Idaho City Weekend: 3 Day Itineraries for Idaho City

Idaho City isn’t known for its fast-paced lifestyle or exciting nightlife. It’s not a popular destination that gets flooded with millions of tourists every year, but that’s its charm. Idaho City is a small mountain town with a peaceful atmosphere, rich gold-rush history, and stunning forest views. Rather than being a deterrent, this quiet city’s small size makes it perfect for a weekend trip!

Whether you’re planning a Western adventure or a mini-family vacation, here are a couple of 3-Day Itineraries to plan your Idaho City weekend.

Day 1: Scenic Drives and Ghost Towns

The first day of your trip is all about the journey, and making every moment of your weekend count by making the journey part of the destination.

Morning:

Take your time coming into town and detour through one (or two) of Idaho’s infamous ghost towns for a taste of a bygone era full of gold, gunslingers, and ghosts. 

Afternoon:

After the ghost town tours, cruise down Highway 21, aka “Ponderosa Scenic Route”. The views are well worth a slower drive, and the road will lead you straight into the heart of town in time for your afternoon check-in.

Evening:

After you’ve checked in and unpacked, enjoy a delicious dinner in town at the Gold Mine Grill, before heading to bed to rest up for another fun-filled day.

Day 2: Outdoor Adventure

Your second day in Idaho City is dedicated to exploring the natural beauty of Central Idaho. Surrounded by mountains, creeks, and forests, Idaho City offers ample opportunities for outdoor activities all year round.

Morning:

Start the day with a hearty breakfast in town to fuel up for an active day! Head out to Boise National Forest to enjoy a full immersion experience of hiking, biking, swimming, and more in the great outdoors.

Seasonal Activities:

• Spring: Wildlife spotting for migratory birds and new life, like fawns and bunnies.
• Summer: Kayaking and fishing on the local ponds and creeks.
• Autumn: Scenic hikes or bike rides to admire fall foliage.
• Winter: Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing through the forest.

Afternoon:

Remember to take a break from all the fun to enjoy a little lunch. Save yourself the trouble of leaving the forest before you’re ready by bringing lunch with you.

Evening:

After a long day, relax your sore muscles in the hot, mineral-rich waters at The Springs, a popular hot spring resort just outside town. Afterward, enjoy some dinner and rest up for another day of adventure.

Day 3: Small Town Fun

After two days of adventure, your final day in Idaho City is all about soaking up the town’s charm and history at a more relaxed pace. 

Morning:

Start the morning with breakfast in town, followed by a walking tour of the city. You’ll be surprised at how much history has been preserved through the years!

Afternoon: 

After a delicious lunch at a local diner, take a quiet walk through the Pioneer Cemetery, one of the city’s most somber but fascinating sites. 

Evening: 

Wrap up your trip with a final dinner in town. Take in the peaceful atmosphere of the town to reflect on your weekend, before heading home the next morning.

Day 1: Slow Start

Your first day should be about easing your family into adventure. It’s a day for building excitement and preparing for a few days of fun, without overwhelming the kids (or yourself) by diving right in.

Morning: 

Take your time to enjoy the drive, and make stops along the way to enjoy the view! There are plenty of pull-outs that offer beautiful overlooks where you and the kids can stretch your legs.

Afternoon: 

Stop for some lunch in town before checking into your accommodations. Once you’ve settled in, you can decide if you want to rest or take a walk with the kids to get your bearings. 

Evening: 

Wrap up the day with a family dinner and, if the sky is clear, some stargazing. The mountain air and dark skies will help give the kids sweet dreams and a good night’s sleep.

Day 2: Nature and Outdoor Play

If there’s one thing Idaho has a lot of, it’s nature. So, day 2 is all about going outside to explore! There are trails and activities for all ages and abilities, so you can tailor your experience based on your family’s unique interests and needs.

Morning:

Start with breakfast, then head out for a hike or bike ride along scenic trails. Choose paths that suit your family’s pace, letting kids explore and enjoy the fresh mountain air.

Afternoon: 

Pack a lunch so you can enjoy a picturesque picnic in a cozy spot. Aftwards, come back into town to visit The Springs. The kids will get a kick out of the warm water, and adults can take a chance to relax.

Evening:

If the kids aren’t already exhausted, take them for an evening stroll for some more stargazing after dinner. A light walk is a great way to wind down after a lot of excitement. 

Day 3: Museums and Mining

Make the most of your final day in town by diving into the region’s history. From gold-rush roots to modern prospecting, Idaho City has interesting tales to tell. Day 3 is all about exploring the past while enjoying the present day. 

Morning:

Start the morning with some breakfast at a local restaurant before heading to the Boise Basin Museum. Don’t let its size fool you; the small museum is filled with hundreds of artifacts from Idaho’s early frontier days.

Afternoon:

After lunch, continue your exploration by touring historic buildings and sites throughout town. Or, if you’re up to it, you can try your hand at gold panning in the creeks around the city.

Evening:

After your day exploring the past, share a casual family dinner in town. Talk about your favorite parts of the trip, then rest up for the journey home.