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.

Snowmobile Etiquette

Snowmobiling is the most popular winter activity in the Island Park caldera. There are many recreation areas for snowmobilers and plenty of powder to push through.

Proper snowmobile trail etiquette is vital to ensure a safe and fun experience for everyone on the trail. Some basic guidelines to follow include the points below.

• Respect other users: Snowmobile trails may also be used by skiers, snowshoers, and hikers. Be mindful of others and share the trail.

• Stay on marked trails: Avoid creating new trails, as this can cause damage to the environment and make it more difficult for others to navigate the area.

• Control your speed: Snowmobiling can be a fast-paced activity. It's common sense to be mindful of your speed and adjust it based on the conditions of the trail and other users.

• Avoid creating excessive noise: Snowmobile engines can be loud. Be mindful of your speed and throttle control to minimize noise and disturbance in areas where people might be living.

• Keep your distance from wildlife: Always keep a safe distance between yourself and animals. While some predators like bears are in hibernation, other animals might become aware of your presence and make it known that you are trespassing on their territory. Stay 25 yards (75 feet) away from animals like elk, deer, moose, and buffalo, and 100 yards (300 feet) away from predators like bears, wolves, and coyotes.

• Do not litter: Always carry out what you carry in and dispose of any trash.

• Follow signs and warnings: Pay attention to signs and warnings, such as those indicating danger, closed trails, or areas where snowmobiling is not allowed, such as wildlife preserves or private property.

• Know and follow local laws and regulations: Different areas may have different rules and regulations regarding snowmobiling. Familiarize yourself with them before heading out on the trail.

This last point is especially important. East Idaho is known worldwide for its abundance of elk, deer, and other wildlife that come down out of the mountains to winter in areas with more food. The Bureau of Land Management annually closes public access to areas where wildlife are known to find shelter. You can find updates on the most recent restrictions on the BLM Advisories and Closures web page.

If you follow these guidelines, you’re sure to have a great time in Island Park. Make sure to take lots of pictures to help you remember to come back next year! For more snowmobile tips and safety for the area check out our Tips and Safety for Island Park sledding post.

As always, if you need a place for your crew, book directly with us to avoid those pesky fees from the other booking platforms. Book your visit here,

How do you take your Hot Chocolate? We have some fun suggestions...

Hot cocoa and snowy days go together like peanut butter and jelly! We have some ideas on what to add to make it even better! ⁣

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☕ Cinnamon and Cayenne for a kick ⁣

☕Orange zest for a little brightness⁣

☕White chocolate or Nutella rim for more flavor with each sip⁣

☕Caramel for decadence⁣

☕Peppermint for holiday magic⁣

☕Maple syrup for a breakfast surprise

Merry Christmas and Happy holidays from our family to yours!

Merry Christmas and Happy holidays from our family to yours!

Warming Huts Close To Yellowstone...

Chilly on the trail? Yellowstone has warming huts where you can warm up, grab a bit and rest before continuing your winter adventure! ⁣

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Here are the huts you can find!

For more details about entering Yellowstone during the winter, be sure to visit NPS.gov website.

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.

It's Wolfenoot Day! ... What's that?

Back in 2018 the creator of Wolfenoot Day decided it was a day to honor kindness to all things including the wolves. The people around jumped all in and it is now official. So celebrate today by being kind to all things human and animal - especially kind to dogs as they are relatives of the wolf.

For more information check out Wolfednoot Day.

We like to go the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center in West Yellowstone to see Wolves up close and personal. Check them out while you are here. Ohhhh! And if you buy entrance, it is good for the next day too! Perfect as you are entering or exiting YNP the following day, you can stop into the center for free with the prior days’ pass! - Awesome!

Ready to plan your vacation close to Yellowstone?

Book now at www.VisitIslandParkIdaho.com with no booking fees.

Grocery Close To Yellowstone

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

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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. ⁣

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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. ⁣

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Swipe through to see all of your grocery options!

Caldera Cottage

Your perfect Yellowstone stay is just 40 minutes from the entrance! This sweet cottage sleeps up to six and is away from the hustle and bustle of tourist traffic so you can sleep easy and rest for your next big adventure. ⁣

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Book it now at VisitIslandParkIdaho.com.

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!

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. ⁣

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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! ⁣

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

A Winter Snowmobiling Dream

epic 2020 snowmobiling in Island Park Idaho image provided by billy wilson

Do you like snowmobiling? Well then Island Park, Idaho needs to be your next winter adventure because it is truly a snowmobiler’s winter wonderland and dream come true. The area of Island Park has some of the best groomed snowmobiling trail systems in the world. With over 950 miles of maintained snowmobiling trails, Island Park offers a variety of different styles such as deep snowmobiling, hill banging and boondocking. Imagine riding along the chilling white-packed snow with the looming beauty of Yellowstone in the distance. With thousands of acres of public land open to snowmobiles, you’ll be able to explore and be amazed by some of the most untouched and pure pieces of Idaho in a way you can’t in any other season.

Not only are there many snowmobile trails available to adventurers throughout the winter months, but there is an abundance of off-trail experiences to be had as well. Thanks to Island Park being one of the least restricted snowmobiling areas in all of Idaho, it really is your playground to explore. However if this is your first time snowmobiling or experiencing the gorgeous Idaho winters, it’s definitely a great idea to rent with a certified tour group and learn the basics before taking off on your own backcountry adventure. 

miles and miles of trails 2020 Island Park Idaho billy wilson

Just a few helpful tips for your snowmobiling trip in Island Park:

-       All snowmobiles have to be registered with the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation on or before November 1st of each year. Your best bet is to check the Parks and Recreation website for the latest information on how to register properly.

-       Be safe. Make sure to follow all the safety rules when it comes to winter sports like snowmobiling, especially in the gorgeous wilderness of Island Park. Make sure you’re with others, wear warm and protective gear, don’t drink and drive, and bring rations and supplies in case you run into trouble.

-       Check the Parks and Recreation website for the conditions of the trails and follow their recommendations to stay off any trails that are marked unsafe. Check for avalanche warnings, snow conditions, road conditions and the weather forecast before heading out on your adventure.

-       Adhere to the maximum speed limit of 45 m.p.h.

For more tips from the locals click here: from the IP Locals

With so much winter beauty, it’s no wonder Idaho Park is one of the most sought-after places to experience the fresh powder, breathtaking beauty of Yellowstone in its full distant glory, and to get a taste of adventure. Whether it’s your entire family or a group of friends, finding the perfect place to come home to after a day of exploring makes your experience just that much better. Check out Visit Island Park Idaho for luxury short-term accommodations and come see the magic for yourself. 

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!