Oh, Idaho. You may know it as the humble home of the potato.
Looking beyond the source of french fries, Idaho also houses 30 state parks in which to explore waterfalls, forests, and hot springs.
Ooh La La, Frenchman’s Bend
Off the beaten path, 11 miles west of Ketchum rest the rejuvenating waters of Frenchman’s Bend Hot Springs (also known as Warfield Hot Springs). Scenically decorated by boulders, these hot springs provide a relaxing retreat within the wilderness. Water temperature varies, but without too much runoff, the springs are warm and steamy. During the winter it’s cozy to soak in the waters while a fall dip provides a rainbow of color to take in.
The journey to these springs is not for the faint of heart; the last seven miles of the road can be seasonally thwarted by the elements. It’s slick and icy in the winter and muddy in the fall and spring. Take note that the road is closed from mid-March ‘till the end of June due to flooding. Only five or six cars can park at a time, but that means a more private experience for you and the family. Though it’s an isolated spot, locals are familiar with it, and it might be a bit more crowded than quiet during weekends and holidays. There are no facilities, but hey– it’s all part of the true woodland experience.
Clean it Up!
This is unlike any other museum in the country: Don Aslett’s Museum of Clean. While the idea might sound stuffy, it’s actually a marvelously unique concept for a museum. The entire collection is not only focused on beautiful vintage cleaning supplies (which includes the noble first vacuum cleaner in the world), but the museum explores the entire philosophy of “clean” across 74,000 square feet. Language, philosophy, art, and hands-on exhibitions make for an exciting and educational family adventure. This clean collection is nothing to sneeze at—some of the artifacts are over 2,000 years old. Don Aslett himself is frequently available for personal tours which are as silly as they are informative. And who knows, perhaps you’ll have some more willing housekeeping helpers after your visit.
Moon Walking
Plan an out-of-this-world experience at the Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve. Located in central Idaho on the Snake River Plain, this web of caves is as magical as it is mysterious; there are over 500 tunnels and more are being discovered every year. These caves are formed when an active magma flow is insulated by the cooling exterior of rock, allowing the river to continue its movement within the tube. Don’t worry, there’s no lava flow to run from on the trail! Just fuzzy little bats. Some caves are closed to protect those bats, so be sure to check their National Park Service website for any active alerts.
You’re likely to lose cell service as you make your way out to the Craters, so be sure to stop by the visitor’s center off the highway first. You need to get a free permit to explore the caves anyways, so you might as well grab a map or chat with a park ranger in order to find your way safely. While you’re at it, ask to join a ranger-led hike to immerse your family in the history of the caves on the trail. The Lava Flow Campground is open to overnighters.
