The 14 Best Idaho Falls to Yellowstone Road Trip Stops For Families
Are you thinking about planning a road trip from Idaho Falls to Yellowstone?
Awesome! There are some great stops along the way that you will love!
My family has traveled from Idaho Falls to Yellowstone many times! We love this route! I am excited to share with you some of the best things to do on your Idaho Falls to Yellowstone road trip!
In this post, we are going to list some of the best stops as you travel from Idaho Falls to Yellowstone. A lot of these stops could be Idaho Falls day trips or just stops along your route.
This Idaho Falls route will take you from Idaho Falls to West Yellowstone entrance.
Let’s plan the perfect Idaho Falls to Yellowstone road trip!
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1. Idaho Falls
Let’s begin in Idaho Falls. There are some fun things to do near Idaho Falls you might want to include on your Idaho Falls to Yellowstone road trip.
What is the Distance From Idaho Falls to Yellowstone?
the distance from Idaho Falls to Yellowstone is just over an hour and a half. That is if you drive straight with no stops. It is about 108 miles.
Map of Idaho Falls to West Yellowstone Entrance
In this post, we are going to highlight some of the stops you can make on your road trip. Ultimately, this plan will take you from Idaho Falls to the West Yellowstone entrance but will require more time if you plan to enjoy the stops along the way.
If you want to spend some time in Idaho Falls before you hit the road, this city has a few places you should check out.
Things to Do in Idaho Falls
- Idaho Falls River Walk
- Japanese Pavilion
- Museum of Idaho
- Snake River Greenbelt
- Idaho Falls Zoo
- Melaleuca Field
2. Reeds Dairy
I have a foodie family! We love stopping by local favorites!
Reed’s Dairy is your one-stop shop for homemade ice cream, milk, and cheese. It is very popular. There are tons of ice cream flavors to choose from! Everything is farm fresh making it all the more reason to stop.
If you are hungry they have a great menu as well. The grilled cheese is amazing! If you don’t believe me check out the Google reviews, this place has almost a perfect score!
Reed’s Dairy also has a petting zoo with baby cows and goats. It is a perfect stop!
There are four locations in Idaho. Idaho Falls is the original. I love stopping and trying local food.
Hours
8:00 am – 9:00 pm
I don’t know about you but I am a big believer in “when in Rome,….” Idaho is known for its potatoes and so one of the best stops near Idaho Falls is the Potato Museum!
The Potato Museum is actually a little bit south of Idaho Falls in Blackfoot, ID but worth a short visit if you have the time.
This isn’t some small novelty store on the side of the road or a sampler from the “world’s largest” menu.
This truly is a museum. There is a huge sign in the front that is Instagram-worthy! Plus, you get free tators for out-of-staters!
Admission
Adult $6
Child $3
Hours
September – May:
9:30 am – 5:00 pm M-Sa
June, July, August:
9:30 am – 7:00 pm M-Sun
Closed:
Sundays, Thanksgiving & Christmas thru New Year’s
One thing that is really cool about the Potato Museum is that there is a potato lab where you can sample chocolate-dipped potato chips. If you plan ahead you can also order a fresh-baked Idaho potato.
4. Rexburg Idaho to Yellowstone National Park
One of the best stops on the way to Yellowstone is Rexburg. Rexburg is a fantastic stop to add to your Idaho Falls to Yellowstone road trip. It is the home of BYU Idaho, a university associated with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
Distance from Idaho Falls to Rexburg
Rexburg is 30 minutes north of Idaho Falls. Rexburg is a small town on the path to Yellowstone. One thing that Rexburg has going for it is Bear World.
5. Bear World
Bear World is a drive-thru wildlife park. There are over 60 black and brown bears. There are so many things to do at Bear World such as petting zoo, museum, gift shop, and rides.
Admission
Adults: $25
Children: $13
Toddlers are free
Yellowstone Bear World operates seasonally. It is open from April 22nd – to about October 22nd.
Hours of Operations
2023 Season Dates:
April 22-23rd, 29-30th, May 6-7
Open Weekends Only 9 am – 5 pm
May 13th – May 26th
Open 7 days/week 9am – 5pm
May 27th – September 4th
Open 7 days/week 9 am – 6 pm
September 5th – October 22th
Open 7 days/week 9am – 5pm
October 22nd
Last Day of the Season
Our Experience
When we went to Yellowstone we did not see as much wildlife as we wanted. Yellowstone Bear World allowed us to get an up-close experience that was fun and exciting for our kids. I highly recommend stopping in and checking it out on your way from Idaho Falls to Yellowstone.
