Red Lion Hotel Pocatello

From a historic downtown shopping district to the new Stephens Performing Arts Center, there are always things to do near our Pocatello, Idaho hotel. Red Lion Hotel Pocatello is centrally located to the best attractions. Wake up in one of our 150 plush accommodations and enjoy pure sunshine with endless recreational opportunities within the parks and trails along the 12-mile Portneuf River Greenways. During snow season, ski or snowboard at the Pebble Creek Ski Area and end your day soaking in the exhilarating Lava Hot Springs. After your adventures, return to our relaxing resort-style amenities, featuring complimentary Wi-Fi, on-site dining, room service, a state-of-the-art gym, a swimming pool, a whirlpool, and more

Contact our front desk regarding our special offers to save on attractions and make sure to check out some of our favorites below.

Craters of the Moon

In 1970, Craters of the Moon became one of the first designated federal Wilderness areas in the National Park System. Visit this enormous lava field to explore its interesting and scenic landscape.

Lava Hot Springs

Just 30 miles from Pocatello, Lava Hot Springs serves as a rejuvenating hotspot year-round. Visit over summer to tube down the river and plunge down some thrilling slides; or visit during a snowy winter day for a hot dip in the natural hot springs.

Outer Limits Fun Zone

Outer Limits Fun Zone features 30,000 square feet of laser tag, black-light golf, arcades, mini-bowling, and other activities for all ages.

Pebble Creek Ski Area

Located just south of Pocatello, Pebble Creek features 1,100 acres of 45 ski runs for all ages and abilities. Open mid-December through mid-April, this world-class resort offers ski lessons, rental equipment, and a lodge with restaurant and bar.

Pocatello Zoo

Pocatello Zoo promises hours of entertainment with native animal exhibits, an outdoor amphitheater, volleyball courts, horseshoe pits, and a playground.

Ross Park Aquatic Center

The outdoor Ross Park Aquatic Center features a large pool, a zero depth pool, a lazy river, a humongous play area and a water slide. For only $5, enjoy a day of action-packed, aquatic fun and make sure to check out the Splash Dances* from 9-11pm.

*Must be at least 12 years of age to attend

Yellowstone National Park

Established in 1872, Yellowstone National Park is America's first national park and home to majority of the world's geysers and an abundance of wildlife-including grizzly bears, wolves, bison and elk.

The History of Pocatello

The Gateway City

Pocatello is called “The Gateway to the Northwest,” and for good reason. Pocatello history begins with Shoshone and Bannock tribes, who inhabited this area of southwestern Idaho for centuries. Lewis and Clark were the first explorers to arrive in 1805, and their reports attracted fur trappers and traders. Even after the fur trade declined, the area remained a popular route for immigrants to the West.

The Gold Rush in 1860 attracted more settlers on their way through the Oregon Trail, transforming the area into a trade center and transportation hub. The name “Pocatello” was given by a Shoshone chief who granted a newly-built railroad the right-of-way through the Fort Hall Reservation. After the Gold Rush, settlers found a fertile land suitable for agriculture. Residential and commercial development blossomed and Pocatello was founded in 1889.

Since then, Pocatello has thrived as one of the largest cities in Idaho, now with a population of just over 54,000. We have some unique laws, too. In 1948, the mayor George Phillips passed an ordinance making it illegal not to smile. The "Smile Ordinance" was passed as a joke because of the exceptionally severe winter, which had dampened the city's spirits. Unintentionally, the ordinance was never repealed. As a result, we are now "The U.S. Smile Capital."

Come to the Pocatello for the stunning Northwest scenery, and the brightest smiles in the country.

Adventures for the Whole Family

Stay Near the Idaho Natural History Museum

Located off the I-15, Red Lion Hotel Pocatello has easy access to Idaho State University -one of Idaho's most prestigious campuses. Visit the Natural History Museum located on the campus and explore through a variety of collections, exhibits and events on anthropology, earth science, life science and paleontology.

Stay Close to Idaho State University

Modern Comfortable Accommodations

Located only three miles away from Idaho State University (ISU), Red Lion Hotel Pocatello offers 150 spacious accommodations equipped with our signature pillow top mattresses, complimentary Wi-Fi, eco-friendly bath products and other comforting room amenities. Enjoy a sweet sleep in one of the most convenient locations among Pocatello hotels near ISU with easy access to the best Pocatello attractions.

As one of the top full-service hotels in Pocatello, we also offer resort-style amenities ideal for ISU alumni, families and faculty. Pre-game for a Bengals sporting event at our Pocatello Lounge; spend a relaxing parents' weekend by our swimming pool and whirlpool; or host a special alumni gathering in our 14,248 square feet of event space.

The Museum of Clean

Learn About History And Energy Efficiency

Learn how to go green at this 75,000-square-foot museum dedicated to the art of keeping the environment clean. The Museum of Clean offers excitement, humor, and education for the whole family. 

Many of the museum exhibits are created for hands-on fun. Kids will have the opportunity to explore historical exhibits that focus on chimney sweepers, stagecoaches, old time life on the farm, and more. The Museum also has its own art gallery, which includes beautiful Asian block prints. 

General admission is $6 for adults, $5 for kids 3-11, and $20 for a family of two adults and three children. Parking is free and easy-access. The museum is non-profit, so all donations help.

The Museum of Clean

Tuesday - Saturday 10am to 5pm
711 S. 2nd Ave.
Pocatello, ID 83201
(208)236-6906
contact@museumofclean.com

Plan Your Yellowstone Vacation

Pocatello is Your Gateway

When seeking hotels close to Yellowstone National Park west entrance or south entrance, consider Red Lion Hotel Pocatello as your gateway. Yellowstone vacations are convenient and affordable with Red Lion, a pleasant home base for explorers and adventurers. 

How to Get to Yellowstone

If entering through the south or west entrances of Yellowstone, you either have the opportunity to travel through the scenic Grand Teton National Park — a 26-mile long national park known for its stunning Grand Teton Mountain Range or West Yellowstone in Montana.  

What to Do and See in Yellowstone

When you've arrived, don't be overwhelmed by what seems like endless acres within the world's first national park. We recommend touring a geyser basin, seeing the Upper and Lower Falls at the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, hiking a trail and spotting some wildlife (a bison is virtually guaranteed).