Wouldn’t you consider going on a vacation to some small, quiet, and peaceful city? Check out an itinerary of things to do in Pocatello (ID) as you plan your vacation here.
It is currently the largest city in Bannock County. It boasts of various attractions that will satisfy all your travel needs and give you the experience of a lifetime.
It is a tranquil and historic city with a small population of just about 50,000 people.
It covers a significant portion of Bannock County with such a small population. This city is ideal for people who want to explore new cities or love visiting small towns with quiet little places.
From fascinating museums and a thriving downtown to scenic hiking trails and beautiful lakes, this charming city has so much for tourists to see and experience.
These are the best things to do in Pocatello (ID); read on.
Fun Things to Do in Pocatello (ID)
1. Spend Some Time at Ammon Park
If you’re in Pocatello and looking for a place to picnic on a sunny afternoon, Ammon Park has you covered.
This beautiful park in the middle of Pocatello is not only a green land park but also home to various hills.
In winter, there are ice blocks where you can slide, cool off, and have fun.
It’s a great place to picnic, relax, walk the dog or ride a bike.
You can enjoy some chilled drinks or even make time for meditation, journaling, painting, or photography.
The park is clean, quiet, well maintained, and a great place to connect with nature.
2. Don’t Miss a Thing at the Edson Fichter Nature Area
This is a great place to fish, take a leisurely walk, run or just relax.
The beautiful views, especially the sunsets, are the most fascinating thing about the Edson Fichter Nature Area.
You can take a walk, drive around the area, or fish in the pond.
The lake freezes during the winter and visitors can experience what it’s like to walk on ice.
It’s also an excellent place for ice skating.
The views are truly mesmerizing and a must-visit place if you love beautiful scenery.
3. Go Bowling at the Tough Guy Bowling Lanes
Tough Guy Bowling Lanes feature 24 spacious auto-scoring lanes that allow players of all skill levels to have a great time.
They modified the lanes with bumpers and a dinosaur ball slide to give kids extra support while on the tracks.
This family-friendly establishment also offers delicious food, drinks, and ice-cold beer.
Tough Guy Bowling Lanes boasts a beautiful atmosphere.
It is a great place to bring your family, have a date with your partner, host parties, or just relax and enjoy the day.
Things to Do in Pocatello (ID) at Night
1. Grab a Beer at the Bannock Peak Casino
Thought Pocatello was all about parks, museums, history, and culture?
If so, you’re not entirely right, but you’re not wrong either.
Bannock Peak Casino in Pocatello is the place to party, gamble, and drink away your sorrows.
This place is known for serving the best coffee and conversation, so don’t worry if you go alone.
You can never get bored at Bannock Peak Casino.
The icing on the cake is that you can prepare your own pizza here; how exciting!
2. Don’t Miss a Night at Portneuf Valley Brewing
Portneuf was first opened to the public in Pocatello, Idaho, in 1996, but Brew Mistress and owner Penny Pink had been brewing her own great beers for friends and family for years before the brewery officially opened.
She set up her first brewery in Dudley’s Sports Bar, where her beers soon gained a loyal following.
Portneuf Valley Brewing is a fun place to visit, open for beer samples, pints, and occasional live entertainment.
3. Have Dinner at Butter Burrs Restaurant
A locally owned and operated neighborhood restaurant in Pocatello, Butter Burrs Restaurant has provided quality home-cooked meals to the local community for over thirty years.
The menu at Butter Burrs includes real homemade mashed potatoes, a variety of specialty sandwiches, omelets, Butterburgers, homemade soups, pies, loaves of bread, and many iconic “rolls” made fresh every day, all day long.
Dinner entrees include classic favorites such as chicken fried steak and a seven-hour roast.
The Butter Burrs restaurant is open seven days a week, from eight in the morning to nine in the evening.
Things to Do in Pocatello (ID) For Couples
1. Grab Some Popcorn at the Popcorn Shop
This cute shop at 460 East Oak Street was founded in 2003 by a local pastor and teacher couple.
Their offspring now run the Popcorn Shop. It makes gourmet popcorn in over 30 flavors, from simple classics like homemade salted and caramel, root beer float, cheesecake, white cheddar garlic parmesan, and cotton candy.
The Popcorn Shop also produces a range of tempting sweet treats such as fudge, caramel, peanut brittle, chocolate caramel chunks, and chocolate-covered pretzels, perfect for an indulgent snack or gift.
2. Go Golfing at Outback Golf Park
This golf attraction is a destination for dates, families, and anyone looking to brush up on their game.
For casual players, the Outback Golf Park is a big draw with 18 holes of miniature golf with carved stones and water features too.
The course is fun enough for kids but technical enough for serious putters to work on their short game.
