How Much Fun Can You Have at Island Park?
That’s a challenge our Island Park guests have been trying to top every time they visit. There is so much to do at Island Park and the surrounding areas that the fun seems to be endless. We have world class snowmobiling, world class fishing, ATV riding, horseback riding, boating, white water rafting… The list goes on and on. 
There are summer activities, winter activities, fun destinations and events. Click on one of the activity tabs below to discover what Island Park has to offer you.
Must See Destinations Near Island Park
- Island Park Village Golf Course
- Snowmobiling
- Cross Country Skiing
- Mesa Falls
- Island Park and Ashton Reservoirs
- Henry’s Lake State Park
- Elk Lake, MT
- Harriman State Park
- Boating, Water Skiing, White Water Rafting, and Fishing
- St. Anthony Fisherman’s Breakfast
- ATV Riding
- Biking
- Horseback Riding
- Hiking
- Johnny Sack Cabin
- Nez Perce National Historic Trail
- Sawtell Peak Trail
- Bear World
- St. Anthony Sand Dunes
- Teton Valley Summer Festival
- Woopee Days
- American Dog Derby
- Spencer Opal Mines
- Idaho International Dance and Music Festival
- Ponds Lodge Antique Show
- Bechler Meadows
- Cave Falls
- Continental Divide of the Americas
- Photography
Open Season: May 1 – October 15
The Island Park Village Golf Course is a beautiful blue grass, 9 hole, par 35 course with beautiful scenery and mountain fresh air. Middle Tees are 2668 yards and forward Tees are 2668 yards. Rental carts are available as well as rental clubs. Best of all, it’s located right out your front door if you are renting a cabin from Island Park Cabins and Lodges.
Book a Cabin
When you come to Island Park and the West Yellowstone area to snowmobile, you’ve come to an area that has earned the nick name “Snowmobiling Capital of the World.” If you don’t have a snowmobile of your own, no worries. Just rent one from us and we will bring it to your cabin.
Rent a Snowmobile
Check out this list of awesome snowmobiling areas you won’t want to miss.
Goosewing Ranch: Snowmobile and snow coach tours through beautiful Yellowstone National Park.
Snowmobile maps: This website has a list of locations for great snowmobiling trails in and around Island Park. Just click on the map for more information about the area.
Sawtell Snowmobile Loop: This is a great trail area for those new to snowmobiling and to Island Park.
Snowmobiling Mecca: A dream snowmobile vacation through West Yellowstone.
Two Top Mountain and Meadow Creek Loop: Head to one of the most popular destination spots for snowmobilers coming to Island Park.
There are many places to go cross country skiing.
The gallery below is of Harriman State Park. The trail winds through the forest and along the frozen river where you will see swans and geese. Further down the trail is a small wood bridge where there is a nice view for picture taking. Further from the bridge is a warming hut stocked with firewood and a stove, as well as maps and a registry to sign your name if you would like.
Mesa Falls, Idaho is actually two separate falls, the Upper Mesa Falls and the Lower Mesa Falls. Upper Mesa Falls is roughly 114 feet high and 200 feet wide. Upper Mesa Falls is only about 48 miles from West Yellowstone on Highway 47. The Lower Mesa Falls is approximately a mile beyond that.
Summer Activities:
- Fishing: Downstream from the Lower Falls is Henry’s Fork where you will find great fishing.
- Boating: A scenic float trip downriver from Mesa Falls to Warm River is always nice. Hiking and biking
- Hiking and Biking: There are many trails around the falls including a one-mile trail from the Upper Falls to the Lower Falls. Mountain biking the 14.7-mile Warm River trail should take you about 2 hours
Winter Activities: In the winter the Forest Service road becomes one of many snowmobile trails in the area. If you have a snowmobile or cross-country skis, winter is the time to go; if you don’t, there is no access. Spring through fall is great by car.
Street Address:
714 Main St. Ashton ID, 83420Fees: $5 per vehicle if you park and walk to the falls lookout.
This is the type of lake that fisherman dream about. Anglers fish for cutthroat, brook and rainbow-cutthroat hybrid trout. The park has a modern fish cleaning station near the boat ramp. There is also plenty of places for hiking and biking.
Street Address:
3917 E. 5100 N. Island Park, ID 83429
Open Season: Opens the Thursday before Memorial Day and closes the 3rd Saturday in October
Harriman State Park is located within Yellowstone National Park and is part of over 16,000 acres of protected land and wildlife. Over 20 miles of trails are available for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and cross county skiing. It is not uncommon to see Moose, Elk, Sandhill Cranes, and Trumpeter Swan in and around Harriman State Park.
BE BEAR AWARE while recreating at Harriman. The Grizzly bear inhabits this area. Pack bear spray, hike in groups, and use bear bells mountain biking.
