Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Payette, Idaho

At the western end of the Treasure Valley, Payette is a city situated at the confluence of the Payette and Snake Rivers.

The Snake River additionally serves as a state boundary here, with Ontario, the easternmost town in Oregon, located directly across the bank.

This region is rich in the history of the Oregon Trail, and Payette itself is named after Francois Payette (1793-c. 1855), a fur trader who dedicated much of his life to trapping expeditions throughout the Northwest.

On the Oregon side of the river, several locations showcase wagon ruts and even a surviving building from the era when hundreds of thousands traversed the country on their lengthy journey westward.

1. Kiwanis Park

Payette’s most frequented park lies at the southern end of Main Street, bordering downtown. Notable upon arrival is the bandshell, which hosts a variety of outdoor events throughout the summer.

One such event is the Payette Apple Blossom Festival in mid-May, offering free concerts at both this park and Central Park, along with a parade and one of the largest carnivals in the surrounding area.

Additionally, Kiwanis Park features an excellent skate park, constructed with community-donated materials and considerable volunteer labor.

Another significant attraction is Payette’s public pool, discussed further below.

2. Four Rivers Cultural Center & Museum

Of particular interest regarding the neighboring city of Ontario is its Japanese American community, which emerged when the city welcomed Japanese American workers during World War II.

Originally envisioned as a Japanese cultural center, the Four Rivers Cultural Center & Museum includes a gallery, event and conference center, diorama museum, a newly refurbished theater stage, and a Japanese garden.

The museum emphasizes the social history of the region and examines the settlement patterns of the Northern Paiute people along with Hispanic, Basque, Japanese, and Euro-American immigrants.

Outside, the Hikaru Mizu is the only Japanese garden within a 400-mile radius. Spanning 1.3 acres, it was established in memory of Japanese Americans who lost their freedoms during internment in World War II.

The photography-focused Harano Gallery also merits a visit and has exhibited work by artists including Dorothea Lange.

3. Payette County Museum

The museum for the Payette County Historical Society is beautifully situated in the Gothic Revival Methodist Episcopal Church, completed in 1904.

Along with showcasing delightful church features like stained glass windows, the museum possesses extensive collections comprising historical clothing, hand fans, home appliances, toys, agricultural equipment, tools, and much more.

One notable exhibit includes a Confederate Civil War cannon, cast in bronze in 1861, which was acquired by the city following a fundraising initiative in 1912.

Moreover, the museum includes an authentic KKK costume, reflective of an event that transpired in Payette during the early 20th century. This display serves not as a point of pride but as a reminder of an uncomfortable aspect of the city’s history.

4. Centennial Park

The primary launch site in Payette for recreational activities on the Snake River is this waterfront park, established in 1991 to commemorate the city’s centennial.

The boat ramp and dock are located at the western end, adjacent to the parking area and RV dumping site. Further east, towards the bridge, the riverfront is equipped with a row of picnic tables.

The park also includes a football field, as well as open green spaces interspersed with trees suitable for a leisurely stroll.

5. Scotch Pines Golf Course

Situated in the rolling hills northeast of Payette, this exemplary 18-hole public golf course was designed in the early 1960s.

Weather permitting, golfing at Scotch Pines is feasible throughout the year, with tee options available for all skill levels.

The course and its greens are consistently well-maintained, featuring forgiving layouts except for the challenging doglegs at the third and thirteenth holes.

A practice bunker, putting green, and driving range are available for warming up, while the Pine Room Bar & Grill serves a variety of burgers, wraps, sandwiches, and more for a fulfilling post-round meal.

6. Payette Municipal Swimming Pool

A notable feature of Payette is the recently renovated community pool complex located in Kiwanis Park. The facility includes three swimming pools, two of which are outdoors and one that remains open year-round.

The outdoor area encompasses a wading pool for younger children and a full-sized pool. The indoor pool exists within a temporary structure that can be opened during warmer months.

Throughout the summer, a busy schedule of activities ensures there are water aerobics classes and lessons available, while the newly introduced jacuzzi is a popular draw.

7. Weiser River National Recreation Trail

Located nearby, Weiser serves as the southern trailhead for an 84-mile pathway extending all the way to New Meadows in Adams County.

This trail follows the former railbed of a section of the Union Pacific Railroad, making it Idaho’s longest rail trail.

The route, which accommodates hikers, cyclists, and equestrian riders, traverses a diverse range of landscapes from desert canyons to alpine meadows and coniferous forests.

Along the way, you will encounter historic trestle bridges, impressive springtime wildflower fields, and charming farmhouses, barns, and quaint old town centers.