The driving range has plenty of space, all on one level, with mats in good condition, etc.
3. Pick Some Pumpkins at Swore Farms
In the fall, this family farm a few miles north of Pocatello opens its doors to the public for pumpkin season.
This tends to start sometime in early October with lots of family fun at the same time, including a massive corn maze, tractor rides, a giant wheat sandbox, and a playground for the little ones.
Naturally, the main event is the pumpkins, and you can pick one yourself on the patch while the smaller family members learn valuable details about farming and farm life.
Things to Do in Pocatello (ID) For Kids
1. Take a Trip to Zoo Idaho
The Idaho Zoo is home to many plant and animal species. Here, wildlife is free to roam the park for people to observe.
The Idaho Zoo is home to species native to Idaho, most of which are rescue animals, making it the most attractive zoo in Idaho.
It’s a great place to interact with animals up close.
This zoo is great for getting a first-hand experience with wildlife; you can come here and relax, look at the beauty of nature and support the local wildlife.
2. Take Them to Ross Park Aquatic Complex
Ross Park is a great place to visit with family or friends, relax, play, have fun on the slides, and jump on the lily pads.
It offers entertainment to visitors of all ages. You can get into the water pool and swim.
The river is usually crowded and a popular place to wander, have a picnic, or just relax after a long day.
It also has a clean and well-maintained garden and also ensures all safety standards.
The Aquatic Complex is definitely a must-visit, and the beauty of this place will make you come back in the future.
3. Let Them Play at Outer Limits Fun Zone
This game parlor in Pocatello is a large indoor recreation center with a wide variety of games such as laser tag, mini-games, mini golf, mini arcade, and more.
The Outer Limits Fun Zone has a built-in food station to satisfy your hungry needs.
The Outer Limits Fun Zone is a great place to take your kids and enjoy quality time.
The whole atmosphere of this place is really fascinating. Neon lighting adds atmosphere and makes it even more fun.
This place is a must-visit if you love games, action, adventure, and fun.
Indoor Activities to Do in Pocatello (ID) For Adults
1. Check Out the Quirky Museum of Clean
“Museum of Clean” – sounds weird, doesn’t it?
The Museum of Clean is basically the home of all things clean.
It features an extensive collection of unique cleaning equipment such as early vacuum cleaners, cleaning supplies such as brooms, and other related equipment from around the world.
It also has a great display of waxworks, paintings, strange sculptures, and art.
The cleanliness of this place is impressive, and it is a must-visit if you consider yourself a cleanliness freak.
2. Visit the Mysterious Standrod House
Have you seen or heard of buildings and houses in different parts of your city with mysterious construction methods or an element of mystery?
The Standrod House is just like that too. It is a historic landmark in Pocatello and features beautiful architecture.
People often visit to witness its magnificence.
Different people have different interesting opinions about the construction of this house. The Standrod house was built in the castle architectural style.
It really is a must-visit if you are into exotic and mysterious buildings.
3. Don’t Miss a Game at the Holt Arena
This venue has been the site of hundreds of graduations, championship football games, and rodeos for over half a century.
The iconic Idaho State University facility is the nation’s oldest indoor football field and is easily Idaho’s most famous landmark.
Milton “Dubby” Holt proposed building a giant indoor multi-purpose athletics stadium in Idaho, but everyone around him rejected it because they thought it was cowardly.
However, Holt did not give up on his signature idea and instead brought it to life through ingenuity, grit, and determination.
Now, 50 years later, standing tall in honor of Holt Arena is a testament to the bravery, hard work, and dedication of the college rugby team playing host game after game.
Holt Arena stands at nearly 4,600 feet.
The building is often home to college teams such as the Idaho State Bengals of the Big Sky Conference.
Romantic Things to Do in Pocatello (ID)
1. Appreciate Art at the Bannock County Historical Museum
The Bannock County Historical Museum is unlike any museum you’ve ever been to or heard of.
It’s a museum made only of donated exhibits – great, right?
Located right next to the old Fort Hall replica, the museum exhibits are fascinating enough to make you stop and stare.
It is well maintained, polished, and a great place to visit.
It paves a great way to learn about Bannock County’s history and educate your children.
This place is a must if you want to experience something exotic and traditional.
2. Visit the Shoshone-Bannock Tribal Museum
The Shoshone-Bannock Tribal Museum has many impressive exhibits dealing with Chief Pocatello (1815-1884), artifacts from the old Fort Hall, rare beadwork, archival photographs, and anecdotes from tribal history.
The museum store is stocked with handcrafted Shoshone-Bannock artwork, music, and various Native American literature.
3. Spend Some Time at Lava Hot Springs
Just like the name suggests, Lava Hot Springs is blessed with many hot springs that attract bathers throughout the year.
