Idaho Oregon Trail, by Lisa Rowe

The 510 miles of the historic Oregon Trail in Idahobehind the Oregon Trail migration. The center
offer travelers the opportunity to view some ofoffers a ride in a computer-controlled covered
Idahos beautiful scenic sites while revisiting thewagon, guided trail tours and features various
journey made by pioneers who were traveling topioneer tools and artifacts. Contact: 208-847-3800
the West. Travelers can start out on the trail inTravelers may want to make a stop and stay at
the southeastern corner of Idaho, making stopsthe Lava Hot Springs Resort to experience the
along the way to view many of the Oregon Trailsareas natural hot water springs, providing a
historical and scenic areas.relaxing getaway along the Oregon Trail. The
Driving along Idaho 111-mile Bear Lake Scenicsprings, which were used by Indian tribes for
Byway, visitors can stop at Minnetonka Cave andcenturies, remain between 102 and 110 degrees
the Paris Tabernacle historical site, both locatedFahrenheit year-round. The resort offers hot
off of the byway. The largest developedmineral baths that are sulfur and odor free, along
limestone cave in Idaho, Minnetonka Cave offerswith other area recreational activities such as
a variety of stalactites and stalagmites within itshorseback riding, golf and nearby shopping areas.
walls. The U.S. Forest Service provides a half-mileContact: 800-423-8597
tour of the cave during the summer. Contact:Once an important stop for emigrants traveling to
208-847-0375,the west, Fort Hall continues to welcome todays
Nearby, travelers can find the town of Paris,travelers from the Oregon Trail. The replica,
which is home to one of the true pioneerlocated in Pocatello, shows visitors the inner
landmarks of the West, the Paris Tabernacleworkings of the fort along with an outdoor exhibit.
historical site. Listed with the National Register ofContact: 208-234-4636,
Historic Places, the Romanesque MormonClose to Pocatello is the Fort Hall reservation. Here
Tabernacle features intricate wood ceilings andtravelers can visit the Shoshone-Bannock Tribal
stone carvings. The red sandstone used toMuseum, which contains various artifacts from
complete the structure was hauled by wagon ortribes and information about the
sled from a quarry 18 miles away. Heirlooms andShoshone-Bannock tribal history. Contact:
objects of art that were left behind by208-237-9791
homesteaders are showcased in a small museum.The town of American Falls is home to Massacre
Contact 208-945-2072.Rocks State Park, a site where early pioneers
The settlers traveling along the Oregon Trailtraveling through the area feared Indian attacks.
helped pioneer the west with the largest massTen emigrants were killed on their journey along
migration in American history. Accessible from thethe Oregon Trail in 1862 when Indians ambushed
Bear Lake Scenic Byway, The National Oregon/their party. The park features rugged lava rocks
California Trail Center at Clover Creek inand is home to almost 300 species of desert
Montpelier explores the historical backgroundplants and 200 species of birds.