Quirky Idaho – Oddities and Roadside Attractions

Spud Drive-In Potato in Idaho

Spud Drive-In Potato in Driggs, Idaho. Photo by Kathy Alexander.

Idaho Fun Facts & Trivia

Old Idaho Penitentiary

Oasis Bordello Museum

Soda Springs Geyser

Soda Springs Geyser

Soda Springs Geyser

Soda Springs Geyser

In Soda Springs, Idaho, you can see the only captive geyser in the world. The city accidentally found the geyser when they were searching for a hot water source for a swimming pool. On November 30, 1937, while drilling down some 315 feet, water from an underground chamber was suddenly unleashed into the air.

The extreme pressure of the water is caused by carbon dioxide mixing with water in the earth’s depths below.  Staying at an almost constant temperature of 72 degrees, the water has now been “harnessed” by a timer and erupts every hour.

The geyser regularly reaches heights of 100 feet and sometimes more on windless days.  Entertaining visitors from around the world, these sparkling waters have been featured in Ripley’s “Believe It or Not.”

The Visitor Center, in a renovated historic building, welcomes tourists with two rooms that contain large interpretive signs revealing the natural wonders and history of the area.

Group arrangements are available with prior notice.

More information: Geyser Park, Soda Springs, Idaho

©Kathy Alexander/Legends of America, updated February 2024.

Also See:

Destinations Across America

Idaho – The Gem State

Idaho Photo Galleries

Offbeat Roadside Attractions, Trivia, & More