engaging in heart-pounding activities like cross-country skiing, fat biking, downhill skiing, snowshoeing, and more, you can unwind in some of Idaho’s top hot springs.
Snowmobiling is a popular activity in Island Park. People travel around the nation to ride on 900 miles of groomed trails. You can go through meadows, between the trees, into the slopes, or to Mesa Falls, among many other alternatives. You may even observe several attractions while wandering the groomed snow trails.
2. LaBelle Lake Ice Palace
Location: 688 N 4200 E, Rigby, ID 83442, United States
Highlights: Fire show, character meet and greet, and sleigh rides
Visit the LaBelle Lake Ice Palace to experience the magical fairyland on earth, sitting approximately 20 minutes from Idaho Falls. It is a massive and beautiful palace made of snow and ice and is larger than life. No, Elsa didn’t build it, but if you are lucky, you might meet Elsa and Olaf there.
You can visit here with your family, friends, and partner. There are a lot of fun activities to enjoy, like horse-drawn sleigh rides, ice slides, and fire performances here. Magical is the only word to describe this place. It lights up in different colors during the night, turning into a fairyland.
The place also has amazing food trucks serving mouth-watering delicacies. They have something for every tongue, from tacos and pizzas to doughnuts and house-special drinks.
The palace is maintained with the consistent efforts of its staff. Palace’s structure is refined with a lot of care to give the visitors a Disney-like experience in Idaho.
Please visit this website for more details on the hourly prices and opening hours.
3. Roundhouse Restaurant – Sun Valley
Location: Bald Mountain, NF-135, Ketchum, ID 83340
Popular dishes: Smoked Salmon BLT, Lamb Burger, Black Owl Coffee
Roundhouse is a fine dining restaurant located on the Bald Mountains. It offers an excellent food menu and a good selection of beverages, but the view makes it worth all the money—an astonishingly beautiful view of snow-covered mountains. Imagine enjoying a dinner with your family or spouse, in a warm cozy environment, 7700 feet above the ground.
Sun Valley resort is famous for its skiing attractions, but there is more to it than just skiing. The restaurant has taken all measures to give you a cherishable experience.
You start with a Gondola ride up the mountain, where the restaurant welcomes you with friendly staff and vintage and rustic interiors. The beautiful lights make the ambiance romantic and cozy.
The food at Roundhouse is as impressive as the view of the majestic mountains changing colors with the setting sun. You can order yourself a creamy, smooth hot cocoa and a burger to enjoy an experience of a lifetime.
A trip to Roundhouse will be the most memorable of all the winter vacations you’ll ever have. Don’t miss out on this experience this Idaho winter vacation.
4. Winter Wonderland – Indian Creek Plaza
Location: 120 S Kimball Ave, Caldwell, ID 83605
Highlights: Ice-skating ribbon, beautiful holiday lights
You should not miss a night at Winter Wonderland at Indian Creek Plaza in Caldwell if you happen to be in Idaho during the holiday season. Caldwell fully transforms into a lovely location from the weekend before Thanksgiving until the first week of January. For everybody, regardless of age, it is a must-see. The city illuminates with decorations and over a million Christmas lights strung across bridges, buildings, and trees. The snowy season in Idaho gives tourists a spectacular experience.
You can try skiing, snowshoeing, skating, and other winter-season activities. You are welcome to participate even if you are not a professional skater. Anyone can use the ice skating ribbon, regardless of their degree of skill. There are various activities for youngsters as well, so bring them along. You are certainly going to create the best memories at Winter Wonderland.
You can end this fun night at one of the many fabulous restaurants serving your favorite delicious American meal.
5. Burgdorf Hot Springs
Location: 404 French Creek, McCall, ID 83638
Highlights: Rural setting, ancient pools
Tell us if there is a better way to pamper your body during the chilly winters than by taking a dip in one of Idaho’s great natural hot springs. Spend some time at Burgdorf Hot Springs – one of the best hot springs in Idaho.
Burgdorf Hot Springs is a distinctive location with a village-like setting that genuinely takes you closer to nature. The hot springs are situated in a historical setting and are immaculately maintained. The hot springs are reachable by car during the rest of the year, but you’ll have to rely on snowmobiles during winter.
There are three ancient pools with timber sides and graveled floors – two small pools and a bigger pool with temperatures varying between 96-113°F. You can let your kids tag along because they also have pools suitable for kids.
Rest in hot water and let your muscles and bones regain their original strength. If you’ve never been to a hot spring, this is an experience you’ll want to keep having, and Idaho won’t let you down with its enormous selection of hot springs.