And while you can either drive through the main bear area or take a bus and feed them, there is quite a bit more to do, such as an amusement area with rides for the kiddos.
How far is Rexburg to Yellowstone?
After you visit Bear World you will still have an hour and 20 minutes before you reach the west Yellowstone entrance.
6. Mesa Falls Scenic Byway
Mesa Falls is the best-kept secret in Idaho. This beautiful detour on the way from Idaho Falls to Yellowstone is a special treat.
It is located in the Caribou-Targhee National Forest. Not including driving time, I would allow at least an hour to explore. If you plan on hiking, you may want to give yourself a few hours. This is one of the best hikes near Idaho Falls and Yellowstone.
If you have a national park pass the entry fee of $5 is included.
Mesa Falls
There are upper falls and lower falls. Upper Mesa Falls is 114 feet high and about 200 ft wide. It is the most impressive side. There is a boardwalk with a few viewpoints of the waterfall.
The lower falls in about a .5 mile drive down the road and has a separate parking lot. The lower falls are about 85ft feet high. It is still very impressive and I recommend checking out both.
Hiking Trail
Miles: 2.2
Difficulty: Easy
Terrain: Out and Back
Starting at the upper falls parking lot is the Mesa Falls Nature trail. If you follow it, it will lead you to some great views of the lower falls. It is a 2.2-mile round trip hike.
When is the Best Time to Go to Mesa Falls
Mesa Falls has a constant flow all year round. Spring, Summer, and Fall are the most popular times to go mainly because the road to the falls is closed in winter. However, the site is still open throughout winter, and access to the falls can be gained by snowmobiling and skiing.
Mesa Falls is just as impressive as some of the sites you will see within Yellowstone. It is worth a stop!
7. Island Park
As you continue on the scenic byway from Mesa Falls you will come to Island Park. Island Park is a great place to pick Huckleberries. They are wild and free for the picking. You can grab a bucket and enjoy an afternoon of berry picking.
You can make jams and pies with huckleberries. If you haven’t tried a huckleberry pie, you are missing out my friend.
8. Big Springs
Big Spring is your next stop on your Idaho Falls to Yellowstone road trip. This is at the headwaters of the Snake River. It is located in Island Park as well. Big Springs is known for its enormous trout. You can feed the fish (the like canned corn). The water is crystal clear so you can see the fish clearly.
9. Sawtell Peak
If you want an off-road adventure, Sawtell peak is a perfect spot. It is located just beyond Island Park. If you rent an ATV this is a great spot to go for a ride.
10. Jonny Sacks Cabin
Jonny Sacks Cabin is located at Big Springs. It is worth a stop if you are in Island Park. It is a cute cabin with an incredible view!
Idaho Falls to Yellowstone West Entrance
If your road trip from Idaho Falls to Yellowstone National Park hasn’t been fun enough with all these awesome stops just wait until you get to Yellowstone!
But right before you enter Yellowstone National Park there are a few more stops to consider.
11. Earthquake Lake
Earthquake Lake is a beautiful lake that was created by a tremendous earthquake in 1959. The lake is great for boating and has beaches for swimming. It is a great place to campout!
12. Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center
The Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center has bears, wolfs, otters, and birds. There are some fantastic exhibits to check out!
Hours: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Adults: $15
Children: $10
13. Playmill Theater
14. Yellowstone West Entrance 
Yellowstone is out of this world amazing! You will arrive at the west entrance of Yellowstone. There is so much to see and I highly recommend spending a few days exploring all of the amazing natural wonders in the park.
Things to Do in West Yellowstone
- Old Faithful
- Paint Pots
- Water Falls
- Wildlife Viewing
- Lamar Valley
- Grand Canyon of Yellowstone
As you enter Yellowstone National Park from the West entrance you have two choices. Head north to Mammoth Falls or south to Old Faithful.
I suggest heading toward Old Faithful. This is probably the most exciting site if you are in Yellowstone with kids. Kids or no kids, Old Faithful is incredible for all ages to see.
There is also a visiting center there to explore, as well as some hikes.
Helpful Tips – Accommodations on your Idaho Falls to Yellowstone Road Trip
If you are planning on staying the night on your way to Yellowstone the best places are in Idaho Falls or Rexburg. Marriott and Hilton have some nice options. They are safe areas.
