ISLAND PARK, Idaho — While Island Park serves as a popular thoroughfare for tourists heading to Yellowstone National Park, the small Idaho town is increasingly recognized for its own natural beauty and recreational offerings.
Despite a population of just around 200 full-time residents, Island Park features the longest main street in the United States. U.S. Highway 20 runs uninterrupted for 33 miles through the town, connecting several distinct visitor hubs along the way.
At one such hub, a group of onlookers recently gathered to observe a moose in the Buffalo River. While the animal was too distant for optimal photography, officials and experienced visitors alike advise keeping a safe distance, as moose are known to be unpredictable and potentially aggressive.
“It chased us back to the truck,” recalled Pat, a tourist from Ohio. “They are pretty scary when they are nice and close.”
Pat and his family are among the many visitors passing through Island Park en route to Yellowstone National Park. “I love the mountains. We try to get out here every couple of years,” he said. The family planned to spend two to three days in the park before returning home.
Though often overshadowed by its famous neighbor, Island Park is a destination in its own right. The area offers a range of lodging and camping options, making it a convenient launch point for exploring Yellowstone. However, visitors also stay to enjoy the region’s own attractions, including two Idaho state parks and numerous outdoor activities.
On the opposite side of the Buffalo River bridge, Idaho Fish and Game has stocked the waters with rainbow trout, an experience that captivated Pat just as much as the moose sighting. “It was pretty neat,” he said. “I often wondered how they did that. I like to see how things work, and I got to see that.”
Island Park is particularly popular among anglers, thanks to the renowned Henry’s Fork of the Snake River. The area is also known for its floating excursions, scenic hiking trails, and waterfalls — most notably the Upper and Lower Mesa Falls.
As the summer tourism season gains momentum, traffic increases along Highway 20. While the posted speed limit is 65 mph, it slows to 45 mph within each hub, encouraging visitors to take their time and absorb the sweeping landscapes that define this distinctive stretch of Idaho wilderness.
