Blackfoot Travel Guide
Discover the best things to do, places to visit, and more with this comprehensive guide to Blackfoot in Southeastern Idaho.
- Introduction to Blackfoot
- List of Places to Visit in Blackfoot
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Blackfoot
- Best Things to Do in Blackfoot: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Blackfoot
- Food and Drink Scene of Blackfoot
- Where to Stay in Blackfoot: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Blackfoot: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Blackfoot
- Best Time to Visit Blackfoot
- Do’s and Don’ts of Blackfoot
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Blackfoot: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Blackfoot
- Where to Go Next from Blackfoot: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Introduction to Blackfoot
Located in Southeastern Idaho, Blackfoot is a hidden gem of the Rocky Mountains in the United States. This small town is home to a variety of experiences, including outdoor adventures, cultural attractions, and natural wonders. In this comprehensive guide, you will discover the best things to do, places to visit, and more in Blackfoot.
List of Places to Visit in Blackfoot
Whether you are traveling alone, with your family, or with a group of friends, Blackfoot offers something for everyone. Here is a list of the top places to visit in Blackfoot:
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
- Idaho Potato Museum: a museum dedicated to the history and significance of the Idaho potato industry.
- Bingham County Historical Society Museum: a museum showcasing local history and artifacts.
- Jensen Grove Park and Jensen Historical Farm: a park and farm that offer a glimpse into the region’s agricultural history.
Natural Attractions of Blackfoot: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
- Blackfoot Reservoir: a scenic reservoir that offers boating, fishing, and bird watching opportunities.
- Fort Hall Replica: a replica of the original Fort Hall trading post that once stood in the area.
- Pebble Creek Ski Area: a ski resort that offers skiing and snowboarding in the winter and mountain biking in the summer.
Hiking/Biking Routes of Blackfoot
Blackfoot offers a variety of hiking and biking trails that allow visitors to appreciate the natural beauty of the area. Some of the most popular routes include:
- Blackfoot River Walk: a paved trail that follows the Blackfoot River and offers scenic views.
- BLM Trail System: a network of trails that offers biking and hiking opportunities.
- Lava Hot Springs: a natural hot springs area that offers hiking and scenic views.
Best Things to Do in Blackfoot: Activities and Tours
From outdoor adventures to cultural experiences, Blackfoot has something for everyone. Here are some of the best things to do in Blackfoot:
- Take a hot air balloon ride: see the beauty of the area from above with a hot air balloon ride.
- Visit the Idaho Potato Museum: learn about the history of Idaho’s most famous crop.
- Go fishing: Blackfoot Reservoir is known for its outstanding fishing opportunities.
- Explore the Lava Hot Springs: relax in the natural hot springs or enjoy the hiking trails and scenic views.
- Attend the Eastern Idaho State Fair: experience local culture and entertainment at this annual fair.
Week-Long Itinerary for Blackfoot
If you plan on spending a week in Blackfoot, here is a sample itinerary that will allow you to experience the best of the area:
| Day | Activity |
|---|---|
| 1 | Explore the Idaho Potato Museum and Bingham County Historical Society Museum |
| 2 | Take a hot air balloon ride or go fishing at Blackfoot Reservoir |
| 3 | Visit the Fort Hall Replica and Jensen Grove Park and Jensen Historical Farm |
| 4 | Enjoy the Lava Hot Springs and its various activities |
| 5 | Take a scenic drive along the Blackfoot River and visit the BLM Trail System |
| 6 | Attend the Eastern Idaho State Fair and experience local culture and entertainment |
| 7 | Relax and enjoy a day at Pebble Creek Ski Area or another nearby mountain resort for winter or summer sports |
Food and Drink Scene of Blackfoot
Blackfoot offers a variety of local dishes and beverages that visitors should try during their stay.
Must-Try Dishes
- Finger Steaks: breaded and deep-fried strips of beef, typically served with fries.
- Potato-Crusted Trout: a local delicacy made by wrapping trout in thinly sliced potatoes and then frying it.
- Huckleberry Pie: a dessert made from local huckleberries and served with whipped cream.