At the West Yellowstone entrance, there are some great places to stay. You can camp or book a hotel room. You could even rent an RV. VRBO is also a great option. No matter what you choose book early because this place feels up fast.
Are you Ready for a Road Trip from Idaho Falls to Yellowstone?
I love taking road trips and exploring along the way! Hopefully, you will be able to do some of the fun things in Idaho on your way to Yellowstone!
Let us know in the comments how many US National Parks you have been to and if the West Coast National Parks or the East Coast National Parks are your favorite. You know I am partial to the Utah National Parks. We love exploring nature!
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This road trip from Idaho Falls to Yellowstone looks pretty epic! So many beautiful areas and things to do and see. Can’t wait to explore this area of the country!
It is a beautiful area of the country!
What a fantastic trip! I’d love to do this road trip someday.
It is so pretty!
Road trips are the best! We really enjoy new adventures exploring all over!
We like it too!
Oh wow! You saw a bear that close?! I hope it was safe to observe him. Kinda gives me goosebumps when I think about wildlife wandering around:).
That bear was in a zoo. You do drive your car through and get a close look.
Oh I see it now. Don’t know how I missed it first time🤪
I had to laugh at the Potato Museum! Sounds like the EXACT kinda place my family would want to visit! We love quirky, unique spots to visit when we go someplace new! Your road trip from Idaho Falls to Yellowstone looks incredible though!
I would order the baked potato too!
What an amazing road trip! I’d love to visit this part of the country.
It is worth visiting! It is amazing!
Wow, what a cool road trip!! Looks like there is plenty to do on the way to Yellowstone!
There are some fun stops along the way!
I am known for creating elaborate itineraries while traveling. I don’t believe in just driving from point A to point B when there is so much to explore along the way. I will definitely add your recommendations to the trip when we make it up that way.
Oh Thanks! Yes I love adding things along the way!
Haha chocolate covered potatoes?! That is something I have to try!
I know right! Very interested!
This looks like an awesome road trip. Definitely would be down for the Potato Museum!
I know it is so amazing!
I haven’t been to Yellowstone in 10 years. You have made me want to go back again since it is so beautiful there.
It is so beautiful!
This is a fabulous adventure. I so enjoyed reading about it and the pictures were awesome. This is a trip I know my husband would enjoy. Thanks for sharing.
Yellowstone is worth it! It is so out of this world!
Lots to do! Potatoes are my fav. I could eat them everyday to survive on Mars no problem 😹
For sure! Idaho does potatoes right!
I want to see Yellowstone so badly. And I have friends in Idaho, so I’d for sure drive through to get there! Thanks for the itinerary!
That would be perfect! Yellowstone is amazing!
I plan on going to Yellowstone as soon as it’s safe to travel across the country with kids. This gives me some really cool ideas about planning stops along the way.
You will love it!
I need to go to the Potato Museum just to say I have been. Sounds fun and a little kookie.
Totally, it is amazing!
I haven’t been out that way yet, but I do love a good road trip! This sounds perfect especially with stops like the Potato Museum!
It is so worth the trip! It is amazing!
What a beautiful road trip from Idaho Falls to Yellowstone! I definitely need to schedule a road trip to Yellowstone soon!
For sure!
This sounds like a beautiful road trip thanks for sharing.
It is a great road trip to Yellowstone!
Love to see Yellowstone! What a majestic area!
Yellowstone is amazing!
Road trips are the best way to see the country. I didn’t know there was a potato museum. I’m not surprised.
I know right! I would totally get a baked potato.
Awesome post! There is so much to do before you even get to Yellowstone. I would love to go to those Mesa Falls!
Mesa Falls is so fun!
You always have the best road trip article. I love that it has some great stops along the way.
Thanks! We have done a lot of road trips this last year!
Can’t wait to visit Yellowstone one day!
It is worth it! So amazing!
I would be so all over the Potato Museum! How fun! And for the record, chocolate covered potato chips are AMAZING!
Really! I haven’t tried them!
Chocolate covered potatoes? A must try next time!
I know I might have to give it a try!
I was surprised by the Potato Museum, but I guess if you’re going to have one, it should be in Idaho!
Exactly!
Perfect timing! We are heading exactly there in May/June!
Oh you will love it! It is amazing!