Find a factory to tour for fun and learning!

Idaho factories to visit and tour

Idaho has factories to visit and tour. Below, first are the active, working factories. The next section has historical operations which often have demonstrations or renactments. These incluse both large and small operations, from several person chocolate factories and cheesemakers to large manufacturers making paper towels, wood products, beverage cans and bottles, are open to the public with real tours, exhibitions and fun education.

In some cases, such as a manufacturing process that is no longer in use, the only way to see it and learn about it is a museum or living history center. So, we also provide information about engineering facilities and museums, dinosaur digs, even government facilities, like NASA, astronomy oberservatories and more that are open to the public on certain days and times. And if there is some place that is just plain fun to visit, we add that, too!

These are perfect for homeschooling, for STEM and for fun! Kids love visiting these places! They're learning and getting an education without even realizing it. And most of these are either free or under $10! What's better then fun, entertaining, good for children and families, educational and free?

Here are some of the top factory tours in Idaho and contact information and tips about visiting them.

Factories, Engineering, Museums and other fun demonstrations and exhibits to visit in Idaho

  • Amazon Fulfillment Center - tour of the facility
    BOI2: Amazon Fulfillment Center, 5295 E Franklin Rd, Nampa, ID 83687.
    BOOK ON THEIR WEBSITE. Each tour is approximately 60-90 minutes long. On the tour you may walk up and down at least one flight of stairs and walk approximately 1 mile. Amazon says "Ever wondered what happens when you shop on Amazon? Book a free walking tour of an Amazon warehouse and see how our people and technology deliver for customers." The also have the following recommendations and requirements:
    Arrive Early - arrive 15 minutes prior to your tour.
    Attire - All guests must wear flat, closed-toed, and closed-heeled shoes (no sandals, clogs or high heels). We recommend wearing comfortable shoes or sneakers. Additionally, long hair must be pulled at or above shoulder length. Loose fitting clothing (long-hanging jewelry, scarves, or ties) are not permitted. Headscarves worn for religious reasons are permitted but must be tucked in securely.
    Identification - Upon your arrival, your tour leader will ask for a government issued photo ID. Please ensure that guest information submitted during sign-up matches the guest ID.
  • Buck Knives Factory - knife manufacturer
    660 S. Lochsa Street, Post Falls, ID 83854. Phone: (800) 326-2825 ext. 4. Email: support@buckknives.com. Open: free Factory Tours Monday - Thursday at 10:00am and 2:00pm. Space is very limited. We recommend calling (208) 262-0500 ext. 5 to reserve your spot. Please note you must wear full enclosed footwear during the tour (no open toe or heels). Place an order, check the status, change your order, return your order, or have any general questions about Buck Knives, please email. No factory tours on these dates: December 23rd through January 3rd

Idaho Historical Forts and Sites, Famous buildings, Active Federal facilities to tour, Geology: like fossils and volcanic areas

 

  1. California National Historic Trail, historical wagon trail

    Follow in the footsteps of over 250,000 emigrants who traveled to the gold fields and rich farmlands of California during the 1840s and 1850s: the greatest mass migration in American history. The California National Historic Trail is over 5,000 miles long and covers portions of 10 states. Step into history along more than 1,000 miles of ruts and traces from travelers and their overland wagons.

    Chimney Rock was an important emigrant landmark in western Nebraska
  2. Oregon National Historic Trail, historical wagon trail

    Imagine yourself an emigrant headed for Oregon: would promises of lush farmlands and a new beginning lure you to leave home and walk for weeks? More than 2,000 miles of trail ruts and traces can still be seen along the Oregon National Historic Trail in six states and serve as reminders of the sacrifices, struggles, and triumphs of early American settlers.

    Scotts Bluff National Monument is located in western Nebraska, landmark for the Pony Express, Oregon, California and Mormon Pioneer national historic trails
  3. Yellowstone National Park:, Yellowstone National Park, ID,MT,WY.

    On March 1, 1872, Yellowstone became the first national park for all to enjoy the unique hydrothermal and geologic wonders. People from around the world have been drawn to Yellowstone to witness these wonders for themselves. Now, millions of people come to Yellowstone each year.

    Winter visitors experience the magic of erupting geysers.

Idaho State historic sites and parks

These are state-run parks, museums and historic sites that present the history of some manufacturing process, industry, or living settlement

Idaho Seasons, bugs, topography and climate

Located in the Rockies, with mountains, plateaus and desserts, Idaho has extreme weather. In the summer, it tends to be semi-arid, hot during day and cool at night. Winters can be brutally cold. Many roads are closed or impassible in the winter.

Bugs are thankfully few!

Camping in Idaho

If you're looking to save money on your trip, camping may be a fun alternative to hotels and motels, especially, if you already have the gear, or are looking to get some. BTW, this websites ( https://RoadTrippingAndCamping.com ) explains everything you need to know about camping gear and where to the best gear at the lowest prices.

The Basics

  • Fireworks are prohibited
  • Dogs must be confined or on a leash
  • Dogs are not allowed at Harriman State Park
  • Camping is permitted only in designated areas
  • Quiet time starts at 10 pm
  • Sites cannot be “saved” for someone else
  • All equipment and vehicles must be within the designated camp site
  • Generally stays are limited to 15 days in a 30-day period
  • Day-use only areas within parks or campgrounds are open from sunrise to sunset.
  • Check-in time is 2 p.m. for campsites and 3 p.m. for facilities (local park time).
  • Checkout time is 1 p.m. for campsites and 12 p.m. for facilities (local park time).
  • Late checkouts may incur additional fees unless prior arrangements have been made.
  • All Idaho State Parks are ADA friendly and support service animals.

To review all the rules and fees associated with administering and governing the Idaho Department of Parks please visit the Idaho Department of Administration website.

Specific definitions related to the use of state park recreation areas and facilities.

Book a Campsite

Reservations for stays within Idaho’s State Parks can be made online and toll-free by phone at: 1-888-922-6743. Agents will be available seven days a week, Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Mountain Standard Time (MST), and Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., MST. From Monday through Friday, another option is to call the Reservations Program at 1-855-514-2429, open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Idaho state parks for camping:

There are both state parks and private campgrounds in Idaho.