Flyover country road trip: Fun in flyover country

I’m very excited to share that long-time Pit Stops for Kids contributor Kathleen Basi, a proud lifelong resident of “flyover country,” released a road-trip-themed novel this spring, and agreed to share a few places she uncovered in her research. If you’re on a flyover country road trip with kids this summer, check out one or two of these fun stops along the way!

wall-drug-candy

1. Silver Beach Carousel


Online: https://www.silverbeachcarousel.com/2016-06-15-14-44-41/test-menu-item
Where: St. Joseph, Michigan
What: A must-stop if you’re trekking northward with little ones (or not-so-little ones)! Our family discovered this by accident when we got off the highway to let the kids see the Great Lakes for the first time. We were looking for a beach, and we got that–but we also got a carousel and the best spray park we’ve ever seen. In fact, with the additional attractions here, this could turn into much more than a stop along the way!

 2. “Castle Park”


Online: https://www.pitstopsforkids.com/southern-illinois-pit-stop-jeremy-rochman-memorial-park/
Where: Carbondale, Illinois
What: If you have young (or even not-so-young) children, plan several hours to let them enjoy this amazing, Dungeons & Dragons-themed park. A dragon big enough to climb on, a castle with thrones, dungeons and secret passages, and countless surprises hidden in the trees and shrubs.

3. Cahokia Mounds (featured in A Song For The Road)

Online: https://cahokiamounds.org/
Where: Collinsville, Illinois (just outside St. Louis)
What: an active archaeological site and 2000+-acre preserve featuring a collection of Native American mounds, including Monks Mound, with a base roughly the same size as the base of the Great Pyramid at Giza. There’s also a top-notch interpretive center.

4. Future birthplace of James T. Kirk


Online: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g38341-d1985332-Reviews-Future_Birthplace_of_James_T_Kirk-Riverside_Iowa.html 

Where: Riverside, Iowa
What: Features a statue of the intrepid captain in the park, a model of the Starship Enterprise, and a store-museum.

5. Corn Palace


Online: https://cornpalace.com/
Where: Mitchell, South Dakota
What: a multipurpose arena with domed towers, decorated on the outside by murals made of corn, other grains, and grasses grown in South Dakota. It is redesigned every year, and if you come at the right time you could even see the new mural under construction.

Flyover country road trip: Nine stops you won't want to miss along the road.

6. Gunfighter Wax Museum


Online: http://www.teachershallfamedodgecityks.org/wax-museum.html
Where: Dodge City, KS
What: Housed inside the Kansas Teachers’ Hall of Fame, the name says it all. See life-sized figures of Wyatt Earp, Sitting Bull, Calamity Jane, and more.

7. Taos Pueblo


Online: http://www.fodors.com/news/photos/20-us-places-to-see-before-you-die#!7-taos-pueblo
Where: Taos, New Mexico
What: This UNESCO World Heritage site consists of mud-and-straw adobes that have been occupied by Native Americans for almost a thousand years. Get a glimpse of what life was like when the Spanish first encountered them in the 16th century.

8. UFO Watchtower (featured in A Song For The Road)


Online: https://www.mycoloradoparks.com/road-trips/road-trip-stops/colorado-places/ufo-watchtower-colorado/Where: Hooper, Co.
What: a viewing platform, gift shop, and campground in the San Luis Valley, one of the premier UFO-sighting regions. Visitors can stay up all night and watch for mysterious lights in the sky. There’s also a “healing garden” which reportedly has otherworldly connections.

9. Craters of the Moon


Online: https://www.nps.gov/crmo/index.htm
Where: Central Idaho
What: a national monument centered around a volcanic debris field in Idaho’s Snake River Plain. There are paved trails and a scenic drive which allow you to see lava tubes, rifts, cones, and many other volcanic features.

Exploring Spokane and Northern Idaho with kids

Two of my three kids were born in Spokane, Washington. During the time we lived in this Eastern Washington city, downtown Spokane remained fairly sleepy, with quiet, understated shops and eateries framing beautiful Riverfront Park. In the years since we moved to Oregon, we’ve been lucky enough to return multiple times for the wonderful outdoor opportunities in Washington and Idaho, and have watched Spokane grow into a more robust, even trendy city with a vibrant downtown.

holiday-inn-express

This past June, we were able to spend three fun nights in Spokane, enjoying the city’s annual Hoopfest street basketball tournament. As we often do during road trips, we looked for a hotel with plenty of space to spread out, plus a complimentary breakfast or kitchenette to make our own. With three kids (two of whom are teens), we highly value the ability to make some meals en suite. We found a Staybridge Suites hotel that fit the bill: The Holiday Inn Express Spokane Downtown, and were even able to use our IHG points to book during this popular time to visit Spokane.

What to do in downtown Spokane (any time of year):

downtown-spokaneDowntown Spokane is pedestrian-friendly, and from the Holiday Inn and Suites, we were able to easily access Riverfront Park. The walk through the park is lovely, and takes visitors directly into the main downtown core. Here’s what we never miss in downtown Spokane:

Riverfront Square:

This downtown urban mall includes multiple stories of trendy shops, dining options, and activities for families. Directly next to Riverfront Park, families can retreat here for a bite to eat or a movie after a fun day outdoors along the Spokane River.

Mobius Children’s Museum:

Located in Riverfront Square on the lower level, this award-winning children’s museum includes hands-on exhibits for kids from babies and toddlers to pre-teens. We love the ride-on toys and trucks best with boys!

Riverfront Park:

Much more than an urban green space, Riverfront Park was once the location of the World Expo, and infrastructure from these days still exist. During the summer months, families will find a permanent carnival area with Ferris wheel and bumper cars in the park (in winter, this area is transformed into an ice skating rink) and there are walking and biking paths throughout the park and along the roaring Spokane River. Take a gondola ride over the falls, or catch an IMAX movie.

Outdoor Recreation in Northern Idaho:

Spokane is an ideal home base for outdoor recreation. Northern Idaho includes some of the most unspoiled wilderness we’ve seen, with multiple sun-kissed lakes perfect for hikers, fishermen, and boaters. Where we love to go:

Lake Coeur d’ Alene:

Drive 30 minutes to downtown Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho, and enjoy a full day at any one of a number of public sand beaches along the lake. Families can rent motorized watercraft, or just float on river rafts. An excellent wooden playground structure is within easy walking distance.

