9 Items to Complete on Your Idaho Fall Bucket List This Season
Fall is in full swing, and with half of October and all of November still to go, there is plenty of fall left this year. The weather hasn't felt like fall, but there are plenty of activities that go with the season taking place. With Halloween and Thanksgiving coming up, there is tons to look forward to as well. Many argue that fall is the best time of the year, and it is hard to argue against it not being the best season. With so much to do and so much happening during the fall months, making a bucket list of things to do before winter isn't a bad idea. What are some things that should be done before fall ends in Idaho and what makes up the ideal Idaho bucket list?
The Haunted Swamp in Twin Falls
One of the best parts about fall is Halloween and all the spookiness that comes with it. There are plenty of great spooky attractions in the Gem State, and each person has their favorite, The Haunted Swamp in Twin Falls is among the best. If you are scared easily or hate the feeling of being spooked, then it might not be for you, but for those who love a good scream, make sure to go on Friday or Saturday in October to The Haunted Swamp. They are open from 7:30 PM to 11 PM. For more details on The Haunted Swamp, click the link above.
Corn Mazes in Idaho
Getting lost in a corn maze is something many fear, but for others it is a fun time. With a whole field cut into a maze, it can at times take hours to find your way out. There are some incredible corn mazes in Idaho this time of year. Some are haunted and others are only mazes, but either way, they are fun and a must in the fall in Idaho.
Hay Mazes in Idaho
If a corn maze is too much for you or not your style, then try going through a hay maze. They typically aren't as big as corn mazes but are just as fun. Some can be too easy, depending on where you go, while others can be more difficult and leave you frustrated. One of the better hay mazes is Tubbs Berry Farm in Twin Falls. They add an extra element, handing you a punch card, and having you try to find each punch before you exit the maze. You may find the exit, but find yourself going back into the maze to get the last punch or two that you missed. For more on Tubbs Berry Farm, make sure to click the link above.
Attend a Boise State Football Game
Living in Idaho, it is a must to attend at least one Boise State game. You might go for the football, you may want to see the blue turf, or perhaps you are looking to have fun on a beautiful fall afternoon. The team is typically pretty good, especially in 2024, and it is a great way to enjoy a Saturday in the capital. Tickets can be hard to come by when the team is having a good season but try to get to at least one game every fall.
Pumpkin Patches in Idaho
What is fall without buying some pumpkins? Idaho has many pumpkin patches in the state, especially in the Magic Valley. Instead of buying them off of the street corner or a church parking lot, make sure to get to an authentic pumpkin patch and pick out your favorite one. Get one that you need two people to lift, get one your children can carry, or get one in between. There are tons of options, and you are bound to find the right one with so many to choose from. You can't enjoy fall in Idaho without visiting a pumpkin patch at least once, or multiple times.
Carving a Pumpkin
Once you have picked out your pumpkin, it is time to figure out what to do with it. While painting them can be fun, there is something about carving a pumpkin that is traditional and brings the season to life. It can be an old-fashioned Jack-O-Lantern, it can be a design or symbol, or maybe a silly face or character. Having a night carving pumpkins is a great way to spend some family time together and create fall memories.
Drive Through the Mountains
This is one is best done in the earlier part of fall, and with the warmer season this year, there is still time. Idaho is home to some beautiful areas, especially when the leaves are changing. Take an afternoon and go for a drive through the mountains and enjoy seeing the leaves change and the beautiful colors. It will likely be the last time you can drive through the mountains without snow and ice for the next 6 to 7 months. Get one final mountain drive-in before it is too late.
Pick Fruit at an Orchard
Fall is the best time to pick fruit, and there are some beautiful orchards in the Gem State. If you have never picked apples, pears, apricots, or fruit from a tree, it is a must-to in the fall. Most orchards will close by the end of October, so make sure to get out and pick some fruit from an orchard soon. You can't beat freshly picked fruit.
Sit in a Hot Spring
While this is one you can do in the winter as well, fall is a better time due to hiking conditions. Idaho is home to some incredible natural hot springs in the wilderness if you know where to go. There is something majestic sitting in a hot spring with a beautiful view after a long hike. While it is likely to be tempting when the weather is colder, in the winter the snow can impact getting to the hot springs. Take advantage of a chilly fall day hike to a secluded area and enjoy a nice soak this fall.
There is still plenty of fall left, and weather-wise, it is only beginning to feel like the season most of us are used to. Don't let the best season of the year go to waste, and get out and try to check off as many items as you can off of your Idaho fall bucket list. These are only some recommendations, but what do you think should be added and should be accomplished this fall?
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