The 13 Best Things to do in Rexburg, Idaho

Rexburg is a lovely college city with good parks and friendly neighbors. There are many exciting things to do in Rexburg as it is a city rich in history and portrays an epitome of natural beauty.

Home to Brigham Young University-Idaho (BYU-Idaho), a private institution owned by the Church of Jesus Christ of latter-day saints and attended by a large population of youths in the city.

Rexburg is close to the St. Anthony Sand Dunes, the West Entrance of Yellowstone National Park, and the Teton Range.

Much of the city, including BYU-Idaho and the Rexburg Idaho Temple, rests on a shield volcano north of Rigby-Idaho.

Local law enforcement agencies are very integrated into the community, making the city one of the safest and placing crime at a bare minimum.

Here you have a guide pointing you to the 13 best things to do in Rexburg

1. Feel Cool at Rexburg Rapids Water Park

If you are thinking of summertime fun for the whole family, Rexburg Rapids park is the best place to go for families in southeast Idaho and surrounding areas.

Catch a thrill on the Water Slides as high as a three-story building.

There is a speed slide for an electrifying experience and an enclosed slide that twists and turns riders down to safety. Both slides empty into a catching pool at the bottom. It is a heated 3 Lane Lap Pool for swimmers of all levels.

It has a  Lazy River for relaxing in a tube and floating down the river on a hot summer day. The river is 388 feet long.

Try the Rock Wall, a challenge for experienced and inexperienced climbers, if you ever want to test your climbing skills. You can jump off into the heated pool.

There are Red Cross certified Lifeguards to guarantee your safety.

Learn more: rexburgrapids.com

2. Explore the Remarkable Rexburg Idaho Temple

After the Idaho Falls Idaho Temple, built-in 1945, and the Boise Idaho Temple in 1984, The Rexburg Idaho Temple was the third temple built in Idaho in 2007.

It is the 125th operating temple of the church of Jesus Christ of latter-day saints.

Next to the Brigham Young University-Idaho campus, This building is a landmark for Rexburg. It has an estimated height of 169ft (52 m). You can see it almost anywhere you go in the city. At night, it is lit up and stands as a beacon for all who look at it.

You cannot miss the glowing white stones used to build the temple. It is a remarkable sight to behold.

Guests are welcome to tour the beautiful gardens west of the temple and have a moment of reflection.

Learn more: churchofjesuschrist.org

3. Museum of Rexburg – Home of the Teton Flood Exhibit

The Museum is located in the basement of the Rexburg tabernacle house. This Museum also houses the Rexburg Children’s Museum.

The Museum has extensive collections of flood artifacts in remembrance of the Teton Dam disaster. History was written in the landscape of the surrounding communities by the scouring floodwaters of the Teton Dam on that fateful day, June 5, 1976.

Much of the damage has been corrected, but there are still significant signs of the overwhelming devastation caused by the flood.

A high water line gives a mark at the entrance to the Museum indicating the level of floodwater from the 80 billion gallons of water that came through Rexburg.

Many Relics depict the lives of early settlers, an Idaho opal/agate collection, a North American animal head collection, World War I and II items, and more.

4. Experience a Day of Fun at Yellowstone Bear World

Established in 1998, Yellowstone Bear World is a drive-thru wildlife park in Rexburg, Idaho. 80 miles from Yellowstone National Park,

The park holds over eight wildlife species indigenous to the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.

From the comfort of their cars, visitors can see grizzly bears, black bears, and other wildlife indigenous to North America in their native habitat.

Visitors are also encouraged to leave their cars and visit the petting zoo, which offers children and adults the opportunity to bottle feed bear cubs and pet them.

Do not forget to visit the toy store to continue your adventure. There are professional animal keepers around to guide visitors.

Learn more: yellowstonebearworld.com

5. Legacy Flight Museum – Rexburg, Idaho

The Legacy Flight Museum was founded by John Bagley of Rexburg, Idaho,  in 2006. The Museum allows guests to see close-at-hand some of the Aircraft that United States Military Veterans flew as they served the country in times of war.

There are various Aircraft in the Museum, like the Mormon Mustang, which experienced a forced landing in 2006 on the highway median in Rexburg following an engine failure. It has been fixed and is airworthy again.

The SNB-5 Beechcraft served in the U.S. Navy from 1944 until 1968.

The Duplex-Cyclone Engine, the Ole Yeller, North American T-6 Texan, and others. Make a trip to see these historic Aircraft.

6. Hike at Cress Creek Nature Trail

This 2.1km trail near Rexburg, Idaho, takes about 39 minutes to complete. It is considered an easy route and a great trail for young children and beginner hikers. 

The best times to visit this trail is during the summer, which provides a good view of the South Fork of the Snake River, and autumn, which displays the incredible colors of the trail.

The first part is paved, although it’s uphill. The pavement ends at a creek, and then from there, the trail is gravel.

