Top 15 Must-Do Activities in Caldwell, Idaho

Located thirty minutes west of Boise, Caldwell is a historic frontier town positioned along a natural route that enabled access to the Pacific Northwest long before its settlement in the 19th century.

Characterized by fertile volcanic soils and gently rolling sun-drenched hills, the surroundings of Caldwell are primarily dedicated to agriculture.

For travelers, it presents an agritourism haven, featuring a designated “AgVenture” trail that connects visitors with ethical, family-operated farms eager to provide tours.

Caldwell serves as an ideal starting point for the Sunnyslope Wine Trail, featuring over a dozen wineries within the Snake River Valley AVA that welcome patrons for tastings and purchases.

Downtown Caldwell has undergone a significant transformation since the 2010s, now boasting a lively plaza surrounded by sophisticated dining establishments and the sparkling waters of a creek that was once concealed beneath the city.

1. Indian Creek Plaza

Over the past two decades, downtown Caldwell has experienced a notable revitalization. This transformation began in the early 2000s with the uncovering of Indian Creek, which had been buried for decades.

This picturesque water feature, flanked by beautifully landscaped banks, enhances the natural charm of the city, soon complemented by the development of Indian Creek Plaza.

The Plaza, conceived as part of an urban renewal initiative, emerged throughout the 2010s, creating a “living room” environment where residents and visitors can congregate, relax, and engage in recreational activities.

Surrounded by numerous inviting restaurants and independent shops, the Plaza hosts a variety of events and experiences ranging from summer festivities to a unique skating ribbon in winter.

Tuesday evenings during summer are particularly delightful, with opportunities to explore the farmers’ market while enjoying live music as part of the Summer Concert Series.

2. Sunnyslope Wine Trail

The Snake River Valley was designated as an American Viticultural Area (AVA) in 2007, although the local wine industry has thrived since the 1980s, now generating hundreds of millions of dollars in annual revenue.

The picturesque plains along the eastern bank of the river have a continental climate reminiscent of European wine regions along the Danube, characterized by loamy volcanic soils.

Importantly, Caldwell encompasses numerous wineries and vineyards within the AVA, many offering warm and informative tasting sessions, alongside delectable wine-paired meals rooted in a farm-to-table ethos.

The region is known for producing an array of varietals, including Chardonnay, Riesling, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Syrah, and Tempranillo, which contribute to crafting refined wines.

In early August, the Indian Creek Plaza hosts the Sunnyslope Wine Trail festival, an exceptional event highlighting exquisite wine, enticing local cuisine, and live musical performances.

3. Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge

Situated south of Caldwell is an expansive body of water, Lake Lowell, which was established as a reservoir for agriculture in the early 20th century.

Following the impoundment of the Boise River, Theodore Roosevelt declared a national bird refuge at this location in 1909.

The Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge, located among gently rolling sagebrush-covered hills, plays a crucial role as a breeding ground for local mammals and avian species as well as a vital stop on the Pacific Flyway, hosting thousands of migrating Canada geese and mallards during fall and spring.

The refuge welcomes visitors for hiking, fishing, and hunting during the appropriate seasons and offers a nearby Lake Lowell Park for swimming, boating, hiking, picnicking, and enjoying disc golf in summer.

4. Lakeview Fruit

Lakeview Fruit is a local favorite for exceptionally fresh seasonal produce, conveniently located within walking distance of the Lake Lowell shoreline and open throughout summer.

This fruit stand has evolved from its origins as a gas station in the 1930s and 40s to a vibrant market since the 1970s.

Lakeview Fruit cultivates nearly all the produce it sells, with no items traveling more than a few miles to reach consumers.

Visitors can expect to find a variety of fruits and vegetables depending on the season, including plums, nectarines, and apples, alongside sweet corn, carrots, beets, summer squash, peppers, and tomatoes.

Particularly popular are the peaches, which thrive in local soils and sweeten due to the Idaho climate. Homemade pies, honey, milk, cheeses, and delightful ice cream are also available.

5. Babby Farms

Babby Farms is a rural summer attraction in Caldwell that delights children with the opportunity to experience over 150 different animals.

Managed by a non-profit organization, it offers animal interactions for both children and adults with disabilities, while also welcoming the general public for a nominal fee.

Initially starting as a simple petting zoo on a working farm, it has expanded into a comprehensive animal attraction featuring an array of animals including lemurs, zebras, various monkey species, anteaters, camels, alpacas, otters, turtles, sloths, and kangaroos.

Staying true to the petting zoo concept, visitors can enjoy hands-on interactions with baby goats, sheep, and kangaroo joeys.

6. Orma J. Smith Museum of Natural History

This museum, situated on the College of Idaho campus, serves as an essential educational resource for a broad region encompassing southwestern Idaho, as well as parts of Oregon and Nevada.

Located in the basement of Boone Hall, the museum houses an extensive collection of specimens relating to archaeology, entomology, ornithology, invertebrates, mollusks, gems and minerals, Egyptology, and paleontology, all meticulously labeled and supplemented with interpretive information.

Notably, the College of Idaho has conducted comprehensive research in Baja California, resulting in an impressive array of insect specimens from that region.

Other notable collections include artifacts relating to Native American ethnography, modern Idaho fish, ancient Egyptian and Roman artifacts, and fossils.

