Island Park, Idaho is a hidden gem that offers a wide range of activities for visitors to enjoy during the summer.

Island Park, Idaho is a hidden gem that offers a wide range of activities for visitors to enjoy during the summer months. Here are 10 reasons why you should make Island Park your next summer destination:

1. Yellowstone National Park: Island Park is located just outside the west entrance to Yellowstone National Park, one of the most popular national parks in the world. You can explore the park's geysers, hot springs, and wildlife, such as bears, bison, and wolves.

2. Fishing: Island Park is home to some of the best fly fishing in the world. The Henry's Fork of the Snake River is well-known for its wild trout, and there are several outfitters in the area that can help you plan your fishing trip.

3. Hiking: There are numerous hiking trails in the Island Park area, ranging from easy strolls to challenging treks. You can enjoy beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and forests while getting some exercise.

4. Water sports: Island Park has reservoirs, lakes and rivers that are perfect for boating, kayaking, and paddle boarding. You can rent equipment from local outfitters or bring your own.

5. Horseback riding: There's nothing quite like exploring the wilderness on horseback. Island Park has several stables that offer guided trail rides for visitors of all skill levels.

6. ATV trails: If you're looking for some off-road adventure, Island Park has hundreds of miles of ATV trails that wind through the mountains and forests.

7. Wildlife watching: In addition to Yellowstone's famous wildlife, Island Park is home to moose, elk, deer, and other animals that you can spot while exploring the area.

8. Golfing: Island Park has a beautiful 9-hole golf course that offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

9. Camping: There are several campgrounds in the Island Park area that offer a range of amenities, from primitive sites to RV hookups.

10. Relaxation: If you just want to unwind and enjoy the natural beauty of the area, Island Park is the perfect place to do it. You can soak in hot springs, read a book by the lake, or simply take a leisurely stroll through the forest.

Come stay at one of our cabins here close to Yellowstone. Find the cabin just right for you and your group here.

Celebrate National Pancake Day on September 26th

Celebrate National Pancake Day on September 26th

Flipping for Fun: Celebrating National Pancake Day in the Idaho Wilderness

National Pancake Day is just around the corner on September 26th, and what better way to celebrate than by whisking up a batch of delicious pancakes in the heart of nature? If you're lucky enough to be vacationing in a cozy cabin in the forests near Yellowstone, whether it's during the sunny days of summer or the snowy wonderland of winter in Island Park, Idaho, here's how to make the most of this delightful day. Come see the magic!

Summer Escape to Island Park:

Summer in Island Park is like a dream come true for nature enthusiasts. The forests are alive with vibrant greenery, and Yellowstone's treasures beckon just around the corner. Imagine stepping out onto your cabin's porch, surrounded by the soothing sounds of nature as you prepare to celebrate National Pancake Day.

The Pancake Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 2 tablespoons sugar

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1 cup buttermilk

• 1 egg

• 2 tablespoons melted butter

• Fresh summer berries (optional, for topping)

• Maple syrup

Instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

2. In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, and melted butter.

3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. It's okay to have a few lumps.

4. Heat a griddle or non-stick skillet over medium-high heat and lightly grease it.

5. Pour 1/4 cup portions of batter onto the griddle and cook until bubbles form on the surface, then flip and cook until golden brown on both sides.

6. Serve with fresh summer berries and a generous drizzle of maple syrup.

Winter Wonderland in Island Park:

In the winter, Island Park transforms into a snowy paradise, offering endless opportunities for snowshoeing, skiing, snowmobiling and other winter adventures. After a day of playing in the snow, returning to a warm cabin and enjoying a stack of pancakes is pure bliss.

The Pancake Recipe (Winter Edition):

For a heartier winter twist, consider adding these ingredients to your pancake recipe:

• 1/2 cup oats

• 1/4 cup chopped nuts (like pecans or walnuts)

• 1/4 cup dried cranberries or raisins

• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions (Winter Edition):

1. Follow the summer pancake recipe, but also add oats, nuts, dried cranberries, and cinnamon to the dry ingredients.

2. Proceed with the instructions as usual.

3. Top your winter pancakes with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon to make them extra cozy.

The national today website shared some fun information too. Here are the facts they shared:

Here is some nice history about pancake day from nationaltoday.com.

A day so nice they made it twice — September 26 is the year’s second National Pancake Day! Get those hotcakes on the griddle, it’s time to prepare some pancakes! Pancakes are an old staple, dating back to Ancient Greece. Since then, many varieties have been created across the globe. In Britain, France, and other parts of Europe, their pancakes (or crepes) are thin and often served with a sweet or savory filling. In Indonesia they consume pancakes known as “serabi”, which are made with rice flour and coconut milk. In Uganda pancakes are made with bananas. These are just a few of the many different variations across the globe. All are delicious and worth celebrating on National Pancake Day! Whichever style of pancake you prefer, get ready to enjoy a stack of them on September 26!

