20 Things To Do In Blackfoot, Idaho

Blackfoot, Idaho, the capital of Bingham County, is a small charming town in eastern Idaho. Situated between the larger cities of Pocatello and Idaho Falls, things to do in Blackfoot include visiting the Idaho Potato Museum, having fun at a theme park nestled in the woods and being amazed by nature at the butterfly house.

Blackfoot is also surrounded by nature, so interesting hikes, thrilling water sports and admiring stunning scenic views are other activities nearby. So, let’s get into the top 20 things to do in Blackfoot, according to a native Idahoan.

Blackfoot, Idaho

20 Things To Do In Blackfoot

1- Check Out The Idaho Potato Museum

Everyone knows Idaho is most famous for its potatoes, so visiting the Idaho Potato Museum is a must.

Established in 1988, the museum features informative exhibitions about the history of the potato, world food security, and cultivating and harvesting potatoes.

Here, you can check out the largest potato crisp ever made and the world’s largest collection of potato mashers.

Plus, what used to be an old depot freight platform at the site is now the Potato Lab. Here, you can perform fun experiments with potatoes, participate in Mr Potato Head races, and play computer games designed by the Idaho Potato Commission.

After touring the museum, try Idaho potatoes at the Potato Station Café, which serves them as bread, in cupcakes, dipped in chocolate and in other ways you couldn’t possibly think of.

The Idaho Potato Museum is at 130 NW Main St, Blackfoot, ID 83221.

2- Admire Butterflies At The Butterfly Haven

If you’re in Blackfoot between May and October, it’s butterfly season, so a stop at Butterfly Haven is a must.

Only a 19-minute drive away from Blackfoot, it’s Idaho’s largest butterfly house. It features dozens of kinds of butterflies, from the classic monarch to the white peacock and malachite.

The Butterfly Haven also functions as an education centre, informing visitors about the importance of pollinators and the need to protect butterflies in today’s world.

The space is a family-owned and operated business that’s a must-visit in Blackfoot.

The Butterfly Haven is at 1462 W 200 S, Pingree, ID 83262.

3- Check Out The Art Museum Of Eastern Idaho

Stimulate your creative side at the Art Museum of Eastern Idaho, which features unique exhibitions with several types of art mediums such as photographs, paintings and 3D artwork.

The art museum offers several classes and opportunities, such as an art camp and clay studio classes for kids and adults.

The Art Museum of Eastern Idaho is at 300 South Capital Avenue, Idaho Falls, ID 83402.

4- Picnic At Jensen Grove Park

In the heart of Blackfoot, Jensen Grove Park is a lovely space for an afternoon picnic.

The park’s central feature is the 55-acre (22 ha) Jensen Grove Pond, and picnic areas are ideal for group gatherings and afternoon picnics.

After lunch in the park, you can participate in popular water activities such as swimming, boating and jet skiing. And of course, there’s a playground area for kids.

Jensen Grove Park is at 733-793 E Airport Rd, Blackfoot, ID 83221.

5- Learn About Native American History At Shoshone-Bannock Tribal Museum

Want to learn more about the history of native Americans in Idaho? The Shoshone Bannock Tribal Museum is an excellent place to educate yourself about the Shoshone and Bannock tribes, who joined together in the nineteenth century.

The museum features several unique exhibits, such as traditional beadwork, photographs, books, music, calendars, artwork and other artefacts.

Don’t miss the live buffalo behind the museum.

It’s only 13 miles (21 km) from Blackfoot, making the journey a quick 15-minute drive.

The Shoshone Bannock Tribal Museum is at 30 East Ross Fork Rd Bldg 2, Pocatello, ID 83202.

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6- See Local Wildlife At Zoo Idaho

Visiting Zoo Idaho is a great way to see Idahoan wildlife.

The zoo was established in 1932 and specialises in Idahoan animal species and species from the Intermountain West.

Animals include bison, mountain lions, bald eagles and wild dogs. The most popular, though, might be the grizzly bear exhibit.

Zoo Idaho is at 2900 S 2nd Ave, Pocatello, ID 83204.

7- Check Out Historic Downtown Pocatello

Since Pocatello is so close to Blackfoot, it is a great place for visitors to hang out, and downtown Pocatello is perfect for a lovely evening out.

There are several restaurants and stores, including art galleries, bakeries, houseware shops, and local boutiques.

Pocatello dates back to 1889 and was known as the “Gateway to the Northwest” when pioneering gold miners travelled the Oregon Trail.

8- Go For A Walk On The Blackfoot Greenbelt

Connecting the city of Blackfoot with public parks, neighbourhoods, the Snake River, and other sites is the Blackfoot Greenbelt.

The paved 6.5-mile (10 km) trail is used for walking, jogging, running, and biking.

There are plenty of benches along the path, bridges, scenic views and informative signs.

The Blackfoot Greenbelt has multiple access points, but I recommend starting at Jensen Grove Park, one of the trail’s endpoints.

Jensen Grove Park is at 733-793 E Airport Rd, Blackfoot, ID 83221.

9- Golf At Blackfoot Golf Course

If you’re into golfing or want to try golfing while you’re in Blackfoot, check out Blackfoot Golf Course.

Construction began in 1957 but took decades to complete. The impressive course features pristine green grass, ponds, and pine trees.

Equipment is, of course, available for rent here, and you can also watch the George Von Elm Memorial Tournament each year or attend other events at the course.

Blackfoot Golf Course is at 3115 Teeples Dr, Blackfoot, ID 83221.

10- Visit The Japanese Friendship Garden

Located roughly 25 minutes from Blackfoot, the Japanese Friendship Garden is on a historically significant island in the middle of the Snake River.

