10 Things to do in Rexburg, Idaho

Rexburg, Idaho, is a charming city known for its scenic beauty, rich history, and variety of activities that cater to all ages and interests.

Nestled in Madison County, Rexburg boasts a population of approximately 28,000 residents and is a hub of cultural and outdoor activities in the region. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, history buff, or looking for family-friendly fun, Rexburg has something to offer everyone.

Outdoor Adventures

Rexburg, Idaho, offers an array of outdoor adventures that cater to all kinds of nature enthusiasts and thrill-seekers. 

Nestled near the gateway to Yellowstone National Park, the city provides easy access to some of the most stunning natural landscapes in the Rocky Mountains and the Snake River Plain. 

Activities in Rexburg include hiking in the majestic Grand Tetons, exploring the St. Anthony Sand Dunes on ATVs, and camping under the star-studded skies. For those who enjoy water activities, the nearby lakes and rivers are perfect for kayaking, fishing, and even soaking in hot springs. 

The Kelly Canyon Ski Resort adds a winter dimension with skiing, snowboarding, and even summer mountain biking and zip-lining.

For wildlife enthusiasts, Yellowstone Bear World offers a unique drive-thru experience to see native animals such as grizzly bears, black bears, and elk in their natural habitat. The Cress Creek Nature Trail provides an accessible hiking option, showcasing local flora and fauna along a scenic path by the Snake River. 

Additionally, the Menan Buttes, formed by volcanic activity, offer a challenging yet rewarding hike with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The diverse outdoor activities, combined with the natural beauty and family-friendly atmosphere, make Rexburg a prime destination for outdoor adventures throughout the year.

St. Anthony Sand Dunes

The St. Anthony Sand Dunes near Rexburg, Idaho, offer an expansive playground of over 10,000 acres of white quartz sand, with dunes reaching up to 400 feet in height. 

This stunning natural area, located approximately 12 miles from Rexburg, is a favorite among off-road vehicle enthusiasts who come to enjoy ATV and UTV riding. 

The dunes, which stretch about 35 miles in length and range from one to five miles in width, provide varying levels of difficulty and terrain, making them suitable for both novice and experienced riders. The Egin Lakes Campground is centrally located, providing easy access to both the smaller and larger dunes, and offers camping facilities to accommodate visitors year-round, although winter closures are in place to protect wildlife habitats.

Cress Creek Nature Trail

The Cress Creek Nature Trail, located approximately 16 miles from Rexburg, Idaho, offers a family-friendly hiking experience along the scenic South Fork of the Snake River. This 1.25-mile trail is partially wheelchair accessible, making it an inclusive option for visitors of all abilities. 

The trail begins with a paved section that runs alongside the creek, providing an easy and pleasant walk through a variety of natural environments, including sagebrush, grass communities, and juniper-covered slopes. 

Interpretive signs along the trail offer educational insights into the local flora and fauna, making it a great spot for educational field trips and family outings. 

The trail is named after the watercress plant that grows abundantly in the warm waters of the creek, a favorite food of the local moose population.

Beaver Dick Park

Beaver Dick Park, located approximately 4.5 miles west of Rexburg, Idaho, is a picturesque 9.5-acre park along the west bank of the Henry’s Fork of the Snake River. Named after Richard “Beaver Dick” Leigh, a famed mountain man of the 19th century, the park offers a variety of recreational activities. 

Visitors can enjoy camping, picnicking, and fishing, with campsites available on a first-come, first-served basis. The park features amenities such as picnic tables, fire rings, restrooms, and a boat dock, making it a convenient and enjoyable spot for family outings and scout groups. 

The camping fee is $10 per night or $40 for five nights, and while no reservations are required for campsites, shelters can be reserved for group events.

Family-Friendly Activities

Rexburg, Idaho, offers a plethora of family-friendly activities that cater to all ages and interests. One of the highlights is Yellowstone Bear World, a drive-thru wildlife park where families can see grizzly bears, black bears, and other native animals up close. 