6. McCall Winter Carnival
Location: No specific location
Highlights: Sculpture competition, raffle riding, skiing, and other winter activities
To spice up your winter trip to Idaho with adventure, check out the McCall Winter Carnival. The 10-day carnival has a history that dates back to the 1924 Payette Lake Winter Games. Since it first began, the McCall carnival has served as an emblem of the fun and thrill of Idaho’s winter season. You can participate in all activities you can think of, from winter-specific activities to general fun and adventure activities. If you are here with your kids, you can be sure to find n number of activities your kids can enjoy.
The festival is fun not only for visitors but for small businesses. Many local businesses participate in the snow sculpture-making competition. Believe us; they make giant, immaculate sculptures based on the theme. It is truly a work of art.
The carnival usually takes place from late January until early February. You can expect incredible decorations, dances, and competitions straight from a storybook.
7. Henry’s Lake- Ice Fishing
Location: Idaho 83429, USA
Highlights: World famous ice-fishing lake, fish ample of trout and hybrid trouts here
An array of winter activities is held all over Idaho to level up your winter vacation. However, ice fishing is a must-try if you want to take it a little easy and do something fun without indulging in adventurous experiences.
During the winters, Idaho’s temperature drops so much that the lakes’ surfaces freeze. Holes are made on this frozen surface for all fishing enthusiasts to enjoy fishing even in the winter.
Idaho has plenty of ice-fishing lakes. One of the very first lakes to thoroughly freeze in the Coeur d’Alene region is Avondale. But if you want to fish at the finest ice-fishing lake in Idaho, Henry’s Lake is the place to go. You can find some of Idaho’s biggest trout in this world-renowned lake. Stroll around the lake and enjoy the scenic beauty. It is a fun experience, totally different from regular fishing.
Getting there isn’t an issue. You can choose the best access point for you from among the several accessible around the lake.
8. Glade Runner Mountain Coaster- Bogus Basin
Location: N Bogus Basin Rd, Horseshoe Bend, ID 83629
Want to experience something more thrilling than nordic skiing? How about a mountain coaster? Experience a ride you’ll never forget. The speed at which the coaster descends is more than enough to make you scream your lungs out. However, the scenic beauty of the mountain will keep you at ease, so don’t be scared.
The glade runner mountain coaster is the only one in Idaho; hence definitely not something you should miss out on. It is 4,330ft long and has many curves and 360-degree loops that will surely raise your adrenaline level.
If your kids aren’t scared of roller coasters, you might also let them try a mountain coaster.
You start with a 3-minute journey up the hill. The staff will take you safely and slowly to the start of the mountain coaster. Enjoy this ride by viewing the beautiful scenes around you. Once you reach the top, the staff would take all safety measures, and then its a one and a one-and-a-half minute ride down the mountain. It is fun, scary, exciting, and the most beautiful one and half minutes of your life.
Here’s more information on pricing and other details. Click here.
9. Brundage Mountain Resort
Location: 3890 Goose Lake Rd, McCall, ID 83638
Highlights: 6 ski lifts to choose from, a beginner zone
Everyone who enjoys ice skiing knows that Brundage Mountain Resort is the best ski lift in Idaho. You must go to this ski lift if you spend the rest of the year excitedly anticipating winter so you may go skiing. The wait would be worthwhile.
With so many options to choose from, you are spoilt for choice. Whether you are a beginner or a pro, this ski resort has made arrangements to suit your requirements. Don’t worry about getting bored if you are an experienced skier or snowboarder. This resort has six lifts that access 68 defined trails and infinite gladded terrain.
Even beginners and kids can enjoy skiing at Brundage mountain ski resort. It has a beginner zone, perfect for inexperienced or absolute beginners. If you need to learn skiing, the staff here will help you understand the basics. You can expect an enjoyable and cheerful experience of learning to ski from these excellent trainers.
10. Warhawk Air Museum
Location: 201 Municipal Dr, Nampa, ID 83687
Highlights: Life-size models of aircraft, automobiles, etc
An excellent spot to visit in Idaho, regardless of the weather, is a museum, especially if you’re traveling with kids.
Warhawk museum is an aviation museum. In contrast to traditional museums that house paintings, skeletons, and antique coins, you may learn about aircraft, automobiles, and military equipment while looking at the models of those items in their original scale.
This museum visit will undoubtedly be the best one ever. Find out about the lives of troops, including how they lived both before they joined the military and while serving in combat. So many exhibits and information are available here that a single visit is unfeasible. As much as you can, take in. Keep the rest for the next trip.