Haiwatha Trail:

This rail trail in Northern Idaho is ideal for family cycling. It’s been named a top 10 mountain biking trail in the US, but it’s not difficult for kids to navigate. The scenery throughout the Idaho panhandle is breathtaking, heading over seven trestles and through 10 tunnels.

Timberline Adventures:

Located in Couer d’ Alene, this outdoor adventure park includes multiple tree canopy zip lines. A big favorite of teens, kids start out on four-wheelers, which deliver them to the top of a mountain to experience over two hours of continuous zip lines.

Holiday Inn Express Downtown Spokane review:

hotel-stay-with-kids

 

When we plan a vacation that will take us outdoors and around town, and keep us out until late, our prime criteria for our hotel includes location, space, easy parking, and free breakfast. As a family of five, we need as much room as we can get, and food is always being consumed by our crew! We don’t necessarily need a pool or complimentary WiFi, but those are sure nice, too.

Holiday Inn Express is a division of IHG hotels, which means we could use our earned points. The Downtown Spokane Holiday Inn Express was especially clean and friendly, with a great breakfast and perfect location. It put us located right by the park, so we could walk around Spokane, but also very close to I-90, so we could hop in the car and be in Northern Idaho in no time.

holiday-inn-express

As a happy surprise, our hotel offered the special touch of fresh cookies in the lobby nightly from 7 pm-9 pm. When we arrived back at the hotel after a full day of city walking and basketball, we were very happy to see these waiting for us!

Do you use hotel points when you travel? Which ones?

 

Main Salmon River rafting trip with O.A.R.S.

The best—and nearly only—way to experience the 2.3 million acre Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness of Central Idaho is by whitewater raft down the Main Salmon River. The route along the Wild and Scenic section of the Salmon runs 80 miles and requires extensive whitewater experience and permits…or can be booked with an adventure outfitter like O.A.R.S.

oars-salmon-river

Why choose the Main Salmon with O.A.R.S.?

The O.A.R.S. Main Salmon River trip takes five nights, six days and delivers families through pristine high desert and forested wilderness. Multiple outfitters take this course, but we recommend O.A.R.S for many reasons, including stellar guest service, the comfort of good food and camps, and river expertise.

The Salmon River remains undammed for over 400 miles, and the Frank Church Wilderness is alive with prehistoric, native, and pioneering history, as well as wildlife. O.A.R.S. guides are knowledgeable about both, able to educate guests along the way with nature talks, history lessons, and wildlife spotting. If that’s not enough for you, this O.A.R.S. itinerary employs no fewer than five modes of transportation down the river: guests can ride in an oar boat, dory, paddleboat, inflatable kayak (called a ducky), or stand-up paddle board (SUP).

salmon-river

What to expect on the Main Salmon:

All five nights along the Main Salmon with O.A.R.S. are spent on sandy beach campsites along the river, with tents and sleeping bags and pads provided. Guests start the trip in McCall, Idaho, where a pre-trip meeting takes place the night before departure. This is the time to ask last-minute questions, get your dry bags to pack belongings in, and meet your trip leader. During our meeting, we met Trip Leader Diego, as well as the other guests on the trip. Diego gave us a weather report—our trip would be hot and dry—and final tips on packing—we’d need two water bottles each, plus lots of sun protection. Our trip included 11 guests total: my multigenerational family of two teens, myself, and my father, plus one more father and son, one mother with two sons, and one couple. In total, we had five kids ages 12-16 and six adults.

salmon-river

The next morning, our trip started at 7 am with an amazing chartered flight from McCall to Salmon, Idaho in 2-8 passenger planes. We watched out the windows as the rugged peaks and mountain meadows passed below us, knowing we were essentially being deposited into our wilderness area. From Salmon, a rather brutally long bus ride took us to the put-in point along the river, where we were set to depart at the start of the Wild and Scenic section at Corn Creek. We stopped along the way of this two-hour ride at a small store where we could purchase any extra drinks we’d like on the trip. O.A.R.S. provides enough soda, wine, and beer for guests to have approximately two drinks per evening; extra is allowed in moderation. We could also grab any extra items we’d forgotten at this point, such as batteries, sunscreen, sunglasses, or water bottles. All extra drink purchases become communal unless requested otherwise.

dory-rafting

Once we arrived at Corn Creek, we met the rest of our guides who’d be joining us for our week on the Salmon. We had a great crew, as I always have with O.A.R.S.: guides Amber, Morris, and Prester, as well as college-aged gear guides (rowing only gear, not guests) Rose and Dakota. All are essential to the trip and all interact with the guests. We got dialed in on rafting safety (Day 1 of any trip includes multiple talks on protocol and safety) and were on the river before lunch.

river-trip

We rafted only an hour or so before stopping to eat on a sandy bank, during which we learned about dining protocol—hand washing, water bottle filling, and trash clean up—and were introduced to the inflatable kayak ‘duckies’. These solo-passenger rafts are popular but require just a bit of skill. Anyone wanting to raft the river in duckies needed to take a ‘swim test’ before we left the lunch spot. This test involves paddling the ducky in an eddy, purposely flipping it over, and getting oneself back in in deep water. This sounds intimidating, but with tips from the guides, everyone in our group who took the test, from the teens to the grandfather, passed.

oars-rafting

We rafted another three hours or so, navigating through our first rapids, Killum, Gunbarrel, and Rainer, before landing at our first night’s camp. Here, we learned all about camping protocol, including how to create a ‘fire line’ to off-load the boats of gear (everyone helps) to how to set up our tents and where to find our sleep kits (which included sleeping bags, tarps, and pillows). We also became acquainted with the ‘Unit’ at this point, sometimes called the ‘Groover’. This portable toilet system is required by all rafting parties on the river as part of the Leave No Trace principles followed. It takes some getting used to if you don’t spend a lot of time in the outdoors, but embrace the Unit: after all, it’s the only option.

oars-camp

After setting up camp, we found ample time to play, swim, and get to know one another better through conversation over cold beers and sodas. Our guides surprised us with several beach toys brought out from the depths of the boats, including frisbee games and a fun washer game similar to horseshoes. A salmon dinner was followed by more community time around the ‘circle’ (of chairs), where adults conversed and kids brought out card games. Around 8 pm, the summer heat was broken by a spectacular thunderstorm and hail storm: we all dug out rain jackets and scurried to the sanctuary of our tents to wait it out. For most of us, this was the only night on the trip we didn’t sleep out under the stars and bright moon.

