Parker IdahoATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Parker, Idaho.
1. Old Idaho Penitentiary
HISTORIC PRISON COMPLEX
The Old Idaho Penitentiary is a former prison turned historic site that operated from 1872 to 1973. Visitors can explore the cell blocks, solitary confinement, and gallows while learning about the history of incarceration in Idaho. The site offers a fascinating glimpse into Idaho's criminal justice past with preserved structures and exhibits on prison life.
2. Craters of the Moon National Monument
OTHERWORLDLY VOLCANIC LANDSCAPE
Craters of the Moon National Monument features a unique, alien terrain created by volcanic flows between 15,000 and 20,000 years ago. The stark black lava fields are surprisingly home to colorful wildflowers that bloom in spring, creating a striking contrast against the harsh landscape. Designated as a national monument in 1924 following Robert 'Two-Gun Bob' Limbert's National Geographic article, it later became the first federally designated wilderness within the national park system in 1970.
3. City of Rocks National Reserve
CLIMBER'S PARADISE
City of Rocks National Reserve is a 14,407-acre area known for its towering pinnacles and rock formations that once amazed westward pioneers. The reserve offers more than 600 rock climbing routes ranging from relatively easy to most difficult, attracting climbers from around the world. Bird enthusiasts can spot 163 different species here, including Greater Sage Grouse, Pinyon Jay, and various warblers.
4. Sun Valley Resort
PREMIER MOUNTAIN DESTINATION
Sun Valley Resort is an iconic alpine destination known for world-class skiing and year-round recreational activities. The resort features beautifully maintained slopes in winter and offers hiking, mountain biking, golf, and cultural events during summer months. Sun Valley has a rich history as America's first destination ski resort, attracting celebrities and outdoor enthusiasts since its opening in 1936.
5. Idaho Falls Temple & Visitors' Center
SPIRITUAL LANDMARK
The Idaho Falls Temple & Visitors' Center is a prominent religious landmark overlooking the Snake River. The temple, with its distinctive white exterior, serves as both a spiritual center and an architectural attraction in eastern Idaho. Visitors can explore the grounds and learn about the history and significance of the temple at the adjacent visitors' center.
6. Shoshone Ice Caves
UNDERGROUND FROZEN WONDER
Shoshone Ice Caves is a natural wonder featuring a lava tube that maintains freezing temperatures year-round. Visitors can take guided tours through the 1,000-foot long cave to witness the impressive ice formations that remain frozen even during hot Idaho summers. The cave system offers a fascinating look at both geological and cultural history of the region.
7. Experimental Breeder Reactor
HISTORIC NUCLEAR INNOVATION
The Experimental Breeder Reactor I (EBR-I) was the world's first nuclear power plant to generate usable electricity, achieving this milestone in 1951. Now a National Historic Landmark, the facility offers tours where visitors can learn about the birth of nuclear energy and its impact on modern society. The site preserves original equipment and control rooms that played a pivotal role in America's energy history.
8. Perrine Bridge
THRILLING CANYON SPAN
The Perrine Bridge spans the impressive Snake River Canyon and offers breathtaking views of the canyon and river below. At 486 feet above the water, it's one of the few bridges in the United States where BASE jumping is legally permitted year-round without a permit. Visitors can walk across the 1,500-foot span and watch daredevils leap from the bridge while enjoying the scenic canyon landscape.
9. Minidoka National Historic Site
WWII INTERNMENT MEMORIAL
Minidoka National Historic Site preserves the remains of a Japanese American internment camp that housed over 13,000 people during World War II. The site includes original and reconstructed buildings that help tell the story of this difficult chapter in American history. Visitors can walk through the grounds and learn about the experiences of those incarcerated here through interpretive displays and preserved artifacts.
10. Evel Knievel's Jump Location
DAREDEVIL HISTORY SPOT
Evel Knievel's Jump Location marks the spot where the famous daredevil attempted his ambitious rocket-powered jump across the Snake River Canyon in 1974. Though unsuccessful, the attempt cemented Twin Falls in pop culture history and remains a point of fascination for visitors. The site offers interpretive signs explaining the historic jump and spectacular views of the canyon that challenged the legendary stuntman.
11. Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument
PREHISTORIC DISCOVERY ZONE
Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument protects one of the world's richest deposits of horse fossils and other Pliocene-aged animals from 3-4 million years ago. The site has yielded remains of the Hagerman Horse, considered the oldest known modern horse, along with over 200 other species. Visitors can learn about these prehistoric discoveries at the visitor center and through interpretive trails overlooking the fossil-rich bluffs.
12. Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area
RAPTOR WATCHING HAVEN
The Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area features dramatic landscapes where North America's largest concentration of nesting raptors can be observed. The area's rugged cliffs and deep canyons carved by the Snake River provide crucial habitat for eagles, hawks, falcons, and owls. Visitors can enjoy scenic drives, hiking trails, and wildlife photography opportunities throughout this unique ecological treasure.
13. Black Magic Canyon
HIDDEN SCULPTURAL WONDER
Black Magic Canyon is a hidden gem featuring surreal rock formations carved by the Big Wood River through ancient lava flows. The canyon's smooth, sculptural black basalt walls create an otherworldly landscape that's accessible to hikers during dry seasons when the water is diverted. Visitors should check water conditions before visiting this unusual geological formation that appears like natural abstract art.
14. Idaho's Mammoth Cave
VAST UNDERGROUND EXPLORATION
Idaho's Mammoth Cave is one of the largest volcanic caves in the world, stretching over a quarter mile into the earth. The cave maintains a constant cool temperature and features fascinating lava formations created thousands of years ago during volcanic activity. Guided tours take visitors through illuminated pathways to explore this subterranean wonder and learn about its geological significance.
15. Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness
VAST UNTAMED WILDERNESS
The Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness is the largest contiguous federally managed wilderness in the continental United States, encompassing over 2.3 million acres of pristine landscape. The area features deep canyons, rushing rivers, mountain ranges, and diverse ecosystems that support abundant wildlife including wolves, bears, and mountain lions. Visitors can experience true wilderness through activities like backpacking, whitewater rafting, fishing, and horseback riding in this remote natural treasure.