7. Our Memories Indian Creek Museum

Established in 2006, the Canyon County Historical Society has taken stewardship of this former medical office, which dates back to the 1950s.

Within the prior laboratories and examination rooms, you will find approximately 30 exhibits showcasing Caldwell’s history spanning over 140 years.

Participating in a tour led by an enthusiastic volunteer guide allows visitors to gain insights into the lives of Caldwell’s inhabitants throughout the ages.

Exhibits include suffragist campaign sashes, signage from businesses of the past, an extensive collection of photographs, noteworthy tools and appliances, documents of various types, military uniforms, antiquated medical equipment, and displays representing a mid-century beauty salon and early 20th-century home.

8. Ste. Chapelle Winery

A cornerstone of the Sunnyslope Wine Trail, the historic Ste. Chapelle has been a key player since the mid-1970s and currently ranks as the leading winery in the state in terms of production and sales volume.

The tasting room is designed to evoke the grandeur of a 13th-century Gothic chapel in Paris, featuring vaulted ceilings and pointed arch windows, all while providing breathtaking vistas from its deck.

Open daily, Ste. Chapelle produces a diverse selection of wines, including Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, and Pinot Noir, with special acclaim for its exceptional Riesling, including a sought-after late-harvest variety.

9. Sawtooth Winery

In the mid-1980s, the Pintler family recognized the potential for wine cultivation in their steep, south-facing pastures.

Since then, Sawtooth has emerged as the largest vineyard in the Snake River Valley, managing nearly 500 acres across two sites, cultivating notable varietals such as Riesling, Merlot, Syrah, and Pinot Gris for its winery and other esteemed winemakers in Idaho.

Visitors can experience the boutique winery at the 70-acre Sawtooth Estate, located just beyond the western shore of Lake Lowell and offering splendid views of the Owyhee Mountains.

Prominent publications such as Wine & Spirits and Wine Enthusiast have recognized Sawtooth’s Riesling and Syrah, which pair wonderfully with the scenic hilltop vistas.

10. Fujishin Family Cellars

Founded in 2009, this winery is located less than ten miles from downtown Caldwell and obtains its grapes exclusively from vineyard partners within the Snake River Valley AVA.

Fujishin Family Cellars has also established its own estate vineyard further west in Wilder, where it cultivates varietals such as Syrah, Tempranillo, Petite Sirah, Tannat, and Barbera.

Its selection includes a variety of reds and whites, such as a fruity Merlot, dry Riesling, spicy Mourvèdre, crisp Albariño, a sweet late-harvest Riesling, and the signature Amatino blend, characterized by blueberry, violet, and spicy notes.

During the bustling fall season, it’s advisable to make reservations for an informal yet informative tasting experience accompanied by snacks.

11. Little Cow Mountain Farm

Approximately ten miles north of Caldwell, Little Cow Mountain Farm raises pastured livestock in a beautiful rural setting.

Specializing in American Aberdeen Angus cattle and poultry broilers, both of which are grass-fed and enjoy ample space and sunlight, the farm serves as an agritourism destination.

Visitors can gain insights into the farm’s operations through a 90-minute guided tour.

Depending on the season, the shop offers products such as eggs, premium cuts of meat, homemade pastries, pies, breads, jams, and homegrown fruits and nuts.

12. Lovely Hollow Farm

Also located along Caldwell’s “AgVenture trail,” this charming U-Pick flower farm is open to the public from July to October.

At Lovely Hollow Farm, guests can wander the flower fields with a bucket in hand, selecting their favorite blooms to take home while enjoying the idyllic surroundings.

The farm is particularly known for its exquisite dahlias, which cost a bit more to pick, and pumpkins are available later in the season.

Much of the enjoyment comes from exploring the fields, where the flowers reach waist height, providing excellent photo opportunities.

13. Whittenberger Planetarium

Located at Boone Hall on the College of Idaho campus, the Whittenberger Planetarium has been a community resource for over 50 years.

This facility accommodates an audience of 50 and features a 24-foot diameter dome.

Visitors can witness projections of the sun, moon, various deep space objects, northern and some southern constellations, as well as the planets visible to the naked eye.

While the planetarium does not adhere to a fixed schedule, it opens regularly for key events on the stargazing calendar, including equinoxes and solstices, alongside special themed evenings.

14. Winter Wonderland

During the holiday season, Caldwell embraces the festive spirit by adorning the city with over a million lights on buildings, trees, and bridges.

This seasonal celebration runs from the weekend preceding Thanksgiving through the first week of January, with Indian Creek Plaza serving as the focal point of many festivities.

The Plaza features a large singing Christmas tree, and from November to February, it hosts Idaho’s only ice ribbon, a winding ice path particularly enchanting when illuminated at night.

After skating, visitors can warm up with hot chocolate and enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride, while children have the chance to meet Santa. The Winter Wonderland kicks off with a lively market featuring food trucks and diverse vendors.

15. Indian Creek Festival

This annual celebration originated in 2003 when the first section of Indian Creek was revealed after being concealed underground as a sewage conduit.

Scheduled for mid-September, the Indian Creek Festival spans several blocks in downtown Caldwell over the course of two days.

The agenda features a variety of activities including a car show, a car cruise, a market, a chalk art contest, a dog fashion show, dance performances, and live music.

Among the most anticipated and certainly the most unique events is a cardboard kayak contest on the creek, in which teams create makeshift vessels from nothing more than duct tape and cardboard.