river-rafting-camp

The next morning, the coffee call came around 7 am, followed by breakfast of huckleberry pancakes, sausage, and fruit at 8 am. We packed up camp around 8:30, filled up our water bottles with filtered river water, and were back on the boats before 9 am. The next five days followed the same general routine: coffee call, breakfast, camp breakdown, rowing on the water interspersed with challenging rapids, hikes to historic points, or wildlife, lunch, more river time, arrival at camp, playtime both in the water and on the sand, appetizers and drinks, dinner, and community time. As guests, we set up our own tents and helped on and offload boats, but never cooked or planned any of the itinerary.

oars-food

Each day on the river brought something new: on Day 2, we floated past a hot springs (and would have stopped had the temperature not been nudging 100 degrees) and stopped to look at Native American petroglyphs, on Day 3, we toured a historic cabin and ranch once owned by river legend Jim Moore, on Day 4, we stopped at hermit Buckskin Bill’s homestead and store, and on Day 5, we hiked a short distance to an old-growth yew tree grove and the foundation of a Chinese mining claim.

oars-river-rafting

Each morning and at each lunch break, guests can decide which type of raft to ride in or paddle: I liked to alternate between the paddle raft, where guests help paddle, the dory, which sits higher on the water and cuts through rapids with precision and grace, and the duckies, which takes more concentration with bigger rewards. When we needed a break, we could sit back and relax on a gear boat, rowed by guide Morris, who regaled his passengers with stories and tales. The kids gravitated to Morris’ boat as well, but mostly clamored for time in the duckies and on the SUP (allowed in small rapids and riffles, after kids have proven themselves).

history-salmon-river

Evening entertainment took on varied forms as well: we played games of ultimate frisbee and card games, played in the water during kayak wars and SUP practice, and even made a ‘raft slide’ of an overturned paddle raft. During two magical evenings, we were treated to talks by the campfire circle on local history and conservation by geology teacher turned river guide Morris. Meals were excellent and varied from Day 1 to Day 6, and to a person, our six guides were hard working, fun-loving, and responsible.

oars-rafting

By Day 3, we’d hit a stride of river life that truly fell into pace with the current. Without screens or smart phones, we slowly felt the tethers of day-to-day demands fall away, to be replaced by a quiet rhythm of sunshine, river water, and fun companionship. By Day 6, we felt so acclimated to river life it felt odd to return to civilization: trucks on the road overlooking the river on the last day felt jarring after so many days without the sound of them and day trippers felt like intruders. While we were ready for a shower and to call loved ones with news of our trip, we never felt uncomfortable on the river: with some much time in the water, we didn’t feel as dirty or grimy as we might backpacking.

rapid-scouting-oars

Tips for a successful O.A.R.S. trip:

  1. Remember you’re in a communal environment. This means helping out with gear, respecting rules and people, being considerate (please don’t cut in line at lunch or take the best tent site every night), and acting to keep rafts and camp clean and safe. O.A.R.S. makes sure a hand-washing station (a rather ingenious bucket and hose contraption) is available before every meal and at every ‘bathroom’ location, and everyone is expected to use it to keep germs at a minimum in such an intimate environment. Parents, don’t just do all the above yourself; teach kids to follow rules and be considerate as well.
  2. Expect to follow Leave No Trace guidelines. This means all trash, even ‘micro-trash’ such as table scraps, must be disposed of in the designated containers, because everything packed in will be packed out. It also means you’ll be expected to follow Unit protocol, which does have some rules involved. For instance, liquid waste goes in a different place than solid waste, as does toilet paper and feminine products. Yes, this is gross to think about, but the sooner you leave your inhibitions behind, the better. The Unit is always set up in a discrete place at camp, and while it’s odd to go to the restroom in a place without walls or a door, it affords a beautiful view, and there’s a system to ensure some privacy. Wondering what the ‘Unit’ is, exactly? It’s a metal bucket with a toilet seat attached, which can be seated shut between camps. Does it smell? Not as badly as a pit toilet or port-a-potty. Is plumbing preferable? Sure, but it’s better than being the cause of waste left in camps that will be used by numerous rafters all summer.
  3. Follow the packing list. Our trip was a hot one, with days over 100 degrees, but I was still glad to have my rain gear when we encountered that thunderstorm. And you never know when the weather will change, so you can bet I had my fleece and base layers at the bottom of my bag, albeit untouched.
  4. Don’t expect showers, cell service, or cold water in your water bottle, though you can expect excellent, fresh food and cold drinks at the end of each day. It’s amazing what can be packed into the O.A.R.S. coolers: we had steak on our last night, and fresh nectarines our last morning.
  5. Bring two sun hats and two pairs of sunglasses each. Sunglasses get lost or broken easily, and sun hats are just to precious to be without. Sunscreen is crucial as well, of course.
  6. Don’t expect O.A.R.S. to control the weather or the river (though you can expect them to navigate it with expertise). The natural elements of any river trip must be respected.
  7. Expect rules. There’s an inherent danger in any whitewater rafting trip, and while many freedoms are afforded on the water and in camp, rules are in place for a reason. We found that when we proved to our guides that our teens would listen to and respect rules right from Day 1, more privileges were granted. We love rafting with O.A.R.S. because we feel safe, but not coddled. Our boys were able to push themselves on the water, rafting every rapid in duckies if they wished, and some on the SUP. They were able to explore around camp and even sleep solo on a beach around the corner from us. They loved the freedoms they’d earned.

oars-camp

A comparison of O.A.R.S. Salmon River to O.A.R.S. Rogue River:

Both river trips are excellent family trips, though the Salmon requires kids be age 12 and up in high water (spring and early summer). Both offer 5-6 day trips filled with incredible scenery, though the Salmon is largely high desert and canyon while the Rogue is more heavily forested with more dramatic canyon walls. We found the same level of guide service on both rivers.

On the Salmon, the trip begins with the scenic flight from McCall, a bonus treat, and includes rafting on dories in addition to rafts. Duckies and SUPs can be found on both rivers.

Ready to book? Get more generalized O.A.R.S. booking tips and read our Rogue River report.

As we disclose whenever applicable, we experienced the Salmon River as guests of O.A.R.S., for the purpose of review.

Road Trip Travel Hack: Stay nights at KOA Kampgrounds!

We love to review destination hotels and resorts, but let’s face it: roadside motels booked solely for the purpose of an overnight pit stop en route on a road trip are usually nothing to write home about. Plus, an average motel stay is now over $100 per night. In the last year or so, we’ve been thinking outside the box (or motel room) and booking cabin, yurt, or campground stays instead.

koa jackson hole

I know what you’re thinking: you don’t want to pack everything needed for a camping overnight during your road trip, right? And you’re not keen on the dirt and work involved, just for one night. But wait, we have a solution: campgrounds with cabins.

