When you live in a state as filled to the brim with small towns as Idaho, you come to realize that every itty-bitty community has its own personality and its own “landmark” attraction that sets it apart from the town next door. Fortunately, when it comes to Idaho, our attractions aren’t your average “World’s Largest Ball of Twine,” like so many other roadside tourist stops across the country. Instead, our beautiful state is filled with unique geologic features, natural wonders, and stunning places to unwind, rejuvenate, and drink in the quaint wonders of small town life.
But there are definitely a few communities that we all continue to go back to time and time again–the ones that have that extra something. From Idaho’s own “Old Faithful” and unique Yellowstone-style geology to its man-made “volcano,” rich rural beauty, and community atmosphere, this one town seems worth a closer look.
Welcome to Soda Springs, Idaho. (Population: 2,975)
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr
Tucked away near the Wyoming border, this hidden gem of a town is home to more than a few small town wonders–although you might not realize it from a distance.
Edgar Zuniga Jr./Flickr
Namely, the incredible Soda Springs Geyser.
Edgar Zuniga Jr./Flickr Shooting lightly carbonated water 70 feet into the air every hour on the hour at Geyser Park, Idaho’s own miniature “Old Faithful” is a truly unique sight to see.
Although this is the only captive geyser in the world (tapped and timed in 1937), this unique marvel isn’t the only reason Soda Springs is so unique.
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr Check out the area and you’ll notice solidified minerals built up around the geyser: the product of the water’s high mineral content and hard pH. A boardwalk with sitting benches surrounds the mineral bed, as well as an observation deck to see the runoff. These miniature waterfalls often catch the light and form a cloud of rainbows that is quite lovely to see!
Soda Springs was an incredibly important stop on the Oregon Trail as well, primarily because of the number of springs and abundance of water sources for pioneers to fill up on.
City of Soda Springs
While many of the town’s famous springs are now buried beneath the local reservoir, there are numerous places throughout town where you can taste the effervescence of the lightly carbonated water - like Octagon Spring Park.
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr
When you’ve had your fill of water-tasting and sightseeing, the historic Idan-Ha Theatre downtown is a charming place to catch a movie…
Edgar Zuniga Jr./Flickr
While the Pioneer Museum and Corrigan Park are both incredible places to experience history firsthand through artifacts, replicas, and Oregon Trail remnants.
J. Stephen Conn/Flickr
Other sites to check out include the Caribou National Forest, the Fairview Cemetery, and local dining options.
Edgar Zuniga Jr./Flickr Many restaurants even feature distant views the geyser, if you feel like having a show with your meal!
J. Stephen Conn/Flickr
In and around Soda Springs are also a plethora of sulfurous water bodies and reservoirs.
Scott Ellsworth/Flickr That may not seem like much of a tourist attraction, but these unique natural water bodies are often rainbow-colored and uniquely prismatic.
Or, just catch a magnificent rural sunset over Soda Point on the old Oregon Trail.
Grant Lau/Flickr
Sounds like a full day (or two) to me!
Ray Boren/Soda Springs/Facebook
Clearly, there’s a lot happening in this little town that you wouldn’t expect! Have you ever driven through Soda Springs? What other hidden gems are tucked away in this “bubbly” community?
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr
Edgar Zuniga Jr./Flickr
Shooting lightly carbonated water 70 feet into the air every hour on the hour at Geyser Park, Idaho’s own miniature “Old Faithful” is a truly unique sight to see.
Check out the area and you’ll notice solidified minerals built up around the geyser: the product of the water’s high mineral content and hard pH. A boardwalk with sitting benches surrounds the mineral bed, as well as an observation deck to see the runoff. These miniature waterfalls often catch the light and form a cloud of rainbows that is quite lovely to see!
City of Soda Springs
J. Stephen Conn/Flickr
Many restaurants even feature distant views the geyser, if you feel like having a show with your meal!
Scott Ellsworth/Flickr
That may not seem like much of a tourist attraction, but these unique natural water bodies are often rainbow-colored and uniquely prismatic.
Grant Lau/Flickr
Ray Boren/Soda Springs/Facebook
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