The park also features a petting zoo and amusement rides, making it a fun and educational outing for children. Rexburg Rapids is another popular destination, especially during the summer months. This water park includes water slides, a lazy river, and a beach-entry pool, providing a refreshing escape from the heat.

Rexburg Rapids Water Park

Rexburg Rapids Water Park, located at 50 West 2nd North in Rexburg, Idaho, is a premier destination for family-friendly fun during the summer months. 

Since its opening in 2011, the park has become a beloved attraction for locals and visitors alike, providing a refreshing escape from the summer heat. The park features two exciting water slides that start from three stories high—one designed for speed enthusiasts and another offering twists and turns down to a catching pool that flows into a relaxing lazy river. 

Additionally, the park includes a heated pool, a children’s water playground, a beach-front entry pool for younger kids, and a rock climbing wall extending from the pool, adding a variety of activities suitable for all ages.

Yellowstone Bear World

Yellowstone Bear World, located just five miles south of Rexburg, Idaho, is a premier drive-thru wildlife park that offers visitors an immersive experience with North American wildlife. 

The park features a range of free-roaming animals, including Rocky Mountain elk, bison, white-tailed deer, moose, and both American black bears and grizzly bears. 

Visitors can drive their personal vehicles through the park to observe these animals in their natural habitats. Additionally, Yellowstone Bear World includes unique attractions like Jurassic Creek, which features life-sized, roaring dinosaur models, adding a prehistoric twist to the wildlife adventure.

Teton Vu Drive-In

The Teton Vu Drive-In, located at 1114 N Yellowstone Highway in Rexburg, Idaho, has been a beloved local attraction since it first opened in 1955. 

This single-screen drive-in theater operates seasonally from March through October, offering a nostalgic movie-going experience with modern amenities like digital projection and FM radio sound at 107.7 FM. 

The drive-in has a capacity for 350 cars, making it a great spot for families, couples, and groups to enjoy double features under the stars. Admission is reasonably priced at $8 for adults and just $1 for children, with a $2 permit fee for bringing outside food.

Historical and Cultural Sites

Rexburg, Idaho, is rich in historical and cultural sites that reflect its vibrant heritage. One of the most prominent landmarks is the Rexburg Tabernacle, built in 1911. This iconic building, designed in the Italianate style, has served various community purposes over the years and now hosts several events, including concerts by the local orchestra. The Tabernacle also houses the Museum of Rexburg, which features the Teton Flood Museum, dedicated to the catastrophic Teton Dam failure in 1976 and its impact on the community.

Museum of Rexburg

The Museum of Rexburg, also known as the Teton Flood Museum, is a significant cultural and historical site located in Rexburg, Idaho. 

This museum primarily focuses on the Teton Dam disaster of 1976, which had a profound impact on the local community. The museum hosts an annual commemoration event to remember the flood, featuring a documentary titled “Flood of Memories: Remembering the 1976 Teton Dam Disaster,” which includes interviews with locals who experienced the event. 

Visitors to the museum can explore various artifacts and exhibits related to the flood, as well as hear personal stories and view photographs documenting the aftermath and recovery efforts.

Rexburg Idaho Temple

The Rexburg Idaho Temple, located on a prominent hill overlooking the town and the campus of Brigham Young University-Idaho, stands as a significant religious and architectural landmark. Completed in 2008, the temple is known for its beautiful white stone exterior, which glows brightly at night, making it a visible beacon for miles around. 

The temple features intricate design elements, including a wheat motif in its stained glass, murals, and wood carvings, symbolizing the region’s agricultural heritage. 

Inside, the temple is adorned with high-quality materials such as African wood and Israeli tile, and the gold-leafed statue of Moroni atop its spire adds to its majestic appearance. 

Open house tours before its dedication saw over 200,000 visitors, highlighting its importance to both the local community and visitors.

