Explore Your Southern Idaho National Parks

Minidoka staff, the governor of Idaho, community members, and special guests celebrated the grand opening of the new Minidoka visitor center on February 22, 2020.

NPS /Richard Alan Hannon

Many visitors rush through Idaho on their way to the world’s first national park, Yellowstone. Most are unaware that a small portion of this national park as well as four other national park units are also located in southern Idaho.

Although Idaho’s first national monument— Craters of the Moon—was established way back in 1924, many visitors don’t know what to expect but are pleasantly surprised by the novel experiences that the park offers. Driving the scenic loop road, camping under starry skies, summiting a volcano, and exploring the first-designated Wilderness area in the National Park System are some of the highlights.

City of Rocks National Reserve, Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument and Minidoka National Historic Site joined the National Park System much more recently, in 1988 and 2001 (Minidoka) respectively. City of Rocks features granite pinnacles and monoliths in a grand scenic landscape. The reserve contains remnants of the historic California Trail, including signatures written on the rocks with axle grease by emigrants who passed through the lands of the Shoshonian people.

Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument preserves the fossil remains of more than 140 species from the Pliocene epoch (5.3 to 2.6 million years ago). It is recognized as one of North America’s most important localities concerning the evolution of the horse. The National Park Service is partnering with Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation to develop a new visitor center to highlight this story. Look for the opening of this new facility at Billingsley Creek State Park in 2021.

Minidoka National Historic Site opened its new visitor center last February. The site commemorates the forced imprisonment of thousands of Japanese Americans here during World War II. The new visitor center, formerly an automotive repair warehouse at the camp, tells the story of the lives that were affected through exhibits and interactive media. There is also a 1.6-mile trail that leads to historic remnants of the camp as well as restored barracks and other buildings on the site.

Welcome to southern Idaho… we invite you to slow down and explore the fascinating natural and cultural history of this special place.

Following guidance from the CDC, state and NPS Public Health Service officials, some visitor services may be impacted. For updated information on temporary closures and modifications to operations, please visit the park websites.