Many state parks and wildlife reserves have wonderful cabin or yurt options (check out this one right outside Yellowstone National Park), and most well-traveled interstates and highways now have KOA Kampgrounds en route. A number of years ago, I would not have considered staying at a KOA. But times truly have changed. We stayed at our first KOA in a decade two years ago, while traveling through Oregon to Mt. Hood in winter. We needed a low-cost, fun, and friendly place to stay the night, and a KOA cabin in Redmond fit the bill. Last week, we repeated the process, staying at a KOA cabin in Mountain Home, Idaho en route to Wyoming. Both of these cabins were listed as one of their standard options, which include electricity, heat, and beds for 4-6 people. They are not deluxe, and meals need to be cooked outside the cabin. Bathrooms are located in a different building close by.

koa-interior

For us, standard cabins work just fine. We usually have our own sleeping bags with us, and when we’re road tripping, we like to grab dinner out and eat a simple breakfast in our cabin that doesn’t require a kitchen. The Mountain Home and Redmond KOAs offered room to run around for the kids, a friendly community atmosphere, and the basic supplies we needed, like groceries, sunscreen, and bug spray in their stores. Some KOA locations aren’t anything special, but I’ve never experienced one that did not include a friendly, welcoming staff and clean amenities.  The rate is about half that of a motel room.

But what if you don’t want to rough it?

Try a KOA Deluxe Kabin! On our same Wyoming road trip, we stayed at the Jackson Hole/Snake River KOA in Jackson, and upgraded to a cabin with two rooms, a bathroom, and a full kitchen. Our cabin was located right on the Snake River, and when we arrived, the kids could immediately go play while we unloaded. We could cook our own dinner (the kitchen includes everything but an oven, and there’s a great BBQ, too) and sit outside at night, watching the stars come out instead of being stuck in a small motel room.

koa deluxe cabins

At KOA Jackson Hole/Snake River, there’s guided river rafting on-site, and in late summer, when the Snake River is running less rapidly, families can rent inner tubes to float down the river right next to the campground. The tent sites are located right on the banks (try to get site #1 for the best creekside playing) and the deluxe cabins overlook the river on higher ground. You can also opt for a standard cabin at this location, of course. We loved the friendly staff, and the fun activities on-site for kids. For instance: if kids find one of the painted rocks on property, they can turn it in for free ice cream!

deluxe-cabin

Deluxe cabins are as nice as you’d expect from an upscale rental home booking. Who knew? But be aware: these cabins can cost as much as, or more than, a motel room. It’s important to decide what your vacation goals are. If you’re booking primarily for budget reasons, opt for a standard cabin, and if you’re booking primarily for the outdoor experience instead of a motel experience, upgrade to a deluxe. Not all KOAs offer both, but you can get a good indication of the range of options by checking out the Jackson Hole camping cabin page.

koa-bedroom

What KOAs have you stayed in? Have your tried a cabin? We’d love your recommendations!

Sun Valley skiing with kids: How to plan a Sun Valley Idaho adventure

If you want to go to the source of American ski culture, Sun Valley, Idaho is the country’s original destination ski resort. Thanks to the resort’s iconic reputation coupled with ongoing new projects and improvements, you’ll step into a mountain experience that’s steeped in history while alive with newfound vigor. What’s new: Sun Valley’s Warm Springs day lodge has a whole new look, complete with expansive windows facing the mountain that set the perfect scene for aprés cocktail hour; the Sun Valley Inn has undergone an extensive remodel; and a brand new performance space, The Argyros, hosts annual events such as the Sun Valley Film Festival as well as arts performances throughout the year.

 

What’s tradition: two mountains ready for fresh turns in Idaho’s light powder, and a village with a distinctly European feel, a historic downtown (the town of Ketchum is a charming combination of wild west meets ski chic). Plus, you get Idaho’s famous blue skies for much of the winter season, and the long summer season filled with mountain biking, hiking, fishing and golf. Here’s what you need to know to get the lay of the land before your Sun Valley winter ski trip.

Overview of the mountains:

Sun Valley is spread out, but in the best possible way, allowing for a sense of tranquil instead of a bustling base area/village combo. It has two mountains, but in European-style, they’re not adjacent. Situated next to the town of Ketchum and a mile or so from the Sun Valley village, you’ll need to shuttle between the two mountains, the village, and the town, but you won’t mind, because the Sun Valley Ride shuttle system is free and efficient. Plus, most likely, you’ll spend your whole day at one mountain or the other. Here’s why:

Dollar Mountain is the beginning mountain, housing the snowsports school, the daycare, and a very innovative ‘Terrain that Teaches’ program, for which the snow is actually sculpted in such a way that helps you learn (and is totally fun, too). What you’ll see in the Terrain that Teaches areas are rollers, banks, and bumps designed to teach you how to turn, how to balance, and more. While smaller (Dollar has four lifts plus a magic carpet), Dollar is very manageable for families with young kids; the lodge is beautiful and quiet, there’s a full rental system in place, and terrain parks for those who want to challenge themselves. If all you need is Dollar, you’ll pay a lower lift ticket price, too. Guest services are extremely attentive at Dollar, assisting families with gear and providing wagons for toting skis and tired kids.

Bald Mountain, or Baldy, boosts the advanced terrain, and they do mean advanced. If you’re unsure of your ski or snowboard level, definitely start on Dollar, where the green and blue runs are plentiful. Over at Baldy, the greens truly are more like advanced blues, and the blues are often more like blacks. The grooming on Baldy is phenomenal, so you can usually count on groomed blues and greens, but the steep vertical still makes them very challenging. The widest, easiest greens and blues can be found on the Seattle Ridge side, where you can look across the way to the ‘bowls’, Baldy’s least groomed and arguably most challenging terrain.

The Roundhouse Restaurant

Tip: Join Sun Valley’s mountain guides for a guided 1.5-hour tour of Baldy, offered complimentarily. This tour is rich in Sun Valley history and also helps you get the lay of the land. Intermediate skiing and above needed.

