WHITEWATER SEASON MAKES A SPLASH

The season kicks off in Emmett with the World Jet Boat River Race Championship, the first time the competition has run on the Payette River in over 30 years. Later in the summer, the North Fork Championship returns to the Payette River's formidable North Fork section — widely considered one of the most challenging stretches of whitewater in the world.

EXPANDING THE STARGAZING EXPERIENCE

The Idaho Dark Sky Alliance expands its network of stargazing destinations with the new Stanley Observatory, a state-of-the-art observatory scheduled to open this spring. The observatory will feature a retractable roof, a telescope for public viewing, and educational programs. Nearby in Sun Valley, The Observatory Hotel Sun Valley will open featuring a state-of-the-art rooftop observatory.

NEW PERSPECTIVES AT IDAHO STATE PARKS

Twin Peaks Ranch State Park, Idaho's first new state park in 30 years, opens June 27. Located outside of Salmon, the 677-acre park sits above the Main Salmon River and serves as a gateway to more than 2,000 miles of surrounding trails, fishing ponds and more. In North Idaho, Round Lake State Park is elevating the overnight experience with new treehouse stays nestled in the pines. Ponderosa State Park's Kokanee Cove cabins welcome travelers seeking a slower pace on the shores of Payette Lake.

NEW SLIDES AT ROARING SPRINGS

Roaring Springs, the Northwest's largest waterpark, debuts its new beehive-themed water ride featuring 720-degree spirals with g-forces — only the second installation of its kind in the world.

A STANDOUT SUMMER FOR IDAHO WINE

The Idaho Wine Commission declared 2026 the "Year of Riesling." The designation highlights one of the state's most celebrated varietals, known for its balance of bright acidity and aromatic complexity shaped by Idaho's warm days and cool nights. Wine lovers can experience the varietal firsthand at Savor Idaho, the state's premier wine event, in Boise on June 7. Attendees can sample flavors from wineries and cideries across Idaho, offering an immersive introduction to the state's wine scene.

DOWNTOWN BOISE WELCOMES TWO HOTELS

Boise's hospitality scene continues to grow with the opening of two new hotel properties in one: AC Hotel and Element Hotel by Marriott. The dual-branded development brings a mix of modern design and extended-stay comfort to the city's urban core for meetings groups, business and leisure travelers. The hotel also features The Boise Post restaurant and lounge, with stunning rooftop views and Idaho-sourced fare mixed with global flavors.

JAMES BEARD NOMINATIONS STACK UP

Idaho restaurants, bars and chefs received recognition in the culinary industry with the announcement of semifinalists for the James Beard Awards earlier this year. In Boise, Bar, Please! was named a semifinalist for Best New Bar, while Ansots Basque Chorizos and Catering was recognized in the Outstanding Hospitality category, marking a return after a previous nomination in Best Chef: Mountain. The Best Chef: Mountain category includes Alex Cardoza of Susina, Cal Elliott of The Avery and Nathan Whitley of Terroir.

EXPANDING ACCESS ON IDAHO'S TRAILS

Central Idaho's Wood River Valley is expanding accessibility to its trail network this summer. The Wood River Trails Coalition is advancing the Quigley-Hangman Connector, a new trail designed to link existing networks and increase recreation opportunities across the region. The new Kevin Pavlis Park, designed as the region's first purpose-built adaptive mountain bike trail system, will feature miles of trails built to accommodate riders of varying abilities, with wider paths, gentle grades and inclusive design standards.

For more information on things to do in Idaho in 2026, visit visitidaho.org.