20 Worst Tourist Traps in Idaho

Tourist traps are like bad knees – everyone over 50 has experienced them.

Idaho specializes in attractions that promise the moon but deliver a potato.

I’ve driven hundreds of miles for “breathtaking views” that barely warranted a glance.

I’ve paid premium prices for experiences that wouldn’t impress my grandkids.

The state’s marketing departments deserve awards for their creative embellishments.

These 20 tourist traps represent the finest collection of mediocrity the Northwest has to offer.

1. Craters of the Moon, Idaho

Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve is often touted as a must-see attraction in Southern Idaho. The landscape features cooled lava and sagebrush that supposedly resembles the moon’s surface.

But here’s the catch… visitors frequently complain that it’s not worth the long drive for what you actually get to see. After the initial wonder at the unique landscape wears off, many find there isn’t much to do.

You’re better off planning a different outdoor adventure in Idaho. The separate fees beyond the entry cost and reports of litter throughout the park further diminish the experience for many travelers.

2. The Center of the Universe, Wallace

In the small town of Wallace, with a population of just 784 residents, you’ll find a manhole cover marking the “Center of the Universe.” This unusual attraction came about in 2004 when Mayor Ron Garitone made an official proclamation declaring Wallace as exactly that.

When questioned about how they know it’s truly the center of the universe, locals simply respond with “prove it’s not.”

That’s why this spot has become one of Idaho’s most famous tourist traps. It’s literally just a decorative manhole cover at the intersection of Bank Street and Sixth Street that people travel miles to see and photograph.

3. Olde Mistick Village, Idaho

This open-air venue is designed to look like a quaint village and draws huge crowds, especially during autumn months. What many visitors don’t realize is that it’s essentially just a themed shopping mall.

During peak seasons, the venue becomes incredibly crowded, making it difficult to navigate between shops or find seating at restaurants. Long lines and congested walkways can quickly turn a pleasant outing into a stressful experience.

I made a classic mistake of visiting during October without researching first. You’re better off exploring authentic Idaho towns with genuine history rather than this commercial enterprise with vastly overpriced merchandise and mediocre food options.

4. Sun Valley Boutiques, Idaho

Sun Valley is known as an upscale resort destination in Idaho, attracting celebrities and wealthy tourists year-round. The area features numerous boutique shops selling everything from designer clothing to local artisan goods.

But here’s the deal… many visitors report feeling shocked by the extremely inflated prices at these establishments. What might cost a reasonable amount elsewhere suddenly carries a premium “resort tax” just because of the location.

The food scene suffers from the same issue – mediocre meals often come with five-star price tags. Want me to save you some money? Consider visiting during off-peak seasons when some shops offer sales, or explore the surrounding natural beauty instead of the commercial district.

5. Idaho Potato Museum, Blackfoot

The Idaho Potato Museum in Blackfoot celebrates the state’s famous agricultural product. Inside, you’ll find exhibits on potato history, growing techniques, and even a giant potato sculpture perfect for photos.

While the concept sounds quirky and fun, many visitors find the actual museum experience underwhelming for the admission price. The exhibits are relatively small and can be viewed completely in under 30 minutes.

You’re better off experiencing Idaho’s potato heritage by visiting a local farm or enjoying fresh potato dishes at family-owned restaurants throughout the state. The gift shop sells potato-themed souvenirs that most find overpriced and unnecessary.

6. Big Idaho Potato Hotel, Boise

This unique Airbnb shaped like a giant potato gained internet fame after being featured on various travel websites and social media. Originally a traveling marketing prop for the Idaho Potato Commission, it was eventually converted into a tiny rental accommodation.

But here’s the catch… while the exterior makes for a great photo opportunity, guests often report that the novelty wears off quickly. The cramped interior space and basic amenities don’t always justify the premium price tag.

That’s why it’s worth considering whether you want to spend your vacation budget on a single night in a potato-shaped room or explore more of what Idaho has to offer. The location also lacks privacy, with curious onlookers sometimes stopping by to take photos.

