Nicknamed the “Smile Capital of the United States”, the city of Pocatello, Idaho, is known for its friendly hospitality. The idea in the state’s fifth-largest city is to make every visitor’s stay fun and memorable, no matter how long the visit is. Let us show you the top Best Things to Do in Pocatello, Idaho while you are in here.
Take a walk at the Gibson Jack Trailhead
The Gibson jack trail is a really beautiful trail in the heart of the city of Pocatello, it is a great place to go for a walk, relax or walk your dog. The view of the mountains is truly mesmerizing and makes this trail great for taking pictures.
You can ride your bikes, horses, and watch the moonlight in this well-maintained and alluring trail. There are small streams filled with beautiful big flowers along the whole trail. It is fully covered with snow during winter-time and is truly a must-visit if you are in Pocatello.
Fort Hall Replica
The Fort Hall Replica in Pocatello, Idaho was built back in 1834 and was constructed as a trading post in Southeast Idaho along the Snake River. While the fort was essentially demolished in the year 1963, visitors today can see a replica serving as a memorial to the heritage of Fort Hall. Historical artifacts that can be seen at the site include maps, recipes, and letters. A trip here is a trip to the nineteenth-century world of fur traders, trappers, explorers, pioneers, and Native Americans. The Fort Hall Replica is open on a seasonal basis from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Old Town Pocatello
Along with a few blocks of North Main Street and the intersecting streets, Old Town Pocatello is a compact downtown district in great health, lined with trees and painted street lamps. Occupying beautiful old buildings that have been standing since the end of the 19th century are independent bookstores, antique stores, bakeries, art galleries, specialty food stores, gift shops, arts and craft stores, and many more.
That main drag on Main Street is also loaded with dining options ranging from Hawaiian to Chinese, Thai, Italian, Indian, Greek, healthy choices, desserts and diner fare, all in the space of a few short blocks.
Outer Limits Fun Zone
One of those attractions that will be perfect for families with restless children and teenagers, Outer Limits Fun Zone has a lot going on in its blacklight-heavy interior.
There’s a nine-hole blacklight mini-golf course inhabited by dinosaurs and deep-sea creatures, a multilevel soft play palace for children eight years and under, an extensive arcade, laser tag, and blacklight bowling lanes with smaller and lighter balls and no need for special shoes.
After working up an appetite, head for the Galactic Grill, which has something of a wide-ranging menu featuring fried chicken, pizza, subs and lighter options like salads.
The Popcorn Shop
This lovable store at 460 East Oak Street was founded in 2003 by a local pastor and school teacher couple.
The Popcorn Shop is now run by the next generations, making gourmet popcorn in 30+ flavors, from simple classics like home-style salted and caramel, to all kinds of wild creations like root beer float, huckleberry cheesecake, white cheddar garlic parmesan and cotton candy.
The Popcorn Shop also makes a range of tempting sweet treats, like fudge, toffee, peanut brittle, chocolate caramel pieces and chocolate-covered pretzels, ideal for an indulgent snack or gift.
Portneuf Valley Brewing
Portneuf Valley Brewing first opened to the public in Pocatello, Idaho in 1996, but Brew Mistress and owner Penny Pink had been brewing her own fine beers for friends and family for many years before the brewery officially opened. She set up her first brewery inside of Dudley’s Sports Bar, where her brews soon acquired a loyal following. Portneuf Valley Brewing today is open for samples and pints of brews and the occasional live entertainment Monday to Thursday from 4:00 pm until 9:00 pm, Fridays and Saturdays from noon until 10:00 pm, and Sundays from 1:00 pm until 8:00 pm.
Slide the hills at Ammon Park
If you are in Pocatello and looking for a spot to go for a picnic on a sunny afternoon, Ammon Park got you covered. This is one of Best Things to Do in Pocatello you should try.
This beautiful park situated in the middle of Pocatello is not just a mainland green park but is home to various hills and ice blocks in winters where you can go sliding, chill and have fun.
It is a great spot for picnics, relaxing, walking your dog, riding your bikes, for some chilled drinks, or even meditating, journaling, painting, and clicking pictures. It also has a secret hidden gym so that is a plus one. The park is clean, quiet, well-maintained, and a great place to reconnect with Nature.
