Island Park Idaho & Big Sky Vacations

Just an hour and a half south of Big Sky, lies Island Park, ID which shares the spectacular beauty of Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park but without the crowds.

Overview

As a part of the same volcanic forces that created Yellowstone, Island Park shares the spectacular beauty of Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. The scenic beauty of the area attracts visitors who are seeking outdoor adventure and a western vacation.

Location

Island Park is located in the eastern section of Idaho, south of Big Sky and further south of West Yellowstone on US Highway 20.

Services/Amenities

Regardless of what you are looking for, you will find it in Island Park. You can get burger, subs, sandwiches, pizza and more for lunch and a variety of American Cuisine for dinner.

Island Park is an area with a number of ranches and luxurious guest lodges to make your getaway the best yet. Lodges and resort accommodations anticipate your every need. The wilderness surrounding offers plenty of outdoor recreation.

Activities

In Island Park you will find vast opportunities for outdoor adventure.

Hiking
Go six miles north of the Island Park Ranger Station and find the Big Spring Nature Trail. Here you can view lots of wildlife on a relaxing half-mile trek.

You can also hike around Mesa Falls, taking a fabulous trail from the Upper Falls to the Lower Falls.

There are many more trails to choose from that will give you a flavor of the backcountry wilds of Island Park.

Fishing
Fly-fishing is world famous on the Henry’s Fork of the Snake River. One high-mountain lake you should try is Henry’s Lake at Henry’s Lake State Park. Here you will find brook trout, cutthroat trout and bass.

Wildlife Watching
The pristine forests and high-country meadows offer great habitat for wildlife around Island Park, Idaho. You can spot deer, elk and the rare trumpeter swan, black and grizzly bears, antelope, eagles and much more.

Cross-Country Skiing and Snowmobiling
With so much snowfall in this part of the country, Island Park is a premiere spot for cross-country skiing and, of course, snowmobiling. There are literally hundreds of miles of groomed trails.

Attractions

Big Springs
Producing over 120 million gallons of water each day, Big Springs is a Natural National Landmark, and one of the 40 largest natural springs in the world. The springs create the headwaters of the Henrys Fork of the Snake River. The Springs is home to rainbow trout, muskrats, ducks, moose and other critters.

Johnny Sack Cabin
Due to its unique location and picturesque setting, at Big Springs, Johnny’s cabin and nearby water-wheel have long been one of the most photographed sites in Island Park. The cabin attracts thousands of visitors each summer interested in the log and stone structure as well as the building’s colorful creator.

Island Park Reservoir
Water sports are popular on this large reservoir, where you can also drive on the top of the dam to get a spectacular view of Box Canyon and the Centennial Mountains. Fish, boat or water-ski to your heart’s content.

Harriman State Park
At the heart of Island Park lies Harriman State Park - 4,330 acres of pristine forest land and high-country meadows. Located in the center of a 16,000 acre wildlife refuge, the park is a haven to rare trumpeter swans, waterfowl, elk, deer and numerous other wildlife.

The working cattle ranch in Harriman State Park has been preserved from its early days of ranching. Buildings from 1902 are still intact and you can tour the area on a self-guided tour or with a guide.

Getting Here
To get to Big Sky from Island Park, Idaho, get on US 20 and go north for a little over 28 miles to the community of West Yellowstone. From West Yellowstone, head north on US 191/US 287 on to Big Sky. The entire trip is approximately 80 miles.