Fort Hall was built in 1834 on the Snake River near present-day Pocatello as an important supply fort on the Oregon Trail. This historical connection opens up several distinct ways to explore: a Fort Hall Replica, recreations of buildings from Pocatello’s early days, and collections about the history of Bannock County and Pocatello. The focus is not only on routes, but also on specific places and memories.

Fort Hall and Local History

The Fort Hall Replica in Upper Ross Park is dedicated to preserving the history of the original Fort Hall. Frontier Town at the Replica includes twelve historic recreations of buildings from Pocatello’s early days. The two attractions offer different perspectives: the fort recalls a supply station on the Oregon Trail, while Frontier Town evokes Pocatello’s early days.

The Bannock County Historical Complex features exhibits, artifacts, and documents about the history of Bannock County and Pocatello. The Oregon Trail is among the historical topics covered in the exhibits. This means the route features alongside the fort’s history in a collection that encompasses local and city history. In Pocatello, a self-guided tour also takes you through the Downtown Historic District. Bannock County’s museums also include the South Bannock County Historical Center Museum in Lava Hot Springs and the Shoshone Bannock Tribal Museum in Fort Hall.

Historic Routes and River Trails

The historic routes also differ from one another: the Sublette Cutoff crosses Fish Creek Pass near Lava Hot Springs, while the Pioneer Historic Byway follows Highway 91 north to Red Rock Pass. This places a historic cutoff over a pass alongside a byway with a clearly defined highway route. Part of the American Falls Reservoir is also among Bannock County’s recreational areas.

For walking or biking, the Portneuf Greenway is a useful point of reference. As of 2025, it includes more than 18 miles of trails for hiking and biking along the river, through seating areas, and in town. On the Portneuf River, you can float in inner tubes for one or two people, or go out in kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards. This offers several ways to explore: walking or biking along the river, as well as getting out on the water.

Wildlife, Events, and Other Experiences

The Bannock County Fairgrounds in Downey host the annual Bannock County Fair and Rodeo. If you’d like to include the event in your trip plans, check the event dates. Zoo Idaho offers educational programs about native wildlife through exhibits, events, classes, and other family programs. An annual county event and an educational wildlife experience offer different highlights for your explorations.

The World Famous Hot Pools in Lava Hot Springs are open every day of the year except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day; check the opening hours before you go. Pebble Creek Ski Area is located on Mount Bonneville in the Portneuf Range, not far from Pocatello. This location adds another clearly identified landscape to the historical and urban points of interest.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Pocatello, Lava Hot Springs, McCammon, Clark County, Boundary County, Teton County, Bingham County, Ada.

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