Wildlife enthusiasts may spot great blue herons, turkeys, coyotes, elk, and possibly wolves, bears, or even a mountain lion.

8. Payette River Greenbelt

Centennial Park also marks the beginning of a brief yet well-maintained riverfront walkway. This path follows the Snake River, progressing west to the confluence with the Payette River before veering southward.

The greenbelt is primarily designated for pedestrians and cyclists, featuring multiple resting spots to appreciate the scenery.

The land on the west side of the city center remains largely undeveloped, and as of the time this article was written, proposals were in place to enhance access to the riverfront and expand the trail to Kiwanis Park.

The current trail concludes just past a favored fishing pond stocked with largemouth bass, bluegill, and rainbow trout.

9. Farewell Bend State Recreation Area

Approximately 20 miles northwest of Payette, on the Oregon bank of the Snake River, visitors can experience the high desert environment and the Oregon Trail.

Historical markers and interpretive boards throughout the park recount the site’s significance in emigration approximately 170 years ago.

Pioneers would often stop here before departing the Snake River for the last time after navigating the valley for hundreds of miles.

In addition to intriguing historical insights, Farewell Bend offers various activities, including swimming, boating, water skiing, and fishing in the river’s Brownlee Reservoir, along with horseshoes, basketball, and volleyball on land.

A picnic on the lush riverfront grass can be enjoyed, and for a genuine pioneer experience, visitors may spend the night in an authentic covered wagon or Native American teepee.

10. Keeney Pass Interpretive Site

After departing the Snake River, the first stop in Oregon along the Oregon Trail is this location, approximately 30 miles southwest of Payette.

Keeney Pass was named for pioneer Jonathan Keeney, who dedicated his career to trapping and trading in this region for the American Fur Company from the early 1830s.

This site, along the route of the Oregon Trail, still showcases the wagon ruts created by thousands of wagons over 170 years ago.

A walking path of two-thirds of a mile provides opportunities to learn about life along the trail and the indigenous peoples of the area.

11. Stone House Museum

In the town of Vale, not far from Keeney Pass, you may visit the Rinehart Stone House (built in 1872), recognized as the first permanent structure in Malheur County.

Constructed from rustic sandstone blocks, this facility stands along the Oregon Trail and replaced an earlier log cabin established by Jonathan Keeney.

For many years, weary travelers rested at this location, which served as a makeshift defense during the brief Bannock War in 1878.

The Stone House is open from March through October, displaying numerous artifacts and accounts related to the Oregon Trail.

12. Ontario State Recreation Area

Located along the Snake River slightly downstream in Ontario, this delightful area offers relaxation.

Following the riverbank for nearly a mile, this state recreation site provides lovely views of a series of small islands in the river. The bank features expansive green spaces shaded by junipers, sumac, and cottonwood trees.

During the autumn months, these areas become exceptionally picturesque and provide ample cover for summer picnics.

Moreover, the park excels with opportunities for wildlife observation, with Canada geese, great blue herons, and river otters frequently sighted. Arriving at dawn may afford glimpses of deer grazing on the river islands.

13. Babby Farms

Open during the spring and summer, this exotic petting zoo is situated slightly over 20 minutes southeast of Payette.

Managed by a non-profit organization, Babby Farms enables individuals with disabilities to interact with animals.

Many of the animals here have been hand-raised to ensure their tameness. Highlights among the animal residents include zebras, alpacas, sloths, lemurs, kangaroos, anteaters, ponies, donkeys, and yaks.

Visitors can purchase feed for many of these animals, and the gift shop offers various items that support the charitable cause.

14. Payette County Fair

The fairgrounds for Payette County are located a short distance upriver in New Plymouth. This significant event typically occurs over four days in early August, featuring various attractions for all ages.

Classic livestock and crop exhibits, demonstrations, and competitions abound, alongside live music, dance performances, raffles, old-time amusements, and unique activities such as a stick horse race, duck race, siphon tube contest, and pet parade.

The Payette County Fair concludes on Saturday night with a lively dance that wraps up at 11 PM.

15. Cruise Night and Car Show

A beloved tradition in Payette, this classic car event has been celebrated for over 30 years, taking place in the parking lots surrounding A&W on South Main Street at the beginning of September.

Organized by Rods of Idaho and Oregon, the Cruise Night and Car Show spans two days, showcasing a range of hot rods and motorcycles from both states.

On Friday evening, participants can enjoy a cruise along Main Street, followed by a “Show & Shine” competition on Saturday, which features awards and trophies across more than 70 categories, as well as a swap meet that lasts all day.