Parks and Recreation

With more than 40 parks, the Pocatello area has pockets of entertainment for people in all areas of the city. Perhaps the most comprehensive is Ross Park (which houses the Pocatello Zoo) and an aquatic center — featuring a water slide, lazy river, and kiddie pool with an aqua gym. The zoo has undergone renovations in the past five years to make the most of its facility and best showcase a variety of animals native to North America and the American West. With an old lava flow running through its center, the settings for animals (such as grizzly, bison, cougars and wolves) are enhanced.

With numerous trails for walking, biking or jogging, the area showcases nature’s splendor. The Portneuf Greenway provides wonderful access to the sites along the trail of the Portneuf River.

Both indoor and outdoor facilities are available for swimming, rock climbing, horseback riding, boating, skateboarding, fishing and camping. The Pocatello Community Recreation Center provides facilities for aqua aerobics, weight training and racquetball.

For those who enjoy hitting the links, the area golf courses make the most of the lay of the land to provide a challenge for players. Pocatello hosts two public golf courses and a private country club for any golf enthusiast. Tennis courts, baseball/softball diamonds and soccer fields are available.

American Falls Reservoir is another great place to take in the beauty of the area. With boating, fishing, sand beaches and plenty of picnic and camping areas, this is one getaway you won’t want to miss.

Wintertime in the Pocatello area offers downhill and cross-country skiing, ice skating, snowmobiling and snow shoeing.