Winter is the perfect time to swim in the world-famous mineral pools, with water temperatures between 102°F and 112°F, while summer is an activity best left to the early mornings and late evenings.
You can go tubing through town on the Portneuf River in the warmer months and relax.
Similarly, you can also decide to run at the Olympic Swimming Pool & Waterpark, which has indoor and outdoor pools.
Free Things to Do in Pocatello (ID)
1. Take a Walk Along the Gibson Jack Trail
The Gibson Jack Trail is a stunning trail in the heart of Pocatello.
The trail gives a genuinely mesmerizing view of the mountains, which makes this trail great for photography.
You can ride bikes, ride horses, and watch the moonlight on this well-maintained and inviting trail.
There are small streams full of beautiful big flowers along the path.
It is covered in winter snow and a must-visit if you are in Pocatello.
2. Explore Historic Downtown Pocatello
Historic Downtown Pocatello is a source of culture and heritage and is full of art and history.
The vintage shops here have a great collection of different antique dresses and shoes.
Downtown Pocatello is a must-visit if you are a shopaholic.
The environment and structure of the market provide an old-school experience.
The heart of a 90s child will indeed be filled with joy in this place as it breeds positivity, history, and happiness.
The farmers market in this location is best known for its delicious homemade food and is a great way to support local businesses.
3. Go for a Stroll in the Cherry Springs Nature Area
Have you always wanted to walk in the middle of beautiful cherry blossoms while being constantly showered with little cherry petals?
Cherry Springs Natural Area in Pocatello is your dream come true.
It’s another park where you can reconnect with nature, go for a walk, or run in the middle of the cherry blossoms.
The trails are well groomed, well maintained, and clean to walk on.
The overall scenery and colors of the place make it more pleasant for people.
Cherry Springs Natural Area is the best place to go if you want some really good photos of yourself in Pocatello.
Cheap Things to Do in Pocatello (ID)
1. Visit Pocatello Model Railroad and Historical Society
You must have realized by now that Pocatello is a land of history and culture.
The Pocatello Model Railroad and Historical Society is one of the city’s most notable historical sites.
It is a museum adjacent to PR Union Pacific and has an elegant collection based on modern railroading.
The museum is a great place to stop and check out some of the trains. Also includes train memorabilia from 1900 to the present.
The Model Railroad is an excellent place to take your kids and show them all the trains.
The Pocatello Model Railroad and Historical Society is a must for those who love trains.
3. Know More About Local History at Fort Hall Replica
In the original hall of the fort, you could find clothing, provisions, ammunition, spare cattle and horses, and other equipment.
While you won’t find these things in the Fort Hall Replica, it still gives off the same vibes.
If you are intrigued about Native American history, this is a must-visit as it will give you a great experience of their history.
The adjacent museum has a great display of various historical equipment and art and is definitely worth a visit.
Cool Places to Visit in Pocatello (ID)
1. Idaho Museum of Natural History
Idaho’s beautiful Natural History Museum holds the country’s secrets and history within its walls.
The museum preserves the culture and customs of the city and is a must-visit, especially for people interested in biology and zoology.
It displays an extensive collection of various exhibits that include animals, skulls, paintings, sculptures, and even 3D printers, among many other things.
The History Museum is a great place to visit with family and children.
The museum’s gift shop offers souvenir-worthy items for sale, including things like rings, bracelets, statues, etc.
2. Palace Playhouse
Just outside of Pocatello in the town of Chubbuck, you can see what looks like a cartoon version of a Gothic castle.
This is the Palace Playhouse, a dinner theater combining fine dining with Broadway-style productions.
Paired with prime rib or stuffed salmon, these are long-time classics or wonderful musicals that flew under the radar.
Some recent hits include Fiddler on the Roof, Mary Poppins, Into the Woods, and Annie, while Cinderella, Matilda, and Legally Blonde were on the bill at the time of writing.
Most productions are suitable for families with children, and there is also a children’s menu, which serves breaded chicken breasts.
3. Sumisu
Sumisu claims to be the leading provider of Japanese fusion cuisine and sushi in the Pocatello area.
The restaurant also prides itself on inspiring its employees to strive to live a better life while having a “heart of service” for its customers and the community.
Sumisu prides itself on using traditional Japanese techniques when preparing the dishes it serves and using its flair to showcase Asian-inspired flavors.
Featuring fresh fish flown in from the coast, Sumisu offers a “greatest hits” menu from Asia, including familiar fusion-influenced dishes and fresh sushi.
Conclusion
Pocatello offers plenty of opportunities to relax and rejuvenate while enjoying the city’s new scenery.
Whether your interest is historical or cultural, you will find that nothing is missing here.
When you come to this thriving city, don’t forget to look up our list of the best things to do in Pocatello (ID).
