Summary
Surrounded by scenic mountainous landscapes along the Portneuf Valley, the city of Pocatello, the administrative center of Bannock County, is home to approximately 55,000 residents. It originally served as a pivotal trading post at Fort Hall.
During the latter part of the 19th century, the Portneuf Valley evolved into a thoroughfare for immigrants traversing the challenging Oregon Trail, effectively transforming Pocatello into a gateway to the Northwest.
Visitors can explore this rich early history at a replica of the original Fort Hall, located adjacent to the Bannock County Historical Museum.
Pocatello subsequently developed into a farming hub, and the vibrant historic downtown district is adorned with impressive old residences from this era, now accompanied by unique shops and eateries.
1. Museum of Clean
Established in 2011 by Don Aslett, a notable entrepreneur in housekeeping products, the Museum of Clean is dedicated to the themes of hygiene and cleanliness. The museum occupies an elegant brick structure dating back to 1915, which includes an art gallery, an 88-seat theater, and a gift shop.
Designed to be low-maintenance and environmentally sustainable, the museum features interactive displays that engage children in recycling activities, bed-making, and room cleaning.
Among its impressive collection of 6,000 historical artifacts are remarkable items, such as a bronze toothpick over 1,600 years old and a horse-drawn vacuum cleaner from 1902, part of a collection exceeding 300 vacuum cleaners.
The exhibition also showcases various toilets, including those formerly owned by royalty or prisoners, and includes a range of washing machines, featuring an early automatic model from 1945.
2. Fort Hall Replica
This carefully reconstructed fort, located a few miles southwest of the original Fort Hall, recounts narratives of frontier life and westward migration.
The original fort, a trading post established in 1834, served as a crucial facility for traders, trappers, and travelers on the Oregon Trail until 1863, when its structure was repurposed for a stage station.
Developed in the 1960s, the Fort Hall Replica is situated adjacent to Zoo Idaho and the Bannock County Historical Museum.
Upon entering through the grand wooden gates, visitors may explore the Company Hall, Indian Room, Frontier Room, Blacksmith, Carpenter’s Room, and Factor’s Quarter, all adorned with period-specific equipment and tools. Letters, maps, and recipes vividly illustrate the pioneer experience.
3. Bannock County Historical Museum
Situated on the same grounds as the Fort Hall Replica, the Bannock County Historical Museum hosts compelling exhibits that shed light on various facets of Pocatello and Bannock County’s history.
Exhibits focus on diverse topics, including the early railroad days, military history, ranching, photography, printing, and 19th-century medicine.
Notable highlights include a preserved stagecoach from the Holladay Overland Stage Co. and a collection of police evidence from the Prohibition era.
A prominent permanent display is a mosaic timeline featuring significant figures and events from Bannock County’s history.
Additional attractions include a recreated general store and a sumptuous Victorian-era parlor, both filled with period-appropriate artifacts.
Ethnographic displays dedicated to the Shoshone and Bannock tribes are particularly valuable, complemented by a wall adorned with black-and-white photographs of renowned tribal figures.
4. Old Town Pocatello
Old Town Pocatello constitutes a vibrant downtown district characterized by tree-lined streets and decorated street lamps, woven through a few blocks of North Main Street and its neighboring areas.
Independently owned bookstores, antique shops, bakeries, art galleries, specialty food stores, gift shops, and arts and crafts stores fill the gorgeous historic buildings that have stood since the late 19th century.
Main Street is additionally rich in culinary offerings, encompassing a diverse array of options including Hawaiian, Chinese, Thai, Italian, Indian, Greek, healthy selections, desserts, and diner fare, all within a short distance.
5. Idaho Museum of Natural History
Located on the Idaho State University campus, the Idaho Museum of Natural History, founded in 1934, boasts a collection exceeding 500,000 specimens.
The majority of these relate to Idaho, focusing on three primary disciplines.
The Anthropology section illustrates how early inhabitants adapted to Idaho’s varied landscapes, while the Life Science segment explores the flora and fauna of the Snake River plains. The Earth Science exhibit features fossils of Ice Age megafauna and showcases Idaho’s intriguing volcanic activity.
The museum frequently hosts captivating temporary exhibits drawn from its expansive collections. At the time of writing, there was a remarkable exhibit featuring over 100 skulls, ranging from a minke whale to a diabloceratops.
6. Zoo Idaho
Located in Ross Park, adjacent to the Bannock County Historical Museum, Zoo Idaho provides an engaging experience with both current and historically significant wildlife of the region.
This small zoo, operational in various forms since 1932, has undergone significant expansions since the 2010s, particularly enhancing the Grizzly Exhibit.
Zoo Idaho features around 40 species, including bears, bison, elk, deer, pronghorn, bobcats, cougars, wild dogs, and raptors such as bald eagles and various owls.
Children will appreciate the barnyard area, where they can interact with donkeys, goats, cows, sheep, and chickens, offering opportunities for feeding and petting.
7. Gibson Jack Trailhead
Pocatello’s surroundings are characterized by breathtaking mountainous terrain, beckoning adventurers from all walks of life.
A popular starting point for outdoor enthusiasts is the Gibson Jack Trailhead, located approximately six miles south of downtown Pocatello within the Caribou-Targhee National Forest.
