Mackay IdahoATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Mackay, Idaho.
1. Mackey Mine Tour
HISTORIC MINING HERITAGE
The Mackey Mine Tour is a self-guided driving tour that showcases Mackay's rich mining history with stops featuring artifacts from once-vibrant mining towns. Visitors can explore the history of miners and their families while viewing restored structures and original equipment. Much of the tour is accessible to passenger vehicles, with tour maps available from local merchants in Mackay.
2. Lost Rivers Museum
LOCAL HISTORY COLLECTION
The Lost Rivers Museum houses an extensive collection of historical artifacts and unique items donated by Mackay community and Lost River Valley residents. Its visitor-friendly display area includes a fully restored sheep wagon, an interactive hard-rock mining exhibit, and an extensive gallery of historic photos. The museum is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day and offers handicapped accessible facilities.
3. Mount Borah
IDAHO'S HIGHEST PEAK
Mount Borah stands as Idaho's highest peak and offers challenging hiking opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts near Mackay. The mountain is part of the Lost River Range, which contains seven of Idaho's nine 12,000-foot peaks. Hikers who reach the summit are rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness.
4. Mackay Summer Market
LOCAL GOODS MARKETPLACE
The Mackay Summer Market brings together local vendors offering fresh produce, handcrafted items, and regional specialties. Visitors can browse unique goods while enjoying the small-town atmosphere of this seasonal market. The market provides an authentic glimpse into the local culture and agricultural traditions of the Lost River Valley.
5. Mackay Main Theater
SMALL TOWN CINEMA
The Mackay Main Theater serves as the community's beloved cinema venue showcasing films in a charming small-town setting. This historic theater provides entertainment for both locals and visitors looking to experience authentic rural Idaho culture. The theater represents a centerpiece of Mackay's Main Street and community gathering space.
6. Mackay Reservoir
OUTDOOR RECREATION DESTINATION
Mackay Reservoir offers excellent opportunities for fishing, boating, and water recreation surrounded by stunning mountain views. The reservoir is stocked with various fish species and provides a cool retreat during warm summer months. Visitors can enjoy camping, picnicking, and wildlife viewing in this scenic outdoor setting.
7. Mount McCaleb
TOWERING MOUNTAIN CHALLENGE
Mount McCaleb's impressive south face dominates the skyline above Mackay, standing as a prominent landmark visible from US-93. At 11,682 feet tall, it ranks as Idaho's 34th highest peak and is part of the magnificent Lost River Range. The challenging 4-mile hike with 3,500 feet of elevation gain rewards climbers with spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
8. Shay Trestle
HISTORIC RAILROAD REMNANT
The Shay Trestle is a restored railroad trestle that stands as a testament to Mackay's mining and transportation history. Visitors can access this historic structure via a 2-mile hiking trail with approximately 200 feet of elevation gain. The trestle offers both historical interest and scenic views of the surrounding landscape.
9. White Knob Ghost Town
MINING HISTORY PRESERVED
White Knob is a preserved ghost town listed on the National Historical Register that provides visitors a glimpse into Mackay's mining past. The site features old road beds, a restored railroad trestle, cabins in various states of preservation, mill and smelter sites, and aerial cable tramway towers. A self-guided tour is available to the public from Memorial Day through Labor Day, accessible by foot, ATV, horseback, or truck.
10. Mackay Golf Course
SCENIC 9-HOLE COURSE
The Mackay Golf Course is a 9-hole golf course located right in town, offering a relaxing golfing experience with mountain views. Visitors staying at local accommodations like the Wagon Wheel Motel can ride their golf carts directly to the course. The course provides an enjoyable recreational option for both locals and tourists seeking leisure activities in Mackay.
11. Peaks to Craters Scenic Byway
SPECTACULAR MOUNTAIN DRIVE
The Peaks to Craters Scenic Byway is a stunning 140-mile drive that passes through Mackay, showcasing some of Idaho's most diverse landscapes. The route wanders through Grand View Canyon, climbs Willow Creek summit, and travels alongside the beautiful Lost River Mountain Range and Mount Borah. Travelers can enjoy breathtaking views while exploring towns and natural wonders between Challis and Picabo.
12. Craters of the Moon National Monument
VOLCANIC LANDSCAPE WONDER
Craters of the Moon National Monument features a surreal, moon-like landscape of volcanic lava fields just a short drive from Mackay. Visitors can hike the short but steep trail to the top of Inferno Cone for epic views or explore the Caves Trail with its fascinating lava tube formations. The monument offers a truly unique geological experience that appeals to nature lovers and families alike.
13. Experimental Breeder Reactor-I Atomic Museum
NUCLEAR ENERGY HISTORY
The Experimental Breeder Reactor-I Atomic Museum preserves the world's first electricity-generating nuclear power plant in Arco, the first city ever powered by atomic energy. Visitors can explore the historic reactor facility and learn about the groundbreaking developments in nuclear science through interactive exhibits. The museum offers a fascinating glimpse into America's atomic age and technological history.
14. Land of the Yankee Fork State Park
GOLD RUSH HERITAGE
Land of the Yankee Fork State Park preserves Idaho's mining history with historic sites, natural hot springs, and the impressive Yankee Fork Gold Dredge. Visitors can explore ghost towns like Custer and Bonanza, which stand as well-preserved examples of 19th-century mining communities. The park's visitor center offers exhibits and information about the area's gold rush era and pioneer heritage.
15. Lower Cedar Springs
PEACEFUL MOUNTAIN RETREAT
Lower Cedar Springs offers hikers a tranquil destination with natural beauty in the mountains near Mackay. The trail provides access to refreshing springs and diverse mountain ecosystems with opportunities to spot local wildlife. Visitors appreciate the moderate hiking experience and the rejuvenating natural setting away from crowds.