Rexburg is a small city in Madison County, Idaho, best known as the home of Brigham Young University–Idaho and as one of the closest base camps for visiting Yellowstone National Park. The west entrance to Yellowstone is about 90 minutes northeast via Highway 20 through the town of West Yellowstone, Montana. But Rexburg has more going on than just proximity to the park. Between a handful of genuinely interesting local attractions, family-friendly parks, a compelling piece of disaster history, and easy access to the Teton Range, there is enough here to fill a couple of days — especially if you are traveling with kids.
The town sits on the Snake River Plain at about 4,860 feet of elevation, with the Teton Range visible to the east. Summers are warm and dry (highs in the 80s°F), and winters are cold with significant snow. Most outdoor activities are best from June through October. Here are the best things to do in and around Rexburg.
Outdoor Activities
1. Hike R Mountain
The R Mountain hike is the most popular short outing in Rexburg — a 3.3-mile round trip that can be completed in under an hour on a warm day. The trail climbs a butte on the edge of town and rewards hikers with panoramic views of the Snake River Plain and the Teton Range to the east. The best time to go is late afternoon or early evening, when the setting sun lights up the Tetons and casts a glow across the Snake River below. Bring a camera and a blanket if you want to linger for sunset.
2. Explore Rexburg Nature Park
This 15-acre park sits in a quiet area near the South Fork of the Teton River, away from traffic. It is a good spot for a picnic, a walk along the river, or a round of disc golf on the 9-hole course. A skate park is also on-site. The park connects to Eagle Park Campground, which has 24 tent-camping sites with restrooms and drinking water — making it easy to combine a nature walk with an overnight stay. Reservations are recommended during peak summer months.
3. Cress Creek Nature Trail
This short, self-guided trail follows the river corridor and climbs through rolling terrain with some steep sections. On clear days, it offers broad views of the surrounding farmland and river valley. The trail is well-marked and suitable for most ages, though the uneven ground makes sturdy shoes a good idea. The best hiking window is June through October.
4. Drive the Teton Scenic Byway
Rexburg is a starting point for the Teton Scenic Byway, a roughly 70-mile drive that traces the western edge of the Teton Range through the towns of Driggs, Victor, and Tetonia. The route runs through potato and barley fields with the jagged Teton peaks dominating the eastern horizon — a dramatically different perspective from the more famous views inside Grand Teton National Park on the Wyoming side. It is one of the most scenic drives in eastern Idaho and pairs well with a stop in Victor.
Family Attractions
5. Idaho Centennial Carousel at Porter Park
The Idaho Centennial Carousel is the only antique wooden carousel in Idaho and one of roughly 170 remaining in the United States. Built in 1926 by the Spillman Engineering Company of New York, it originally operated as a traveling carnival attraction before being purchased by Rexburg citizens in 1952 for $5,500 and set up in Porter Park just in time for the Fourth of July. The 1976 Teton Dam flood severely damaged the carousel and destroyed many of its wooden horses. In 1988 it was dismantled and painstakingly restored by skilled craftsmen, reopening in 1990 to mark Idaho’s centennial. Today it features 38 horses (12 newly carved, 26 restored originals), repaired chariots, and original music scrolls from the Stinson Band Organ Company of Ohio. The carousel operates seasonally, generally Memorial Day through Labor Day. Porter Park itself has playground equipment, tennis and basketball courts, a splash pad, picnic pavilions, and walking paths.
6. Yellowstone Bear World
Yellowstone Bear World is a drive-through wildlife park located just south of Rexburg on Highway 20. Visitors stay in their vehicles and drive through enclosures where black bears, bison, Rocky Mountain elk, deer, and other animals roam in a natural setting. There is also a petting area where younger visitors can interact with bear cubs and other young animals (seasonally available). It is a popular family stop on the way to or from Yellowstone. Verify current hours and pricing before visiting.
