Top 15 Must-Do Activities in Burley, Idaho

Situated in south-central Idaho’s Magic Valley, Burley is a small town offering a plethora of outdoor activities right at its doorstep.

Notably, the Snake River, renowned for its waterfalls and formidable canyons, is particularly serene in Burley.

The smooth waters provide an ideal setting for various water sports including kayaking and paddleboarding, while Burley hosts a significant regatta and an annual triathlon on the river.

The city is conveniently located within driving distance of Idaho’s prime ski areas, picturesque lakes enveloped by forests, the geological marvel of City of Rocks, and several of the Snake River’s most breathtaking stretches just a short distance downstream.

1. City of Rocks National Reserve

Burley stands as the nearest major settlement to a breathtaking geological site located a few miles north of the Utah state line.

The aptly named City of Rocks features a surreal landscape of granite spires and monoliths, some reaching heights of up to 600 feet.

This designation was introduced in 1849 by pioneer James F. Wilkens, a member of the vast number of travelers who traversed the park on the California Trail from the 1840s until 1882.

The oldest of these mesmerizing formations are estimated to be over 2.5 billion years old, rendering them among the most ancient rocks in the United States. Hikers, horseback riders, and mountain bikers can find numerous trails to traverse.

City of Rocks is particularly famous within the climbing community, featuring approximately 1,000 traditional and bolt-protected routes ascending these impressive granite faces.

2. Water Activities

The Snake River at Burley is wide, smooth, and flows gently, categorizing it as one of the premier locations along this significant waterway for various aquatic activities.

The local go-to establishment for equipment is Idaho Sports, an organization operating for over three decades.

You can find half-day and full-day rentals for kayaks (both single and tandem) and paddleboards, as well as pontoon boats, inboard power boats, and various gear including water skis, wakeboards, and wakesurf boards.

The company is acclaimed for its customer service, providing valuable insights on the optimal areas and offering assistance with adapting to your equipment.

3. Cassia County Historical Museum

Cassia County boasts over 200 years of European history, complemented by extensive centuries of Native American heritage prior to that.

The county historical museum, established on the eastern side of town in 1972, documents the region’s past with exhibits featuring agricultural tools, Native American artifacts, fossils, period attire, household items, local newspaper replicas, and much more.

Among the collections are two antique railcars, one of which is reputed to have carried the remains of John Wilkes Booth.

Additionally, there are three outbuildings filled with historic horse-drawn farming equipment from the surrounding areas.

4. Storybook Park

Located on the western side of downtown Burley, Storybook Park is a charming urban green space featuring ample grassy areas shaded by tall softwood and deciduous trees.

This park provides an idyllic spot for a picnic or leisurely reading on a warm day. Given its proximity to the heart of Burley, it’s convenient to purchase refreshments from a café, bakery, or restaurant before heading here.

The park’s highlight can be found in the southeast corner, where a splendid fenced playground features castle towers reminiscent of a fairytale.

This area was established in the early 2000s following a community fundraising initiative, incorporating ideas contributed by the children of Burley into the design.

5. River’s Edge Golf Course

Burley features an exceptional public golf course situated right on the riverbank and only a five-minute drive from downtown. This 18-hole, par 72 course was landscaped in 1935 and includes bent-grass greens and tall, mature trees lining its fairways.

Despite being a public course, the green fees at River’s Edge are quite reasonable, while private lessons with the course’s PGA professional are priced under $50.

To conclude your round, the River Grill at the recently updated clubhouse offers a menu of hot and cold sandwiches and burgers.

Furthermore, the course features a marina along the Snake River, serving as an ideal launching point for boating and fishing, as well as the hub for the annual Idaho Regatta, which will be discussed later.

6. Milner Historic Recreation Area

Located just downstream from Burley along the Snake River, the Milner Historic Recreation Area offers a scenic and historically rich experience.

Set against a backdrop of sagebrush terrain and basalt cliffs, this area once served as part of the Oregon Trail over 150 years ago.

Remarkable vestiges from that era remain in the form of deep ruts carved by decades of wagon travel.

Visitors can observe these ruts along an interpretive trail that begins at a shelter equipped with informative boards. The environment is filled with a variety of waterfowl and songbirds, and it offers excellent fishing opportunities, including abundant yellow perch, bass, trout, and channel catfish.

7. Pomerelle Mountain Resort

Within Burley, the expansive peaks of the Albion Mountains mark the southeastern edge of the Snake River Plain.

As winter arrives, this proximity allows for quick access to the mountains for skiing and snowboarding activities.

Pomerelle holds the distinction of being one of the oldest ski areas in the United States, welcoming winter sports enthusiasts since 1940.

With a maximum elevation of 8,762 feet, this snow-sure mountain features a substantial forested area and receives fresh snow throughout the season.

Pomerelle, although relatively small, offers 24 well-groomed runs, primarily suited for beginner and intermediate skiers.