Celebrate National Pancake Day by creating a memorable pancake experience in your Island Park cabin. Whether you're basking in the warmth of summer or embracing the winter wonderland, these cabin pancakes will add a touch of magic to your Yellowstone vacation. Enjoy the flavors of your pancakes and the beauty of nature just beyond your doorstep. So, pack your pancake mix and make this National Pancake Day one to remember in the serene forests of Idaho.

For a place to stay during your vacation, find your cabin rental at www.VisitIslandParkIdaho.com.

Yellowstone Must See while staying in Island Park

Note about Yellowstone Must See Areas: Yellowstone National Park is so big. It becomes overwhelming just trying to figure out what you should stop and see and what you should pass on. We have been into the park hundreds of times and have a list of our must-sees that we recommend to people who either don’t have a lot of time to spend in the park or want an idea of what they shouldn’t miss. Either way, these places listed below are what we wouldn’t want you to miss while visiting Yellowstone National Park.

Firehole Canyon Drive, just a couple of miles after you turn right toward Old Faithful after you cross the Gibbon River, on the right

This is a one-way drive through a beautiful canyon. Look up on the canyon walls as we have seen elk and other animals there. Stop and take a photo at Firehole Falls. There is a swimming area further down the road from the falls, but it has not been open the last couple of years because of COVID. Because of the warmer water in the geyser-fed Firehole River, the water temperature is great for swimming.

When you reach the end of the road, there are falls to your right that start the Firehole Canyon. It is worth a quick photo since you are already there.
 

Grand Prismatic Spring, Midway Geyser Basin (West entrance, at Madison Junction, turn toward Old Faithful)

This is our number one pick. The beautiful colors of this spring can’t be missed and because of that, crowds are usually terrible unless you leave early and hit the spring before most tourists are out of bed. It’s a beautiful place to watch the sun rise.

You can view the spring from two locations. One is the boardwalk at Midway Geyser Basin and the other is further down the road where you access the trail to the overlook. I would recommend both. It is just a little different perspective from above as it is at eye-level with the spring.

 So, you’ll know where to overlook is, you’ll see it halfway up the hill when you are facing the spring from the boardwalk at Midway Geyser Basin. Just look directly over the spring and about half-way up the hill and you’ll see it nestled in the trees.

After you leave Midway, turn right which will take you around a curve to the right (on the road). Once around this curve, you’ll see a parking lot by a steel bridge, walking over this bridge takes you to the upper lookout trail. It is well-trafficked, so you can’t miss it. There are several geysers to see near the parking lot and the Firehole River near the bridge is one of my favorite places to fly fish in the park. We have seen grizzly bears here so be mindful and carry your bear spray when taking the trail to the overlook, especially if there aren’t very many people around.

Old Faithful Geyser and Old Faithful Inn

One of Yellowstone’s most iconic landmarks – both the Inn and the geyser. There is a great visitor’s center there as well and a great spot to check out the interior of the Inn and grab an ice cream.

Watching the geyser is best from the front rows so arrive 20-30 minutes early to get the best spots. You can also arrive early enough that you can hike to the upper look-out which is a strenuous hike, but worth the perspective of watching the geyser go off from above surrounded below by many colorful people.

Note: There is an app I recommend for approximate geyser eruptions. The app is NPS Geysers. They have not been updating this in recent months, but hopefully they will during the coming summer. It’s great to plan your outing in this area around eruption times.

Old Faithful Inn was built in 1903 and is one of the oldest lodges in Yellowstone. It is the largest log structure in the world and the interior is truly impressive. There are tours of the lodge and run several times a day. You can simply make a reservation upon your arrival. Go inside and look up, it really is amazing.

 I highly recommend spending some time walking around the geyser basin near Old Faithful. There are some cool geysers (details below).

Upper Geyser Basin and Morning Glory Pool

Upper Geyser Basin is home to Old Faithful and contains 25% of the world’s geysers. There are lots of walking paths passing many geysers and thermal features. Make sure you take some time to explore this area. I suggest you hike until you reach Morning Glory Pool which has amazing colors. Along the way you might be lucky enough to see one of the many geysers erupt. Castle Geyser is one of my favorites and so is Daisy. A twenty-minute walk from Old Faithful and there is hardly anyone around, 40 minutes and you have the place to yourself.



Lamar Valley

Lamar Valley is one of our favorite destinations to watch abundant wildlife. It is home to antelope, bison, wolves, moose, bears, etc. It is often overlooked because of its remote location – that is probably why we like it so much. The landscapes are amazing. If you have the time, drive past Soda Butte toward the Northeast Entrance and beyond. You’ll be rewarded with stunning mountain views.

If you are in the mood for a short hike, you can hike up to Trout Lake which is off to your left as you head out of Lamar Valley up Soda Butte Creek.

