Blake Walsh

20 Best Things to Do in Rexburg, ID

  • Published 2022/09/08

Rexburg is a young, energetic city with an even more youthful approach to life.

It’s peacefully resting in Madison County, Idaho, with an average elevation of 4,865 feet (1,483 m) above sea level.

With its family-friendly community makings of warm interactions, Rexburg is undoubtedly one of the safest cities in the United States right now.

Being home to over 34,000 residents, Rexburg still has that small-town charm with just enough major city activities for people to enjoy on many levels.

From its vast selection of foods to its amazing views, you’d be hard-pressed to find a more blissful city than this one.

Many people come to Rexburg for its plentiful natural splendor.

But it’s more than just picturesque attractions.

The city is an ideal place to raise a family for many reasons.

It’s not only pleasant, but it’s full of friendly and active people who offer unforgettable experiences the whole family can enjoy while staying in this lovely little haven of magnificence.

Planning a trip here?

Be sure that you don’t miss out on any of these fun things to do in Rexburg, Idaho:

Find Scenic Beauty Along the Cress Creek Nature Trail

Aerial View of  Cress Creek Nature Trail

Devin Davis / shutterstock.com

The Cress Creek Nature Trail is a charming venture for both nature-buffs and novice nature enthusiasts alike.

Intertwined along the scenic South Fork of the Snake River, the trail is a 1ј-mile path that sees hikers travel through sagebrush grasslands, climb over juniper hillsides and walk along a freshwater creek.

The beautiful creek nearby fed by the snowmelt from nearby volcanoes got its name from the watercress plant that moose are fond of.

If you hike quietly enough, you may see deer, bunnies, or even bears!

It’s worth visiting during sunrise or sunset since you can capture incredible views of the river and surrounding farmland.

You can take your mate along with you even if they are inexperienced hikers because this outdoor spot is ideal for bringing people who want to start getting into nature without being too rough on them in terms of challenges.

Love fishing?

Cress Creek is open to fishing year-round, so grab your rods and see if you can reel in some dinner!

You can also hop in the water for a quick dip after taking a long walk in the sun – it’ll help you cool off.

The trail is a self-guided excursion, but there are also interpretive signs posted along the way to help one better understand the area’s flora and fauna.

See Historic Aircraft at the Legacy Flight Museum

In a town marked by quaint little communities with fun local food spots, friendly neighbors, and both affordable and comfortable living, it’s easy to see that Rexburg is also an aviation-friendly city.

This beautiful open space that embraces flight was brought into existence by James Bagley after his love for aircraft inspired him to collect antique military airplanes.

Over time, this collection of vintage Military Aircraft grew into the Legacy Flight Museum.

An establishment two years in the making, the museum gives the new generations the opportunity to see up close some of the many aircraft like gliders, fighters, bombers, and other various warbirds still intact since WWII.

It is home to the Mormon Mustang, which John Bagley drove, and the SNB-5 Beechcraft that belonged to the US Navy and saw action during WWII and the Vietnam War.

Other remarkable aircraft you’ll see here include the Duplex Cyclone Engine, Ole Yeller, The Pilot Maker, Boeing Stearman, and much more!

The Legacy Flight Museum is a family-friendly museum that features an active military discount and is wheelchair accessible.

Adults will have to pay $8 for the entrance fee and $3 for kids aged 8-17, while seniors, college students, military & veterans can get in for $6.

However, kids under 8 are free to roam the museum.

Visit the Dazzling Rexburg Idaho Temple and Experience a Special Spirituality

Sunset in Rexburg Idaho Temple

Pavili255, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Whether you believe in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints or not, you can experience a different kind of spirituality by visiting The Dazzling Rexburg Idaho Temple.

The temple is awe-inspiring, even to those who are not members of The Church.

Upon entering, there is an immediate feeling of spirituality and peace.

The Rexburg Idaho Temple is taller than any other building in the city.

Aerial View of Rexburg Idaho Temple

JoshuaPaulWilson / shutterstock.com

Along Highway 20, the white edifice is visible for miles around.

Completed in 2008, it indicates that idealism rules at this locale.

The beautiful African wood and Israeli tile fittings inside the Rexburg Idaho Temple, along with the stained-glass wheat motif windows that help bring a sense of intrigue to any onlooker that may happen to pass by here.

