The Strangest Road Names in Idaho and How They Got Them
Driving through Idaho’s diverse landscapes offers not only breathtaking scenery but also a curious glimpse into the state’s quirky sense of humor and history through its unconventional road names. Near the town of Ketchum, about 15 miles southeast of Sun Valley, the aptly named “Shuffleboard Lane” invites visitors to explore the small mountain community where old-timers once gathered to play shuffleboard in the shadow of the Sawtooth Mountains. Walking along the lane, visitors can delve into the local history at the Ketchum Sun Valley Historical Society, where exhibits reveal the town’s transformation from a mining camp to a ski resort hub. The road’s name captures the laid-back spirit of this alpine town, best experienced in late summer when the wildflowers bloom and the mountain air is crisp.
Further north, near Coeur d’Alene, about 30 minutes west of Spokane, Washington, lies the curious “Doodlebug Road.” This rural stretch runs alongside the Coeur d’Alene River and offers access to the Tubbs Hill Nature Trails, a beloved urban forest with rugged paths hugging Lake Coeur d’Alene’s shoreline. The road’s name reportedly derives from the whimsical insects called doodlebugs, which fascinated local children who used to explore the area. Hiking the Tubbs Hill loop trail, a moderate 2.2-mile journey, reveals panoramic lake views and dense cedar groves, making it a perfect springtime outing when the forest floor is carpeted with wildflowers and the lake sparkles under the sun.
In the southwestern corner of the state, near Boise, the capital city, stands a street that raises eyebrows: “Chicken Dinner Road.” Situated about 20 minutes west of downtown Boise, it cuts through the Treasure Valley’s agricultural heart, leading toward the Boise River Greenbelt. The name dates back to a local ranch where a memorable chicken dinner was served to railroad workers, an event that stuck in community lore. Cycling or walking along the nearby Boise River Greenbelt offers a lush, scenic escape with easy access to birdwatching spots and picnic areas. Early fall is especially inviting when the river’s cottonwoods turn golden and the air is cool but not yet crisp.
Traveling east into Idaho’s high desert near Twin Falls, about 5 miles south of downtown, you encounter “Shoshone Street,” named for the Shoshone tribe indigenous to the region. This street runs through the heart of the Twin Falls Historic District, where travelers can visit the Perrine Bridge Overlook. From here, you can gaze upon the Snake River Canyon, a dramatic chasm carved over millennia. This area is famous for BASE jumping, and the street’s name honors the Native American heritage deeply woven into the land’s story. Springtime visits bring the canyon alive with migratory birds and wildflowers dotting the arid landscape.
On the eastern edge of Idaho, near the city of Idaho Falls, a strangely named route called “Hell’s Half Acre Road” reflects the rugged terrain it skirts. Located roughly 10 minutes north of downtown Idaho Falls, it leads toward the Hell’s Half Acre Lava Field, a vast expanse of jagged volcanic rock formed thousands of years ago. Visitors can explore the Hell’s Half Acre Recreation Area, where interpretive trails wind through the otherworldly lava formations. This spot is especially striking at sunset when the low light casts dramatic shadows on the black rock, and the crisp air heightens the sense of solitude in this volcanic wilderness.
In the tiny town of Wallace, nestled in the Silver Valley about 45 minutes south of Coeur d’Alene, lies “Damnation Creek Road.” The name evokes the area’s rugged mining history and the perilous nature of early prospecting life. Wallace itself is a living museum of the mining era, with the Northern Pacific Depot Museum chronicling the silver boom days. Adventurous travelers can take a short drive up Damnation Creek Road to access hiking trails in the surrounding mountains, where alpine meadows and old mining relics tell stories of hardship and hope. Autumn is a prime time here, when the aspen trees blaze with gold against a backdrop of granite peaks.
Finally, near the southeastern town of Driggs, about 20 miles north of Jackson, Wyoming, “Moose Drool Lane” offers a humorous nod to the wildlife that roams the Teton Valley. This road leads toward the Grand Targhee Resort, a haven for skiing and mountain biking. The area’s trails, such as the Blackmore Trail, provide challenging rides and hikes with spectacular views of the Tetons and the surrounding wilderness. Visitors in late spring through early summer can often spot moose grazing near marshy areas, making the road’s name a fitting tribute to the local fauna. The fresh mountain air and sprawling vistas make this drive a joy any time of year, but especially when wildflowers dot the meadows.
Idaho’s strangest road names offer more than chuckles—they reveal layers of local character, history, and nature that invite exploration. From alpine towns to high desert lava fields, these roads serve as gateways to some of the state’s most memorable experiences, each with a story as distinct as the name on the sign.