Top Five Destinations of Pocatello, ID

Sometimes I pick a city out of a virtual hat and try to see if I can find five things to do there. Sometimes, I struggle and wonder why I gave myself such a challenge. (The answer is simple, so that I?m always ready for the next road trip wherever it may be.) However, Pocatello surprised me with how easy it was to come up with five things and I didn?t even have to mention fly-fishing.

Situated south and east of Boise and south and west of Jackson, WY, Pocatello is a great place to stop as you travel in between those areas or, for that matter, if you?re coming up from Salt Lake City. Though Tripadvisor only lists seven things to do (and the top one is so intriguing it had to make the list) you could probably stop off for quite a few days on your trip North, East or West.

Find out what the heck goes on at The Museum of Clean

Seriously, a Museum of Clean? Is this some sort of fevered dream of the combined minds behind vacuum cleaners, Windex, OxiClean and the television show ?Monk?? I don?t know the answer to that question, but I do know that I wrote it before looking at the exhibits and finding out there is one on vacuum cleaners from 1869 to 1969. There are also exhibits on toilets, brooms and washers. I have to see more.

Watch the courting habits of the sage grouse in the Curlew National Grassland

If you want to watch to see what guy sage grouse have to do to attract the ladies, look at this list, drive an hour and a half south and visit the Curlew National Grassland. I haven?t been to this area, but having seen the activities at a lek before, I can tell you that a male grouse doing a dance, puffing up their chests and making soft clucking noises sounds very familiar as far as mating habits go.

Hike Bonneville Peak

Bonneville Peak is the highest mountain in southeast Idaho. So, of course it has to be hiked to the summit. That?s what it?s there for, right?

Have a pint or three at Portneuf Valley Brewing

After a good, long strenuous hike, a beer will hit the spot. Pocatello has Portneuf Valley Brewing with a fine selection of beers available like the Belligerent Ass Nut Brown Ale (a Great American Beer Festival medalist) and Portneuf Cocoa Porter.

Eat Dessert at Butterburrs

After drinking and eating, I crave dessert. Butterburrs looks like the perfect place to go for me. I?ve never had Oatmeal Pie, but since I love pie, pecan pie, oatmeal and oatmeal cookies, it sounds delicious. Plus, there?s also raspberry cream and peaches and cream pies. Actually, who needs dinner?

Any suggestions for things that I missed? Any additional recommendations for the area? Just let me know in the comments.