Written by Sandy Briggs of Island Park, a long time resident and friend of this business with a few additions from us too.

Note about Island Park Experiences: There are several shops that rent ATVs, UTVs, jet skis, etc. that are located some distance apart. If you know where you want to go, it is possible to be miles closer if you use one shop versus another. I’ve tried to include that information below.

Visit Island Park Idaho Kayak Rental, Island Park,
(385) 685-0272

Rent a kayak and experience the tranquility of Island Park. Contact Andy or Teara for all the details on one of the best experiences in Island Park. *A couple recent reviews: “This was an awesome experience! One of the highlights of our trip! We enjoyed floating down the river soaking in all the beauty around us. We saw moose, bald eagles, pelicans, and tons of fish.” “If you are planning a trip to Island Park this is a must do!! So grateful we went when they suggested… .even spotted a Moose laying with her twin babies…they all stood up to take a peek at us too, it was an amazing moment!! It’s was so relaxing and yet interesting … Favorite part of our trip to Yellowstone!”
Don’t miss this amazing (and best) part of your trip and text or call Teara at 385-685-0272 to set up this experience up.

Dry Ridge Outfitters, Harriman State Park, 3489 Green Canyon Rd., Island Park
(208) 558-7433

Harriman State Park is about 20 minutes down the highway. It was a working cattle ranch and private retreat for the Guggenheims, Eccles, Bancroft, and Harriman’s. It was donated by Averell Harriman (who bought out the other shares in the ranch) and donated it to the State of Idaho at John Muir’s urging. It is a beautiful place to hike, ride horses and bikes, and fish. You also get a nice view of the Grand Tetons from the area. There is a DVD in the console upstairs that tells you the history of “the ranch” that you may enjoy watching.

Eagle Ridge Ranch, 3438 Old Shotgun Rd., Island Park
(208) 558-7077

Eagle Ridge Ranch is about 15 minutes from the cabin. If you’d like a fun experience, they have a trail ride followed by a Dutch Oven Dinner. Call early for reservations. It is also my understanding they have a pond they will let “outsiders” use for a fee. They can also arrange for guides to take you to Sheridan Ranch, for some lake and stream fishing for giant Kamloops rainbow trout. They have a special for evening fishing that is from late afternoon until dark. It is a reasonable fee. Call early for reservations.

Experience Island Park, 3545 Yale Kilgore Rd., Unit 1, Island Park
(208) 558-7221

EIP provides mountain bikes, horseback rides, paddle boards, kayaks, and rafting rentals at reasonable rates. The main areas for floating are Big Springs and for the more adventurous Box Canyon. Call the shop and talk to them about the needs of your group and I’m sure they will steer you in the right direction. If you don’t have a truck or trailer, ask us and if we are available can shuttle you. This location would be closer to Big Springs and the Buffalo which are more sedate floats suitable for most ages.

High Mountain Adventures, 4141 Sawtelle Peak Rd., Island Park
(208) 558-9572

High Mountain Adventures rents UTVs, ATVs, float tubes, mountain bikes, kayaks, and rafts. They are typically more reasonable than other rental shops in the area, but we’ve had trouble in the past with motorized vehicles failing. They are the closest rental shop if you want to take an ATV/UTV up to the top of Sawtelle Peak, ride to Big Springs, or Two Tops.

Island Park Adventures, 3342 US-20, Island Park
(208) 558-7581

Island Park Adventures rents UTVs, ATVs, jet skis, and Sea-Doo’s. Trails to Harriman State Park and Upper and Lower Mesa Falls are easy to get to from their front door. If you want to go up Sawtelle Peak, Big Springs, or Two Top, it is better if you use High Mountain Adventures which is several miles closer.

Lakeside Lodge and Resort, 3857 Lakeside Lodge, Island Park
(208) 558-9770

Because we have the dock and Lakeside Lodge is located downstream on the Island Park Reservoir, this is a great place to rent jet skis or boats because you can ride back to the cabin and dock them and use them from here all day. They have ½ day and full day rates but make your reservations early. They also have a jump house, nice deck for beverages and food, and access to their beach. Access to their beach/toys is an additional cost and requires a purchased armband. ***But wait there is more! Lakeside has food and I love the finger steaks. If you are not familiar with finger steaks, this is your time to try them! They are a Boise, Idaho ORIGINAL but this remix is sure delicious! Try them and tell them that Teara sent you and if Sara is working be sure to tell her hello! She is my favorite!

Meadow Vue Ranch, 3728 Red Rock Rd.
Island Park
(208) 558-7411

Meadow Vue Ranch is located about 20 minutes away off Red Rock Rd. In the summer evenings, they have rodeos and dinners on Wednesday and Saturday nights. The dinners include steak and chicken with all the fixings. You can get reservations on their website. It’s a great family event.

Mountain Mayhem, 3388 US-20, Island Park
(208) 558-7390

Mountain Mayhem rents ATVs, side-by-sides, boats, jet skis, etc. They are in Last Chance. If you are planning on going to Harriman State Park, Upper and Lower Mesa Falls, or anywhere in that vicinity, this is a good place to check for rentals. They also service boats, chainsaws, ATVs, UTVs, etc.

Yellowstone Playhouse, 5163 US-20, Island Park
(208) 558-7529

Dinner theater with family-friendly musical spoofs. They have been entertaining locals and visitors to Island Park for over 10 years. It is a fun way to spend the evening and have a great dinner. Prime rib, chicken, and mac cheese for the kids. It is possible to go to just the show, but dinner’s the fun part.
**Our family seems to like the plays more than the variety shows, especially if there are younger kiddos with us. The food though… Oh man it is so so so good. I like to think of it as dinner and a free show because it is that good. (Teara gets the chicken.)