It’s one of only a few temples that open its doors to everyone, and that alone makes it worth a visit.

Let Aloha Take You for a Ride With Da Pineapple Grill

Located on the corner of 2nd North and West in downtown Rexburg, this exceptional restaurant will make you feel as though you’re on vacation.

The classy and exotic interior of Da Pineapple Grill will make you feel like you’re in Hawaii; there’s even a shingled roof sushi bar!

Whether you’re looking for an intimate evening out or a relaxed lunch with friends, this restaurant serves meals made from scratch using all-natural ingredients.

When preparing their signature saucy organic choices, they take great care, such as organic coconut shrimp and tempura.

They grill up signature meats and folded chicken dishes in tangy marinades.

To top off these savory delights, their signature desserts are homemade featuring real Huckleberries and Vanilla Bean.

You should try their Mango Guava Cheesecake – it’s their best seller.

Enjoy Fun Summer Events at Porter Park

Since the beginning, Porter Park has been one of Rexburg’s most cherished and honored attractions, and with good reason.

It is a traditional point of interest for Rexburg residents and frequent visitors, hosting events, such as the Community Fun Festival, Rexburg’s annual fireworks show, and many more!

Its amenities range from a wading pool or “Splash Pad” to what is known locally as “Porter Park Central,” a typical park ground containing little tables for dining outdoors.

A wooden fence adorns the perimeter, while children flock here in droves to play ball games or have some fun by jumping on a trampoline.

In addition to being the quintessential picnic spot for locals and tourists, you can take a stroll along beautiful paved paths that wind throughout the grounds while gazing at some pet-friendly animals nestled in amongst lush green scenery.

Porter Park can be found right in the southwest of Champaign on the corner of Rising and Windsor Roads.

Other amenities of Porter Park include a Performance Stage, kid’s playground, tennis courts, and a basketball court.

Also, you will find two shelters inside this recreation area; they come with the same kind of facilities and lots of lovely wooden picnic tables right in front of them, which can accommodate up to 25 people for each shelter.

You and your family and friends can have a splash pad from May to August from 10 am to 9 pm every day.

Go to Smith Park for Family Fun, Concerts, and More

It’s not often that Smith Park comes to mind when you think of leisure.

But there are wonderful things about the park worth noticing, especially if you’re looking for a place away from city traffic.

Smith features two baseball diamonds, a basketball court, a fitness course, picnic shelters, and tennis courts.

The East Shelter and South Shelter each have eight tables available.

An additional amenity to the park is the walking paths, where you can just walk around and enjoy no doubt idyllic scenery.

Every Thursday during the summer months, there are concerts in honor of the current season.

They have a gazebo you can reserve for your next get-together if that’s what you’re into.

Additionally, Smith Park hosts an antique steam engine that dates back to the early days of farming on the hillside.

Its owner, James Webster, used it on his farm, which once occupied this area.

Drive Through the Wildlife at Yellowstone Bear World

Outside view of Yellowstone Bear World

Sayjinlink, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Looking for a breathtaking wildlife experience?

Tour the wildlife at Yellowstone Bear World in a car!

Located 5 miles south of Rexburg, Idaho, on US HWY 20, this drive-thru wildlife park offers visitors the opportunity to get up close with free-roaming animals from North America.

This natural delight has everything you need, including scenery, highlights, and maybe even spotting some amazing animals like White-tail Deer, Bison, Moose, Grizzly Bear, and Mule Deer.

Inside view of Yellowstone Bear World

Sayjinlink, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The animals here are not hostile to their human visitors, so you can safely observe them as they roam freely throughout their habitat.

The park contains many interactive displays where you can touch an elk or shoo away a pesky black bear.

Taste Tested Sushi in Rexburg at Dong’s Sushi Bar & Asian Fusion

Located at 505 North 2nd East Suite #201 in Rexburg, Idaho, Dong’s Sushi Bar & Asian Fusion is perfect for foodies.

The restaurant will make you feel like stepping right into a wabi-sabi hideaway tucked away in a remote region of Asia, where the only thing on the menu is perfect sushi.

The restaurant is open six days a week and opens its doors to guests ready to place orders and sit down to enjoy them quickly.

Although they’re super small inside the restaurant proper, Dong’s is still a real treat for hungry patrons looking for something tasty on a budget.

