Island Park is a town that on the outside looks like many other places in small town America, but all of that falls away once you look a little closer and see all of the unique things there are to do and see in and around this lovely travel spot. First and foremost it is positioned only about half an hour away from Yellowstone National Park, a place that is legendary around the world for its sweeping landscapes, breathtaking vistas, wildlife interaction opportunities, and unique hydrothermal activity. So if you do go, remember to bring a camera. Island Park has more than just Yellowstone to offer though. It also has historical sights such as Johnny Sack Cabin, fun experiences like Macks Inn float trip rentals, or places for fishing and hiking such as Big Springs, and Harriman State Park.
Yellowstone really needs no introduction, but if you somehow haven’t heard of it then let me tell you. Boasting more than 10,000 geysers, hot springs, fumaroles, and mudpots, Yellowstone has a landscape like you have never seen before. Did you know that Yellowstone has around 50 percent of the world’s hydrothermal features hidden inside its borders? Or that it is actually home to more geysers, and hotsprings than any other place on earth? It is also home to many different species of flora and fauna such as grizzly bears, wolves, and buffalo. This isn’t even mentioning the awe-inspiring scenery which includes the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, where you can watch the thrilling journey of the Yellowstone RIver down more than 300 feet of sheer rock into the canyon below. There are even hiking trails and tours leading all across the park allowing easy access to this hair raising and intriguing piece of America. So, why not visit Yellowstone National Park. There is a reason why it’s iconic.
Now, let’s say that you somehow found a way to peel yourself away from Yellowstone, but are still looking for something to entertain yourself with. Well just a few miles east of Island Park you will find Johnny Sack’s Cabin, a nearly one hundred year old, handmade storybook-esque cabin that sits on the edge of Big Springs. At the cabin, and in the surrounding area of Big Springs you will find great places for feeding fish, feeding ducks, picnicking, watching wildlife, and just enjoying the hundreds of feet of crystal-clear beautiful water. In the cabin itself you can hear all about the man behind the cabin, the unique and interesting bark detailing, and the story behind the cabin.
After learning so much about geology from Yellowstone, and so much about history from Johnny Sack’s Cabin you will want to do something purely relaxing. Maybe something that will help you cool off too. Well that is where Mack’s Inn Float Trip and Rentals comes in. They provide a service where you can rent floaties, or boats so that you can have a leisurely float down the Snake River. Imagine you’re laying in the hot sun eating lunch, and drinking cool drinks right on the river watching nature float you by as you laugh with friends. Then, after a while of this, you find yourself getting a little warm, so you decide to take a quick dip into the cool, refreshing water then climb back into your raft and continue letting the river pull you along its beautiful sights. We personally recommend this activity, it is so much fun. It’s something that everyone should try at least once.
Nearby to the snake river is the Henry’s Fork Caldera which is one of the largest calderas in the world. It was formed 1.3 million years ago, and has some great hiking spots that you could try after digesting your lunch on the water.
Hey but maybe you’re looking for more of an adventure than a simple hike through one of the worlds largest calderas. Then, what you could always consider doing is making a stop in at High Mountain Adventures. They provide gear, snowmobiles, electric mountain bikes, boats, and other motorized vehicles all for rent so that you can take better advantage of the hundreds of miles of well maintained trails, and the world class hunting, and fishing.
The breadth of nature that is put on display in just this little part of small town Idaho is astounding. From the wildlife, to the volcanic activity, to the mountains, to the hikes, to the water, and the air, what isn’t there to like about Island Park.