Thousand Springs State Park
Meandering through Idaho's picturesque Magic Valley, Thousand Springs State Park encompasses five units with breathtaking scenery: Billingsley Creek, Earl M. Hardy Box Canyon Springs Nature Preserve, Malad Gorge, Niagara Springs, and Ritter Island. Visitors can explore the Malad Gorge and watch as the Malad River crashes down Stairstep falls and into the Devil’s Washbowl on its way to the Snake River, 2.5 miles downstream. If you enjoy horseback riding, Billingsley Creek maintain an indoor riding arena and hosts a Blues festival and local farmers markets each spring. Scenic attractions include a view of Niagara Springs and the Earl M. Hardy Box Canyon Springs Nature Preserve. Ritter Island will be open to the public very soon.(All units at Thousand Spring SP are a short drive from Idaho’s I-84.)
Bruneau Dunes State Park
The park is home to the tallest single-structured sand dune in North America, which rises to 470 feet high above small lakes in the high desert south of Mountain Home. Bruneau Dunes State Park features a mixture of desert, dune, prairie, lake and marsh habitat, with opportunities to observe nocturnal species. Activities within the park include fishing, bird watching, camping, hiking, swimming and viewing the stars at Idaho's only public observatory. A visitor center offers information on local birds of prey, insects, fossils, wildlife and the history of the sand.(Park is located in southwestern Idaho, 18 miles SW of Mountain Home.)
Three Island Crossing State Park
Located on the Snake River at Glenns Ferry, Three Island Crossing State Park is home to the Oregon Trail History and Education Center where visitors can learn about pioneer emigrants and Native Americans. Oregon Trail pioneers knew this spot well. It was one of the most famous river crossings on the historic trail. Pioneer travelers used the three-island crossing until 1869, when Gus Glenn constructed a ferry about two miles upstream. Modern travelers will find a stay at Three Island Crossing much more hospitable than did the pioneers. The park offers a full-service campground, cabins, and picnic areas. The Glenns Ferry community sponsors a crossing commemoration the second Saturday of each August. Events often include living history presentations and historic skills fair.(Park is located in southwestern Idaho, southeast of Mountain Home, and four miles off I-84.)
