Area Information

Why Pocatello?

Pocatello (pronounced Poke-ah-tello)is a beautiful community located in Southeast Idaho, in the western foothills of the Rocky Mountains. It sits at an elevation of 4,448 feet. Rich in history, the city was named after Chief Pocatello, a chief in the Shoshone-Bannock Tribe who donated the land that is now the City of Pocatello to the railroad. Originally the city was just a stop on the Oregon Trail, where a fur trader named Nathaniel Jarvis Wyeth opened a trading post called Fort Hall. The discovery of gold in Idaho opened the way for the Union Pacific railroad to take its railroad line from the Utah border into Idaho, creating the Pocatello Junction. As the gold rush subsided the region became a farming and ranching hub.

The city of Pocatello was briefly the largest city in the State of Idaho in 1962, but now sits as the fifth largest with a population of 54,255. It is big enough to boast one of the state’s largest universities, as well as a brand new state of the art hospital; but small enough to give you that home town feel. Pocatello is a great place to settle and raise a family.

Pocatello has a wonderful climate that actually gets all four seasons. As a high dessert community the forecast is often for clear skies, and sunshine. Having all four seasons provides Pocatellians with the chance to participate in a wide variety of great outdoor activities year round.

The Highland Area

Satterfield Realty and Development Inc. together with Pocatello Creek Development Company have been developing on the east bench since 1958. In this area of Pocatello you are sure to find well maintained yards, and homes. The tree lined streets and well manicured park strip add charm to the neighborhoods. Protective covenants help the area maintain its property values, making it a great place to invest in real estate. The area offers beautiful panoramic views. A breathtaking city view, the view of a Juniper filled ravine, or a view of near by mountain ranges; no matter which direction you look, you’ll find something spectacular to see.

Learn More about the Highland Area

Learn More About Property Taxes in Pocatello and the Highland Area

Area Attractions

Skiing

Because of abundant winter snows, the area offers five groomed Cross Country Ski Trails, and Pebble Creek Ski Areas, just minutes away from Pocatello. With access to over 250 miles of groomed snowmobile trials in Bannock, Power, and Caribou counties snowmobile enthusiasts can always find great trials to ride.

Parks

When the summer suns begins to shine down on the area, be sure to enjoy the Ross Park Aquatic Complex {208-234-0472}. This great community pool offers fun for kids of all ages. With a zero depth children’s water playground, a large swimming pool, lazy river, activity pool with huge play elements, and a water slide, this pool will provide hours of family summertime fun.

Pocatello Zoo

Be sure not to miss the Pocatello Zoo located at 2900 S. 2^nd Ave. {208-234-6264} with its 18 acres of natural habitats for native North American animals.

Fort Hall Replica

Don’t forget to visit the Fort Hall Replica located at 3002 Alvord Loop {208-234-1795} and enjoy learning about America’s westward migration in search for new land and new opportunities. Discover the roll the Fort Hall trading post played for these early pioneers.

Old Town Pocatello

For those seeking a unique historic experience don’t forget to visit Old Town Pocatello for the Historic Walking Tour, where you'll experience architecture that dates back to 1892. There is more to do than just view old architecture though, you can shop, dine, or relax in the small parks located throughout the area. With outdoor summer concerts, haunted history tours, and the Portneuf Valley Farmers market, you’ll never want for something to do.

Portneuf Greenway

The Portneuf Greenway {208-234-GWAY} offers 13+ miles of trails along the river, and throughout town. Enjoy walking, biking, jogging, or roller blading while enjoying the natural beauty of Pocatello.

Rodeo

Have a hankering for some Rodeo. Enjoy local rodeos all over the region.

Performing Arts

Need some culture, and entertainment. Attend one of the many programs at the L.E.and Thelma E. Stephens Performing Arts Center located at 1002 Sam Nixon Ave {208-282-3595}. This impressive 111,000 square foot facility at Idaho State University offers three versatile performance venues as well as spaces designed for academic work and community enjoyment.