7. Shoshone Falls During Low Flow, Twin Falls

Often called the “Niagara of the West,” Shoshone Falls stands an impressive 212 feet tall – actually higher than Niagara Falls. During peak flow seasons, usually spring and early summer, the falls are truly spectacular.

I made a classic mistake of visiting in late August. What many tourists don’t realize is that water flow is heavily dependent on the season and dam operations upstream. During late summer and fall, the falls can be reduced to a mere trickle.

You’re better off checking the flow rates online before making the trip. Many disappointed visitors arrive after driving hours only to find dry rock faces instead of the majestic waterfalls shown in brochures and websites.

8. Antique Archeology, Le Claire

This small store opened with significant fanfare due to its connection with a popular reality TV show about antique picking. Many tourists make special trips expecting to find a treasure trove of unique antiques and memorabilia.

But here’s the deal… visitors frequently report that there are very few actual antiques available for purchase. Most items are overpriced merchandise related to the TV show, and many interesting pieces are display-only.

Want me to save you some disappointment? If you’re a genuine antique enthusiast looking for deals or unique finds, you’ll likely leave empty-handed. The store functions more as a souvenir shop for fans of the television program than an actual antique store.

9. International UFO Museum, Roswell

Located in Roswell, New Mexico but frequently visited by Idaho tourists heading south, this museum capitalizes on the infamous 1947 “UFO incident.” The facility houses exhibits featuring news articles, witness testimonies, and UFO-related displays.

Many visitors note that the museum feels dated, with exhibits that haven’t been updated in years. The presentation style and aesthetics remind some of a high school science project rather than a professional museum experience.

That’s why it’s worth considering whether the admission price justifies what you’ll actually see inside. The gift shop sells overpriced UFO and alien-themed merchandise that you could find online for a fraction of the cost.

10. Carhenge, Alliance

While technically located in Nebraska, this attraction draws many Idaho residents making cross-country road trips. As the name suggests, Carhenge mimics England’s famous Stonehenge but uses vintage automobiles instead of massive stones.

The site makes for interesting photos, but lacks the historical or cultural depth that makes similar attractions worth visiting. After spending about 15 minutes taking pictures, most visitors find there’s little else to do or learn.

You’re better off planning this as a quick roadside stop rather than a destination worth going out of your way for. Families with small children often find the attraction particularly disappointing as there are no interactive elements or activities.

11. Lava Hot Springs Water Park, Idaho

Lava Hot Springs promotes itself as a premier destination for relaxation and family fun. The water park features slides and pools that attract thousands of visitors during summer months.

But here’s the catch… overcrowding is a serious issue during peak season. Lines for slides can stretch up to an hour long, and finding a spot to place your towel becomes nearly impossible on weekends.

You’re better off visiting during weekdays or in early June before school lets out. Many visitors complain about the high entrance fees that don’t match the actual experience, especially when factoring in additional costs for lockers and food.

12. Silverwood Theme Park, Athol

Silverwood bills itself as the Northwest’s largest theme park with over 70 rides and attractions. Located near Coeur d’Alene, it draws visitors from across Idaho and neighboring states.

I made a classic mistake of visiting during a holiday weekend. The park becomes so crowded that wait times for popular rides can exceed two hours, meaning you might only experience 5-6 attractions during an entire day.

That’s why savvy visitors avoid weekends and holidays altogether. Food prices inside the park are significantly inflated, with basic meals costing nearly three times what you’d pay outside. The “express pass” option feels like paying extra just to have a normal theme park experience.

13. Old Idaho Penitentiary, Boise

This former prison operated from 1872 to 1973 and now serves as a historic site offering tours of cell blocks, gallows, and solitary confinement areas. The concept sounds fascinating for history buffs.

But here’s the deal… many visitors find the self-guided tours lacking in substance and context. Without hiring a private guide (at additional cost), you’re left to wander through mostly empty buildings with minimal information.

Want me to save you some disappointment? Research the history before visiting or time your visit during one of their special events. Regular admission provides access to buildings that have been stripped of most original features, leaving little to actually see.