An efficient lift system, consisting of a triple chair, double chair, and magic carpet, minimizes waiting times, and snow sports lessons are available every day of the week throughout the winter months.

8. Lake Walcott State Park

Not far upstream from Burley, an 11,000-acre reservoir was created in the early 20th century to facilitate agricultural development on the arid Snake River Plain.

On the western shore, near the Minidoka Dam, lies a beautiful recreation area nestled in greenery amidst Idaho’s high desert lands.

Lake Walcott State Park features a range of campsites for RVs, tents, or cabins, alongside great fishing locations, a popular 21-hole disc golf course, and a shaded day-use area ideal for picnics.

The lake is encompassed within the Minidoka National Wildlife Refuge, creating an inviting habitat for numerous species of waterfowl, including the American white pelican, making it an excellent site for birdwatching.

9. Cauldron Linn

At Cauldron Linn, the Snake River cascades down a series of falls into a rocky channel of whitewater merely 40 feet wide.

In 1811, during an expedition from Missouri to present-day Astoria, Oregon, the Wilson Price Hunt party encountered Cauldron Linn while navigating the Snake River.

This treacherous feature compelled the pioneers to disembark, resulting in the loss of a party member to the river.

Today, Cauldron Linn remains largely unchanged, with no signs of civilization amidst the rugged canyon walls and no barriers separating visitors from the tumultuous waters below.

10. Haunted Mansions of Albion

Situated southeast of Burley, Albion is a small city with a population of slightly more than 200, yet it carries a history dating back to 1875.

It is among the few towns in the Magic Valley region that originated in the 19th century, formerly serving as the Cassia County seat, a title now held by Burley.

In Albion, you may encounter notable structures such as the antiquated Albion Normal School, established in 1893 and left abandoned in 1969.

This eerie building has intrigued ghost hunters for years, and during the Halloween season, it transforms into a large haunted house featuring an array of creative spooky setups.

11. Lake Cleveland

For those navigating the Albion Mountains during the summer, a stunning picturesque lake awaits along the winding road past Pomerelle Mountain Resort.

Due to snow drifts, Lake Cleveland, perched at an elevation of 8,300 feet, is only accessible from July to October. During this time, visitors can camp, fish, hike, and swim in the lake’s pristine waters.

The views are breathtaking, with Mount Harrison (9,240 ft) towering to the south, its lower slopes adorned with wildflower meadows and pine forests.

Camping is available on a first-come, first-served basis across 19 sites located in both the west and east campgrounds.

Pomerelle Mountain Resort, situated just five minutes away, opens in the summer for scenic chairlift rides to the mountain’s summit, offering expansive views that stretch for 50 miles across the Magic Valley and beyond.

12. King Fine Arts Center

In 1999, with significant contributions from local businessman Herman King, Burley High School inaugurated a multidisciplinary arts center comparable to those found at major universities.

This multimillion-dollar facility has undergone updates over recent years and serves not only as a venue for school productions but also as an important community hub.

The primary auditorium accommodates up to 1,300 people and is home to the Magic Philharmonic Orchestra, in addition to hosting productions of beloved Broadway musicals. More intimate performances occur in the center’s Little Theatre, a studio stage.

13. Idaho Regatta

Known for its wild and rugged terrain, the Snake River in Burley is wide and gentle enough to host a major boat racing event toward the end of June.

The Idaho Regatta centers on motorized excitement on the water, featuring races across various categories of vessels capable of reaching speeds up to 125 mph.

The event commences on Friday morning with a boat parade, followed by heats and finals held on Saturday, while Sunday is allotted for a banquet and awards ceremony.

Throughout the weekend, attendees can enjoy various vendors, delicious food, and a variety of family-oriented activities.

14. Spudman Triathlon

An additional benefit of the expansive, tranquil waters in Burley is the capacity to host events such as the Spudman Triathlon.

This challenging endurance event attracts hundreds of participants each year, featuring a 1.5K swim in the river, a 40K bike ride, and a 10K run through the picturesque countryside surrounding Burley.

Organized by the Burley Lions Club and taking place at the end of July, the Spudman Triathlon has been a staple for over 35 years, similar to the regatta, and is hosted at the boat docks.

15. Twin Falls

Located approximately forty miles to the west, the Snake River, which flows peacefully in Burley, transforms into a rushing torrent at Twin Falls. Here, the river canyon descends as much as 500 feet, feeding into two breathtaking waterfalls.

At the northern end is Shoshone Falls, often referred to as the “Niagara of the West,” especially during spring when an impressive curtain of roaring whitewater cascades 212 feet down.

Further east, one will find Pillar Falls, characterized by multiple channels separated by formidable rhyolite pillars.

Twin Falls is additionally renowned for the Perrine Bridge, offering spectacular views of the canyon’s vastness. It is one of the few man-made structures where BASE jumping is permissible without a permit throughout the year.

Visitors are afforded the opportunity to hike along the canyon rim for several miles and traverse to the northern bank, where crystal-clear springs have carved their path through basalt to meet the Snake River.