Backyard Treasures

Southeast Idaho is an obvious location for nature lovers. With millions of acres of exquisite landscape and gorgeous lakes and reservoirs, it’s a world-class nature haven. There are also dozens of historic landmarks waiting and wanting to be visited. Well-known sites attract thousands of visitors every year, but for an experience off the beaten path, check out a selection of our backyard treasures.

Rose Pond

This 40-acre pond is a great sportsman’s access site for fishing. It has indoor and outdoor archery courses with a wellmaintained 10-mile trail that connects the pond to Jensen’s Grove in Blackfoot.

Edson Fichter Nature Area

Edson Fichter Nature Area

Pocatello’s community pond is located in Southwestern Pocatello along the Portneuf River. The pond is a great location for families to fish or swim just minutes from downtown Pocatello. There are several docks and trails for access around the pond.

Formation Springs Nature Preserve

Formation Springs Nature Preserve

Located less than five miles outside of Soda Springs, Formation Springs is a 195-acre nature preserve with remarkable geological formations featuring terraced mineral pools. It is a refuge for deer, elk, and waterfowl. Nature trails get visitors close to both geological formations and wildlife.

Aberdeen Sportsman's Park

Sportsman’s Park is an extensive campground with RV parking and tent sites. There are 16 RV spots available with hookups and 10 without hookups. Visitors can access several attractions and amenities in the vicinity including a onemile nature trail, boat dock on American Falls outlet, small beach, horseshoe throwing area, and volleyball net.

The Butterfly Haven

A great activity for families and groups of all ages! The Butterfly Haven is located in Pingree and showcases a very wide variety of species including Monarch and Queen. Walk around the greenhouses and see vibrant flowers and butterflies in their natural habitat. The season runs from May to September as the butterflies are not active during the colder months.

Pebble Creek Trailhead

Explore Southeast Idaho’s magnificent mountains like the Pebble Creek area. The trailhead is a great starting point for snowmobiling, ATV riding, and mountain biking. The massive pines and fresh air are a welcome retreat for outdoor enthusiasts of all types.

The Harkness Hotel

Rest easy in unexpected luxury. The Harkness Hotel is located in McCammon and is one of the most beautiful hotels in the area. It was awarded the 2018 Most Inspired Design of The Americas at the Boutique Hotel Awards and is listed on the National Historic Registry. The hotel also features an on-site spa for ultimate relaxation.

Bloomington Canyon

This scenic trail goes straight up Bloomington Canyon and into the Caribou-Targhee National Forest. At the top of the trail, visitors will see Bloomington Lake, a glacier-fed mountain lake surrounded by limestone and cliffs. The trail is nine miles in each direction, and its season of use is usually late June to September. Bikes, horses, foot traffic, and ATVs are welcome here.

Oneida County Pioneer Museum

Maintaining its historic legacy, Malad’s Pioneer Museum building was constructed in 1914 and was originally a local drug store. Today, visitors can see a variety of local treasures such as antique furniture, photographs, military uniforms, medical instruments, and much more. The museum is open the weekend of Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Oneida Stake Academy

The Oneida Stake Academy is a threestory, hand-hewn stone building in Preston built from 1890 to 1894. The building was constructed by pioneers from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who wanted to give their children a first-class education. It now serves as a community center and museum of local history.