Rexburg is a vibrant college town with fun activities for all ages. When planning a trip to Rexburg, be sure to see if there are any events going on when you’ll be traveling, and consider scheduling your visit so you can enjoy one on your trip.
The Idaho International Dance Festival is a week-long celebration (typically held in July) where dancers come from around the globe to share culture, dance, and music. Whoopee Days Rodeo is held each summer and features events like bareback riding, steer wrestling, and bull riding. In August, the Teton Storytelling and Arts Festival brings storytelling, live music, and more to Rexburg. The Madison County Fair in August is generally six days long and includes everything from rodeo events to Figure 8 races.
Dubois, Idaho, is located about 45 minutes northwest of Rexburg, and this tiny town is home to the Clark County Rodeo. This not-to-be-missed annual tradition typically takes place in June and includes numerous rodeo events, a street dance, and an old fashioned Western good time. The Clark County Fair usually takes place in August and features a livestock show and sale, motor rodeo, and more.
Museums, Art & Kids Activities
Start your family fun day in Rexburg learning about everything from local history and heritage to art and geology. Explore the Museum of Rexburg to learn about early pioneer history, the tragic 1976 Teton Dam collapse, and other events that shaped the region. The museum also displays local gems and minerals, such as opal and agate, and hosts exhibits on World War I and II.
Aviation aficionados will love the Legacy Flight Museum, which was established in 2006, and features a variety of historic aircrafts. Come get an up close look at a P-63 King Cobra, Grumman S-2 Tracker, Boeing Stearman, and other fascinating planes.
Stroll BYU-Idaho’s tree lined campus, which dates back to 1888, and enjoy a few exhibits along the way. Be sure to check museums’ open hours since some are only open on weekdays. Stop by the campus Geology Museum, which displays a number of local gemstones, including a 12-inch green tourmaline. The Jacob Spori Art Gallery features exhibits by local and regional artists, in addition to its permanent collection.
Art lovers will also enjoy checking out a variety of off-campus galleries in Rexburg. Kendall Davenport Fine Art and HERE Gift Gather Gallery are two popular options.
A short drive outside Rexburg, Yellowstone Bear World lets visitors view a variety of animals from the comfort of their car. This drive-through wildlife park offers opportunities to see grizzlies, black bears, moose, bison, deer, and numerous other species.
Outdoor Adventure
To fully appreciate Rexburg, take some time to get outside. Go for a hike or bike ride or hop on an ATV to explore some of the popular local trails. One favorite way to explore the outdoors is to take a trip to the nearby St. Anthony Sand Dunes, which can be explored by dune buggy. Dunes up to 400 feet high are molded by the wind, so the sand is always shifting and changing, creating a new experience on each visit. The dunes are located on Bureau of Land Management land, so be sure to follow all rules and regulations and respect all closures. You’ll need to have a current ORV sticker and vehicle flag, and be sure to wear a helmet. You can rent the equipment you’ll need right by the dunes.
In winter, snowmobiling is a favorite local outdoor adventure, and the nearby Big Hole Mountains feature over 280 miles of groomed trails. Or consider going downhill skiing at Kelly Canyon Ski Resort. You’ll also find options for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, fat biking, sledding, ice skating, and more in and near Rexburg. After a day out on the trails, relax with a soak in one of the local hot springs, including Green Canyon Hot Springs and Heise Hot Springs.
Finish the Day with a Live Performance & Dessert
Rexburg has a thriving arts scene and showcases a number of spectacular performances throughout the year. Check out the historic Romance Theater, which was built in 1917 but has recently been refurbished. It offers movies, concerts, plays, and other entertainment. Also check out offerings from the Rexburg Community Theatre and Rexburg Tabernacle Orchestra—a community orchestra that puts on a number of shows throughout the year.
After a show, don’t forget to grab some dessert. Rexburg is packed with fun dessert restaurants serving frozen yogurt, cupcakes, milkshakes, and other tasty treats.
