Quirky Roadside Attractions You’ll Only Find in Idaho
About 20 miles west of Boise, the town of Murphy offers a delightfully odd roadside stop: the Idaho Potato Museum. Nestled in this small town in the Snake River Valley, the museum celebrates the spud with a sense of humor and charm unmatched anywhere else. Visitors wander through exhibits detailing the history of potato farming in the state, see giant potato sculptures, and even pose with the world’s largest baked potato. The quirky memorabilia and interactive displays reveal Idaho’s deep agricultural roots in a way that’s both educational and playful. A visit in the late spring or early fall lets you combine this stop with nearby blooming fields or harvest festivities, making it a tasty treat for history buffs and families alike.
Heading north from Coeur d’Alene, about a 30-minute drive along Highway 95, lies Wallace, a former silver mining town with a colorful past and an extraordinary roadside draw—the “Wallace Murals.” These murals, painted on the sides of historic buildings through the downtown district, celebrate the town’s rich mining heritage with an artistic twist. Walking the Main Street mural tour reveals scenes of miners, early settlers, and dramatic moments from the city’s heyday. It’s a living outdoor gallery where art and history blend, uniquely capturing the spirit of this narrow mountain town. Visiting in summer offers the best light for photography and a chance to explore local cafes and mining museums nearby.
Farther south, near Twin Falls, about a 45-minute drive from the city center, sits the Shoshone Ice Caves on the edge of the Snake River Plain. This bizarre natural attraction features lava tube caves that maintain ice year-round, thanks to cool air currents and the insulating volcanic rock. Visitors can hike the short but steep trail into the cave entrance, peering inside to see sparkling ice formations that have endured through warm summer months. It’s an otherworldly experience where geology and climate combine in a way you won’t find elsewhere in Idaho. Spring and early summer visits are ideal, when the ice is still thickest and the surrounding desert landscape is blossoming.
East of Idaho Falls and roughly a 90-minute drive into the Teton Valley stands the small town of Driggs, known less for a single landmark and more for its eccentric annual events and galleries. However, the quirky roadside highlight is the giant elk antler arches adorning some intersections—crafted from real antlers collected sustainably from the nearby National Elk Refuge. Driving under these rustic gateways offers a whimsical welcome to the area’s abundant wildlife culture. Pair this with a stop at the Teton Geotourism Center to learn about the valley’s unique blend of farming, wildlife, and Western heritage. Fall is a particularly magical time here, when elk herds migrate and the golden aspens frame the rugged Teton Mountains.
In the high desert near the town of Arco, about two hours north of Idaho Falls, stands the Experimental Breeder Reactor-I (EBR-I) site, a pioneering atomic energy landmark. This quirky roadside attraction marks the spot where the first electricity generated from nuclear power lit up four light bulbs in 1951. The on-site museum presents fascinating exhibits with vintage equipment and historical footage, capturing the optimism and innovation of mid-century America. Standing next to the reactor’s concrete building amid the sparse desert landscape feels like stepping into science history frozen in time. Visiting in clear weather enhances the stark contrast of the site’s industrial relics against the rugged Idaho wilderness.
A short drive south from Lewiston, about 15 minutes along the Clearwater River, is the small community of Kamiah, home to the unique Nez Perce National Historical Park visitor center. While not a typical roadside attraction, the center offers a compelling glimpse into the Native American Nez Perce tribe’s culture and history through exhibits, traditional crafts, and storytelling. The surrounding landscape along the river features petroglyphs and scenic overlooks that bring to life the tribe’s enduring connection to the land. Visiting in spring or fall offers cooler weather and the chance to see wildlife along the riverbanks, enriching the cultural journey.
Finally, about 45 minutes west of Idaho Falls, the quirky Lava Hot Springs town is famous for its naturally heated pools but also for the “Soda Springs Geyser,” a man-made but captivating roadside oddity. This geyser, blown by underground carbon dioxide pressure, shoots water up to 100 feet into the air at regular intervals. Visitors can park nearby and watch the dramatic eruptions, an unexpected spectacle in this peaceful town known for soaking and relaxation. Combine a geyser visit with a soak in the mineral springs pools, especially enchanting at dusk when the water steams under the cool evening sky. This combination of natural and engineered wonders makes the town a standout on any Idaho road trip.