Are you looking to have a great weekend without driving too far? Here’s a guide to a great day trip adventure near the Rexburg area. It’s full of scenic views, new places to eat, lots of great places to take pictures and extra activities if you finish all the suggested stops quickly!
Suggested start time: 9:30 a.m. – 11 a.m.
First stop, Donuts.
Yes, this is a must. It doesn’t matter which donut store you go to, but personally, I’d suggest Paradise Donuts. Now that you have a donut (or two, or three) you can hit the road.
Address:
16 S Center St, Rexburg, ID 83440
Next stop, Mesa Falls.
Not the apartment complex… unless you are going there to pick up a friend. Your day trip should take you to Mesa Falls, the waterfall near Ashton. You will need to pay for parking which is $5. Once you are there the waterfall is close to the parking lot and you can view it from lots of different platforms and walkways. There is upper Mesa Falls and lower Mesa Falls and the parking pass is good for both locations. Be sure to visit the visitor center while you are there, and don’t forget to take some photos!
Lunchtime! Head to Frostop Drive-In.
Next stop for your day trip adventure is Frostop Drive-In in Ashton which is a great little spot for lunch! They have been open for over 40 years and they make their own root beer — so you will need to get a root beer float or just the soda. The food is, of course, normal drive-in food like hamburgers, chicken strips, onion rings and some other classics. But it’s still quite delicious!
Address:
26 N. Highway 20, Ashton, ID 83420
Photoshoot
The area in and around Ashton is a great place for a photoshoot with friends. There are lots of cute brick walls in downtown Ashton and lots of nature in the area that make for great photo ops. Use the roads and have fun! There’s no rush, so be sure to keep taking photos and have fun!
Time for dessert
Head back to Rexburg to get some dessert. Go to Fair Land – Lemonade and Treat Parlor for a unique dessert experience! Try their rolled ice cream — if you’re not sure what that is, you’ll just have to try it! Check out our article about Fair Land to learn more about them. It’s amazing and worth trying, especially with how affordable it is.
Address:
220 E 2nd N Ste. #5, Rexburg, ID 83440
Have extra time?
Did you finish all the suggested stops for the day trip quickly and want to keep the fun going? We have some other ideas for you!
- End your night at Green Canyon Hot Springs – check out the Green Canyon website for hours and pricing.
- Visit the civil defense caves, and bring a jacket!
- Go to the ice caves and be sure to bring clothes and warm clothes.
- If you are back and have time, go to the Legacy Flight Museum. It closes at 5 p.m. but it is right here in Rexburg.
- Hammock at Porter Park
- Go to Nature Park and feed the ducks.
- Have a campfire and roast some smores.
- Go stargazing.
- Grab dinner with your friends.
Try out this day trip and let us know how it goes! We hope your day and your entire weekend is full of adventure and fun!