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Best Western and the Best Western marks are service marks or registered service marks of Best Western International, Inc. ©2011 Best Western International, Inc. All rights reserved. Hotel photo shown: Orofi no, Idaho. Idaho Travel Guide 2011 Ad 11-10.indd 1 11/24/10 11:39 AM Eastern Jaw-dropping is the pastime here. Offi cial Idaho State Travel Guide Travel State Idaho cial Offi | | 96 Experience Mesa Falls online at visitidaho.org/360tours When you fi rst venture into eastern Idaho, you’ll notice the broad valley that stretches between the famous Teton Mountains on the east and the majestic Lemhi Range on the west. That open space surrounding the winding Snake River is the heart of production of Idaho’s most famous product—the Idaho potato. But it’s the nearby mountains that give this part of the state its scenic character. East- ern Idaho is a land where the snowcapped peaks of the Grand Tetons feed thundering waterfalls, glistening lakes, and free- fl owing rivers. It is a place where elk and moose graze lazily in the grasslands, a spot where you can watch wild swans fl y and eagles soar. It is an accessible area that, to this day, remains uncompromised. Eastern Idaho has always attracted adven- turers. As a neighbor to the Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, it shares much of the same spectacular beauty and awesome adventure… but without the crowds. Eastern Idaho is a sportsman’s paradise and also a regional technology power house. An increasing number of compa- nies are discovering this area’s vibrant business environment and well-educated workforce. If you would like to know more about the heart of Idaho’s technology cor- ridor, visit www.idahoworks.com. Follow Visit Idaho on YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Flickr & other social media channels – www.visitidaho.org/digital Eastern With ViEws this great it’s practically a custom to StARe. « The South Fork of the Snake River » Idaho Falls the Eagle Rock Art Museum, and the newest museum—The Art Museum of Idaho Falls, once known as Eagle Rock, Eastern Idaho—for a complete cultural is the hub of eastern Idaho and the re- experience. Theater-goers will enjoy gion’s largest city, so it’s a good place productions at the Colonial Theater, the to consider staying as you explore the Actors Repertory Theatre of Idaho, and beauty around you. The Snake River independent cinema at The Centre The- runs through Idaho Falls and is paral- ater. Adding to the blend are art galler- leled with a popular greenbelt. On the ies featuring glass and ceramics, dance St. Anthony Sand Dunes east side you’ll notice one of the city’s studios, and the Idaho Falls Library. For landmark buildings—the impressive the kids, there’s the Tautphaus Park LDS Temple. On the opposite shore Zoo, home to over 300 animals from you’ll fi nd Idaho Falls’ hotel row. In over six continents. between are the man-made falls on the Snake River, which give the city From Idaho Falls, you’ll have many its name. tempting choices to explore. Hwy 26 will take you along the South Fork of the Downtown Idaho Falls is encircled by Snake River—popular for drift boat fi sh- beautifully landscaped neighborhoods, ing—toward the Teton Scenic Byway and over 1,200 acres of parks, four golf into the shadow of the towering Grand courses, and an indoor aquatic cen- Teton Mountains. Go north on Hwy 20 ter. Be sure to see the inspiring Idaho through the communities of Rexburg, Vietnam Memorial along the river, off Ashton, and Island Park, and then on to Fremont Street. Idaho Falls is emerg- Yellowstone National Park. Head west ing as a cultural mecca for the region on Hwy 20 toward the Idaho National with the outstanding, 135,000 square Laboratory to see the historical site foot Museum of Idaho, which pres- of EBR-1, America’s fi rst experimental ents traveling exhibits and Idaho Falls breeder reactor. Interstate 15 continues Offi cial Idaho State Travel Guide Travel cial Idaho State Offi history. Visit the Willard Arts Center, from eastern Idaho over Monida Pass | 98 Vietnam Memorial, Idaho Falls « www.visitidaho.org » into Montana, passing through Dubois through wildlife preserve where you and Spencer along the way. Spencer is can see grizzly bears, black bears, gray the only place in North America where wolves, and many other species in a South Fork of Snake River opals are plentiful enough to mine natural, open setting spring through commercially. Several opal mines are fall. Guided tours are available and a open spring through fall, and visitors gift shop offers bear and wildlife items. can search for gems themselves or just This is a must for anyone with children browse in the gift shops. in the car. Rigby & Rexburg About half an hour north of Idaho Falls sits the pleasant community of Rex- If you are heading to Yellowstone burg, rebuilt after a devastating fl ood National Park, take some time to in 1976. The newly-constructed Teton stop along the way in Rigby and learn Dam had burst, pouring billions of gal- about the invention of television at the lons of water through town. The Teton Farnsworth TV and Pioneer Museum, Flood Museum details the tragedy and which houses over 14,000 square-feet the citizens’ reactions to it, and also of pre-electric and early electric-era displays pioneer relics and an extensive exhibitions. The museum honors former opal and agate collection. To see the resident and inventor of the fi rst televi- remains of the dam, follow Hwy 33 to sion picture tube, Philo T. Farnsworth. Newdale and watch for road signs. Whether you’re going to the national Rexburg is also home to the Interna- « The South Fork of the Snake River » parks or not, be sure to stop by Yel- tional Dance and Music Festival held lowstone Bear World, fi ve miles south each summer on the campus of BYU- of Rexburg. It’s the area’s only drive- Idaho. Hundreds of dancers from ten countries come to Idaho to perform, Bear World share their cultural heritage, and expe- rience the best of America. Free events Photo Caption include opening and closing ceremo- nies, street dances, and a parade and fi reworks, while ticketed events include the indoor dance performances. For fun in the sun and sand, check out St. Anthony Sand Dunes, just north of Idaho Falls Rexburg and St. Anthony. These dunes consist of 11,000 acres of clear, shifting, white quartz sand. The area is managed by the Bureau of Land Management, which allows ATV use. If off-roading is your favorite diversion, this attraction cannot be missed. Idaho International Dance Festival « Largest City Idaho Falls Idaho Falls Population – 55,312 « Regional Climate inFo Summer Average High – 85° Winter Average High – 37° Annual Precipitation – 22” « Elevation Highest – 10,740’ {Tyler Peak} Lowest – 4,615’ {Snake River} www.yellowstoneteton.org ReGionAl Eastern ScenIcdRIveS A « Fort Henry Historic Byway + C « Teton Scenic Byway Lost Gold Trails Loop Wander over Pine Creek Pass through the In 1810, an early white settlement was established by lush rolling farmland of eastern Idaho— Andrew Henry near St. Anthony. Today, this 81-mile land of the famous potatoes—to the ranch- route, best traveled between mid-April and November, land of the Teton Valley on this 69-mile takes you past herds of deer and elk and on through byway. Along the way, the Grand Tetons game bird habitat on the way to the Fort Henry will peek out from beyond the foothills and Monument. A 48-mile side loop through Spencer and draw you in for a closer look. Dubois commemorates the area’s mining trails and D offers opportunities to visit opal mines.