Legacy Flight Museum

The Legacy Flight Museum in Rexburg, Idaho, is a must-visit for aviation enthusiasts and history buffs alike. Founded in 2006 by local pilot John Bagley, the museum houses a remarkable collection of aircraft that U.S. military veterans used. 

Among the 14 historic aircraft on display, notable examples include the P-51 Mustang, known as the “Mormon Mustang,” and the P-63 King Cobra, which astronaut Frank Borman originally owned. These aircraft, along with others like the Grumman S-2 Tracker, offer visitors a close-up look at aviation history and the technological advancements of their time.

Natural Landmarks

Rexburg, Idaho, is home to several stunning natural landmarks that offer both breathtaking views and a variety of outdoor activities. One of the standout attractions is the St. Anthony Sand Dunes, located about 15 miles north of Rexburg. 

This expansive area covers over 10,000 acres and features dunes that rise up to 400 feet. The dunes provide an ideal playground for activities such as ATV riding, sandboarding, and hiking. The Egin Lakes Campground offers a convenient spot for visitors to set up camp and enjoy the unique desert landscape.

Menan Buttes

The Menan Buttes, located near Rexburg, Idaho, are among the largest volcanic tuff cones in the world. These unique geological formations were created around 10,000 years ago when basaltic magma interacted with groundwater, resulting in explosive eruptions that formed the cones. 

The North Menan Butte, often referred to as “R Mountain” due to the large “R” painted on its side, stands about 800 feet above the Snake River Plain and offers a moderately challenging hike. The 3.4-mile round-trip trail provides stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, including the Snake River and the distant St. Anthony Sand Dunes.

This hike is popular among locals and visitors alike for its fascinating volcanic features and the rewarding views from the summit.

Jefferson County Lake

Jefferson County Lake, also known as Rigby Lake, is a popular recreational spot located approximately 12 miles south of Rexburg, Idaho. The lake is a favorite among locals and visitors for its well-maintained amenities and family-friendly environment. It features sandy beaches, grassy areas, and a playground, making it an ideal location for a variety of outdoor activities. The lake is also equipped with a boat ramp for non-motorized boats, allowing for kayaking and paddleboarding. 

Visitors can take advantage of the paved walking trails, volleyball nets, and picnic shelters, which are available for reservation. The lake’s campground offers 50 sites with water and electric hookups, accommodating both RVs and tents.

Teton Scenic Byway

The Teton Scenic Byway in Idaho is a stunning 70-mile route that showcases some of the state’s most beautiful landscapes. Starting from Swan Valley, the byway travels northeast on Idaho 31 to Victor, then north on Idaho 33 to Idaho 32, and finally north on Idaho 32 to Ashton. 

This drive offers breathtaking views of the Teton Mountain Range, rivers, and diverse wildlife habitats. Along the way, travelers can enjoy the lush green fields of barley, wheat, and Idaho’s famous potatoes. Key stops include the Teton Geotourism Center in Driggs and the Grand Targhee Resort, which provides opportunities for skiing and mountain biking.

Conclusion

Rexburg, Idaho, is a hidden gem with a diverse array of activities that cater to all interests. From exploring natural wonders like the Menan Buttes and St. Anthony Sand Dunes to enjoying family-friendly attractions such as Rexburg Rapids and Yellowstone Bear World, there’s no shortage of things to do in Rexburg, Idaho. Whether you’re visiting for a day or planning an extended stay, the city’s welcoming community and beautiful surroundings will leave you with unforgettable memories. Plan your trip to Rexburg today and discover all that this charming city has to offer.

For those planning to move to Rexburg, hiring movers in Rexburg can significantly ease the transition. Professional movers not only transport your belongings efficiently but also help you settle into the city. They can provide insights into the best routes and times to navigate the ongoing road constructions. Additionally, if you don’t have a personal vehicle, Rexburg offers other transportation options, such as the local Walmart shuttle and public transportation, which can help you get around town. Walking and biking are also popular, especially given the city’s relatively compact size and friendly community atmosphere.

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