But with over 2000 acres, everyone who is intermediate-level and above will find something perfect for their ski needs. There are two main base areas at Baldy: River Run and Warm Springs. Both are downright relaxing: since the main Sun Valley village atmosphere is found on the other side of Ketchum at Sun Valley, what you find at both River Run and Warm Springs is a single large day lodge and rental snowsports retail. It’s very manageable, which starts your ski day off right. On the Warm Springs side, you’ll find Greyhawk lift and Challenger lift, both of which service long, steep groomers with some tucked away mogul skiing throughout. River Run houses the Roundhouse Gondola and River Run chair, with more blues and a few greens, plus some shorter, steeper blacks. Head to Cold Springs (soon to be upgraded) and Mayday to access the bowls, and head to Seattle Ridge for more contained blues and greens.

Tip: The top of the mountain, at Lookout, is a central hub: you can ski down to either base area from the top. Dining on the mountain is plentiful, with the beautiful and historic Roundhouse Restaurant the sit-down option at mid-mountain (definitely at least peek inside) and Lookout Restaurant serving grab-and-go Mexican food. For all the other standard ski fare (with some gourmet twists) Warm Springs, Seattle Ridge, and River Run are all there to serve you.

Where to stay:

Families have several generalized options: lodge stays at Sun Valley Lodge or Sun Valley Inn, both located in the Sun Valley village (just a few minutes’ shuttle to Ketchum and the base areas), condo stays associated with these Sun Valley hotels, in-town hotel stays (the Ketchum Inn and the Limelight are popular options), and area house vacation rentals in Ketchum and Hailey.

We stayed at the Sun Valley Inn, which had it’s perks and its challenges. On the pro side, the inn is typically more affordable than the nearby lodge, with all the amenity access to the latter. Yes, this means you need to walk across the village to use the Sun Valley Lodge heated outdoor pool and hot tub, expanded fitness center, and spa, but access is there. At the inn, you get a smaller heated pool (almost hot tub temperature) and a smaller fitness center. Excellent dining options are available in both; at the inn, we loved the traditional fare at the Ram Restaurant and newly remodeled Ram bar, but I was disappointed to find a lack of a central lobby area in the inn. At the lodge, the lobby area is expansive, looking out over the year-round ice skating rink, and dining options include Gretchen’s and the Duchin Lounge. At both the inn and the lodge, be sure to linger in the public hallways to take in all the framed photos chronicling the visits of celebrities and who have visited and loved the resort.

Tip: From either the inn or the lodge, it’s very easy to access Ketchum (only about a mile away), the base ski areas for both mountains, and the airport via the complimentary shuttle system. I never waited longer than five minutes for a shuttle and never needed a car during my stay.

Where else to eat in Sun Valley and Ketchum:

We loved Konditorei in the village for breakfast and lunch. The Austrian feel was both cozy and delicious. In town, Warfields is the only area distillery and brew pub (although Sun Valley Brewery is located in Hailey) and currently makes their own gin and vodka, with whiskey coming soon. We loved the ambiance inside Warfields, but if you want something more distinctly local, the Casino is right down the street, with pool tables and pretty basic (but good) drinks and plenty of local flavor (21 and over). At the Limelight hotel, Ketchum’s newest lodging option, their large ‘living room’ serves as an informal dining option, with space for kids to spread out and play (a big plus for parents). The Covey is one of Ketchum’s newest restaurants and popular enough to warrant a line outside the door when it opens at 5:30 pm (no reservations taken). The atmosphere is cozy but modern, with an open kitchen concept and a wide selection of beer and wine. We loved the winter squash appetizer. Also popular are the Pioneer (for the steak and potatoes crowd) and Village Station (in Sun Valley village) for a classic pub fare option.

What else to do in winter:

The town of Ketchum is worth spending at least one afternoon perusing, and the Sun Valley Nordic and Snowshoe Center is the hub for winter snowsports activity aside from downhill skiing. (In the summer, this area transforms into a golf haven.) At the Nordic center, families can snowshoe, classic XC ski, or skate ski on the perfectly groomed 25-mile trail system, which includes dedicated snowshoe trails as well. Rental fees are reasonable at approximately $20-30 for half-day rentals (depending on the rental choice) and trail fees of only $28 for adults and $10 for youth. We spend a very happy morning at the Nordic center and highly recommend it as an alternative to downhill skiing. Or, spend the day here on your ‘ski rest’ day if you’ve purchased 2 out of 3 or 4 out of 6 day ski passes.

There’s also ice skating and bowling at the Sun Valley Lodge, adjacent to the village.

Tip: the Nordic center also has fat bike rentals. During our visit, they were not available, however. There’s also a full restaurant at the Nordic center, as well as a full bar.

For parents, a half day at the Spa at Sun Valley, located in the Sun Valley Lodge, is a win. While it’s relaxation rooms are not large, they do have steam rooms, dry saunas, and experience showers in both male and female relaxation areas, and spa guests can go back and forth between the second-floor relaxation area and the ground floor outdoor pool and hot tub. Spa treatments are in the full range, and there are beauty services available as well.

After spending a wintery getaway in Sun Valley, you may, like me, be tempted to return in summer. The ‘off’ season of summer is actually Sun Valley’s busier time period, with outdoor symphony performances, trail systems, golf, fishing and rafting. Consider a trip back!

Have you been to Sun Valley with kids in the winter? Disclosure: we experienced Sun Valley for the purpose of review. All opinions remain our own.

Summer in Idaho: Schweitzer Mountain Resort with kids

In the panhandle of Idaho, high above Lake Pend Oreille and the picturesque town of Sandpoint sits Schweitzer Mountain Resort. While many people know Schweitzer as a ski destination, summer on the mountain has much to offer the active outdoor family from late June until early September. Find miles of trails to explore, ripe huckleberries to pick, free lawn games to play, sprawling vistas to gaze upon, Village attractions to thrill you, blooming wildflowers to photograph, and a chairlift ride to amaze (and somewhat scare) you.

Schweitzer caters to those who love the outdoors.  The main attraction is undeniably the over twenty miles of trails and its connection to the massive Selkirk Recreation District trail system. However, we found that Schweitzer in the summer offers many summer activities aimed at entertaining the whole family from hiking to a playground, pool and thrill attractions. And if you time it right and visit in late July or early August the wildflowers will be in bloom and the huckleberries delicious. 

Tip: Once you’ve explored the mountain, don’t forget to spend a day at City Beach in Sandpoint enjoying the sun, volleyball, sailing, beachside playground or swimming before heading a few blocks over to experience an “auto bridge” that is now enclosed and home to one of the most unique shopping experiences in the country.

