Things To Do
in Rexburg

Rexburg is a small university town in eastern Idaho along the South Fork of the Snake River, framed by rugged mountains. Home to BYU-Idaho, it has a lively student-driven energy and a friendly, community-forward vibe. The town offers easy access to outdoor recreation, including rivers, lakes, and trails, as well as seasonal community events and fairs.

While compact, Rexburg has a growing dining scene, cultural programming at the university, and a gateway feel to Idaho’s backcountry.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring Historic Center
morning
:

Start your day with a visit to the Rexburg Historic District, where you can stroll along the quaint streets lined with charming vintage buildings. Stop by the local café for a hearty breakfast, enjoying fresh pastries and coffee while immersing yourself in the small-town atmosphere. Don't forget to take photos in front of the iconic landmarks that tell the story of Rexburg's rich history.

afternoon
:

In the afternoon, visit the Rexburg Idaho Temple, an architectural marvel that offers stunning views and peaceful gardens. Take a guided tour to learn about its significance to the community and enjoy the serene surroundings. Afterward, explore the local shops and boutiques for unique souvenirs and handmade crafts.

evening
:

As the sun sets, head to the nearby riverfront for a relaxing evening walk along the banks of the Henry's Fork River. Consider dining at a local restaurant that specializes in Idaho cuisine, where you can savor dishes made from locally sourced ingredients. Conclude your day by attending a community event or concert if available, soaking up the vibrant local culture.

day 2
Nature Walks at Rexburg Nature Park
morning
:

Begin your day with a refreshing walk at Rexburg Nature Park, where you can enjoy the beauty of Idaho's natural landscape. The park features winding trails surrounded by lush trees and serene ponds, making it perfect for a peaceful morning. Keep your eyes peeled for local wildlife as you stroll along the pathways.

afternoon
:

After your nature walk, pack a picnic and find a cozy spot in the park to enjoy lunch surrounded by nature. Spend time relaxing and maybe even reading a book or playing frisbee on the grassy lawns. Later, visit the nearby Legacy Flight Museum to explore fascinating aviation history and see vintage aircraft up close.

evening
:

As evening approaches, return to the park for a picturesque sunset view over the water. Bring along a camera to capture the stunning colors of the sky reflecting on the pond. Wrap up your day with a casual dinner at a local pizzeria, enjoying a slice with friends or family.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$10-15
🏡One-bedroom apartment (monthly)$700-1,100
🚗Gasoline (per gallon)$3-4
💡Basic utilities (monthly)$120-180
🌐Internet monthly$40-60

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • University town with a friendly community
  • Outdoor access and scenic landscapes
  • Affordability compared to bigger cities
  • Calm, safe environment
  • Limited nightlife and dining variety
  • Winter driving can be challenging
  • Smaller city with limited public transit
  • Seasonal crowds around BYU-Idaho events

Places to Visit in Rexburg

Visit one of these nice places.

Historic Main Street Rexburg

Sunrise frames the turn‑of‑the‑century storefronts with warm light on brick façades.

BYU-Idaho Campus Architecture

Iconic campus buildings and sculptures provide classic collegiate photography opportunities.

South Fork Snake River Overlook

Riverside scenes with canyons and wildlife, especially striking at golden hour.

Rexburg Rim Sunset Viewpoint

Rim vantage points offering sweeping views of town and foothills at sunset.

Culinary Guide

Food in Rexburg

Idaho’s abundant potatoes shape much of the local cuisine, with simple, hearty dishes, farm-to-table flavors, and casual dining around Rexburg. Expect comforting breakfasts, burgers with fry sauce, and fresh-baked pies from local bakeries. You’ll also find seasonal produce at markets and a growing coffee shop scene near the university.

Rexburg Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Idaho Baked Potato

A classic Idaho potato prepared with a variety of toppings at local diners and cafes.

Must-Try!

Fry Sauce with Burgers

A tangy dipping sauce commonly served with burgers and fries; ask for it at casual eateries.

Potato Cheddar Soup

Creamy soup featuring Idaho potatoes and sharp cheddar, popular in cafes and diners.

Blueberry Pie

A seasonal favorite at local bakeries and cafés, especially in summer.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Rexburg Farmers Market

Seasonal outdoor market offering fresh produce, baked goods, and crafts.

Campus Food Trucks

Rotating lineup of food trucks around the BYU-Idaho campus with diverse options.

Climate Guide

Weather

Rexburg experiences a continental climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are warm, winters cold with snow, and spring and fall bring variable temperatures and occasional storms.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Community and Faith

Rexburg has a strong faith-based presence; be respectful of quiet hours and dress modestly in certain settings.

Privacy and Greetings

Polite greetings, friendly small talk, and respect for personal space are common in daily interactions.

Safety Guide

Safety

Rexburg is generally very safe with low crime rates. Carry standard outdoor safety gear for hiking, monitor weather changes, and drive carefully in winter conditions. River currents can be hazardous; keep a safe distance near water.

Tipping in Rexburg

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Standard tipping is 15-20% at restaurants and bars; small businesses also expect tips when service is provided.

Payment Methods

Credit/debit cards are widely accepted; cash is common at smaller venues, and many places are card-ready.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Warm days with long daylight hours; outdoor events, farmers markets, and campus activities are in full swing.

Autumn

Pleasant days with turning leaves; great for hiking and photography, cooler nights.

Winter

Snowy landscapes and crisp air; opportunities for winter recreation and quiet city streets; drive carefully.

Spring

Mild temperatures and budding flora; trails reopen and wildlife reappears after winter.

Nightlife Guide

Rexburg at Night

The nightlife in Rexburg is low-key and campus-centered. Most evening activities center on campus events, coffee shops, and family-friendly venues. Alcohol options exist in nearby towns, but BYU-Idaho policies influence campus life and on-campus dining scenes.

Hiking in Rexburg

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Mesa Falls Trail

Scenic hike to Upper and Lower Mesa Falls in the Island Park area; easy to moderate terrain.

South Fork Snake River Trail

Forest trails along the river offering wildlife viewing and canyon scenery.

Caribou-Targhee National Forest Trails

Extensive network of trails with varying difficulty near Rexburg.

Airports

How to reach Rexburg by plane.

Idaho Falls Regional Airport (IDA)

Major regional airport about 65-90 miles from Rexburg with domestic flights.

Pocatello Regional Airport (PIH)

Regional airport roughly 140 miles away with several domestic routes.

Boise Airport (BOI)

Further away but connected to many destinations via nonstop flights.

Getting Around

Walkability

Rexburg is fairly walkable in the town center and around the BYU-Idaho campus, with bike-friendly streets. Some destinations require a car due to distance and terrain; climate can affect year-round walkability.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

BYU-Idaho students

A large share of Rexburg’s population alongside faculty and families.

Families

Many long-time residents and seasonal workers in the area.

Religious community

A significant presence that influences local culture and events.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Basketball

College basketball is popular with BYU-Idaho and local fans.

Skiing and Snowboarding

Nearby mountains offer winter sports for locals and visitors.

Fishing and Boating

South Fork Snake River and nearby lakes are favorites for water activities.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic is light to moderate in Rexburg, with more congestion during university events and ski season weekends. Public transportation is limited; most residents rely on cars or bicycles.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Rexburg.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian options are widely available at most cafes and diners; look for veggie burgers, salads, and pasta dishes.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Basic healthcare is available in Rexburg and nearby towns; major hospitals are in Idaho Falls (about 40-70 miles away) and Pocatello. For emergencies, Rexburg Medical Center provides urgent care; plan longer drives for specialized services.

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