Payette IdahoATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Payette, Idaho.
1. Payette County Museum
LOCAL HISTORY ON DISPLAY
The Payette County Museum showcases the rich history of agriculture, military, and even baseball hall of famer Harmon Killebrew. Visitors can browse exhibits that tell the story of this charming small town located at the confluence of the Payette and Snake Rivers. The museum provides an excellent morning activity before heading outdoors to enjoy the natural beauty of the surrounding area.
2. Portia Club
HISTORIC COMMUNITY CENTER
The Portia Club is a historic Women's Clubhouse that now serves as a Community Center in Payette. This landmark represents an important piece of local heritage and community gathering space. Visitors can appreciate both its architectural significance and its continued role in bringing people together for various events and activities.
3. Boulder Lake
SCENIC WATER RECREATION
Boulder Lake is one of Payette's beautiful bodies of water offering opportunities for outdoor recreation. Visitors can enjoy fishing, boating, and soaking in the natural scenery that surrounds this peaceful lake. The lake provides a refreshing escape from the summer heat and is popular with locals and tourists alike.
4. Scotch Pines Golf Course
AWARD-WINNING PUBLIC GOLF
Scotch Pines Golf Course is an award-winning 18-hole public golf course built in 1963, complete with full bar/restaurant, driving range, and practice green. The course is known for being very walkable and features beautiful surroundings that enhance the golfing experience. Golf enthusiasts can also take advantage of the instructional programs offered at this well-maintained facility.
5. The Sundance Saloon Bar & Grill
LOCAL FOOD AND DRINKS
The Sundance Saloon Bar & Grill is a great local establishment with a full menu featuring smoked meats, salads, hand-pattied burgers, and housemade sauces. It's kid-friendly during dining hours and transforms into a 21+ venue later in the evening. New owners have enhanced the dining experience while maintaining the establishment's local charm and appeal.
6. Bancroft Park
COMMUNITY GREEN SPACE
Bancroft Park serves as a welcoming community green space in Payette where residents and visitors can relax and enjoy outdoor activities. The park offers a peaceful setting with trees, open areas, and amenities for recreation. Families particularly appreciate this well-maintained public space for picnics and children's play throughout the year.
7. The Beauty Bar
STYLISH LOCAL HANGOUT
The Beauty Bar offers a unique blend of beauty services and social atmosphere in Payette. Visitors can enjoy professional treatments in a stylish, welcoming environment that has become a local favorite. The establishment adds to the diverse small-town charm that makes Payette special.
8. Kiwanis Park
BANDSHELL AND RECREATION
Kiwanis Park, located at the southern end of Main Street on the edge of downtown, is Payette's most visited park featuring a prominent bandshell that hosts various outdoor events. The park is home to a superb skate park built with materials and labor donated by the community. Visitors can also enjoy Payette's public pool located within the park grounds, making it a recreation hub for the town.
9. Pearl Lake
ALPINE WILDERNESS BEAUTY
Pearl Lake is a quiet alpine lake tucked into the Lick Creek Mountains within the Payette National Forest. The lake offers stunning views of native wildflowers, towering granite bluffs, and occasional wildlife sightings including moose and other forest creatures. Nature enthusiasts can enjoy hiking, photography, and peaceful contemplation in this pristine natural setting.
10. Four Rivers Cultural Center & Museum
REGIONAL CULTURAL HERITAGE
Four Rivers Cultural Center & Museum, located near Payette in Ontario, Oregon, celebrates the diverse cultural heritage of the region where four rivers converge. The center offers exhibits highlighting the contributions of Native American, Basque, Hispanic, and Japanese communities that have shaped the area's history. Visitors can explore the museum, attend cultural events, and enjoy the Japanese garden on the premises.
11. Centennial Park
RIVERSIDE RECREATION AREA
Centennial Park provides Payette residents and visitors with a pleasant riverside recreation area to enjoy year-round. The park offers access to the Payette River, making it popular for fishing, picnicking, and enjoying the natural scenery. Its convenient location makes it an easy stop for those exploring the charms of this small Idaho town.
12. Cruise Night and Car Show
CLASSIC AUTOMOTIVE TRADITION
The Cruise Night and Car Show is a Payette institution that has been running for more than 30 years, taking over the lots around A&W on South Main Street at the start of September. Organized by Rods of Idaho and Oregon, this two-day event brings an armada of hot rods and motorcycles from across both states. Friday features a cruise along Main Street, while Saturday offers a 'Show & Shine' with awards in over 70 categories and an all-day swap meet.
13. Apple Blossom Festival
ANNUAL SPRING CELEBRATION
The Payette Apple Blossom Festival takes place in mid-May, offering free concerts at the Kiwanis Park bandshell and Central Park. This beloved annual event features a parade and one of the largest carnivals in the region. The festival celebrates the area's agricultural heritage and brings the community together for springtime festivities.
14. Payette River
SCENIC WATERWAY ACTIVITIES
The Payette River meets the Snake River at Payette, offering excellent opportunities for fishing, boating, and other water activities. The river's scenic beauty makes it a focal point for outdoor recreation in the area. Visitors can experience the natural splendor that has drawn people to this region for generations.
15. Payette National Forest
VAST OUTDOOR WILDERNESS
Payette National Forest encompasses 2.3 million acres of diverse wilderness with mountains, rivers, and forests near Payette. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hiking, fishing, camping, and ATV riding throughout this expansive natural treasure. The forest provides year-round recreational opportunities with breathtaking scenery and abundant wildlife.