14. Bruneau Sand Dunes State Park, Bruneau

Home to North America’s tallest freestanding sand dune at 470 feet, this park sounds like an impressive natural wonder. The observatory and star-gazing opportunities are heavily promoted in tourism materials.

Many visitors arrive expecting dramatic desert landscapes similar to those in more famous dune parks. Instead, they find a relatively small area of sand hills surrounded by typical Idaho terrain.

You’re better off visiting during cooler months if you plan to climb the dunes. Summer temperatures make the sand unbearably hot, and the lack of shade throughout the park can create uncomfortable and potentially dangerous conditions for older visitors.

15. Coeur d’Alene Resort Floating Green, Coeur d’Alene

This famous golf hole-the world’s only floating, movable golf green-attracts golf enthusiasts from around the country. The resort heavily markets this unique 14th hole in its promotional materials.

But here’s the catch… playing a round at this course comes with an extremely steep price tag, often over $175 per person during peak season, plus mandatory caddie fees. Many golfers report feeling rushed through their expensive round.

That’s why it’s worth considering whether one unique hole justifies the premium cost. Non-golfers in your party will find little to do while waiting, and photographs don’t adequately capture the experience that’s being sold at such a premium.

16. Atomic City, Idaho

With a name like Atomic City, tourists often expect a fascinating destination related to nuclear history. This tiny town of fewer than 30 residents was once home to workers at the nearby Idaho National Laboratory.

I made a classic mistake of driving miles out of my way to visit. Despite its intriguing name, there’s virtually nothing to see or do in Atomic City today. No museums, no visitor centers, and barely any businesses remain operational.

You’re better off visiting the Idaho National Laboratory’s visitor center in Idaho Falls instead. The handful of abandoned buildings in Atomic City offer little insight into the area’s nuclear history without additional context or preservation efforts.

17. Oasis Bordello Museum, Wallace

This unusual museum preserves a former brothel that operated until 1988, when it was suddenly abandoned during an FBI raid. The building supposedly remains exactly as it was left, creating a time capsule of the late 1980s.

But here’s the deal… many visitors find the tour rushed and superficial. The guides often focus more on sensationalism than historical context, and photography restrictions prevent documenting much of what you’re paying to see.

Want me to tell you the truth? The $10 admission fee grants access to just a few rooms with period furnishings that could be found in any vintage store. The “preserved” nature of the site feels exaggerated once you’re actually inside.

18. Spud Drive-In Theater, Driggs

This vintage drive-in theater features a giant potato on a flatbed truck as its landmark attraction. Many tourists stop for photos with the massive spud, especially those traveling to nearby Grand Teton National Park.

The novelty of the giant potato quickly wears off, and the actual movie-watching experience can be disappointing. The audio quality through car radios is often poor, and the screen visibility varies greatly depending on where you park.

You’re better off enjoying the free photo opportunity with the giant potato during daylight hours. Paying for a full movie experience often results in disappointment due to technical limitations and the basic concession offerings.

19. Hell’s Canyon Visitor Center, Riggins

Despite being located near North America’s deepest river gorge, this visitor center fails to deliver the educational experience most tourists expect. The facility is surprisingly small with limited exhibits about the impressive natural landmark.

But here’s the catch… the center doesn’t actually offer views of Hell’s Canyon itself. Many disappointed visitors discover they need to drive significantly farther to viewing points after stopping at the visitor center.

That’s why it’s important to research actual canyon viewpoints before your trip. The gift shop sells overpriced souvenirs, and the outdated interpretive displays don’t provide the comprehensive information most travelers seek about this natural wonder.

20. Bear World, Rexburg

This drive-through wildlife park promises close encounters with bears and other animals in a natural setting. The facility heavily markets the opportunity to see bears up close from the safety of your vehicle.

I made a classic mistake of visiting during mid-afternoon. What many visitors don’t realize is that the bears are most active in early morning or evening hours. During peak daytime hours, most animals are sleeping and barely visible.

You’re better off researching the best viewing times before planning your visit. Additional attractions like the petting zoo and amusement rides feel disconnected from the wildlife experience and add significant costs beyond the already expensive entry fee.