Phone: (208) 558-7368
Street Address:
3489 Green Canyon Road Island Park, ID 83429(18 miles N. of Ashton on Hwy. 20)
Summer Activities: Fishing, Wildlife Viewing, Horseback Riding, Hiking, and Biking.
Winter Activities: 28 Miles of groomed track, Cross Country Skiing Skate, Classic, Skier Defined, and Snowshoe.
Island Park and West Yellowstone have many places for white water rafting from full day rafting trips to horseback riding combined with white water rafting. Enjoy this favorite summer activity in Island Park and West Yellowstone.
American Whitewater is a great website to reference before rafting down any river. It has up-to-date information about water levels, difficulty, weather, rapids, length, average and maximum gradient, etc. The website also has pictures and descriptions of each river.
Island Park Reservoir’s body of water covers 8,400 acres and is popular for boating, fishing and water skiing. Boat ramps/docks are located at Buttermilk Campground, Island Park, Lakeside Lodge, McCrea Bridge Campground, Mill Creek and the West end.
The Ashton Reservoir covers 400 acres of good fishing waters stocked every year with trout. The reservoir provides for picnicking, restrooms, a boat ramp/dock, parking, and fishing. There is also a beautiful ribbon waterfall near the dam.
Phone: (208) 558-7532
The cabins at Island Park Village Resort are just 9 miles (less than 15 minutes) from Henry’s Lake; a fisherman’s paradise. Anglers fish the lake for cutthroat, brook, and rainbow-cutthroat hybrid trout. A fish cleaning station is provided by the park and is located near the boat ramp. Henry’s Lake is open the Thursday before Memorial Day and closes mid-October, weather permitting.
Location: Clyde Keefer Memorial Park
Time: 6 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Many of the winter snowmobile trails become ATV and biking trails in the summer.
Check local gas stations for trail maps.
High Mountain Adventure: This company rents ATVs and other summer toys. It is right across the highway from the Resort.
Below are some links to websites with good information about mountain biking trails for the enthusiasts.
The Big Hole Challenge: “Ride west into Horseshoe canyon. The road will dogleg, first right, then left, then bear left up the canyon road…”
Black Grove: “At the top of the pass, turn Left (south) on a fire road that leads to some undeveloped campsites. Ride approx 1.8 mi untill you see…”
Thousands Spring Valley: “A wide single track trail that has been completely redone by the FS (YOUR TAX $ AT WORK). This is an absolutely beautiful trail through evergreen forest to a wildflower infested alpine valley, Sound good; IT IS!…”
Mill Creek Loop: “Park and gear up in the large parking area on the right of Teton Canyon Rd. there is a amazing view of the Tetons here…”
What better way to see the countryside than on horseback!
Dry Ridge Outfitters: Wyoming Horseback Riding Adventures
Horseback Riding with Diamond P Ranch
Horseback Riding with Wild West White Water Rafting. They are a rafting, boating, and canoeing company that also offers horseback riding.
Experience beautiful scenery while hiking the Island Park area.
Coffee Pot Rapids: This trail is located about five miles from the cabins.
Mesa Falls: Highly recommended, family-friendly hike! This hike is located about thirty miles from the cabins but is well worth the drive. The falls are spectacular and are a great photo opportunity.
Golden Lake: Located less than fifteen miles from the cabins in Harriman State Park.
Big Springs and John Sack’s Cabin Hike: A short, family-friendly hike. Take some bread so you can feed the trout from the bridge (but no fishing allowed)! This destination is just a few miles from the cabins! (Follow N. Big Springs Loop Road east until it crosses the river.)
Due to its unique location and picturesque setting, Johnny’s cabin and nearby water-wheel have long been one of the most photographed sites in Island Park.
Johnny Sack Cabin is located just a few miles from the cabins at Big Springs. Follow N. Big Springs Loop Road east until it crosses the river. The cabin can be reached via a short family-friendly hike on a paved walking path starting in the campground at Big Springs. The cabin’s unique location, construction, and furnishings make for an interesting visit. Take some bread so you can feed the trout from the bridge (but no fishing allowed)! Learn more about Johnny Sack Cabin.
For Information: (208) 624-7332
Open Hours: Open daily 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Mid-June through Mid-September
The Nez Perce (Nee-Me-Poo) National Historic Trail stretches from Wallowa Lake, Oregon, to the Bear Paw Battlefield near Chinook, Montana. It was recognized by Congress as a National Historic Trial in 1986 as it was the path the Nez Perce Indians took during their flight to Canada while being pursued by U.S. Army Generals Howard, Sturgis, and Miles. The trail stretches over 1,170 miles through the mountains and right through Island Park, Idaho.
Sawtell Peak Trail has a commanding view of Wyoming, Montana and Idaho
The Sawtell Peak trail is 4.2 miles long and is a great place for hiking, mountain biking, and great scenic views. From the trail you can see many lakes, such as Henry’s Lake in the picture above, as well as a view of The Caldera.
