Blackfoot & Bingham County
The city of Blackfoot is known as the “Potato Capital of the World” because more potatoes are grown here than in any other
county in the United States. Blackfoot’s rich agricultural identity is evident in the large farms surrounding the city.
Want to learn more about potatoes? Visit the Idaho Potato Museum, gift shop and café. Take a selfie with their giant potato! Hop on a trolley to tour historic downtown–murals, window vignettes and live performances May through August. Jensen’s Grove Park offers 35-acres of waterskiing & fishing, a skate park, basketball courts, a 6.5 mile paved trail, a sandy beach, amphitheater, playgrounds, and picnic areas.
Major community events include Celebrate Blackfoot the last weekend of June and the weeklong Eastern Idaho State Fair which starts Labor Day weekend.
Growing that many potatoes uses up a lot of land, but somehow Bingham County has some left over for sportsmen, play, and three communities that will win your heart. If you are headed north your first stop will be Blackfoot. Blackfoot is at the confluence of the larger and better known Snake River and the Blackfoot River from which it gets it’s name.
Blackfoot loves parks and has 10 of them, the biggest is Jensen Grove right off Interstate 15. The 20 acre Jensen Grove Pond provides swimming, water skiing and personal watercraft opportunities. The park contains part of a Greenway system which links the community of Blackfoot with the Snake River, part of the path crossing over the north end of Jensen Lake.
Then there is the Eastern Idaho State Fair. That’s the official title. It is in fact one of the finest agricultural fairs in the country. Starting Labor Day weekend and running through the following Saturday, this fair will draw over 200,000 visitors to the town of 10,000. You’ll find the expected exhibits along with pari-mutuel horse racing, rodeos, carnival rides of course, and big name entertainment every night. In addition, two small stages on each end of the fair grounds offer free entertainment acts daily.
Now’s the time to head for the Snake River again, especially if you’re making your trek in an RV. You are looking for what’s called North Bingham County Park. It’s the newest park in the Bingham County system and offers RV hookups and dump station and a picnic area to let you enjoy the view of one of the country’s most attractive rivers. This area also features a Greenway linking the town of Shelley and the Snake River, near the park it runs adjacent to the river to make stretching your legs a scenic event.
Then there’s Aberdeen. Aberdeen is south of Shelley, and west of Blackfoot. Take State Highway 39 to get there because the trip is worth it. In addition to the surrounding potato country, Aberdeen is near the shore of the American Falls Reservoir. There’s more information on the Reservoir in the American Falls section of this travel guide. You’ll want to check out Sportsman Park for its access to the reservoir and complete services for RV travelers and fishermen.
Blackfoot & Bingham County
130 N W Main
P. O. Box 801
Blackfoot, Idaho 83221-0801
Phone: (208) 785-0510
Blackfoot Chamber of Commerce
Blackfoot Idaho Recreation
Blackfoot Community Players perform to provide quality community theater in Eastern Idaho. Check their website for current performance schedules.
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The Blackfoot Performing Arts Center hosts national touring concerts and shows. The BPAC Concert Series continues each year with support from all of Southeastern Idaho.
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The Bannock Peak Casino features over 60 gaming machines. It is owned and operated by the Shoshone-Bannock Tribe. It is located next to the Bannock Peak Truck Stop along Interstate 86 at exit 52 in Arbon Valley just West of Pocatello, Idaho.
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Sage Hill Travel Center and Casino features 100 gaming machines, the Bohogoi Café, Convenience Store and Gas Station. Located off I-15 exit 89 South of Blackfoot.
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View Western Kingbird, Yellow-breasted Chat, Gray Catbird, Black-headed Grosbeak, White-throated Swift, Prairie and Peregrine Falcons, Flammulated, Northern Saw-whet, and Western Screech-Owls. Raptors, Shorebirds, Songbirds, Upland Birds, Waterbirds, Waterfowl. Get full details at the website listed below. View the Idaho Birding Trail Interactive Map View the Idaho Birding Trail PDF.
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Ferry Butte Road Boat Ramp Bird Watching area is between the South Blackfoot Dam to Tilden Bridge Boat Ramp. There are Raptors, Shorebirds, Songbirds, Upland Birds, Waterbirds and Waterfowl. Learn more on E-Bird View our Birdwatching Guide to Southeast Idaho Brochure
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Visit Idaho’s largest butterfly house where you can enjoy the beauty of many different species of butterflies, plants and birds. Showcasing many different species found here in Idaho. Walk through the indoor botanical garden and watch the butterflies flutter around you.
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9-hole golf course located in Shelley, Idaho.
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The Blackfoot River Canyon is a smaller version of the Snake River Birds of Prey Area and makes for an excellent backcountry scenic drive.
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There is a two mile paved walking path surrounding Jensen Lake, with 55 acres of water for many summer activities, including swimming, boating, and jet skiing.
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Open year round. The Idaho Potato Museum celebrates the humble spud and its contribution to humanity. Located in Blackfoot, Idaho, the Potato Capitol of the World, the Idaho Potato Museum explores the history, cultivation and harvesting of potatoes. Displays showcase unique artifacts including the World's Largest Potato Crisp, as noted…
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Trailhead for snowmobiling, ATV riding and mountain biking.
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The Blackfoot River offers good whitewater boating and wildlife viewing opportunities. A backcountry drive meanders along the rim of the gorge and offers views into the canyon and river below.
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The Bingham County Historical Museum is located in the John Brown Mansion, a southern plantation style-home built in 1905, and served as home to the Brown Family before being deeded to the Stewart Hoover American Legion Post to serve as the legion hall until it was deeded to the county…
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18 hole championship golf course designed by George Von Elm, 1926 US amateur champ.
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