Major city · United States
Island Park
Use Island Park as a base for Yellowstone and the Centennial Valley, not a destination: 2–3 nights, or a day-trip from Idaho Falls for fishing and hiking.
Island Park is a 53-km-long strip of lodges and cabins along US 20, incorporated in 1947 to sell liquor outside dry towns. It has no real centre, but its location between Idaho Falls and West Yellowstone makes it a practical base for fishing the Henrys Fork, hiking the Centennial Mountains and day-tripping into Yellowstone. Most visitors stay 2–3 nights.
More
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- USD
- Best months
- Jun–Sep (summer activities); Feb–Mar for snowmobiling
- avoid Nov–Apr (most lodges closed, deep snow, limited services)
- Airports
- IDA · JAC
- Nights
- 2–3
Not a trip line yet
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Island Park911 ▾
- Police, Fire, Ambulance911
- Fremont County Sheriff (non-emergency)208-624-4482
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Island Park, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the US dollar (USD, $).United States-wide
- SIM or eSIMAT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile cover the country; prepaid SIMs at their stores and Walmart/Target (passport required), or an eSIM before you fly.United States-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable nearly everywhere; boil or treat water from streams in parks.United States-wide
- TippingSit-down restaurant: 18–22% of the pre-tax bill.United States-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United States-wide
- SafetyVery low crime.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets are scarce in big cities; use cafés, department stores, libraries, stations.United States-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police, fire, ambulance · 208-624-4482 Fremont County Sheriff (non-emergency)
- Sundays & holidaysFederal holidays close offices, banks and post offices; national parks stay open.United States-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportIDA Idaho Falls Regional Airport (About 45 min drive south on US 20; rental cars available.).
- Getting aroundCar is essential.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee (diner)$2–4
- Sit-down mealDinner entrée (lodge restaurant)$20–35
- BeerBeer (bottle)$4–7
- Budget bedMid-range lodge cabin (2–4 people), a night, per roomUS$180
- Mid-range bedBudget cabin or motel room, a night, per roomUS$140
- High-end bedBudget cabin or motel room, a night, per roomUS$200
A day, not counting the bed: Budget US$80 · Mid US$150 · High US$300
Prices in local money; change the currency in the header to see yours next to them. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- IDA Idaho Falls Regional Airport (About 45 min drive south on US 20; rental cars available.) · JAC Jackson Hole Airport (About 2 h drive via US 191 and US 20; seasonal flights.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C)
Feb
Care
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
Mar
Care
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
Apr
Avoid
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
May
not flagged
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Jun
Best
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
Jul
Best
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Aug
Best
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Sep
Best
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Oct
not flagged
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
Nov
Avoid
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
Dec
Avoid
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
Best: Jun–Sep. Mixed: Feb–Mar. Avoid: Apr, Nov–Jan. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)), coolest Jan (−16°C (3°F)3°F (−16°C) low), wettest Jan (13 rain days), driest Jul (8). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Island Park: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C)
−16°C (3°F)3°F (−16°C)
13 rd
Feb
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
−14°C (7°F)7°F (−14°C)
11 rd
Mar
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
−9°C (16°F)16°F (−9°C)
12 rd
Apr
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
−3°C (27°F)27°F (−3°C)
11 rd
May
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
12 rd
Jun
23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
11 rd
Jul
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
8 rd
Aug
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
8 rd
Sep
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
8 rd
Oct
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
9 rd
Nov
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
−8°C (18°F)18°F (−8°C)
11 rd
Dec
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
−14°C (7°F)7°F (−14°C)
13 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Car is essential. US 20 runs the length of the city; SH-87 branches northwest to Montana. No public transit within Island Park.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Yellowstone National Park (West Entrance)
goDoor to door: 30 min
US 20 east, about 20 min to West Yellowstone gate
Enter before 08:00 in summer to avoid queues; timed entry may apply — check NPS site.Enter before 8:00 AM in summer to avoid queues; timed entry may apply — check NPS site.
Idaho Falls
goDoor to door: 50 min
US 20 south, about 45 min
Full services, groceries, restaurants; the river walk and Japanese friendship garden.
Grand Teton National Park
goDoor to door: 1.75 h
US 20 south then US 26 east, about 1.5 h
Combine with Yellowstone for a long day; enter from the north.
Driggs / Teton Valley
goDoor to door: 50 min
SH-33 west, about 40 min
Small town with cafés, bike trails and Teton views.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
US 20 corridor (the 'Main Street')
Most lodges and cabins are strung along the highway; no walkable centre, you need a car.
Near Henrys Lake
Closer to Yellowstone (15 min to West Yellowstone); quieter, fishing focus.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- $80–120 excl. bed
- Mid
- $120–200 excl. bed
- High
- $200+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Mid-range lodge cabin (2–4 people)1 × 3 nights × US$250 | US$750 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 3 days × US$150 | US$900 |
| Rental car per day (mid-size, summer)2 × US$60 · check | US$120 |
| Yellowstone entry fee (7-day vehicle pass)1 × US$35 · check | US$35 |
| Fishing licence (non-resident, 1 day)2 × US$15 · check | US$30 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | US$184 |
| Trip total≈ US$337 per person per day, bed included | US$2,019 |
2026 estimate in USD; flights and Yellowstone entry fee excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee (diner) | $2–4 |
| Burger and fries | $12–18 |
| Dinner entrée (lodge restaurant) | $20–35 |
| Beer (bottle) | $4–7 |
| Gallon of petrol (gas)check | $3.50–4.50 |
| Cabin per night (mid-range, 2 people) | $180–250 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Most businesses close by 21:00; stock up on groceries in Idaho Falls or West Yellowstone.Most businesses close by 9:00 PM; stock up on groceries in Idaho Falls or West Yellowstone.
- Winter: US 20 can close for hours during storms; carry chains or winter tyres.
- Liquor is sold only inside city limits (the strip); no sales on Sundays in some years — check local rules.
- Cell service is patchy along the corridor; download offline maps.
Emergency numbers
- Police, Fire, Ambulance
- 911
- Fremont County Sheriff (non-emergency)
- 208-624-4482
Pocket card
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Island ParkIsland Park
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
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To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, Fire, Ambulance911
- Fremont County Sheriff (non-emergency)208-624-4482
Embassy
The nearest US embassy is in Ottawa, Canada; consular services for US citizens are available at the US Embassy in London, UK. For non-US citizens: contact your country's embassy in Washington, DC.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Idaho Falls → Island Park (US 20): about 45 min, no tolls
- Island Park → West Yellowstone: about 20 min, US 20 east
Say or show
- Hello — Hello
- Thank you — Thank you
- How much? — How much?
- Where is the restroom? — Where is the restroom?
No public transport; cell service is patchy. Download offline maps before you arrive.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Island Park. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Jun–Sep (summer activities); Feb–Mar for snowmobiling · avoid Nov–Apr (most lodges closed, deep snow, limited services) · month by month →
- 2 airports and 2 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 4 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Place pages for each lodge with verified winter/summer season dates.
- Fishing guide contacts and licence info for Henrys Fork.
- Snowmobile trail maps and rental shops (winter only).
- Cell-coverage map along US 20 corridor.
Sources
Ask about Island Park
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