If you want to spend your weekend getaway in a charming town in Idaho, look no further than Island Park. This charming town has everything you need for a memorable experience. Its scenic views, abundant outdoor activities, and thriving arts community make Island Park the perfect getaway location for a weekend getaway. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by the charming charm of this town! Continue reading to learn more about this charming destination. And don’t forget to try the Island Park barbecue at the Lodgepole Grill!
George’s Island Park
Fort Warren is the main attraction on George’s Island Park. The fort was built in 1833 and served as a coastal defense system. Later, it served as a training ground and prison for Union and Confederate officers. Many high-ranking civilians were imprisoned on the island, including Postmaster General John Reagan and Confederate Vice President Alexander Stephens. You can explore this historic fort today and learn about its history.
The park is accessible by boat. There are a few trails that lead to different parts of the park. Trail 4 is accessed from Montrose Point Road, which dead ends at the rear entrance driveway to the park. The park’s white trail is a lesser-known area. This path winds its way up a gently sloping road. There are several blowdowns, as well as unmarked footpaths and overgrown vegetation.
The park features expansive views of the Hudson River. Improvements include two new playgrounds, a renovated picnic pavilion, and boat launching docks. The park is located off Dutch Street, and has picnic areas, wooded trails, and a freshwater pond. Visitors can also take a boat out on the Hudson and moor their vessel at the floating docks. And of course, you can’t forget to visit the park’s historic brick-making facility, where archeological findings date back to early Native American settlement.
George’s Fork
George’s Fork Island Park is located in Lake George, New York, and has a number of camping areas. The park is state-owned, with 12 campsites and two tongues of land extending into the lake. The park also includes ruins from the Kolping-On-Hudson estate across Montrose Point Rd. One tongue of land stretches out into the lake, while the other is more of a peninsula. Visitors can explore the ruins and find out more about the island’s history.
The area was first settled in 1868 by trapper and “Indian fighter” Gilman Sawtell. After building a log cabin on the shores of Henry’s Lake, Sawtell began building a rough road to Virginia City and the Lower Geyser Basin. This road became known as the Free Wagon Road and passed Sawtell’s lodge. This road eventually became the primary route into Yellowstone Park and was eventually paved.
The park is surrounded by water, making it a popular destination for fishing. Because the lake has such an unusually deep water level, light can penetrate extremely deep. Lake trout and landlocked salmon can be found in the deeper levels, while pike and bass tend to gather in protected areas. While pan fishing is fun along the shorelines, boating in deeper waters requires a stable boat with a motor. Fishing licenses can be purchased online or by phone.
Henrys Fork Reservoir
The Henrys Fork Reservoir at Island State Park is the perfect place to catch the annual fall trout run. This 410-acre reservoir is broken up into different sections. The headwaters of the Henrys Fork are located at Big Springs. This area produces 120 million gallons of water a day. While there are areas of the reservoir that are closed to fishing, most anglers concentrate their efforts near Mack’s Inn and Coffee Pot Rapids.
The Lake is surrounded by the majestic Yellowstone Mountains and is the perfect place to get out and enjoy the stunning scenery. The area is also home to numerous fishing ponds, lakes, and rivers. Fishing on these reservoirs is world famous. There are five boat launches located on the lake, and many people enjoy fishing, water skiing, and boating here. This area is home to some of the best real estate outside of Sun Valley.
The Henrys Fork is a tributary of the Henrys River. The Henrys Fork is fed by seven creeks and springs that emerge from the bottom of the lake. The water is filled with insects and weeds, making it a great fishery in its own right. Many state records have been set on this waterway. However, if you’re looking to catch a trophy fish, the Henrys Fork is the best place to go.
Lodgepole Grill
The Lodgepole Grill at Island Park is a hidden gem on the property of the Pines resort. According to Tripadvisor, it is “Island Park’s best-kept secret.” The menu features classic American fare such as prime rib, steak, and crab, plus clam chowder and buttery baked potatoes. The restaurant also offers a kid’s menu. The Lodgepole Grill dates back to the late 1800s, so you can feel comfortable that the menu will cater to your tastes.
Guests can enjoy a delicious dinner at the Lodgepole Grill at Island Park. Guests can dine at the restaurant or go for a drink at the bar. Located in a historic lodge, the Lodgepole Grill serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Guests can relax in the onsite bar. Yellowstone Airport is 30 miles away. The property is located in the Targhee National Forest, which makes it a great place for families.
Mesa Falls Scenic Byway
The Mesa Falls Scenic Byway is a great way to visit this stunning waterfall. The waterfall is situated in the Caribou-Targhee National Forest, which extends to Yellowstone Park. Mesa Falls is actually two separate falls. Upper Mesa Falls and Lower Mesa Falls can be accessed by taking the scenic byway. The park provides two viewpoints from which visitors can see the falls.
If you’re traveling by car, you’ll want to get to the scenic byway before dark. The road is well-marked by colorful, three-sided signs. Visitor centers and retail stores along the route sell brochures to give you more information. The byway has no official trail, but it is marked by a number of markers. Several of the scenic byways are closed to vehicles during bad weather, so be sure to check for road closures before heading out.
The Mesa Falls Scenic Byway begins in Ashton, Idaho. It runs through the Caribou-Targhee National Forest and features two waterfalls that are undisturbed. Upper and Lower Mesa Falls are the only undisturbed waterfalls in the American West, and they are Idaho’s only waterfalls of consequence. Located in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, the falls tumble over a caldera forming Henrys Lake.
Garnet Hill
You’ll find Garnet Hill in Island Park when you are looking for a great place to spend your day. This classic Adirondack lodge and nordic ski center is located in the foothills of the Adirondack Mountains overlooking Thirteenth Lake. While it is considered one of the best Nordic ski centers in the country, you can also enjoy a variety of warm weather activities. This one-of-a-kind venue includes a full-service restaurant and a cozy pub.
The 8.3-mile loop trail starts off with a half-mile descent into Pleasant Valley. You may spot elk, bison, and pronghorn antelope grazing along the trail. Along the way, you will encounter large boulders known as glacial erratics, which were swept into the valley by glaciers. At this point, the trail splits and begins its ascent to 6,350 feet.