The Lamar River is one of our favorite fishing spots, but to be successful catching the abundant Yellowstone Cutthroat, you will need to hike. The further off the road you can get, the better the fishing will be. We recommend the trail from where the Lamar and Soda Butte Creek join, then up the Lamar. We go back about four miles toward Cache Creek, and you will catch more Native Yellowstone Cutthroat trout than you ever imagined. Keep in mind the river blows out quickly in storms which shuts down the fishing. Look up the valley and if it looks like rain, don’t bother hiking. Watch for bears and carry your bear spray.



Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and Yellowstone Falls

There are several lookouts to see Yellowstone Falls. You can visit both sides of the canyon – the North Rim and the South Rim. Both sides are accessible by car or foot.

Uncle Tom’s Trail has you climbing down 328 steps to get a view of the Lower Falls. The Lower Falls can also be seen from Artist Point which is the most photographed. You can easily access the viewpoint by parking and walking on the paved path.

Brink of the Lower Falls is not for those who have a fear of heights! It is also a strenuous climb down a switch-backed trail. You will descend 600 feet in 3/8 of a mile. Once down the path, you have a view of the falls crashing into thin air right below your feet! It’s an incredible view.

Any of these locations is a great place to take a family photo and there are enough people around that someone is always happy to snap a quick photo of your group. Don’t be shy about asking for help.

Hayden Valley

Probably the most popular place to see wildlife in Yellowstone. This is where bison really love showing tourists who is in charge. Buffalo jams are common in this area. Remember, bison are dangerous, and you should never approach them, touch them, or otherwise antagonize them. It always surprises me how many visitors to the park are injured by getting too close to bison. Please don’t be one of those people. We like our guests.




Mammoth Hot Springs (Upper and Lower Terraces)

Another truly unique area of Yellowstone. It is completely different than any other place in the park. You’ll find a large variety of thermal features, very different from the Upper or Midway Geyser Basins.

There are two main areas of Mammoth the Upper and Lower Terrace, both are worth a walk around. I especially like the Upper Terrace as the thermal features are unusual.

The Visitor’s Center and Store are fun places to stop and browse. The artwork in the Visitor’s Center Museum is alone worth the stop.

Yellowstone Lake

Yellowstone Lake is the largest high elevation late in North America. The water temperature is too low for swimming without risking hypothermia. The lake is best explored by boat and Lady of the Lake makes twice daily excursions.

The historic Lake Hotel has a nice upscale restaurant if you have the time. Make sure you visit the West Thumb Geyser Basin (see below) for more information.

You can hire a fishing guide and fish for Lake Trout which are an invasive species and are being eradicated to protect the native cutthroat population.

West Thumb Geyser Basin

One of the smallest geothermal areas of Yellowstone, West Thumb Geyser Basin is not to be missed. Located on the western side of Yellowstone Lake, it offers a good view of the lake and has some interesting thermal features including some that are in the lake itself. Abyss Pool is here, and it is the deepest hydrothermal pool in the park.

Norris Geyser Basin

Norris is not one of the best places in Yellowstone, but it shouldn’t be missed. Ideally, you should see this before you go to Upper and Midway Geyser Basins. If you see it first, it will impress you more.

The hottest geyser basin in Yellowstone. There are two basins, and they couldn’t be more different than each other. The star of this area is Steamboat Geyser which regularly spits water up to 40 feet. It is an area of the park that is constantly changing, and you never know what you’ll find.

Mount Washburn

Hiking up to the top of Mt. Washburn is considered one of the best things to do in Yellowstone. The views from 10,243 feet are incredible and if you are lucky, you might see some Big Horn Sheep.

There are two trails leading to the top. The main trail starts at Dunraven Pass and is about 3.2 miles. The second option is Chittenden Road Trail that follows a nice wide service road to the top. This trail is 2.5 miles one way and is easier to hike, but the views along this route aren’t as impressive.

Check the road closures when you enter the park or ask the ranger when you go through the booth. They are good sources of information like, latest bear sightings, closures, etc.

Carry lots of water and snacks on the hike.

Tower Falls

One of the most beautiful waterfalls in Yellowstone. It is worth a short stop. You can’t see the waterfall in all its glory anymore because they do not let you hike to the bottom of the falls like they used to, nevertheless, it is still beautiful.

They have had this section of the road closed for a couple of years now, so check road closures to get the latest information.


Boiling River

Boiling River’s parking lot is where the Gardiner River crosses the road when you go down the grade from Mammoth to Gardiner and cross the 45th Parallel (there is a sign). Park on either side of the road, but the trail is on the upstream side of the bridge (or the right side of the road) if you are heading toward Gardiner.

This is one of the few areas of the park you can soak in hot water. This is because it mixes with the Gardiner River. The last two years it has been closed because of COVID and it is usually not opened until after the 4th of July because of high water. Frankly, the park uses every possible reason they can to keep Boiling River closed.

The trail is easy and flat. Boiling River is best accessed with river shoes (or tennis shoes you don’t mind getting wet). There is a changing room at the parking lot.
 

Firehole Lake Loop

Firehole Lake Road is a three-mile, one-way road off the Grand Loop between Old Faithful and Madison. Geysers and hot springs are visible from the road and boardwalk.