Lodging accommodations

Schweitzer offers two on-site lodges, the Selkirk and White Pine, with a variety of room types to address different family needs.  The lodges offer rooms from the standard double queen to three bedroom condos that can sleep up to ten people. The Selkirk Family Suite met the needs of our family of five. It included a queen bed and a twin bed over a second queen, a small kitchenette and table for in-room dining. The room was spacious enough not to be overcrowded when all five of us were present and quiet and relaxing when our youngest went down for her afternoon nap. 

While the lodge included typical hotel amenities like an exercise room and small business center, it was the more unique features and Northwest flare that won over our family. The lodge includes a theater room (first family there picks the movie for the night!) as well as an outdoor heated pool with views of the mountain. It is difficult to describe how or why the pool won us over so completely, but unlike other experiences where the pool area is heavily regulated, Schweitzer takes a more relaxed approach. Do you want to take your food and beverages (even the adult type) out to the pool and eat dinner as the sun sets over the mountains and your children splash around in the shallow end or warm up in the hot tubs?  Of course you do.  And at Schweitzer they let you. 

Note: don’t leave your Pucci’s Pub nachos (they are delicious) unattended as the adorable marmots will move in on them quickly!

The Selkirk Lodge also shares space with the Chimney Rock Grill and Mojo Coyote’s Coffee Shop.  You don’t have to leave the building and both are excellent.  While it was nice to be just a flight of stairs away from our morning lattes, we especially enjoyed the ample portions of the kids’ meals at Chimney Rock. The food came with attentive and quick service that thoughtfully seated us on the shaded patio keeping us out of the more congested areas and provided us with another opportunity to admire the views. 

The Selkirk Lodge is centrally located in the Village and faces the common area on one side and the mountain on the other. From just outside our room we were able to play a game of giant checkers, spend time stargazing with our telescope, and watch the kids enjoy an impromptu dance party. A playground is adjacent, as is a massive colony of marmots, and deer and moose to spot. For reservations and rates go to Schweitzer.com.

The Schweitzer Ultimate Fun Pass

To help facilitate summertime fun in the Village, Schweitzer offers the Ultimate Fun Pass (UFP), which gives all-day (11am – 5pm) access to the chairlift and other paid attractions. The UFP attractions include unlimited chairlift rides, trips down the zip line (for those eight years old and 60 lbs), climbs up the climbing wall, and jumps on the trampoline jumper. Every UFP also includes one bag of dirt and jewels to be sluiced at Cranky Jennings Sluice Box which was a crowd favorite in our family.

Our 10-year-old took advantage of the unlimited rides on the 700’ foot long dual zip lines (and yes, mom did join her).  This was an exhilarating adventure for both child and parent to enjoy together while offering us a unique view of Lake Pend Orielle down the valley. The modest length and height, as well as the extremely accommodating and friendly staff at both ends of the zip line, made for a perfect introduction to the sport for our traditionally tentative and risk-averting daughter.  In fact, mom was more anxious than she was, especially the second time down the line. 

Since our three and six-year-olds did not meet the minimum age or weight requirements, the rest of us moved the short distance in the Village to the trampoline jumper and climbing wall while older sister and mom enjoyed the zip line. A single parent was able to simultaneously supervise the two younger kids on the trampoline jumper and the 25-foot tall rock wall. This was made possible by the attentive and helpful staff who supervise both locations. 

From all of the activities enjoyed with the UFP, surprisingly the sluice box was best received and enjoyed by all ages. Everyone who purchases the day pass receives a bag of dirt that contains hidden gems and stones. Using screens and a running channel of water you can wash away the dirt leaving just the treasures behind. From the magical discovery of a hidden gem to the trading of valuable items and even the imagining of enchanted powers related to different types of stones, the sluice box kept our kids entertained for an afternoon and their imaginations active for days. While we found one bag per kid to be an appropriate level of fun and amount of stones to haul around with us, for those wanting additional fun, individual bags are available for purchase in the Activity Center.

The most anticipated UFP activity for many is the chairlift ride to the summit. It was our three-year-old’s first open-air chairlift ride and we were a bit nervous starting out. Soon we were rewarded for our bravery with spectacular views of the valley below and a pleasant meal at the top of the mountain. Even for kids raised on the marvels of the computer-generated worlds of Star Wars, there is a jaw-dropping, ‘wow’-inducing moment, when you get to the top and turn around and look at the resort, tiny and insignificant by comparison, hovering above the valley and lake below.

The Nest at Sky House opened in 2016 and offers a relaxed but finer type of dining than we expected. If your family is looking for a kale Caesar, scallops, or steak sandwich, at 6000 plus elevation, you can’t go wrong. Kids under age 12 can pick from a cheese quesadilla, cheese pizza or bowl of noodles. The food was well prepared and our server was pleasant and attentive. The homemade raspberry lemonade was perfect for a hot summer day and fueled us up for another walk around the mountain’s summit. The Sky House Bar, also open 11am – 5pm, offers adults beverages as well. Staff will even provide to-go beverage cups as alcohol is permitted on all resort property. 

Tip: for the budget-conscious families or ones with picky eaters, you may want to consider packing a picnic and taking it with you to the summit. Plenty of picnic tables are available, all with a view.

After lunch, our kids took advantage of the opportunity to wrestle around in front of a ‘Danger: Cliff’ sign (increasing parent anxiety) while others could enjoy a round of disc golf, a hike, or mountain bike ride down the mountain.

If you fear heights or have particularly squirmy kids (thankfully our three-year-old sat still except for the last 25 feet), the ride down the lift can be a white-knuckle experience. Rather than looking into and up the hill, you look out over the drop. While most families won’t be fazed by it, some will be hugging the little ones and tightly clinching the safety bar.

There are some practical considerations before purchasing the Ultimate Fun Pass:

  • Weight: Between 30 and 240 lbs for most activities. (60 lbs for the zip line)
  • Age: At least 8 years old for the zip line.
  • Shoes: You must have shoes that are closed over your toes and heel. 

Note: Schweitzer may take a more relaxed approach around the pool; however, they do not mess around with age and weight limits on the Village attractions and mountain bike rentals.  Be warned, you will be weighed on site, on an actual scale. Attractions can be purchased a la carte as well, at the Activity Center, if you don’t think your little ones will make full use of the pass.