Hit the Course at Teton Lakes Golf Course

Teton Lakes Golf Course is a crafty, tasty course that is a must for anyone who appreciates the beauty of the Tetons.

This 18-hole gem lies west of Rexburg on Hibbard Road.

As you enjoy the scenery at Teton Lakes, you’ll undoubtedly feel like you’ve entered an oasis of relaxation.

This charming resort course is a true feast for all senses and welcomes everyone with fair play and even more appeal.

The wide-open front nine is a piece of cake, while the back nine offers narrow fairways and many ways to find trouble.

Overall, it’s an excellent course for players to test their skills and put fun head-to-head with strategic play.

Get a Taste of the Best BBQ in Rexburg at the Hickory

The Hickory specializes in making delicious, slow-smoked barbecue and hand-cut fries, a laid-back restaurant with a modern appearance.

They’re the best option for people looking to get their hands on some incredible burgers and BBQ in Rexburg, Idaho.

The menu is special – be sure to try a classic burger topped with pulled pork and a drizzle of honey!

The flavor combination will make you want to come back again and again!

And don’t forget the fries. Since they’re hand-cut, you can do so much with them, and they’ll go down perfectly with an ice-cold beer.

So be sure to check out The Hickory when you stop in with your family and discover why the people of Rexburg love this place so much.

If you want to grab dinner quickly before stopping by the theater, or just enjoy fast food in general in Rexburg at its finest, then there’s only one choice: the Hickory’s Barbecue in Rexburg, Idaho!

Camp at Beaver Dick Park

Sunset in Beaver Dick Park

Devin Davis / shutterstock.com

Located in Rexburg, Idaho, Beaver Dick Park is a great place to go camping.

The park got its name from Richard “Beaver Dick” Leigh, one of the last of his kind and known as a “mountain man” who was a fur trapper and hunter during an era when beavers were prevalent.

Nowadays, campers can pay $10 for a campsite or fifty dollars to stay the whole week.

There are also pavilions where you can hold picnics or other events, as well as grills so you can have your own barbecue.

It has bathrooms for those folks, so they don’t have to go hiking all the way out to return from nature’s call.

If you want more serious entertainment, there’s even a stocked fishing pond.

And because Henry’s Fork River runs adjacent to this lovely spot, there are plenty of water sports and canoeing opportunities.

Enjoy These Delicious Treats From the Rexburg Farmers Market

Every Friday night throughout the summer (from 4 pm to 8 pm), visiting the Rexburg Farmers Market downtown is like discovering a best-kept secret of Rexburg.

This year, described as “community collaboration,” marks its 11th year in operation and has attracted around 45+ different vendors.

Some of the vendors you’ll find here sell food and beverage items, such as tacos, corndogs, soda, and lemonade.

Others showcase local produce, such as berries, apples, corn, and kale.

So if you’re looking for something exciting to do downtown on a Friday evening this summer, head over to College Avenue between 4 pm and 8 pm.

That’s the time where you can get your hands on locally grown produce or hard-to-find artisan handcrafted goods—all while enjoying Bluegrass music playing in the background!

See a Movie at Teton Vu Drive-in

Hollywood has always had a dream to rival the drive-in.

But now they’ve found their competition in Rexburg, Idaho, thanks to the Teton Vu Drive-in!

This drive-in movie theater has been entertaining audiences since 1955 with single-screen films under the starry sky.

Because it’s open seasonally from about March until October, you have to watch out for spoilers turning up on social media!

And not just any old story can do – Teton Vu Drive-in is at your service for running times of shows showing before or after big featured releases.

The Teton Vu Drive-in welcomes those who like to bring along their furry friends.

As long as they’re well-behaved, Teton Vu will permit pets on their premises after purchasing a $2 “pet permit,” which covers all your pet’s needs throughout your visit.

The Teton Vu encourages you to livestream their movies via radio or the internet.

And if you’re not able to show up in front of one of their many screens with blankets and pillows, fear not!

You can buy movie tickets online for a more effortless drive-in experience, but remember that reservations are at least three hours before showtime.

Indulge Your Sweet Tooth With Florence’s Exquisite Chocolates & Candies

A visit to Rexburg is not complete without a stop at Florence’s Exquisite Chocolates.

It’s like stepping into another world the moment you walk into Florence’s Chocolates’ doors.

Since 1981, this family-owned business has been serving the highest quality Swiss chocolates in town!