This is a pleasant hike where you can enjoy some solitude during quieter times of the day. Pets are allowed.

7. Enjoy an Adventure at St. Anthony Sand Dunes

The St. Anthony Sand Dunes stand at an elevation of 5,000 feet and consist of more than 11,000 acres of white quartz sand blown into 400-foot high dunes that move about eight feet each year.

It is known for its unique beauty and exceptional recreation opportunities. It is the ideal playing field for off-road vehicle enthusiasts. 

If you love camping, campsites are available on the East end of the dunes along the Red Road, and a campground is located at Egin Lake.

Most of the dunes are closed during the winter for wildlife migration of wintering elk.

Learn more: idahodunesrv.com

8. Explore the Menan Buttes Trail

The twin Menan Buttes are unique formations because they erupted when molten magma met the cold waters of the Snake River, which flowed where the Buttes stand today.

These extinct volcanoes were formed by violent eruptions 10,000 years ago. They are the only volcanic eruptions that occurred in freshwater in the United States.

The South Menan Butte is currently in private hands.

However, the North Menan Butte is publicly owned and designated as a National Natural Landmark and a Research Natural Area by the United States Congress.

The 3.1-mile trail to the summit of the North Butte offers exceptional opportunities to explore this area’s unique geology and natural history.

Note: No motorized activities are allowed in north Menan Butte, always Stay hydrated, watch your steps and watch out for rattlesnakes.

9. Visit Nature Park – Rexburg, Idaho

The Rexburg Nature Park covers about 15 acres of land developed out of unused City land, which contains several settling ponds as part of the city’s stormwater system.

It Features the Claire Boyle Skate Park, where skaters and boarders can enjoy gliding through sports playing field, walking paths, ponds with ducks and fish, and a Frisbee Golf Course.

Special consideration has been given to accommodate the needs of disabled or physically challenged individuals.

The environment is peaceful and has beautiful paths close to the South Fork of the Teton River. You will love it.

10. Kelly Canyon Ski Resort – Experience the Canyon

Kelly Canyon ski Resort is an elevated ski area as high as 6,600 feet located in a canyon above the South Fork of the Snake River, with about a 30-minute drive east of Idaho Falls.

The terrain is rated at 35% easiest, 45% more complex, and 20% most difficult. The annual snowfall is 200 inches (510 cm), supplemented with snowmaking.

Kelly Canyon also has Nordic skiing and snowshoeing trails beyond the alpine lifts.

This ski area is a place for everyone as it offers varied terrain suitable for beginners to learn how to ski and for experts to enjoy a thrilling hike—plan to visit.

Learn more: kellycanyonresort.com

11. Relax at Porter Park – Idaho

Porter Park is Rexburg’s oldest municipal park, established in 1919.

Porter Park has been the traditional gathering place for community events. It is home to the Idaho Centennial Carousel (open during the summer months), the Rexburg Splash Pad, and the Beehive Federal Credit Union Pavilion.

The park has a large open grass area, tennis courts, tree-covered lawn, picnic shelters, and children’s playgrounds.

Porter Park is an activity center for neighborhood kids. The park features a softball field and basketball hoop area. There is also play equipment at the park for younger kids.

12. Eagle Park – Idaho

Eagle Park is the westernmost park in Rexburg’s Teton River Corridor Park and Trail System. The Teton River flows the park’s length across from all the campsites.

Eagle Park is an excellent place for individuals, groups, and families to enjoy a traditional camping experience. It also has a romantic scenery for couples to bond. 

Picnicking is free, but there is a camping fee. With 24 campsites for tent camping, the Overnight camping fee is $10.00 per space via a dropbox.

Winter camping is available if you want to challenge the elements.

13. Catch a Movie at Teton Vu Drive-In

The Teton Vu Drive-in is a single-screen drive-in movie theater located in Rexburg, Idaho, along the Yellowstone Highway. It opened in 1955 and has been operating at top par.

The Teton Vu is open seasonally from March through October, depending on the weather. There is usually a surge in June or July. Make sure to get there some minutes before the movie starts to get a good spot. Most Nights come with double features option.

A diner is now up and running with various meal choices such as burgers, BBQ wings, ice cream, and more! The Teton Vu allows outside food if a food permit is purchased.

The movies are the latest coming out. Bring enough chairs, blankets, pillows, etc., to ensure things are cozy.

Teton Vu Drive-in movie theater is perfect for a movie/date night! Enjoy a movie under the stars with your family, friends, or partner. You can also toss the football and throw the frisbee. It is one of the best things to do in Rexburg. Come prepared, and you will love it.

Plan a Trip to Rexburg, Idaho

With this list of beautiful things to do in Rexburg, I hope you will make a plan to visit this beautiful city.

Don’t forget to drop a comment about your experience and let us know how we can update this article.