Great Fountain Geyser is one of my favorites and it is especially beautiful at sunset – photo at right.

There is a boardwalk that you can use to walk around Firehole Lake itself which is fun to walk through the plumes of steam on a windy day.

White Dome Geyser is another fun one, especially if there is a storm brewing behind it. The contrast makes for great photos.

The drive is not open to buses or RVs, so you pretty much have it to yourself with a car.

Fairy Falls
One of Yellowstone’s highest waterfalls. There are two ways to get there. One is to use the same parking lot as Grand Prismatic Spring and hike the 5.4-mile easy round-trip hike or park at the end of Fountain Flat Drive for a 10-mile roundtrip hike.

Most of the hike is through lodge pole pines and it is possible to encounter a bear or other wildlife on the trail, so carry bear spray and know how to use it. There is some bear spray for your use on the back porch of the cabin in the higher shelves.

IF you continue on and cross the field to the adjacent trail you will come to the Imperial Geyser.  No one knows about this geyser and it is cooler than OF even!  You can even have your picnic here.

Blacktail Plateau Drive
This drive is one of my favorites, because it is seldom used, but it is often closed. This is a 7-mile one way dirt road that parallels the road between Mammoth and Tower. If you are lucky, you can see bison, elk, and bear. It is a fun enjoyable ride with beautiful scenery. We have spotted a lot of black bears in this area over the years.

Kayak Island Park, Idaho

Island Park, Idaho, is a stunning vacation destination filled with beauty and adventure. One of the most popular activities in Island Park is kayaking. With more than 60 miles of scenic waterways, there are plenty of places to explore. Boaters have the opportunity to experience the varied landscapes of the area, from the meandering Henry’s Fork and Buffalo rivers to Island Park Reservoir and Henry’s Lake.

Kayaking in the Island Park caldera is a great way to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. While there are no motorized boating restrictions, most of Island Park’s rivers are more suitable for kayaks, as well as canoes and inflatable rafts. The lack of motorized boats makes time on the rivers a peaceful and tranquil way to spend the day. Island Park Reservoir and Henry’s Lake both provide plenty of opportunities for fishing, swimming, and simply enjoying the outdoors for both kayakers and other boaters. 

Island Park is home to a variety of wildlife, including bald eagles, ospreys, and even moose. Kayakers will likely spot a few of these creatures while paddling around Big Springs and the Buffalo River. It’s important to remember to keep a safe distance between yourself and any wildlife you see while kayaking. Animals can still charge in the water and can get to you much faster than you can paddle away. 

A successful kayaking experience in Island Park means planning ahead. You’ll find that once you start paddling, it’s hard to find a reason to stop! Enjoy the day with sunscreen, food, and lots of water. It’s also helpful to bring a map of the river you’re on and to let someone know where you planned on boating before you leave. Doing so will allow you to relax and enjoy everything kayaking in Island Park has to offer. 

In addition to kayaking, many water recreationists will use paddleboards and inner tubes to float rivers while relaxing in the Idaho sunshine. For those looking for a more adventurous experience, there are plenty of challenging rapids and whitewater runs on the Snake River near Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and on other rivers in western Montana. 

Getting out on the water anywhere in Island Park makes for an excellent opportunity to take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and rivers. Spend a day, a weekend, or an entire summer kayaking in caldera country, and you’ll never regret it. 

Are you the planner in the group? Start Planning now...

Spring may feel like an eternity away but now is the perfect time to start planning your excursions and adventures for 2023!⁣

⁣

Want some local tips and ideas? Search our blog at https://visitislandparkidaho.com/blog!

Book your cabins close to Yellowstone here at www.VisitIslandParkIdaho.com and pick the perfect cabin for you and your friends and family.

Island Park: Where is the island and is it a park?

Island Park, Idaho, is one of the best getaway destinations in the Mountain West. After all, that’s why you’re here, right? But what do you know of Island Park? Let’s dive in to what the park is and how it came to be. 

How Island Park Was Made

Island Park is actually a lot like Hawaii in the sense that both were formed by volcanic activity. Millions of years ago, hot magma under the earth pushed up skyscraping volcanoes out of the ground. These volcanoes regularly erupted until the hot magma was no longer underneath them. Many of the tall buttes southwest of Island park were formed in this way. However, massive eruptions in the Island Park area created circular valleys called a calderas. These calderas, some of the largest in the entire world, are what now form the mountainous walls of Island Park and Yellowstone National Park. 

Who First Lived in Island Park?

Island Park was traversed by Blackfeet, Bannock, Shoshone and Sheepeater Native Americans for thousands of years. However, none of these tribes held any permanent settlements in Island Park, as the area receives a lot of snow in the winter, making year-round living difficult. Native Americans would continue to pass through Island Park up until the late 1800s. 

Between 1810 and 1840, the Island Park area was dominated by mountain men looking for beaver furs, of which they obtained hundreds of thousands in the areas. Following the decline in the fur trade, ranching and tourism became the main use of Island Park. Even today, ranching cattle and recreational tourism are still the central means of occupation for Island Park residents, especially near Henry’s Lake. 