Up next, additional summer activities…click on the button below to continue!

fathom-cruise

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Best travel experiences of 2015: Our top family trips

In the travel industry, there are a lot of articles and advertising messages that tell parents to hurry up and see it all. Go before they grow up. See it before they’re out of school. You only have X number of years left. While I appreciate the effort to get families out their front door, I urge parents to remember that primarily, travel is about time together, sharing experiences and new places, wherever that may be.

best travel experiences of 2015

Fun contests like the #LuvRitzSweepstakes get this, and help parents take the pressure off travel and add the fun. After checking out our favorite destinations for 2015, let us know where you’d like to go, for a chance to win $5000 in Southwest gift cards. (More info below!)

In the meantime, here are our top travel experiences for 2015! We logged over 70 travel days in 2015. We visited many good destinations, a few just ok ones, a couple of duds, and a handful of absolutely amazing ones. Picking just five for our top travel picks proved hard, as usual!

Three Bars Ranch, Cranbrook BC:

three-bars-ranch

Snagging the top spot is an all-inclusive dude ranch tucked into the Canadian Rockies. Three Bars Ranch eclipsed even our already high standards when it came to dude ranch vacations (Wyoming’s Triangle X Ranch made our top five in 2014). What made it so special: somehow, the team at Three Bars have managed to find that perfect balance of relaxation and adventure, all wrapped up in a friendly atmosphere. It’s 1/3 summer camp, 1/3 cruise, and 1/3 mountain lodge. A week at Three Bars actually leaves you feeling refreshed, instead of needing ‘a vacation from your vacation’.

Black Hills, South Dakota:

harney-peak

Readers of Pit Stops for Kids know we like our vacations rugged, usually with some mountain air thrown in. I didn’t expect to enjoy South Dakota as much as I did. What made it special: beyond Mt. Rushmore, much more history awaits, ready to be peeled like layers on the proverbial onion. Badlands National Park doesn’t get as much attention as it deserves (think of it as a less crowded Canyonlands), and Custer State Park sports over 1000 buffalo, making us wonder why more families don’t opt to come here in lieu of Yellowstone.

Hanalei, Kauai:

surfing-school

I haven’t met a Hawaiian island I didn’t like, but I fell in love with Kauai. With a less touristy and more artsy feel than any other tropical island I’ve experienced, Kauai also offers some of the best hiking I’ve seen. We recommend basing a stay in the small town of Hanalei (or in a home rental in nearby Princeville), and spending the majority of your vacation on the wilder, rainier North Shore. Hit an authentic farmer’s market, swim, and try surfing, kayaking, snorkeling, or tubing. Check out all our Kauai coverage.

Palm Beach, Florida:

singer-island

Families on the East Coast wanting sun, sand, and Caribbean waters can find all of the above within an easy flight or drive into West Palm Beaches. (There is something to be said for accessibility!) I liked the way city and ocean meet in West Palm Beach, making it easy to spend a full day in the surf followed by a night out with kids in one of the many open-air restaurants. Plus, there are excellent harbor waters in the area, perfect for kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding. This part of Florida has interesting history, too: we liked checking out the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse. Hands down, stay in a Marriott Vacation Club property like Oceana Palms for the convenience of in-room kitchens.

San Juan Islands, WA:

crystal-seas

If you want one location that combines family-friendly activities, outdoor exploration, fine dining, and quaint town life, and you’re on the wrong coast for a visit to Nantucket, head to San Juan Islands, WA. What we love: the natural beauty of the islands, the ferry-entrance, the many state park beaches and coves, the cute towns, and the excellent lodging options. To up your adventure a few notches, book a 2-3 day kayak trip with Crystal Seas.

Honorable mention: Idaho Panhandle

silver-rapids

We have to give this awesome region of Idaho a shout-out, because it never fails to surprise us…in great ways! In summer, families can base themselves in either the mountain lake towns of Coeur d’ Alene or Sandpoint, or tuck themselves into the mountains at Kellogg or Wallace. This entire area is rich in mining history and abundant with outdoor opportunities: bike on the newly constructed Hiawatha trail, kayak or swim, or fish. In winter, the skiing is excellent (and affordable) at Silver Mountain and Lookout Pass.

Where would YOU like to go?

Ritz and Southwest Airlines want to know where you want to go and how you enjoy Ritz Crackers. One lucky winner will win $5,000 in Southwest gift cards! Just Tweet or Instagram your response along with #LuvRitzSweepstakes to be entered. (Example: “I want to go to #Dallas for the holidays and enjoy Ritz Mint Thins #LuvRitzSweepstakes”) Personally, the peanut butter, banana, and honey snacks get my vote!

Need more inspiration? Read about our best trips of 2014 and top experiences of 2013!

I partnered with Southwest Airlines and Ritz Crackers on this post. All opinions and destination picks remain my own.

 

Idaho vacation pick: Hotel McCall review

We really enjoy vacationing in Idaho, both in summer and winter. Like Wyoming and Utah, this state continues to surprise us with awesomeness. Most recently, we took a six-day vacation rafting the Salmon River with O.A.R.S. rafting, which put us in scenic McCall, Idaho pre and post-trip. I’ve visited McCall many years ago while in college, and remembered a fun and lively lake town. McCall is still all that, but in addition to the energy that pumps through this vacation town in summer, there’s a dignified, peaceful side that will appeal to parents.

hotel-mccall-review

Hotel McCall Review:

We stayed at the Hotel McCall, located directly downtown one street from Payette Lake. While we were right in the heart of things at Hotel McCall, our suite itself (as well as the general hotel grounds) was quiet and spacious. We had a one-bedroom condo, which overlooked the lake and included a large master bedroom and bathroom with shower and jacuzzi tub, a full kitchen, and a living room with pull-out couch. The unexpected surprise: our rooms included a large outdoor balcony with table and chairs with a town and lake view; we were able to sit outside with a beverage or meal and see the tourist town at it’s best without being in the midst of it.

hotel-mccall-review

The layout of the Hotel McCall is unique: in addition to the main building with understated but upscale lobby area, another building is connected by a sky bridge and/or elevator. We stayed on this side, but it was an easy walk to the lobby. There’s a courtyard directly below and behind the hotel, which includes shops and dining, including a great bistro and wine bar, and green space where families can spread out and play a game of bocce ball.

There’s a saline pool for swimming year round (in summer, you’ll want to head to the lake, too), and included parking and WiFi. Our boys loved the DVD players in each room, with access to a long list of DVDs which could be checked out of the Hotel McCall library. For winter guests, ski lockers line the hallways, tucked away unnoticed in summer.

Onsite is a spa room where massages can be booked (if only I had time for this!) and a fitness facility. Nearby, Legacy Park is just across the street, with access to the lake, and there’s golf, hiking trails, and mountain biking within a few miles.