7. Rexburg Rapids
This seasonal water park is the go-to spot on hot summer days. It has water slides, a splash pad, climbing walls, a lazy river area, and open green space for sunbathing. A concession stand sells food and drinks at reasonable prices. It is geared toward families with kids, though adults will find it a comfortable place to relax while children burn off energy.
8. Kidsburg Discovery Center
The Kidsburg Discovery Center (also referred to as the Rexburg Kid’s Discovery Center) is a children’s museum with over 5,000 square feet of indoor exhibits designed around hands-on play and learning. It is aimed at younger children and is a useful rainy-day option or a break from outdoor activities. Check their website for current hours and any special programming.
History and Culture
9. Museum of Rexburg: Home of the Teton Flood Exhibit
Located in the basement of the Rexburg Stake Tabernacle (a building listed on the National Register of Historic Places), this museum tells the story of Rexburg and the surrounding area — with its centerpiece being the Teton Dam Flood exhibit. On June 5, 1976, the newly completed Teton Dam collapsed, sending roughly 80 billion gallons of water through the valley. The flood killed 11 people, destroyed the communities of Wilford and Sugar City, and damaged about 80 percent of structures in the Rexburg area. The museum displays artifacts, photographs, and a roughly 20-minute film showing actual footage of the dam’s collapse. It is a sobering and compelling exhibit — one of the more unique small-town museum experiences in the region. Allow at least an hour, though history enthusiasts could easily spend longer.
10. Legacy Flight Museum
Founded in 2006 by aviation enthusiast John Bagley, the Legacy Flight Museum is housed in an operational hangar at the Rexburg airport. The collection includes P-51 Mustangs, a P-63 King Cobra, T-6 trainers, L-19 Birddogs, and other aircraft, many of which are maintained in flying condition. Visitors can get close to the planes and, in some cases, sit in a cockpit. The museum is run by volunteers and operates on varying hours — check ahead before visiting. It is a worthwhile stop for aviation and military history enthusiasts.
11. Rexburg Idaho Temple
The Rexburg Idaho Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, dedicated in 2008, is one of the most visible landmarks in town. Its white quartz exterior makes it visible for miles along Highway 20. The temple itself is not open to the general public, but the landscaped grounds are accessible and worth a walk for anyone interested in the architecture. Rexburg has a strong LDS community — estimated at around 95 percent of residents — which shapes much of the town’s character and culture.
Parks and Relaxation
12. Smith Park
Tucked into a quiet residential area on Rexburg’s east side, Smith Park is a community favorite for its peaceful setting. It features two baseball diamonds, tennis courts, gazebos, a picnic area, a playground, and a Veterans Memorial. A vintage 1962 steam engine on display pays tribute to the area’s early farming days on the Rexburg Bench. It is a good place to take a break with a book while kids play.
13. Rexburg Farmers Market
The Rexburg Farmers Market operates on Friday afternoons during the growing season, with local vendors selling farm-fresh produce, baked goods, and handmade crafts. It is small and community-oriented — a low-key way to spend an hour and get a feel for the town’s local character.
14. Eagle Park Campground
Connected to Rexburg Nature Park and the Teton River trail network, Eagle Park Campground offers 24 tent-camping sites with restrooms and drinking water. It is a solid choice for visitors who want a traditional camping experience within easy reach of town amenities and the road to Yellowstone. Reserve early during peak season, as sites fill up.
Practical Tips
Rexburg is a dry town — alcohol sales are extremely limited within city limits, consistent with the community’s LDS character. If that matters for your trip, plan accordingly. The town has a good range of budget and mid-range hotels, plus vacation rentals. Dining options are casual and family-oriented. For more adventurous eating, Idaho Falls (about 30 minutes south) has a wider restaurant scene.
If you are using Rexburg as a base for Yellowstone, give yourself at least one day to explore the town’s own attractions before or after a park visit. The combination of the Teton Flood Museum, the carousel, and a sunset hike on R Mountain makes for a surprisingly full day in a place most people just drive through. For more ideas on combining Rexburg with a broader Idaho trip, check out our guide to Sunriver activities and other hidden gem vacation spots.
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