Theater

Want to watch a great blockbuster hit? Enjoy new releases at the AMC Pine Ridge 11 located at 4355 Yellowstone {208-237-9095}, or enjoy an older movie at a budget price at the Reel Theater located at 310 East Oak Street {208-233-2300.}

Literature

Library: How about snuggling up with a good book on those long chilly winter nights in Pocatello. Visit the Marshall Public Library located at 113 S. Garfield Ave {208-232-1263} and check out a book about anything under the sun.

Skating

Deleta: Deleta Skating Rink, located at 520 Yellowstone Ave {208-233-0431}, is good old fashioned skating rink that has been around since the 1940’s. The indoor rink is open year round and offers skating, food, and a “Big Toy” for young children. You may rent skates or roller blades there, or bring your own. They also do skate lesson, birthday parties, and other events.

Museums

The Idaho Museum of Natural History is home to collections in Anthropology, Earth Sciences, and Life Sciences. Exhibitions include these collections as well as special offerings. Free off charge to the public, the museum offers an in-depth exploration of the natural history of Idaho. The museum is located on the campus of Idaho State University, east of the intersection of 5^th Avenue and Dillon Streets in ISU Building 12 {208-282-3168}

Golf

If you are one of the many golf enthusiast Pocatello offers two great courses. The Highland Golf Course, located at 201 Von Elm {208-237-9922}, is an 18-hole course offering 6,512 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 72. The Riverside Golf Course, located at 3500 Bannock Highway {208-232-9515}, is also and 18-hole course featuring 6,357 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 72. Both of these courses offer session passes as well as driving ranges. The Outback Golf Park, located at 1665 Pocatello Creek Road {208-234-0612} offers a great driving range as well as a fun 18 hole miniature golf course.

For those that want to bag the club and grab a disc, Pocatello offers 3 different Frisbee Golf courses. , Bengal Ridge, the Idaho State University disc golf course, located at 2450 West Buckskin Road in the desert foothills of Pocatello. With sagebrush, junipers, and seasonal wildflowers, it provides a scenic and enjoyable departure from the "grassy park" norm. Get off the grass and head for the hills. Upper Ross Park, offers a 9 hole course the thick grass, giant trees and elevation changes through out the course require a variety of throwing styles. Sister City Park Disc Golf Course, offers a great variety of disc golf play. The front 9 wind their way through the manicured park, while the back 9 take you off the beaten path and onto the sage covered hillside. These holes offer great variety as well as some serious distance.

Dinner & Show

Love the theater, Pocatello offers a unique dinning experience at the Palace Playhouse, located at 158 E. Chubbuck Rd {208-238-8001}. Dinner includes non-alcoholic beverages, seasonal appetizer, soup or salad, sorbet, entree, and dessert all served by white gloved butlers. After your feast, sit back and enjoy the show! State-of-the-art sound and lighting gives you a great theatrical experience.

The Westside Players, located at 1009 S. 2^nd Ave. {208-232-2232} is Southeast Idaho’s oldest nonprofit community theater. Dinner and a show, or show only, come enjoy the local talent of the theaters creative volunteers!

Fun Zone

Outer Limits Fun Zone is located at 1800 Garrett Way as part of the Westwood Mall {208-232-7529. This facility is 30,000 square feet of fun. With arcade games, prizes, and a play palace, this is sure to please kids of all ages. You can find hours of fun for kids and adults alike with the roller coaster, 9 hole mini golf, and laser tag in the largest two story arena in Idaho, mini bowling, or climbing wall.

Camping

Find great camping just 10 minutes south of Pocatello at Scout Mountain {208-236-7500}At an elevation of 6500 feet the recreation area offers 24 regular campsites, 2 double campsites, as well as one group site that can accommodate up to 100 campers. Just want to go for a day trip, the area also offers 12 picnic sites. Natural trails, scenic overlooks, and nearby East Mink Trail offer great hikes for outdoor enthusiasts. Off-road trails are also available for ATV riding, and mountain biking.

Airports

Pocatello Regional Airport is located just west of the city with easy freeway access. The airport offers free parking, free Wi-Fi, and free coffee. The recently modernized facility is run by the City of Pocatello and offers direct service to Salt Lake City on Skywest Airlines connecting to Delta in Salt Lake to virtually any destination.