One of the largest cattle ranches in Island Park was that of the Herriman family, owned by Edwin Herriman, president of the Union Pacific railroad. He was one of many industrial barons from the East Coast that gained a fondness for the Yellowstone and Island Park areas of the Mountain West. Like other generous landowners who would come to build summer homes and businesses in Island Park, the Herriman family eventually gifted much of their land for recreational use. 

Another businessman-turned-philanthropist was A. S. Trude, a lawyer from Illinois who came through the area after touring Yellowstone National Park. It was Trude who helped establish the first conservation efforts within Island Park. Before he died, he gave his land to the Federal Government. The land was flooded according to his wishes, creating the beautiful Island Park Reservoir. 

In the century since Island Park was settled, millions have come to love the land. Visitors like yourself return many times, year after year, to enjoy the natural, wild beauty of the park. If this is your first Island Park experience, we hope that it won’t be your last. 

Looking for a place to stay? Check out our cabins available here or keep reading this blog for more things to do in Island Park, Idaho and the greater area as well.

Grocery Close To Yellowstone

From family dinners to midnight snacks, before you head to your cabin, you'll want to stock up! ⁣

⁣

While Island Park has some groceries available at convenience stations, you'll want to stock up on your essentials and more specific groceries at stops along the way. Here's our list of major grocery stories on your way to Island Park, Idaho. ⁣

⁣

Don't want to worry about shopping for groceries? No problem! There is now a service that will pick up your groceries for you and deliver them to your cabin here in Island Park. All you have to do is order and pay online at one of the three options, and then they will pick them up and have them at the cabin for you. They even put away the cold stuff. ⁣

⁣

Swipe through to see all of your grocery options!

Gear, Clothing, Essentials … oh my!

With its pristine lakes, forests, and abundant wildlife, Island Park is THE place to explore and fall in love with the outdoors. If this is your first trip to the area, you may be wondering what to pack for your stay. ⁣

⁣

Here are some of our picks for items you don't want to forget!

Summer at the Big Chalet in the Forest

If sitting on a wrap-around porch surrounded by a national forest with friends and family sounds like a great day, the Big Chalet in the Forest is the getaway for you. ⁣

⁣

This cabin sleeps up to 5 and has a full-size kitchen for cooking big meals with your crew. The fire pit in the backyard is bound to be a gathering space for s'mores and stories. ⁣

⁣

Look and book at visitislandparkidaho.com/the-chalet-forest-big-cabin.

Calling all writers, artists, musicians, and academicians!

We have the PERFECT place for you to relax, unplug and focus on your craft. ⁣

Picture this: Forest for miles, the sounds of breeze through falling leaves, fall colors painting the landscape. There is no traffic, no city sounds, and no distractions. You are in a cabin with a fire keeping you warm and are about to dip into the hot tub to look at the stars to celebrate having a breakthrough working on your project. ⁣

This scenario can be your reality when you book a stay with us this fall in Island Park, Idaho. See our accommodations at https://visitislandparkidaho.com!

The Little Chalet is perfect for two

This beautiful cabin has been rebuilt with the most care and has all the charm of a real log cabin like wooden beams and hand made log bed but all the amenities of a modern home, including a hot tub for relaxing after your hikes. ⁣

⁣

The Little Chalet in the Forest sleeps up to 3 and is perfect for a young family or couple. However, it is right next to the Big Chalet, so you can book both spaces for larger groups! ⁣

⁣

⁣

Look and book this cabin and more at visitislandparkidaho.com!

Perfect for large families, groups, retreat.

When you want to get away with the whole family, cousins, best friends, and maybe your siblings too....you need a lot of space. That's where The Gathering Place Family Lodge comes in! There are 6 themed bedrooms with 14 beds and 5 bathrooms, so no one has to wait in line. ⁣

⁣

This massive cabin is 4,000 sq ft and includes a game room, entertainment, hot tub, fire pit, and even a piano perfect for singing carols during the holiday! Book this cabin soon; it fills up fast! ⁣

⁣

Look, book, and more at visitislandparkidaho.com/island-park-cabin-the-gathering-place.

Kayak Rentals

Did you know we can take you on a friendly float down the river in Island Park? We will meet you at the boat dock with our kayaks and help you launch onto the kayak. Then we will float down the river enjoying the beautiful views. ⁣

You can book this memorable experience right through Airbnb when you book your stay. Enjoy a couple reviews and see what people had to say about this fun outing!

Or contact us at info@VisitIslandParkIdaho.com or 385-685-0272 to check availability.

Huckleberry Hut Close To Yellowstone

If sitting on a wrap-around porch surrounded by a national forest sounds like the perfect way to wind down at the end of the day, then we have the ideal getaway for you! ⁣

⁣

Huckleberry Hut sits on just under a half-acre lot nestled by a national forest and close to fishing spots. This cabin has room for up to 6 with 2 bedrooms,  2 queen beds, and a sleeper sofa. ⁣

⁣

View photos and more cabins at visitislandparkidaho.com!