This trailhead provides access to four distinct routes for hiking, mountain biking, ATVs, and motorcycles. The most frequented trail, Gibson Jack Trail, is a 7.5-mile out-and-back route leading to the Elk Meadows area in the west.
The trail offers a gentle grade between five and ten percent, guiding hikers along the picturesque Gibson Jack Creek and through diverse vegetation, including sagebrush, june grass, and buckbrush, eventually transitioning into stands of Douglas fir and aspen trees.
For a more demanding hike, consider the steeper South Fork trail, which ascends nearly 2,000 feet to the Wild Horse Divide.
8. Outer Limits Fun Zone
Outer Limits Fun Zone offers an array of attractions ideal for families with energetic children and teenagers, situated within a vibrant blacklight ambiance.
This venue features a nine-hole blacklight mini golf course populated by whimsical dinosaurs and deep-sea creatures, a multilevel soft play area designated for children aged eight and under, an extensive arcade, laser tag, and blacklight bowling lanes equipped with lighter balls, eliminating the need for specialized footwear.
Once guests have worked up an appetite, they can enjoy a varied menu at the Galactic Grill, which includes fried chicken, pizza, sandwiches, and lighter fare such as salads.
9. Palace Playhouse
Just outside Pocatello, in Chubbuck, visitors will encounter the Palace Playhouse, an enchanting dinner theater resembling a whimsical Gothic castle.
This venue combines exquisite dining with Broadway-style productions. Patrons can enjoy selections like prime rib or stuffed salmon alongside captivating performances that include timeless classics and lesser-known musicals.
Recent productions have featured Fiddler on the Roof, Mary Poppins, Into the Woods, and Annie, with Cinderella, Matilda, and Legally Blonde on the agenda when this article was composed.
Most performances are family-friendly, complemented by a children’s menu offering options such as breaded chicken breast bites.
10. Shoshone-Bannock Tribal Museum
Pocatello derives its name from a renowned 19th-century Shoshone leader. For those interested in the area’s indigenous history, a visit to the Fort Hall museum dedicated to the Shoshone-Bannock tribes is recommended.
This museum features engaging exhibits focusing on Chief Pocatello (1815-1884), authentic artifacts from the original Fort Hall, unique beadwork, archival photography, and narratives reflecting tribal history.
The museum store offers an array of handmade Shoshone-Bannock art and music, alongside a selection of Native American literature.
11. The Popcorn Shop
This charming establishment located at 460 East Oak Street was established in 2003 by a local pastor and educator.
The Popcorn Shop has since been transitioned to the next generation, producing gourmet popcorn in over 30 flavors, from traditional salted and caramel varieties to unique creations such as root beer float, huckleberry cheesecake, white cheddar garlic parmesan, and cotton candy.
Additionally, the shop offers an assortment of delightful sweet treats, including fudge, toffee, peanut brittle, chocolate-covered caramel bites, and pretzels, making it an ideal stop for indulgent snacks or gifting.
12. Outback Golf Park
This golf venue, located across Interstate 15, serves as a popular destination for date nights, family outings, and casual players looking to improve their game.
The main attraction at Outback Golf Park is its 18-hole mini golf course, featuring intricately carved rock structures and water features.
While the course presents enjoyment suitable for children, it also provides enough technical challenge for serious golfers to refine their short game.
The driving range boasts ample bays, all on a single level, with well-maintained mats and affordable pricing for varying bucket sizes.
13. Swore Farms
This family-owned farm, situated a few miles north of Pocatello, opens its operations to the public during the fall for pumpkin season.
The festivities typically commence in early October, coinciding with an array of family activities, including an expansive corn maze, tractor rides, and a large sandbox made of wheat, along with a play area for young children.
Ultimately, the main focus is on the pumpkins, which visitors can personally select from the patch, all while the younger guests learn important lessons about agriculture and farm life.
14. Standrod House
This historic turreted residence, located a few blocks northwest of Old Town Pocatello at 648 N Garfield Ave, is utilized by the city for significant social functions.
Constructed in 1902, the Standrod House was designed by Marcus Grundfor, a San Francisco architect, for Judge Drew William Standrod, who also held the position of bank president and is remembered for his Anti-Mormon sentiments.
The home’s design is styled in the Châteauesque architecture, featuring stone sourced from a quarry 25 miles south in McCammon.
With an original construction cost of $12,000, the Standrod House was ahead of its time, incorporating electric lighting (believed to be the first in Idaho) and central heating powered by a coal furnace.
15. Lava Hot Springs
Located near Pocatello, Lava Hot Springs is a beloved resort town set amidst peaks in the Portneuf Valley, boasting numerous hot springs that attract visitors throughout the year.
With temperatures ranging from 102°F to 112°F, winter is considered the prime season for soaking in these renowned mineral pools, while summer soaking is best experienced in the early morning or late evening.
During warmer months, activities include tubing along the Portneuf River, as well as swimming or exercising at the Olympic Swimming Pool & Waterpark, which features both indoor and outdoor options.
The region’s mountainous terrain makes Lava Hot Springs the nearest settlement to the intriguing ghost town of Chesterfield, located 23 miles to the north. Chesterfield, founded by Mormon settlers in 1881, saw its last inhabitants depart in the 1970s.
