Karen Liester

Whether you are a sun seeker every Spring Break, a keep-your-head-down and try to keep the kiddos engaged for the week, or the weekly warrior that sees the time off school as the perfect excuse to unwind and reset, I’m going to show you that there are plenty of places right here in Idaho that are worthy of your Spring Break bucket list!

Growing up in a family that moved around a lot-my parents made it a priority to maximize our weekends no matter where we were! We spent our weekends riding bikes to new restaurants, hiking new trails, and camping with friends all summer long. Winter breaks were spent making the trek from our home in Albuquerque to Idaho Falls to visit family. Along the way, my parents always packed the lengthy road trip with stops at national monuments, ancient ruins, hidden waterfalls, and all of the classic American road trip destinations!

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No matter what you have planned, you might want to consider adding any one of these amazing Idaho hotspots to your list of must-see places really soon. If I’m being honest, I am dying to set up shop in some beach shack , and if I don’t feel sand between my toes, I’m concerned it may become a medical emergency. However, I would consider anyone of these places a fierce competition for a crowded beach anywhere. My idea of the ideal break from winter has never looked anything like what you’d see on MTV anyway!

So, without further adieu….

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Top places to visit for Spring Break-right here in Idaho!

#1. Shoshone Falls

LOCATION – Twin Falls

WHAT-Natural Attraction

WHEN-Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

COST-$5 per car

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW- Spring may just be one of the best times of the year to see the waterfalls in Idaho. The winter melt has started and the falls are typically roaring this time of year. Known as the “Niagara of the West”, Shoshone Falls is actually taller than the iconic New York waterfall. Plus, its only a couple of hours from East Idaho-making it an ideal place to add to your Idaho Bucketlist, and it can be done in just a weekend!

CURRENT CONDITIONS-It varies day to day, but you can check out the live video feed here: shoshonefalls.tfid.org 

WANT TO MAKE IT AN ADVENTURE?

• Stop in at Elevation 486 for lunch or dinner-you won’t be disappointed! (195 River Vista Place, Twin Falls | 208-737-0486

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• Consider checking out this amazing AirBnB. It is gorgeous!

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#2. Lava Hot Springs

LOCATION – Lava Hot Springs

WHAT-Hot Springs, Pool

WHEN-Hot pools are open year round, Olympic pool is open in the summer

COST-$2-8 per person, depending on age and day of the week

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW- Lava Hot Springs is a fan favorite for those local to east Idaho. It’s nestled deep in Bannock County between two mountain ranges and the pools are naturally heated by an active underground spring. The pools are considered mineral pools, but there is no sulfur odor! There are five different gravel/rock bottom pools, all of differing temperatures. The hot springs are strictly soaking pools, but if you have little ones, I’d consider checking out the Indoor pool center.

CURRENT CONDITIONS-It varies day to day, but you can check out the live video feed here: lavahotsprings.com/

WANT TO MAKE IT AN ADVENTURE?

• If you have little one, I’d consider adding to the Portneuf Kiddie Cove to your trip. It is located inside the Indoor Aquatic Center and it has both an indoor kids’ pool and a 10 person natural hot pool. 

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• Consider planning a trip in February and hitting their Fire + Ice Festival-it’s considered one of the zaniest winter festivals in the country!

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#3. Mountain Coaster

LOCATION – Bogus Basin, Boise

WHAT – Mountain Coaster | Glade Runner

WHEN – Only open on the weekends

COST – $15 one driver, $25 driver + passenger

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW- The mountain coaster on Bogus Basin is also called the Glade Runner, and its Idaho’s only mountain coaster! Prepare yourself for 4,330 feet of high speed twists and turns as you plummet down the mountain. Its the perfect way for non-skiers and non-snowboarders to experience something incredible, with no gear and no skill required. You control how fast you go, but speeds top out around 25 miles an hour.

CURRENT CONDITIONS-There is still plenty of snow on the mountain in late March, and with the exposure to the chilly air, the altitude and the speed, plan on experiencing the hill in full snow gear!  Check out today’s conditions before you head out here!

WANT TO MAKE IT AN ADVENTURE?

• Tack on different activities to make this trip one you’ll never forget! Alpine skiing, winter tubing, Nordic skiing and snowshoeing can fill out your lineup and keep you busy morning till night. They offer lessons and equipment rentals so you can come to learn, and you can pack light. Plus with lodging and dining right at the mountain, you can really get cozy and stay awhile!

#4. Couer d’Alene Blues Festival

LOCATION – Couer d’Alene

WHAT – Blues Festival

WHEN – March 20-22

COST – Varies, but event tickets start around $29/each or overnight stay packages at the resort start at $289/night

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW- The 11th Annual Couer d’Alene Blues Festival has been dubbed “Best Blues Festival” and is being hosted at the CDA resort and features the most popular blues bands on the planet! There are many events scheduled during this two-day festival, including a Cruise to the Blues around Lake Couer d’Alene and a Rooftop Blues Party.

OTHER AMENITIES OF THE RESORT: “It’s all about our Guests,” is what is boasted on their website, and I’d have to agree. Everything from luxurious spa treatments, to lake cruises, paddle boarding and golfing the floating green (starting April 1), there is plenty of activities to keep you busy!

MAKE IT AN ADVENTURE!

• If you venture out of the resort, you MUST make a stop at Hudson’s Hamburgers! They’ve been a staple in downtown CdA for over 100 years! A very unassuming lunch counter indeed, they offer a basic burger, no bells, no whistles, (no fries even!)…and I can promise you-you’ll simply have no regrets. They open at 9:30, and there will certainly be a line by 11:30-so get there early if you want to saddle up to the counter and get the full experience!

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#5. Treefort Music Fest

LOCATION – Downtown Boise

WHAT – Music Festival

WHEN – March 25-29

COST – Depending on when you buy your ticket, you can get a festival pass as low as $100. Check out the TICKET INFO page for all of the details. The Treefort Golden Rule is to buy as early as possible!

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW- Treefort is an annual music and arts festival where several “forts” are set up across multiple venues in downtown Boise. There is an Artfort, Comedyfort, Filmfort, Foodfort, even a Kidsfort. It’s the place to find your new favorite ______________ (fill in the blank: musician, comedian, chef, storyteller, yoga instructor…)! Over the course of 5 days independent artist (in all forms) are gathered together to display their pioneering ideas to groups of audiences of varying tastes to stir creativity!

DOWNLOAD THE APP: With so much going on over a span of five days, you’ll definitely need the app to point you in the right direction to make sure you have a plan and can get to where you’re going! treefortmusicfest.com/app

MAKE IT AN ADVENTURE!

Check out the variety of forts by clicking here!

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Well, there you have it. The guide on what’s hot for Spring Break in Idaho. There are truly countless ways to make memories in our beautiful Gem State. Consider this my small attempt at helping you know where to go to find the fun right here in our home state. I hope you have an amazing Spring Break no matter what you plan on doing, and don’t forget it’s always an option to STAY + WANDER!

I am a local realtor, and independent contractor at Keller Williams Realty East Idaho. I am Idaho Proud and have an intense appreciation and love for southeast Idaho and its residents. I’d love to help you find your next #Idahome, or if you’re already settled into your dream home, let’s stay connected through our mutual passion for this amazing corner of our state!