11. Whispers- Igloo On The Lake
Location: 115 S 2nd St #2738, Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814
Highlights: Breathtaking views of Lake Coeur d’Alene, Igloo cabins
If there is another good dining establishment besides Roundhouse that you ought to check out, it is Whispers. It is a high-end establishment with a lounge available indoors or outdoors and stunning views of Lake Coeur d’Alene and roaring fire pits.
The Igloos in this restaurant are the most intriguing feature. On the restaurant’s patio outside, lovely igloos have been designed. Dinner with family or friends would be ideal in one of these Igloo cabins. It can house 5-6 people, and the temperature is controlled to cozy up the place. Their delicious, rich hot cocoa will do the rest of the job of keeping you warm.
During the holidays, the area is decorated and lit up beautifully. It is genuinely a royal experience that is open to everyone.
While you indulge your taste buds with their incredible range of cocktails, you can enjoy the view of the Marina and Lake Coeur d’Alene.
Whispers is a peaceful and enjoyable place to spend the night, but the spectacular scenery will leave you amazed.
12. Wallace
Location: Shoshone County, Idaho
Highlights: Museums, historic buildings, and wineries
Wallace is a town in Shoshone County situated in the Silver Valley mining region of Idaho. It has been known as the Silver Capital of the World for ages.
Wallace features three museums, a mining tour, many fantastic restaurants, and a few wineries. Every structure in the downtown area of Wallace is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Combining all these factors makes this place well worth a trip. In addition to offering world-class recreation and tourism, Wallace is expanding to become a larger and more attractive town.
13. Bruneau Dunes park
Location: 27608 Bruneau Sand Dunes Rd, Bruneau, ID 83604
Highlights: Tallest dune, horse ride in the sand
Have you ever seen a dune standing tall in all its glory and might? If you are in Idaho, you can visit Bruneau Dunes Park to witness the tallest dune in North America. It is 470 feet above the surface. You can stroll in the dune; just make sure you wear hiking boots. Or, there are on-site outlets selling sandboards that you can consider. You can also fish bluegill in the lakes at the dunes’ foot. If you are too tired to walk, how about a horse ride? Whether you are with your family or friends, Bruneau Dunes Park is a fun place to visit.
Holiday Shopping Attractions In Idaho
Idaho will not disappoint any holiday shopping enthusiast. It offers a lot of beautiful shopping attractions throughout the city.
Downtown Coeur d’Alene offers various shopping areas, from malls to aesthetic antique shops.
Another popular location is the Indian Creel Plaza. You can enjoy shopping here while munching on fast food, listening to an orchestra, and trying your hand at the ice skating ribbon at the ice rink.
How To Get To Idaho City?
Idaho City has great connectivity by road and air.
There are many regional airports and international airports to choose from. Boise Air Terminal is Idaho’s largest international airport in Idaho. You can take a flight to Boise and then travel to your hotel from the airport.
You can travel throughout the city to view different locations via public transportation or a private vehicle.
What Are The Accommodation Facilities In Idaho?
Although Idaho has many lodging options, nothing compares to the freedom of renting a vacation home. You can use the pool whenever you want and check in and out whenever you like.
Unless the owner has specific needs, such as no dogs allowed, there are no restrictions. Most vacation rentals are found close to popular tourist destinations and are often larger than hotel rooms. Air Hosting has a fantastic selection of lovely rental vacation homes if you’re looking for a holiday rental in Idaho. All the rental homes on our portal are verified and have all basic amenities. With Air Hosting, your stay in Idaho will become more enjoyable.
Winter Temperature Of Idaho
In Idaho, the cold season runs from November through February, with high daily temperatures typically below 40°F. The coldest month in Idaho is considered to be January. The temperate fluctuates between 14°F to 29°F in January.
Destinations Worth Mentioning
The spots mentioned above were some of Idaho’s most famous and often visited wintertime locations.
Idaho has so much to offer that we can go on and on about it for the whole day. You should plan a trip of at least four days to really experience the thrill and serenity of Idaho’s winter season. If you intend to stay in Idaho for a longer period of time, here are a few additional options for you.
- Winter Garden Aglow
- Idaho Botanical Garden
- Boise National Forest
- Northern Idaho’s Schweitzer mountain
- Yellowstone National Park
- Payette National Forest
- Lake Coeur d’Alene- winter lake cruise
Wrapping Up
Idaho is the best winter vacation destination for all snow lovers. Whether you like adventurous activities like skiing or pleasant experiences with breathtaking views, Idaho has it all. From kids to adults, anyone can have fun in Idaho during the winters. The places we have recommended are one of the top tourist destinations, and you will undoubtedly have a good time visiting those.