2021 Island Park Idaho Summer Events Guide

Photo credit: historyofidaho.com

While Island Park and the Greater Yellowstone area have endless outdoor adventures in summer, from kayaking Big Springs to exploring Yellowstone National Park, fishing, hiking, and so much more...there are also amazing summer events, races, festivals, live music and playhouse theater shows to catch while you’re in town. We recommend carving out a little time during your stay to play with the locals. 

Here’s the line-up of 2021 summer events in and around Island Park and Yellowstone:

May 28  Memorial Day Weekend at Lakeside Lodge

Kick off summer with music by Satin Steel all weekend long at Lakeside Lodge!

Satin Steel band kicks off summer Memorial Day Weekend at Lakeside Lodge.

Satin Steel’s popularity comes from their carefully chosen repertoire of both country rock and classic rock hits including some original compositions! The mix of songs, genres and artists appeals to a wide variety of audience tastes/ages and gets everyone out of their seats and on to the dance floor for an evening of fun and entertainment. Read more here.

May 28-September 4 Yellowstone Playhouse at Island Park 

This playhouse has been entertaining locals and visitors to Yellowstone and Island Park for over 10 years. It’s the perfect night of family friendly fun in a brand new building just 10 minutes south of Yellowstone’s West gate. This year, see three amazing plays: Bo Cletus G.O.A.T. Variety, HOME School Musical, and ROBIN HOOD! They also have Dinner & Theater options and concessions with fresh popcorn, Jackson Hole Huckleberry Sodas, Cinnamon Rolls, candy bars, and ice cream! Read more and get tickets.

May 28-Sept 4 Playmill Theater 

Playmill Theater welcomes you to a “house of laughter, a house of families, and a house of happy children.” This is “professional theatre at its finest” running for over 50 years. This summer season, seeRodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella, Peter and the Starcatcher, and Newsies! See show details and get tickets here.

May 30-Sept 5  Shotgun Bar’s Sunday Live Music   

Music lovers, this is your bar — Shotgun Bar has Live Music Every Sunday at 2:00 p.m.

The rustic beer bar serves beer, wine, mead, margaritas, huckleberry & strawberry mead mules. Eat your fantastic Sunday brunch here and get to know these amazing local musicians from all around Idaho and neighboring states; the summer line-up includes Shawn Barnby & Rooster, Madame Mackintosh, Acoustic Aspens, Pioneer 47, Shawn Barnby & Wyatt Hurts, Tail Hooked Whitey, ‘MURICA w/ Summer Bloom, Acoustic Aspens, Foxy Blues, Close to Midnight Dance Band, Tom Bennett, Seth and Sara, Foxy Blues, and Forgive Your Show w/ Summer Bloom. See event details on their Facebook page.

June 11-12 Yellowstone Half Marathon 

Run the Race, then discover the Yellowstone!

The Yellowstone Half Marathon takes place in the town of West Yellowstone, MT, just outside the entrance to Yellowstone National Park. It's a stunning course with breathtaking views of the Gallatin National Forest, and maybe even some wildlife! Read more.

June 27-September 28 Wild West Pizzeria & Saloon Live Music

Wild West Pizzeria & Saloon, located in West Yellowstone, Montana, offers some of the best live entertainment around. Relax and dine after a long day in Yellowstone National Park and enjoy live music most nights of the week! Live bands, DJ on Wednesdays, and Karaoke Mondays! See amazing rock bands Fools Gold, Lost Ox, Skyfoot; Americana by Fish Camp Boys, Kent and Mees Duo, Mathias, Silly Brown, and enjoy country tunes with Lauren Morrow, Daniel Kosel, Tylor and the Train Robbers and so many more! See the full live music line-up here.

July 3 Island Park Sawtelle Fun Run  

Sponsored by Connie’s Restaurant & Saloon, the Sawtelle Fun Run is held at the base of Sawtelle Mountain in the Caribou-Targhee National Forest. The trail run has plenty of shade, streams, and beauty and is perfect for all ages with a half marathon, 5K, 10K, and Kid’s 1K. Read more.

July 3-4 Perfect Chaos Shakes the Lake  

Perfect Chaos will be at Lakeside Lodge to celebrate Independence Day weekend! This is the place to be on the 4th of July if you’re in Island Park. Live music starts at 8pm. Fireworks will be at 10 p.m. See Facebook page for details.

July 4 Pie on the Porch

Stop by the Museum of the Yellowstone during your day adventures on the 4th from 1-2:30 by savoring “the tastiest of Summer” before your evening festivities of BBQ and fireworks! More details here.

July 17 20th Annual Heritage Celebration

Come get the local insider’s scoop of the unique cultural heritage of West Yellowstone and the neighboring Yellowstone National Park at the Museum of the Yellowstone. The 20th Annual Heritage Celebration takes place in the beautiful and historic Union Pacific Dining Lodge in West Yellowstone, MT. 5-8 p.m. Learn more.