Local Beverages
- Idaho Wines: the region offers a variety of wines made from local grapes.
- Huckleberry Soda: a sweet and refreshing soda made from local huckleberries.
Where to Stay in Blackfoot: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
Blackfoot offers a variety of accommodation options to fit any budget or preference. Here are some of the top options:
- Blackfoot Inn: a cozy and welcoming hotel that offers comfortable rooms and a restaurant.
- Morgan Guesthouse: a charming guesthouse with a home-like atmosphere and cozy rooms.
- Snake River RV Park and Campground: a campsite that offers tent and RV camping, as well as cabins.
What to Buy in Blackfoot: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
If you are looking for souvenirs or local products to bring home, here are some of the top options:
- Idaho Potato Products: bring home a bag of locally grown and harvested potatoes or potato chips.
- Huckleberry Products: bring home huckleberry jam, syrup, or other products made from local huckleberries.
Local Culture and Customs of Blackfoot
Blackfoot is a small town with a friendly and welcoming community. Visitors should be respectful of local customs and traditions, such as:
- Appreciating the region’s agricultural heritage.
- Being mindful of environmental conservation efforts.
- Respecting the privacy of local residents.
Best Time to Visit Blackfoot
The best time to visit Blackfoot depends on what activities you are interested in. Here is a breakdown of the best time to visit based on season:
- Spring: ideal for outdoor adventures such as hiking and biking.
- Summer: ideal for water-related activities such as swimming and boating.
- Fall: ideal for viewing fall foliage and attending the Eastern Idaho State Fair.
- Winter: ideal for skiing and snowboarding at Pebble Creek Ski Area or other nearby mountain resorts.
Do’s and Don’ts of Blackfoot
To ensure a pleasant and respectful visit to Blackfoot, here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind:
Do:
- Respect local customs and traditions.
- Appreciate the natural beauty of the area.
- Support local businesses and shops.
Don’t:
- Litter or damage natural areas.
- Be disrespectful towards local residents or their property.
- Ignore safety warnings or regulations.
Safety and Health
While Blackfoot is generally a safe place to visit, visitors should be aware of any potential safety hazards or health concerns.
Safety in Blackfoot
- Be aware of weather conditions and potential hazards such as wildfires and flash floods.
- Follow any safety regulations or instructions provided by tour guides or activity providers.
Health in Blackfoot
- Be mindful of the potential for altitude sickness at higher elevations.
- Stay hydrated and wear sunscreen when enjoying outdoor activities.
Getting to Blackfoot: Transportation Options and Logistics
Blackfoot is easily accessible by car, bus, or plane.
Airports Near Blackfoot
- Idaho Falls Regional Airport: located 25 miles from Blackfoot and offers daily flights from various cities.
- Salt Lake City International Airport: located 165 miles from Blackfoot and offers flights from all major airlines.
Bus Stations Near Blackfoot
- Salt Lake Express: located in Blackfoot and offers bus service to various cities in the region.
- Greyhound: located in Idaho Falls and offers bus service to cities across the country.
Other Options
- Rental Cars: available at both the Idaho Falls Regional Airport and Salt Lake City International Airport.
- Private Tours: available through local providers and offer a more personalized and guided experience.
How to Get Around in Blackfoot
Blackfoot is a small town, and visitors can easily get around on foot or by car. Taxis and ridesharing services are also available.
Where to Go Next from Blackfoot: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
Blackfoot is located near several other popular destinations in the region. Here are some of the top options for excursions:
- Yellowstone National Park: located 150 miles from Blackfoot and offers some of the most spectacular natural sights in the country.
- Jackson Hole, Wyoming: located 140 miles from Blackfoot and offers a variety of outdoor experiences and cultural attractions.
- Sun Valley, Idaho: located 200 miles from Blackfoot and offers world-class skiing and other outdoor activities.
Conclusion
Whether you are a history buff, outdoor enthusiast, or food lover, Blackfoot has something for everyone. With its natural beauty, cultural attractions, and friendly community, Blackfoot is a must-visit destination in Southeastern Idaho.