This picture was taken on Sawtell Mountain Road on one of the switch backs. This road is kept open all winter long to get to the national defense radar station on top of Mount Sawtell in Island Park, Idaho. The elevation is just less than 10,000 ft. At the cabins this last year we had an accumulation of over 30 feet of snow; that compacts down to about 9-12 feet around February 1st.
Bear World is a drive-thru wildlife park where you can see bears and other animals in their natural habitat. The animals available to see include American Black Bear, Grizzly Bear, Gray Wolves, Rocky Mountain Elk, Bison, White-tail Deer, Mule Deer, Rocky Mountain Goats, and Moose.
Address:
6010 South 4300 West, 5 miles South of Rexburg, Idaho 83440Hours: Open 7 Days a Week from 9am to 5pm
St. Anthony Sand Dunes is a popular 11,000 acre sandy playground for the high adrenalin seeker. The dunes are made of clear, shifting, white quartz sand carried by the wind from the nearby Teton and Snake Rivers. The dunes reach up to 400 feet high and move about eight feet each year. The St Anthony Sand Dunes is also a wilderness study area and home to one of the largest herds of wintering elk in the United States.
50 miles northwest of Idaho Falls, Idaho
From US-20 southbound, take exit #346 (Saint Anthony City Center). Turn right onto Bridge Street and continue through the stop light to West 4th N. Turn left onto West 4th N, which turns into 600 N after you leave city limits. Follow 600 N approximately 3 miles until you reach the intersection with Red Road. Turn left to go to Egin Lakes access or right to the parking and dispersed camping areas along Red Road.
Facilities:
- Parking (3 graveled areas), ATV unloading ramp, equestrian trailer area
- Restrooms
- RV dump station
- Concessions, water stations, picnic sites
- Contact station area: law enforcement, EMS, Idaho Air Rescue
- Safety flags, annual ORV sticker; designated routes, ride only in open sand; no glass containers; all riders under age 18 must wear helmets (ID state law).
Fees:
- $5.00 per vehicle, per day
- $10.00 per use of RV dump stations
- $60.00 season pass
Enjoy Four Days of Fun!
Summer Festival is four days of fun-filled activities leading up to the Fourth of July. Some of the events include a hot air balloon rally, craft fair, antique show, rodeo, parade, community breakfast and BBQ, and of course Fireworks! There is something for the whole family to enjoy at Summer Festival. So don’t miss out.
Celebrate the 4th of July in Rexburg with a community breakfast, commercial booths, rodeo, flag raising ceremony, parade, and fireworks.
Location: Main St in Rexburg
Mushers come from all parts of the United States determined to run their dogs in the race and win. The notable example was in 1948 when musher Lewis Price dropped his dogs by parachute from a plane to the starting line! It is an exciting winter experience with events for mushers, spectators, and dogs of all sizes.
Next Race: February 16th, 17th, & 18th 2012
Contact Info: American Dog Derby
Phone: 208-374-5476
Street Address:
27 Opal Ave. Spencer, Idaho 83446
Website: Spencer Opal Mines
Burley, ID: July 25th to July 27th
Rexburg, ID: July 28th to August 4th
Click the link for more information about the Idaho International Dance and Music Festival
If you are interested in performing in the Idaho International Dance and Music Festival, please email: donna@rexcc.com
Rexburg Chamber of Commerce
Open Monday through Friday from 9am to 4pm.
Located at: 127 E. Main St. in between Syringa Moble and Sprint Mobile.
Phone: 208-356-5700
Toll Free: 888-INFO 880
If you love antiques, then this is one event in Island Park you won’t want to miss.
Three antiques shows will gather for a truly spectacular shopping experience. Travel up and down “Main Street” from Last Chance to the Village Crossroads and enjoy the rich history displayed in these antiques.
Show date: July 23, 24, and 25 on Main street.
Beckler Meadows is a range of open flatland and one of the largest and most beautiful meadows in Yellowstone National Park. Hikers and backpackers can roam the trails of these beautiful meadows while enjoying the scenic Teton Range. There are many streams to cross in order to access all the beautiful areas of West Yellowstone’s Cascade Corner, such as Bechler Canyon and Cave Falls.
Cave Falls may only be 20 feet high, but it stretches the entire 250-foot width of the Falls River making it a very interesting falls to enjoy. Cave Falls is located near the Bechler Ranger Station and is accessible year round via the Mesa Falls Scenic Byway, the Cave Falls Road, and of course by snowmobile during the winter season.
The Continental Divide of the Americas is the name given to the highest elevated, and largely mountainous, hydrological divide of the Americas that separates the watersheds that drain into the Pacific Ocean from those that drain into the Atlantic and Arctic Oceans. Approximately 36 miles of the Continental Divide runs right through Island Park, Idaho. Trail difficulty is from moderate to difficult with plenty of beautiful scenery. Some of the trail in located in Grizzle bear habitat, so be careful while hiking.
Bring a good camera because there are plenty of photo opportunities!
