Pocatello is a laid-back mountain city with a love for the great outdoors. Despite being one of the biggest metropolises in Idaho, Pocatello has a small-town atmosphere. Walk around the historic downtown district, discover the city’s pioneer heritage and stay active with activities like kayaking, mountain biking and hiking in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains.
Things to do in Pocatello
Historic Downtown Pocatello is filled with beautifully restored buildings and shopfronts from the city’s heyday. Many are reimagined as boutiques, galleries and antique shops. Enjoy lunch at a trendy café, sign up for the popular First Friday Art Walks and attend star-spangled outdoor summer concerts. The weekly Portneuf Valley Farmers Market attracts vendors from across the country.
Rent an innertube and enjoy a leisurely float along the Portneuf River. You’ll also see people kayaking, canoeing and stand-up paddle boarding along the river. No motorised boats are allowed, which keeps the river tranquil and family-friendly.
The Rocky Mountains tower over Pocatello and offer outdoor adventures galore. Discover more than 1,600 kilometres of recreational trails for hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders. The ATV tours take you deep into the backcountry. Pocatello freezes over in the winter and becomes a hub for Nordic skiing, snowmobiling and other winter sports.
A larger-than-life statue of Chief Pocatello towers over the Pocatello Visitor’s Centre. It was created by a local artist and pays tribute to the legendary Native American chief. Find out more about the city’s Native American past at the Idaho Museum of Natural History, where you can see ancient pottery, animal bone tools and woven baskets.
Getting around Pocatello
Historic Downtown Pocatello is compact and easy to get around on foot. You’ll need a rental car to visit surrounding sights and attractions at your own pace. Pocatello is in Bannock County, a 2.5-hour drive from Salt Lake City and 3.5 hours from Boise.