3 Low-Budget, High Adventure Weekend Destinations in Idaho

Don’t miss these brilliant, yet affordable sights. While you save for your next full-blown vacation, put the following Idaho spots on your weekend getaways list. With its many outdoor attractions and growing metropolitan areas, it’s only a matter of time before Idaho starts gaining national recognition as a travel destination. So don’t wait to explore the state. Experience the humble, local-priced, and dazzling sights before they because mainstream.

Tucked away in the Boise National Forest two hours north of the state capital, McCall is a quaint town sitting around 5,000 feet in elevation beside stunning Payette Lake. The 5,330-acre lake is made up of clean, glacial water and is surrounded by modern cabins, traditional shore lodges and a number of charming local restaurants. Plus, the nearby mountains provide for gorgeous hikes and winter skiing without the resort town costs.

When you are in need of a relaxing getaway, forget the pricey spa. Pay a visit to Lava Hot Springs instead. You can literally let off some steam and soak up the scenery all year round in geothermal hot pools that range in temperature from 102˚F to 112˚F. There are a number of cost-conscious lodging options, from campgrounds for rent to higher-end hotels. And your options are all searchable on the best deal websites for travel. An all-day adult pass is only $9, with family combination packs available for discounted entry.

When you are in serious need of fresh air, Hiawatha is your Idaho minitrip solution. A remnant of the Milwaukee Railroad, the 15-mile trail features eight tunnels (including the 1.8-mile Taft Tunnel), five bridges, and a spectacular view among the Bitterroot Mountains. The nearby historic town of Wallace, Idaho, also offers mining tours, ziplining, and late-summer huckleberry-picking activities for a full weekend of affordable fun.

Get more ideas to enjoy the new season by reading our previous post, “Four Family Activities for This Fall.”