Lava Hot Springs
Lava Hot Springs has all-natural mineral water with no chemicals or sulfur, which eliminates the odor common to hot springs. Enjoy its four outdoor gravel bottom pools at comfortable temperatures ranging from 102 to 110 degrees Fahrenheit.

“It was just fun to go relax at the Lava Hot Springs. It’s about an hour and a half away. It was nice,” said Danielle Mulder, a freshman from Morgan Hill, Calif.

To some, it may be worth the drive during a stressful semester.

“It was so relaxing and a relief from school-related stress,” said Danielle Demke, a sophomore from Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.

Enjoy the warmth of Lava Hot Springs, located about 100 miles south of Rexburg.

The Hot Springs are open from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. The price range is from $5 to $7 dollars per person.

Source: www.lavahotsprings.com

Craters of the Moon
Hike across a lava field and a top a volcano or camp amid the lava formations in its 52 site campground.

The cost is $8 per vehicle and $10 per campsite ($6 per campsite in the early and late season).

The Craters of the Moon monument and preserve and road remain open all hours all year-round.

Explore this national monument located 100 miles southwest of Rexburg.

Source: www.nps.gov

St. Anthony Sand Dunes
These Dunes stretch over 15 miles and rise over 400 feet. The dunes are a popular attraction for ATV riders from all over the nation.

“I thought it was cool because you live in a city and five miles away there are sand dunes – you can experience something different,” said Sammi Adamson, a sophomore from Ennis, Mont.

Explore unique features of the Sand Dunes, including off-road vehicle use, camping and hiking. They are less than 30 minutes away and are open during daylight hours.

Source: www.id.blm.gov

Mesa Falls
This scenic byway can be view upclose, only a few feet away from the falls. Enjoy the sound and view of the falls as they pour over the edge dropping 114 feet to the canyon below.

“It’s beautiful, especially during the winter, because the snow looks pretty. Mesa Falls isn’t the only beautiful part, but the drive there is really picturesque and scenic,” said Alyssa Brook, a freshman from Pocatello, Idaho.

Discover the spectacular sights and hear the roar of both the Lower and Upper Mesa Falls located just 35 miles north of Rexburg. The cost is $3 per car or $1 per motorcycle. Open hours are from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Source: www.visitidaho.org

The Civil Defense Caves
The cold of the caves can be felt year-round because of the unique insulating qualities of the lava. These caves are large passageways formed from lava that reaches thousands of feet below the ground.

“I would recommend this if you are an outdoors and climbing person; you would like it a lot. You have to climb over rocks and through tight spaces. You can’t be claustrophobic,” said Sara Robertson, a sophomore from Orem, Utah.

The Civil Defense Caves are north of St. Anthony Sand Dunes. For safety reasons, bring a jacket, good footwear and a flashlight.

Source: www.rexcc.com