Oh, give me a home where the dinosaurs once roamed…yes, I know what you’re thinking: dinosaurs?! That’s right! Once upon a time, the Centennial State was a mecca for dinosaurs and other prehistoric creatures, and we have footprints and fossils to prove it! One such mystical site where dinosaurs once roamed is that of the Garden Park Fossil Area in Colorado:
Located in Canon City, the Garden Park Fossil Area is an extraordinary site with an equally remarkable history, both prehistoric and semi-modern.
Spanning 3,209 acres, the Garden Park Fossil Area has been the location of many dinosaur bone and fossil discoveries, including the first-ever uncovered remains of a Stegosaurus, Diplodocus, Ceratosaurus, and Camarasaurus.
Whether by Mother Nature herself or by the rusty, natural processes that come with the passage of Father Time, Idaho is home to a number of historical places and abandoned structures that have become stunning vintage relics even in their disrepair. Slowly but surely, nature weaves its way into the cracks and crevices of aging bricks, concrete, and wood panels, and before you know it, all that remains is the debris of what once was. Yet even amidst the rubble and rust, these homages to histories recent and long gone still retain their proud, Idahoan beauty. There’s no doubting the intriguing allure of abandoned places in Idaho.
Local photographers with a passion for history and the interaction between the natural and man-made capture these haunting scenes of architecture returning to its natural roots, while local communities like Abandoned Idaho compile these images for appreciative viewers. These photos and locales are just a taste of Idaho’s past made even more picturesque in its decay. Enjoy!
1. This graveyard of abandoned, vintage cars in Caldwell is simply surreal.
If you are searching for a unique activity that will instantly bring a smile to your face, we have just the thing. For select weeks in September and October 2023, Monster Bounce, a giant inflatable park, will be here in Idaho. It’s the perfect activity for the entire family and has something for everyone. Jump, slide, climb, race — it’s an absolute delight!
Monster Bounce is no small inflatable park. Rather it offers up to 23,000 square feet of fun with areas for the entire family.
This inflatable park is only available until September 23 in Idaho Falls and will be available from October 6-21 at the Boise Town Square Mall in Boise.
Zion National Park is a well-known and (very) well-loved park located in the gorgeous state of Utah. Sure, you can hike the trails that are most famous and most popular, but sometimes you’re looking for something a little less traveled.
Enter: Observation Point Trail, an incredible offbeat hike with views of millions-of-years-old rock formations and the vastness of Zion National Park.
It’s a tough one, labeled by many as “strenuous,” but with persistence, a lot of drinking water, appropriate pacing, and focus, you too can hike this awe-inspiring trail, no matter your confidence level.
It begins as a lengthy and moderately difficult hike on switchbacks up canyon walls to an insane view of Angel’s Landing.
Do you believe in ghosts? Whether you’ve seen some for yourself, or you just love that spine-tingling feeling you get when you hear about them, we’ve created this road trip especially for you! It will take you to the most haunted places in Utah. Who knows? Maybe you’ll see one of these legendary ghosts. What are you waiting for? Gas up the car and start our haunted road trip … if you dare.
This road trip is 133 miles long. It would take you nearly four hours to complete if you drove through without stopping.
There are some pretty jaw-dropping light displays in Colorado, but this one may just take the cake: a drive-thru light display 1,000+ feet in the air! That’s right, folks: the Royal Gorge Bridge in Colorado (AKA the highest suspension bridge in the country!) is hosting its first-ever holiday light display, and you don’t want to miss it!
Taking place November 18th, through December 31st, 2022, the Bridge of Lights invites you to enjoy “thousands of lights, one thousand feet high” in what is arguably the most colorful one-of-a-kind experience in the country.
To make the experience even sweeter, reserve some Elf Munchies (AKA hot cocoa, cider, or coffee in a commemorative cup and a side of cookies!) to enjoy while you drive.
The Bridge of Lights is open November 18th through the 27th (minus Thanksgiving Day), December 1st through the 4th, 8th through the 11th, and 15th through the 31st (minus Christmas Day) from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Do you love beer? Do you love breweries? Well, if you do, and you’re a Coloradan, then you’re going to be very excited to hear that the country’s best brewpub is right here in our great state! Stronghouse Brew Pub in Telluride, Colorado recently won this honor. Read on to learn more about this very special, small, award-winning brewery. You’ll love it!
Anyone who has ever visited Telluride, Colorado will tell you that it’s one of the coolest, most charming, and most beautiful towns in the state. It’s certainly one of my personal favorites.
Grand Teton National Park is home to so much more than remarkable mountains, alpine lakes, and gorgeous, rocky trails. If you spend some time exploring the outskirts of the park, you’ll find historic homesteads, buildings, cabins, and even a beautiful chapel! Of all of the landmarks in the area, though, the most photographed spot in Wyoming is likely down on Mormon Row. The T.A. Moulton and John Moulton barns, which you can find along the Antelope Flats section of the Jackson Hole valley, are the most photographed barns in the entire country.
When Thomas Alma Moulton first created a homestead in an area now known as Antelope Flats, it was 1908 and he was looking for a spot for his brother to settle with him after moving along from Idaho.
The Moultons didn’t stay here full time, though, and continued to head back to their family in Idaho for the first few years, to escape the brutal winters. In 1912, he married, and his wife Lucille settled with him on Mormon Row for the rest of their lives.
The Gem State certainly has plenty of creepy, spooky, and haunted places to visit. From parks to buildings and even hotels, there are dozens of destinations where you can experience paranormal activity. One of these is found in a small town cemetery in Idaho. The Ammon Cemetery, located in southeastern Idaho near Idaho Falls, is certainly small but if you love all things spooky and creepy this place is for you. This cemetery is not only believed to be haunted but when you visit, you’ll be quite impressed — it’s beautiful here.
The Ammon Cemetery is located on Sunnyside Road approximately 2.5 miles east of Ammon. It’s not large but it’s still hard to miss.
This cemetery was established in 1912 for the people who lived in the Ammon homestead.
When you visit, the first thing you will notice is the cemetery’s beautiful location. Established on a hill, you will get beautiful views of Ammon and even Idaho Falls. There is also plenty of trees to provide shade if you want to sit for a while.
Located near the Utah and Arizona state line is the small town of Big Water. Home to approximately 475 people, this town is known for being close to incredible outdoor attractions like the Wave at Coyote Buttes, Paria Rimrocks Toadstool Hoodoos, and Lake Powell. But, there is another destination that is often overlooked near Big Water — the Big Water Visitor Center. This may be one of the coolest visitor centers in southern Utah as it takes you back in time — far, far back in time.
You will find the Big Water Visitor Center along Highway 89 and it’s the perfect road trip stop. This visitor center is one of four visitor centers in the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument and each has a different theme. The Big Water Visitor Center focuses on the dinosaur and geological discoveries in the area.
Dinosaur lovers will enjoy visiting this visitor center due to its impressive dinosaur display. You can walk by and admire the massive mural display of the Late Cretaceous Period.