Dining:

We loved that Hotel McCall offered a continental breakfast set up from 7 am to 10 am each morning. This is such a value to busy and hungry families who don’t have time to cook in the kitchen or booked a room without one. There’s also Rupert’s, a casual dining restaurant with lake views and a bar. As noted above, additional restaurants are within very easy walking distance.

Room options:

hotel-mccall-review

We stayed in a one-bedroom condo which books for approximately $250-$300/night. Other options include regular 2-queen or king bed rooms for $149 to $160, a two-bedroom condo for $350, or a one-bedroom suite for $249. The condo we experienced was nicely decorated with a fresh, modern feel. We loved the deep tub!

hotel-mccall-bedroom

This hotel is on the more expensive side, but for the amenities and location, we felt the value was there. Families wanting to be steps from everything, with space to settle in and make some meals, will be very happy here!

Directions:

Hotel McCall is located at 1101 N. 3rd Street, McCall Idaho. It’s easy to find on the main drag through town.

As I disclose whenever applicable, our stay at Hotel McCall was complimentary, for the purpose of review. All opinions are our own.

Lookout Pass Ski Area: Idaho skiing with kids

There are only two ski resorts where kids can span two states while on the slopes, that we know of: Heavenly in Tahoe, which straddles Nevada and California, and Lookout Pass, which encompasses both Idaho and Montana. Skiing Lookout Pass is a friendly, low-stress affair: unlike large ski resorts, this hometown resort in Wallace, Idaho is very accessible, affordable, and welcoming.

lookout-pass

Located in the Idaho panhandle near larger Silver Mountain Resort, Lookout Pass offers 540 acres and 34 named runs, with plenty for every ability level. The lodge is steps from the parking area, and everything is in one place, from ski lockers to dining to lift tickets and rentals…a nice perk for families with young kids. Lookout is very much a local mountain, but visitors to the area will find it to be a hidden gem, much like Oregon’s Hoodoo, situated near larger Mt. Bachelor. Consider these smaller resorts a ‘ski vacation travel hack’ that helps you save money and ski a more manageable mountain.

lookout-pass-chair-1

Right away, we loved how Lookout Pass is laid out: three main chairs rise from different slopes, all meeting at the top in one wide off-loading area. This means that various family members can separate to have very different terrain experiences, but still ‘meet at the top’. This top-side meeting area makes it next to impossible to miss meeting back up with your independent skiers. We have expert skiers in our family, and siblings like to ski together when possible without the grown-ups, which is definitely possible at Lookout.

top-of-lookout

The front, Idaho side of Lookout Pass offers a nice ‘face’ with moguls and long groomers. This is accessed from the base lodge via Chair 1. Chair 2 is located on the backside of the mountain, on the Montana side, and Chair 3 is located on what is called the ‘North’ side (I believe this is Idaho). This chair was not open during our visit, so we’re less familiar, but Chair 2 offers very nice long intermediate runs as well as great glade skiing. We spent most of our time here. There’s a fourth chair, which is the beginner/learning chair, and it’s located on the front side near the lodge.

lookout-pass

A reminder about time zones: Just to keep in mind, when you’re skiing on the Montana side of the resort, you’ll be in Mountain time, and when on the Idaho side, in Pacific time. This can be confusing when people want to know what time to meet for lunch. In the lodge as well, families will find an ‘Idaho side’ and ‘Montana side’ for seating. One kid can sit in Idaho and another in Montana, and yes, this is as fun as it sounds!

Dining is fairly basic, cafeteria-style in the base lodge, and we found it to be perfectly adequate, if not sophisticated ski-day fare. We happily noshed on burgers and fries. Far too many fries, actually! Expect to pay approximately $6-8 an entree, plus additional for drinks. A pub is located upstairs, and we heard they have good food, but alas, it’s only available to those 21 and up.

lookout-pass

Distance from the interstate:

Right off I-90, about 20 minutes from Kellogg and one hour from Coeur ‘d Alene.

Lift Tickets:

Tickets are reasonable at $40 for adults, $29 for kids 17 and under. Kids six and under are free. See full lift ticket pricing.

Directions:

Located at Exit 0 off I-90. From Kellogg or Spokane, it’s a scenic drive past several idyllic mining towns, including historic Wallace.

As we disclose whenever applicable, we experienced Lookout Pass as guests of the resort. All opinions are our own. (And all French fries were at our expense.)

Educational Travel: Three Island Crossing State Park, Idaho

Back to school doesn’t have to mean only back to the books! Explore educational travel with pit stops to historic sites! Case in point: when traveling through Idaho on I-84, families may think there’s not much in the way of a pit stop past Boise. About one hour east of the Boise/Nampa area, it’s well worth a stop at Three Island Crossing State Park. Located in the town of Glenns Ferry, Three Island Crossing is the site of the Snake River crossing of the Oregon Trail. Hundreds of wagon trains crossed here where three small islands in the river allowed pioneers to sidestep the swift current (with mixed success).

three island crossing state park

 

The state park offers RV and tent camping, cabin stays, and an excellent interpretive center. With few motels in the area, we opted to spend a night in a Three Island Crossing cabin, which was a great pick for a casual camping experience. The cabins are located right on the Snake River in the day use area of the park (don’t follow signs to the campground). A handful of cabins dot a long lawn overlooking the river, and come equipped with electricity, heaters/air conditioners, and bunk beds for up to five. Outside, families get a covered patio with porch swing, BBQ, fire pit, and picnic table. Bathrooms are within walking distance (with showers), but these were temporarily closed during our visit. Instead, pot-a-potties were on site. Fresh water from faucets is easy to access.

snake river

The interpretive center is located between the day use and cabin area and the upper campground, and includes interactive exhibits on the Oregon Trail and the Three Island Crossing. Emphasis is placed on the intersection of not only the river and trail, but of the Euro-Americans and Native Americans at the crossing. There are thorough exhibits on the Native population in the area as well. Among our kids’ favorite displays: a packing list for the Oregon Trail, the life-sized covered wagon, and an actual Oregon and California Trail guidebook written by Langford Hastings, guide on the ill-fated Donner Party.

three island crossing state park

Date last visited:

June 2013

Distance from the Interstate:

Right off I-84.

Admission:

Day use fee applies for those visiting the interpretive center (center is free). Cabins were $45/night at time of our visit.

Operating hours:

Park: sunrise to sunset Center: 9 am to 4 pm

Directions:

From I-84, follow signs to 1083 Three Island Park Drive in Glenns Ferry.