Pocatello

Pocatello is a college town in southeastern Idaho with a population of about 57,000 (2021). Named after a noted 19th-century Shoshoni chief, it is a working-class town with a strong railroad and trade union heritage, giving it more of a blue-collar feel than other major Idaho cities. At one time the city boasted the largest rail yard west of the Mississippi River. Despite this industrial heritage, Pocatello has a reputation for being a slightly more progressive enclave in otherwise conservative, Mormon-dominated eastern Idaho.

The presence of Idaho State University makes Pocatello a college town, though student life is somewhat more sedate than in other regional college towns like Moscow or Missoula. The bar scene can be lively on weekends, but don't expect raging frat house keggers. The city is also known for its flag — once named one of the worst city flags in the US — though a much-improved version was adopted in 2017.

Pocatello sits at the intersection of Interstate 15 and Interstate 86, making it a crossroads for travelers between Salt Lake City, Idaho Falls, and the Twin Falls area. The city has a semi-arid climate with cold, snowy winters (it tends to get more snow than other major Idaho cities) and warm summers. Winter inversions combined with nearby fertilizer plants can occasionally affect air quality.

By Plane

Pocatello Regional Airport (PIH), 1950 Airport Way, is served by regular flights from Salt Lake City on SkyWest Airlines. There are no scheduled commercial flights to or from other Idaho locations. The airport in Idaho Falls, 45 minutes away, offers a more robust schedule.

By Car / Road

Pocatello can be accessed via Interstate 15 from Idaho Falls (north) and Salt Lake City (south). Interstate 86 connects the city to the Twin Falls area to the west. Intercity bus service is provided by Salt Lake Express and Greyhound.

Pocatello Regional Transit offers limited bus service. A car is recommended for getting around the city and surrounding area.

• Idaho Museum of Natural History ☏ +1 208-282-3168 — Natural history exhibits on the Idaho State University campus.

• St. Joseph's Chapel, 455 N. Hayes — Built in 1897, the oldest surviving church in the area and a rare 19th-century example of a church built of stone.

• Museum of Clean, 711 South 2nd Avenue ☏ +1 208-236-6906 — Tuesday–Saturday 10AM–5PM. Founded by Donald Andrew Aslett; notable sights include a dog treadmill-powered washing machine from the late 1800s. $6 adults, $5 children (3–15).

• Deleta — Roller skating rink open at nights and during the day on non-school days. Also has laser tag, a play area, video games, and a food court.

• Outer Limits — Video games, small indoor roller coaster, laser tag, food, and a play area.

• McKee's — Pet store with an outdoor petting zoo featuring goats, sheep, pigs, llamas, donkeys, turtles, ostriches, emus, miniature horses, a deer, and chickens.

• Fort Hall Casino — Owned and operated by the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes on the Fort Hall Indian Reservation north of Pocatello. The only legal gaming facility in southern Idaho. 18-year-olds are allowed to gamble (but not drink).

• Idaho State University — An important part of Pocatello; campus events and cultural activities throughout the year.

• Sandpiper Restaurant, 1400 Bench Rd ☏ +1 208-233-1000 — M–W 4–10PM, Th–Sa 4PM–10:30PM. Hand-cut steaks, seafood flown in daily, large selection of scotches and specialty cocktails. Mid-range to upscale.

• First National Bar ☏ +1 208-233-1516 — Downtown Pocatello, perennial favorite among ISU students and locals. Known locally as the "First Nash"; often features live blues music on weekends.
• Goody's, 5th Avenue (directly across from the ISU campus) ☏ +1 208-233-9210 — Doubles as a deli in the front and bar in the back, both student favorites. Formerly known as the "Hindenburg."

Most national chain hotels are available in Pocatello.

• Budget: KOA-Pocatello, 9815 W Pocatello Creek Rd ☏ +1 208-233-6851 — Easy interstate access. 30 amp service available; otherwise full hookups. Cook-to-order breakfast available for purchase.
• Mid-range: Black Swan Inn, 746 E Center ☏ +1 208-233-3051, [email protected] — Immersive, uniquely themed suites (Sea Cave, Wild West, Mayan Rainforest).

• Idaho Falls (50 miles north on I-15) — Regional hub with the Museum of Idaho and gateway to Yellowstone and Grand Teton.
• Shelley (28 miles north on I-15) — Small potato-farming town famous for its Spud Day festival.
• Salt Lake City, UT (155 miles south on I-15) — Utah's capital with skiing, temples, and a booming food scene.
• Twin Falls (100 miles west via I-86 and I-84) — Shoshone Falls and the Snake River Canyon.
• Lava Hot Springs (65 miles southeast via I-15) — Natural hot springs resort in southeastern Idaho.
• Cherry Springs Nature Area — Within Caribou-Targhee National Forest, excellent for birding and wildlife viewing.