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Ten Things to Do in Pocatello ID

Idaho State, zoo, brewpub enhance this fun community

By Kevin Litwin on August 25, 2014

Portneuf Valley Brewing in Pocatello, ID
Pocatello / Michael D. Tedesco

The Museum of Clean and Old Town head a long list of interesting attractions in Pocatello:

Head to the Holt Arena

The first-ever domed football stadium built on a U.S. college campus was constructed in Pocatello in 1970, and today Holt Arena continues to host Idaho State University football games. Besides serving as home field for the Bengals, the 12,000-seat dome off Interstate 15 schedules trade shows, rodeos, monster truck events and music concerts.

Tidy up at the World-Famous Museum of Clean

Items dating back more than 2,000 years are available for the public to view at the World-Famous Museum of Clean, located on South 2nd Avenue and open Tuesday-Saturday. Cleaning techniques and utensils over several centuries are showcased, and the most popular display is a large collection of pre-electric vacuum cleaners.

Embrace Old Town

A well-spent day in Pocatello includes a trip to Old Town, including a Historic Walking Tour of buildings that date to the late 1800s. The downtown district features specialty shops, antique stores, bakeries, galleries and restaurants, plus Old Town hosts an annual Portneuf Valley Farmers Market from spring to fall.

Catch a Performance at Stephens Performing Arts Center

Concerts, recitals, dances, theatrical performances and lectures are staged at L.E. & Thelma E. Stephens Performing Arts Center on the campus of Idaho State University. The Center is situated on a scenic hilltop and has amenities like a 1,200-seat concert hall, 450-seat thrust stage theater, 200-seat black box theater, and a box office.

Take a Dip at Ross Park Aquatic Complex

A 25-meter pool is one of several attractions at Ross Park Aquatic Complex, with swimming options for people of all ages. On site is a sand volleyball court, zero-depth pool with playground equipment, lazy river and large waterslide. The complex has locker rooms, two family changing areas, and a large concession stand.

Try the Prime Rib at Sandpiper Restaurant

Opened in 1975, Sandpiper Restaurant is still known for its sizzling steaks and legendary prime rib entrees, along with a good wine list and reasonable prices. The restaurant only serves dinner and offers other menu items like escargot, oysters, fish and scallops. Reservations are not required, and Sandpiper is open every night except Sunday.

Browse and Buy at the Westwood Mall

Shoppers have plenty to choose from at Westwood Mall, conveniently situated at the junction of Highway 50 and Gould Street. Besides a mix of retailers, patrons have access to restaurants and amusement businesses such as Outer Limits Fun Zone. Also for shoppers, Pine Ridge Mall is just north of the Pocatello border in Chubbock.

Enjoy History at the Idaho Museum of Natural History

Collections of dinosaur bones and ice-age mammals are on exhibit at Idaho Museum of Natural History, on the campus of Idaho State University. Children can experience hands-on displays in a Discovery Room, and guided tours are available for families who want more in-depth explorations and explanations of Idaho history.

See Eagles and Bears at the Pocatello Zoo

Since 1932, Pocatello Zoo has housed Idaho wildlife and welcomed guests to view animals long associated with the American West. Several exhibits along with education classes and other family programs are part of the experience, and some of the animals include bison, cougars, eagles, pronghorns and grizzly bears.

Raise a Glass at Portneuf Valley Brewing

The only brewpub in Pocatello is Portneuf Valley Brewing, featuring several microbrew beer selections along with a full menu and live music five nights a week. Beer options have names like Twisted Stick Amber Ale, Portneur Cocoa Porter, Ligertown Lager, and Penny’s Extra Pale. Happy hours occur every day from 3-6 p.m.

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