It features a pond, a traditional Japanese gate, water fountains, a pavilion, a large Japanese lantern, and more.

While the features celebrate Idaho Falls’ Japanese sister city, Tokai-Mura, the pavilion is particularly important and quite popular.

The Japanese Friendship Garden is at 600 W Broadway St, Idaho Falls, ID 83402.

11- Check Out The Three Buttes Geological Site

In the middle of the flat Idahoan plain, three towering buttes formed from windblown soils and lava flows.

The oldest butte is roughly 600,000 years old, and the newest is approximately 300,000, so the site is truly a treasure to check out.

The buttes are 44 miles (71 km) northeast of Blackfoot, making the journey a 42-minute drive.

The buttes are along Highway 20, between Idaho Falls and Highway 26.

12- Visit The Bingham County Historical Museum

A 20th-century mansion built from local lava rock bricks is home to the Bingham County Historical Museum.

The building’s architecture resembles that of the South, with its white columns, extended porch, and stunning sunroom.

The museum features 20th-century military uniforms, instruments, dolls, clothing, furniture and Native American relics.

The exhibits promote learning about the history of Bingham County, where Blackfoot is located.

Across from the museum is the Bingham County Historical Society Archives, where you will find a goldmine of preserved newspapers, photos, books and other documents that have been important to Bingham County.

The Bingham County Historical Museum is at 190 N Shilling Ave, Blackfoot, ID 83221.

13- Paddle Board On The Snake River

The Snake River runs next to Blackfoot, offering many activities and water sports.

Paddle boarding is ideal for a relaxed river day during the summer. And the Snake River is quite calm and slow, making it perfect for beginners.

There are plenty of rental shops nearby, so you can paddle board without your own equipment. And the river neighbours Jensens Lake, so if you want to keep paddle boarding after a day on the river, you can continue your adventure.

14- Go Bowling At Pindale Lanes

Pindale Lanes is the iconic bowling centre in Blackfoot and is considered one of the best bowling lanes in the state.

It offers an excellent environment for family-friendly fun or competitive bowling.

You can register for a tournament if you’re in Blackfoot for a while or simply show up with family or friends.

There’s weekly cosmic bowling here, too, so check out their schedule when you’re in town. It’s a fun way to meet locals too.

Pindale Lanes is at 533 US-26, Blackfoot, ID 83221.

15- Hike At Wolverine Canyon

Wolverine Canyon is a fantastic place for hiking enthusiasts or those who want to see what beautiful nature Idaho has to offer.

The Wolverine Canyon Loop is a moderately challenging 2.9-mile (5 km) hiking loop in the canyon.

You can see unique vegetation and spot wildlife like mountain lions along the trail.

There are plenty of campgrounds in the area, so you can spend more than a day here if you’d like.

Wolverine Canyon is northeast of Blackfoot, Idaho, on Wolverine Canyon Road.

16- Go To The Eastern Idaho State Fair

Each year, the Eastern Idaho State Fair starts during Labor Day weekend and offers several exciting things to do.

It begins with a street parade, with community participants such as the local fire department and other organisations.

The fair also features rides, musical performances, tractor pulling and horse racing. There are plenty of food stalls, too, so you definitely won’t go hungry.

The Eastern Idaho State Fair is at 97 Park Street, Blackfoot, Idaho 83221.

17- Visit North Bingham County Park.

18 miles (29 km) from Blackfoot is North Bingham County Park, with plenty of green grass, open space for day use and tent camping areas.

The park offers Snake River access for fishermen and boaters, picnic facilities, and a beautiful gazebo.

For kids, there’s a baseball field, a playground, and multiple courts for sports such as volleyball and tennis.

Several features make this park particularly special. There’s an old schoolhouse, a general store, a barn, a rodeo arena, a log cabin, a teepee, and an experimental farm.

These features offer learning opportunities, given that they include information and signs to teach visitors about the past of the buildings and structures.

North Bingham County Park is at 587 E 1250 N, Shelley, ID 83274.

18- Check Out The Fort Hall Indian Trading Post Marker

Fort Hall was an Indian trading post built in the early 19th century. Although the trading post no longer exists as it once did, visitors can read and learn about its history at a marker 17 minutes south of Blackfoot.

The marker, built on a large stone figure, educates visitors about the trading post’s past.

It’s an awesome place to learn about Idahoan native history, especially after a visit to the previously mentioned Shoshone-Bannock Tribal Museum.

The Fort Hall Indian Trading Post marker is at US-91, Pocatello, ID 83202.

19- Spend An Evening At Sage Hill Casino

Sage Hill Casino, according to locals, is a special place to place a bet in the area. That’s because the casino is owned and operated by the Shoshone-Bannock tribe.

It features roughly 100 gaming machines, a truckers lounge, a café and more.

It’s a fantastic place to relax and have fun while supporting the local native tribe. And, like the Fort Hall Indian Trading Post Marker, Sage Hill Casino is especially great to visit after a trip to the Shoshone-Bannock Tribal Museum.

Sage Hill Casino is at 843 N Treaty Hwy, Blackfoot, ID 83221.

20- Watch A Rodeo At Snake River Arena

No trip to eastern Idaho would be complete without watching a rodeo.

The Snake River Arena, only a nine-minute drive from downtown Blackfoot, is a great place to do so.

The arena has several weekly events, such as barrel racing and breakaway roping.

The facility also boards horses and specialises in helping people enjoy working with their horses.

Snake River Arena is at 258 W 350 N, Blackfoot, ID 83221.