Overview

Although sandwiched between the cities of Pocatello and Idaho Falls along Interstate 15, Blackfoot was originally called Grove City because of its many trees. The trees are still around today, as are numerous attractions and activities.

Location

Blackfoot can be found adjacent to Interstate 15 in southeastern Idaho. It is nearly halfway between the two larger communities of Idaho Falls to the north and Pocatello to the south.

Services/Amenities

Blackfoot has two major motels and one smaller motel. There is also a popular bed and breakfast in town that has themed rooms. You will find plenty of places to satisfy your appetite.

Activities

Many locals choose to recreate in the nearby Wolverine Canyon. Summers offer excellent hiking, camping, whitewater rafting, and fishing. During the winter you can enjoy cross country skiing and snowmobiling. Wolverine Canyon is located just northeast of Blackfoot.

Attractions

• The Idaho Potato Museum
  Located in the old Oregon Short Line Railroad Depot you'll discover the world of Idaho's Famous Potatoes. Once a bustling flurry of activity, the stone depot represents significant ties between the railroad and the potato industry. The Potato Museum provides information on potato history, the growing and harvesting process, nutrition, trivia and educational potato facts.
• Bingham County Historical Museum
  The structure housing the museum, once the social center of Blackfoot, was built in 1905 by John G. and May Brown. He brought his family from Tennessee, complete with servants, chauffeur and Chinese cook to live in the mansion. This museum is set up as a beautiful Southern mansion and reflects life in Blackfoot at the turn of the century.
• Nuart Theater
  Blackfoot's cultural arts scene is centered at the Nuart Theatre. The Nuart was built in the 1920's, intended to show silent movies and was equipped to show “talkie” movies in 1930. The theatre has the distinction of being listed among only seven Idaho theatres on the National Register of Historic Places.
• Jensen Grove
  This multi-functional park also provides many playground equipment stations to entertain the children and a skate park that is a model for surrounding communities. There is a two mile paved walking path, running the circuit of Jensen Lake, 55 acres of water which hosts many summer activities, including swimming, boating, and jet skiing.
• Wolverine Canyon
  Located northeast of Blackfoot, offers hiking, whitewater rafting, camping, and fishing during the summer, and cross-country skiing and snowmobiling during the winter.
• Hells Half Acre National Landmark
  This interesting interpretive nature trail takes visitors though an incredible 5,200 year-old lava flow with paved walkways and 25 engraved signs on the hike identifying aspects of the lava flow's unique ecosystem.
• Blackfoot River Canyon
  This is a smaller version of the Snake River Birds of Prey Area. Steep canyon cliffs, aspen and cottonwood trees support nesting golden eagles, prairie falcons, red-tailed hawks, great horned owls and other raptor species.

Getting Here

To get to Blackfoot from Sun Valley, take Highway 75 south to the Junction of Highway 20. Turn east onto Highway 20 and travel through the small community of Picabo. When you reach Carey, ID turn north onto Highway 93/20/26 and travel to Arco. Along this route you will pass by the Craters of the Moon.

At Arco, you will want to take Highway 20/26 in a southerly direction, passing through some portion of the Idaho National Engineering Laboratory. Stay on Highway 20/26 on into Blackfoot.