July 23 Henry’s Lake Foundation Summer Gathering 

A social gathering, fundraiser, dinner and raffle at Meadow Vue Ranch. Henry’s Lake Foundation Summer Gathering is the perfect place for a summer dinner if you’re into amazing prizes and learning a little about the local culture in Island Park, Idaho. Learn more.

July 24 West Yellowstone 50K Trail Race

A spectacular trail run just outside of Yellowstone National Park in West Yellowstone, Montana, the West Yellowstone Trail Race is the ultimate event for runners and outdoor enthusiasts.  Plus, registration includes a Dos Equis beer, a “World Famous” Bloody Mary or a soda! The West entrance and gateway to Yellowstone National Park is surrounded by three national forests, blue-ribbon trout streams, and beautiful mountain lakes, where you can run a 50K or 25k trail run with breathtaking scenery right outside the world's first National Park on the trails of Custer Gallatin National Forest. Register for the Yellowstone 50 or 25K and you get a $10 registration for the Great Divide 50 & 25K Trail Summer Celebration on August 21. Read more.

August 14 Harriman Trail Run

“The Harriman Trail Races have been expertly curated with the discerning trail runner in mind. Every attempt has been made to provide the ultimate in artisanal trail racing for both the wise and sage runner as well as the newcomer to the trail racing scene.” Read more!

August 28 Mesa Falls Marathon

Mesa Falls Marathon

The award-winning Mesa Falls Marathon and Half Marathon races are point to point courses that begin in the Targhee National Forest near the headwaters of the Warm River and end in the city of Ashton, Idaho. The 10k, 5k and 1 mile races start and end in Ashton City Park.

See more photos by Kelly Richey Photography here. 

September 13-18 3rd Annual Greater Yellowstone Crane Festival

This one is for the bird lovers. Learn all about sandhill cranes that populate the Greater Yellowstone at this year’s virtual festival, then go see the Cranes in-person this Fall! 

Read more about this incredible festival and where to see the cranes here.

Is there a Greater Yellowstone event you’d LOVE to be in town for? 

Hidden Montana—The Road Bound

Island Park, with activities for every pursuit, is especially famous for its myriad of unique waterbodies.  Whether you’re a fly fisherman carefully drifting dries to a native cutthroat on the Henry’s Fork, a family enjoying a day spin fishing at one of the reservoirs, a group floating the lazy Mack’s Inn portion of the Snake, or someone who enjoys the faster pace of powered water sports at Island Park Reservoir, the ways to utilize the water features in the area are endless.  With all the ways to recreate on the water here in Island Park, the only limiting factor is your imagination and willingness to explore new places.  Just a short drive north across the Montana border is another chain of lakes that allow for the same level of recreation with an added sense of exploration and isolation.  

There is a lesser-known remote chain of lakes on an isolated watershed that allows for both vehicle access and hike-in access, depending on the adventurer’s level of comfort and desire for solitude.  Accessible from two different directions, this chain of lakes runs approximately 13 miles from the southern tip of the chain at Elk Lake to the northern tip at Wade Lake and facilitates hiking, boating, fishing, and wildlife viewing.  This watershed resides deep within a geological fault line that exposed a portion of the aquifer beneath, allowing for an entirely isolated aquatic ecosystem.  Within the canyon, there are numerous opportunities for wildlife viewing, landscape viewing, and fishing in an area that is little-known outside of local knowledge. Out of the six lakes in the valley, three are road-bound and three are hike-in access only.  

Wade Lake

From the northern-most end of the system, Wade lake is the most developed and highly utilized lake in the chain.  From Highway 287, turn onto the Three Dollar Bridge access point, approximately one mile west of the Highway 287/87 junction.  Follow this road through the high sage country, keeping an eye out for antelope and the occasional elk herd, until you reach a fork down in a canyon with a sign that identifies Wade and Cliff Lakes.  Veer right at the fork and continue up out of the canyon and cross over the mountain into the fault canyon on the other side.  After going down a series of switch backs, you’ll encounter another fork.  Here, you may veer right to Wade Lake or left for Cliff Lake.  Once you drop into Wade lake, there is a day use area and a campground that has a boat launch.  With deep and clear waters, you can boat and fish to your hearts content.  Although the most heavily fished lake in the chain, Wade Lake produced the 29-pound Montana state-record brown trout in 1966 and is still a very productive fishery for trophy browns and rainbow trout.  