The piece of history that you can relive at Florence’s Exquisite Chocolates revolves around the founders’ experiences.

Florence founded it, an enterprising woman who began to make her first sweets in her kitchen as special treats for family and friends who fell in love with her goodies.

Out of this grew a business that began to produce more special treats.

Learn the City’s History at the Museum of Rexburg

Exterior view of the Museum of Rexburg

Ken Lund from Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Rexburg Stake Tabernacle, one of the most impressive buildings in the city, houses Museum of Rexburg.

This edifice is a fine example of the Romanesque Revival style.

Constructed in 1911, it immediately became one of Rexburg’s most visited tourist attractions.

The city purchased the building in 1980, serving as the Latter-day Saints’ tabernacle.

The Upper Snake River Historical Society museum is near the dam’s foot.

It has various displays detailing the disastrous 1976 Teton Dam collapse, flooding the city of Rexburg.

During this catastrophe, 11 people drowned, and the residents lost 13,000 livestock.

The wall will have a line at the high water mark.

The museum also offers plenty of hands-on exhibits and activities for all ages.

Bring Your Kids to Idaho Centennial Carousel

The Centennial Carousel is the only wooden carousel in the state.

It is a must-see for families with small children as the crowning attraction in Porter Park, Idaho.

The Spillman Engineering Company of New York developed this one-of-a-kind wooden Carousel in 1926 and relocated it to Rexburg in 1952.

Teton Dam floods destroyed the carousel, but the city repaired it in time for Idaho’s centennial celebration in 1990.

Idaho Centennial Carousel still runs with the help of the original antique music scrolls made by the Stinson Band Organ Company in Ohio.

Relax at Rexburg Nature Park

The Rexburg Nature Park overlooks the South Fork of the Teton River on the undeveloped ground close to the airport.

The area’s name is apt since the isolation from the noise of the surrounding roadways accents the tranquility of the natural setting is accentuated by its.

Waterfowl and other avian species thrive among the many wildflowers.

Ducks may be fed birdseed, and teens can skate in the city’s premier skate park, Clair Boyle Skate Park.

Everyone is welcome to use the fishing ponds; kids under 12 can play in the designated area.

Additionally, there is a disc golf course, a walking/biking route, a covered picnic area, and a playground.

Go Camping at Eagle Park

Eagle Park is another green space available to you in Rexburg.

This park lies in the Teton River Corridor Park and Trail System’s western green space.

Visiting this park is a must if you’re looking for a memorable experience in Rexburg.

Evidence in the grass and brush beside the river suggests that tent camping is permitted but not encouraged in Eagle Park.

It also features 24 campsites with conveniences like showers and flush toilets.

These campgrounds are for you if you’re up for an adventure and feeling strong.

Even in the dead of winter, they remain accessible. The Teton River is swimmable at various points throughout the summer.

However, doing so requires a measure of personal responsibility and prudence.

Other Things to Do Nearby

Take Your ATV Ride at St. Anthony Sand Dunes

View of St. Anthony Sand Dunes

David Gilder / Shutterstock.com

Idaho has its fair share of wide and almost boundless expanses.

One such area is the St. Anthony Sand Dunes.

While it may not seem like much when measured against its 400 foot maximum, which makes it rank amongst the tallest in the United States, what you don’t see is an entire ecosystem thriving amid these rippling peaks.

The dunes attract many enthusiasts during the summer for sand dune motorsports riding on ATVs and side-by-side UTVs.

These dunes also serve as valuable winter habitats for elk, grouse, and deer that roost here during the cooler months.

View of St. Anthony Sand Dunes

Pintoo_Hokie / Shutterstock.com

Both sides of the dunes contain various trails winding through both tall and small sand dunes.

You will find more technical riding opportunities on the west side, such as Devil’s Dunes, Dead Horse Bowl, and Choke Cherry.

More beginner-friendly trails are over on the east side of the sand dunes accessible from Red Road.

Final Thoughts

Locals and visitors revered Rexburg for its enviable variety of beautiful places to visit and fun and exciting things to do.

What’s more, you’ll find it’s near all that makes Idaho such a great state in which to live or visit – from the pristine nature that surrounds much of the city to the bountiful outdoor activities, historic sites, and fascinating history at your fingertips.

Why wouldn’t you want to vacation right here in Rexburg?!

© All rights reserved.