It’s that time of year again when there’s just a hint of the changing seasons in the air, but the days are still long and sunny and the temperature just right under a cool, shady tree. And what better way to soak up every spectacular moment than over a cozy picnic by the water or spread out over soft, luscious grass? Whether a simple city park or somewhere a little more unique, here are just a few awesome places for a picnic to take advantage of everything Idaho’s perfect weather and great outdoors has to offer.
- Harriman State Park, Island Park
Harriman State Park/Facebook Spread out your blanket next to scenic Henry’s Fork and enjoy the sweet smell of summer wildflowers and the sounds of fish biting.
- City of Rocks National Reserve
Brandon Dalton/Flickr Totally unique and unexpected, this desert park lets you picnic high above the landscape. Bonus: the sunsets here are known to be fantastic!
- Eagle Island State Park, Eagle
Idaho Parks & Recreation At Eagle Island, there’s so more to do than at your average park if you want to throw in some adventure with your picnic. Or, just enjoy the giant shade trees.
- Ponderosa State Park, McCall
DeannaHA/TripAdvisor Without a doubt a local and visitor favorite, a romantic picnic here will offer exhilarating views of Payette Lake.
- Benewah Lake, Plummer
Gerdiesmom/TripAdvisor Tucked away in the Panhandle, this lake inside Heyburn State Park is undeniably perfect with the ideal combination of shade, waterfront views, and perfect temperatures.
- Ann Morrison Park, Boise
lakebumsinTexas/TripAdvisor The Idaho Statesman recently rated Ann Morrison as the best picnic spot in the Treasure Valley. Enjoy the fountain, playgrounds, and mature trees, and watch river floaters make their way down the water.
- Shoshone Falls Park, Twin Falls
Art Bromage/Flickr Even during the dry season, a picnic on the edge of a waterfall canyon is absolutely breathtaking.
- Land of the Yankee Fork State Park
Land of the Yankee Fork State Park/Facebook For another unique picnic destination that has a hint of rustic charm, the Land of the Yankee Fork State Park brings to life Idaho’s frontier and mining history. You’ll find scenic views of Idaho’s tallest mountain range, lost rivers, and plenty of seasonal foliage for a picture-perfect picnic backdrop.
- Idler’s Rest Nature Preserve, Moscow
Palouse Trust A best kept secret in the Palouse, this nature preserve is perfect for a secluded day out immersed in nature.
- Idaho Falls River Walk, Idaho Falls
Idaho Falls Parks & Recreation/Facebook Beautifully landscaped and wonderfully inviting, this riverfront destination speaks for itself, don’t you think?
Picnics are always a day well-spent, as well as romantic or family-oriented throwback to simpler times. Do you have any favorite picnic spots? Which one are you going to visit first?
Harriman State Park/Facebook
Spread out your blanket next to scenic Henry’s Fork and enjoy the sweet smell of summer wildflowers and the sounds of fish biting.
Brandon Dalton/Flickr
Totally unique and unexpected, this desert park lets you picnic high above the landscape. Bonus: the sunsets here are known to be fantastic!
Idaho Parks & Recreation
At Eagle Island, there’s so more to do than at your average park if you want to throw in some adventure with your picnic. Or, just enjoy the giant shade trees.
DeannaHA/TripAdvisor
Without a doubt a local and visitor favorite, a romantic picnic here will offer exhilarating views of Payette Lake.
Gerdiesmom/TripAdvisor
Tucked away in the Panhandle, this lake inside Heyburn State Park is undeniably perfect with the ideal combination of shade, waterfront views, and perfect temperatures.
lakebumsinTexas/TripAdvisor
The Idaho Statesman recently rated Ann Morrison as the best picnic spot in the Treasure Valley. Enjoy the fountain, playgrounds, and mature trees, and watch river floaters make their way down the water.
Art Bromage/Flickr
Even during the dry season, a picnic on the edge of a waterfall canyon is absolutely breathtaking.
Land of the Yankee Fork State Park/Facebook
For another unique picnic destination that has a hint of rustic charm, the Land of the Yankee Fork State Park brings to life Idaho’s frontier and mining history. You’ll find scenic views of Idaho’s tallest mountain range, lost rivers, and plenty of seasonal foliage for a picture-perfect picnic backdrop.
Palouse Trust
A best kept secret in the Palouse, this nature preserve is perfect for a secluded day out immersed in nature.
Idaho Falls Parks & Recreation/Facebook
Beautifully landscaped and wonderfully inviting, this riverfront destination speaks for itself, don’t you think?
For dining with a view that’s a little more upscale, check out some of Idaho’s best outdoor patios for epic al fresco dining, or these romantic restaurants with incredible views. Or, for a park that’s hiding a century-old treasure, check out this one incredibly family-friendly city park in Rexburg.
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