Idaho Archives - Van Life Wanderer

Rigby is a classic Idaho small town that will give you a true sense of what the state’s all about. With camping, fishing, and plenty of golf, this town is an outdoor lover’s dream! Go hiking, take a boat out on a lake, and camp in a tent or RV. If you’re a fan of nature or a sucker for small towns, Rigby is for you! History Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints founded Rigby in 1884 and it was incorporated in 1903. Rigby was named after an early settler and member of the church. Most of Rigby’s residents are still members of the church. The population was nearly 4,000 in 2010, a dramatic increase from about 3,000 in 2000. Where exactly is Rigby? How far is it from major cities? Rigby is the county seat of Jefferson County. It’s located in the southeast part of the state. It takes about four hours and 15 minutes to drive from Rigby to Boise via I-84 W. It takes about 15 minutes to drive from Rigby to Idaho Falls via US-20 W. It takes about two and a half hours to drive from Rigby to Twin Falls via I-15 S and I-86 W. Things To Do In Rigby Even though the town is small, there’s still plenty to do in Rigby! 1. Jefferson County Lake Some of the best nature in the country is found in the humble state of Idaho. Jefferson County Lake is a great place to spend the day or night, full of amenities and activities to choose from. With 50 campsites that have water and electric hookups, these front-country campsites won’t leave you wanting for more. You’ll also have access to bathrooms and a boat ramp (as long as your boat isn’t motorized!). Enjoy a peaceful paddle out on the lake and soak up some sun rays. Another option is to lay out a blanket and read your favorite book on the large grassy area. Or have a picnic with friends at one of their many picnic tables! If you have a little one, don’t worry- of course there’s a playground too. Complete with volleyball nets, walking trails, and sandy beaches, this lake will keep you fulfilled for days on end! 490 N 4000 E, Rigby, ID 83442 2. Farnsworth TV & Pioneer Museum This museum is a vital part of the Jefferson County Historical Society, dedicated to preserving the history of Jefferson County’s people and communities. For over three decades, this building was the Bond Motel. For a short while after, it was a small mall with a few stores and an arcade. When the mall went bankrupt, the City acquired the building and transformed it into a museum through grants and donations. It features 14,000 sq ft. of exhibits from the pre-electric era and electric era, the history of Jefferson County, and early photography. Visit this historic site to walk through the history of Jefferson County and explore this landmark building! 118 W 1st S, Rigby, ID 83442 3. Jefferson Hills Golf Course The Jefferson Hills Golf Course can be found among hundreds of beautiful trees and a meandering river. It’s always maintained impeccably, with breathtaking views and plenty of wildlife to see. This is a favorite golf course for all skill levels and is used by many tournament groups. Enjoy this fun 18 hole course with 6,256 yards of golf and a par of 71! 4074 E 500 N, Rigby, ID 83442 4. Cress Creek Trail With an elevation gain of 311 feet, the Cress Creek Trail is a gentle hike that allows for stunning views of the Snake River in the summer and jaw-dropping leaf displays in the fall. The first section is uphill and paved. The pavement ends at a creek and turns into gravel, and from then on there are multiple overlooks and benches for you to enjoy. Keep your ears and eyes peeled! You’ll be able to hear coyotes and see cat prints if you pay enough attention. If you’re just getting back into hiking, this is the perfect trail for you. It’s easy enough to hike without being boring! 5. Cedar Park Golf Course The Cedar Park Golf Course “has everything you need for a day away from the office.” They have a par 3 executive course that will push you to your short game limits. After that, brush up with their outdoor putting course that will challenge you no matter what your skill level is. Finish up with a trip to their driving range and you’ll have the best day out golfing of your entire life! Their putting course is perfect for practicing 35 foot putts, with uphill and downhill shots, doglegs, and monster putts. 4429 234 N, Rigby, ID 83442 6. Camping at Twin Bridges Campground Twin Bridges is 27 acres of unaltered land full of wildlife located on the Snake River. It gets its name from its location between two bridges. You’ll find tons of camping spots covered in shade by large trees. Three sides of the park are surrounded by BLM ground with site seeing, hiking, and hunting. The park is dry so pack more than enough water! You can camp for five days every 30 days. No reservations are available- first come, first serve. It costs $10 per night, or $40 for five nights. Features include: Tent sites and RV pads Boat dock and ramp Picnic areas and fire pits Bathrooms A playground Three big shelters including fire rings and picnic tables 7. Yellowstone Bear World (photo: Sayjinlink) Yellowstone Bear World completes your vacation to the Grand Teton and Yellowstone regions! A completely unique experience, this drive-thru wildlife park will leave you surrounded by North American free-roaming wildlife while you drive your own car through the park. Expect to see American Black Bears and Grizzly Bears, Moose, Rocky Mountain Goats, Mule Deer, White-tail Deer, Bison, and Rocky Mountain Elk! Yellowstone Bear World is Idaho’s firstmost wildlife attraction, and it surely isn’t something you want to miss. 8. Roberts Gravel Pond Roberts Gravel Pond, also known as Jim Moore Pond, is 45 acres large and the perfect place to chase small perch. Ice fishing is particularly great at this pond. You can look down your hole and see dozens of fish competing for your bait. It’s truly spectacular! Rainbow trout, tiger trout, and yellow perch are all stocked at this pond.