Cliff Lake

A left turn at the final fork brings you to Wade’s southern neighbor, Cliff Lake.  Here, the crystal-clear water pairs with the light stone floor and the steep drop-offs to the lake floor to produce a    beach-esque vibe that is unique within the region.  The large beach area and the multiple launch points on the north end of the lake make this a perennial favorite for human powered watersports such as kayaking, paddleboarding, swimming, and simply lounging.  This lake is the longest lake in the chain and provides miles of hiking around the perimeter and excellent fishing, in addition to the other recreational activities in the lake.  Here, there are both rainbow and cutthroat trout and, depending on the time of year, they can be sight fished in the shallow ends or trolled in the deeper portions against the cliff walls.  Spin fishing can be productive with spoons, small crank baits, and trolling equipment, while fly fisherman can enjoy a productive day by throwing leech imitations and light brown streamers, as well as some entertaining dry fly fishing at times. There is an additional access point on the east edge that is slightly better access for fishing but is somewhat less conducive to other watersports.  Both Cliff and Wade Lakes are wake-free.

Elk Lake

Moving around to the south end of the chain, we can access the last road-bound portion of the chain.  Elk Lake is accessible via the Red Rock preserve access road, starting just north of Henry’s Lake.  From Highway 87, turn left onto Red Rock road at the north end of the 45-mph speed zone.  Follow this road until you reach the junction at Duck Creek, where you continue straight.  Follow this until you reach the Elk Lake turn and, again, veer right.  Follow this until you approach the foothills of the mountain and crest the ridge.  As you begin to pull into the fault canyon, you’ll be able to see the end of Elk lake.  There are several access points to launch boats and float tubes and the lake boasts spectacular fishing, wildlife viewing, and swimming.  There is a small restaurant and bar on site that is open sporadically throughout the year.  Anglers here do well trolling spoons and flasher gear. Additionally, fly anglers do well with dark purple, brown, and black streamers and, at certain times, terrestrial dries.  Furthermore, those in the know will chance throwing a mouse pattern along the bank in the early evening.  The road leading to this lake can vary in quality and there is little in the way of resources on the route.  With that in mind, this trip takes you through some spectacular country with ample wildlife viewing opportunities.

Although slightly off the beaten path, this chain of lakes has some of the most rewarding views and experiences in the area for those willing to put in the effort to get there.Due to the more remote nature of the region, even a trip to the road-bound lakes is often an entire day in the making.

And when you need a place to rest after such an amazing day of adventure, check out our cabins here close to Yellowstone.

A big thank you to Mike Jennings for contributing

Idaho Cabins: The New Caldera Cottage in Island Park

Island Park, Idaho is home to one of the largest calderas in the world, attracting more visitors every year to its beautiful forests, springs, waterfalls, lakes, wildlife, clear streams, fishing and more. Naturally, a cabin right in the heart of it all should be named Caldera Cottage.

Island Park, Idaho is home to one of the largest calderas in the world that is now covered in forest, waterfalls, streams, wildflowers, ponds, rivers, springs, and wildlife.

Cabin owners, who have become stewards of Island Park, started to purchase cabins in Mack’s Inn to bring their daughters to enjoy the sites of their father’s family history, and to share their love for the area with visitors from out-of-state and all over the globe. One of their daughters came up with the name Caldera Cottage for the family’s newest cabin that has recently become available for rentals to travelers seeking to experience the astounding beauty of the Greater Yellowstone area.

“We wanted to find a cabin that we can use ourselves and be able to share the magic of the area with others,” she said. According to Galbraith, the Caldera Cottage is close to both the Snake River and the Island Park Reservoir, and the biggest difference is that the Caldera Cottage is pet-friendly. There is even a beach within walking distance of the cabin, perfect for families or couples that love water play.

The Snake River is just short walk from the Caldera Cabin, perfect for fishing, kayaking, or just watching the friendly wildlife.

“The Caldera Cottage was well-built and just the perfect little place for us,” Galbraith said. “It’s located in the Rancho McCrea area just one block from the Henry’s Fork of the Snake River.”

Teara Galbraith has been traveling to Island Park, which she refers to as “magical”, for sixteen years. Her husband Andy grew up visiting the area, as well as his father, and grandfather who worked for the forest service. “So everyone always used his Mack’s Inn cabin,” she said. “By the time I stayed there I was like, oh... I love it so much I need a place to stay more often!” And that’s how Visit Island Park Idaho started. They bought land to build but when the cabin next door to the grandfather’s was listed for sale they bought it—those became The Chalets. Next was The Gathering Place, and now Caldera Cottage.

The Caldera Cottage at Island Park, Idaho

The Island Park Caldera

The Yellowstone Park site states: Two million years ago, an enormous volcano erupted in the area, emitting 2,500 times more ash than Mount St. Helens eruption in 1980. The remains of that ancient volcano formed a large caldera called the Island Park Caldera that actually stretches into Yellowstone National Park. The Island Park Caldera stretches 58 miles in one direction and 40 miles in the other, making it one of the world’s largest calderas. A smaller, relatively newer caldera, which formed 1.3 million years ago, is 23 miles in diameter. It is nested inside of the Island Park Caldera and is referred to as the Henry's Fork Caldera. Today, it is covered in pine trees and wildflowers. It’s a popular site for hiking and fishing in the summer and cross country skiing and snowmobiling in the winter.

Read more about Island Park, Idaho here.

The magic of Island Park is waiting.

But don’t wait…cabins are filling up fast!