City of Tetonia, Idaho

City of Tetonia, Idaho

The City of Tetonia has long supported the development and operation of ba branch of the Pacific Union Railroad that once traveled through the area, though initially established as an agricultural community. The town mainly consisted of a church, post office, school, and a service station, lined with unpaved roads and dotted with tall metal grain holders. Among the first settlers in the Teton Valley was a gentleman who went by the name Edwin S. Little, who found that the ideal place to call home within the Teton Valley way back in 1889 would be along the riverside of the Teton River. It would not be until the late 1800's that Ed Harrington, also known by the name of Ed Trafton, was granted the title of the official postman, which happened to be the first within the Teton Valley, although he also had the reputation as being "The Lone Highwayman of Yellowstone" for holding up 19 stagecoaches in a single day. Back in the day, primarily due to the sheer isolation of the location, the Teton Valley was primarily home to outlaws, robbers, and those avoiding the law, better known as thieves. The reputation of a few of the locals did not stop the community from developing and conquering the feats of harsh winters and food demands and flourishing into a beautiful development even with its colorful past.

The City's dependence on the railroad industry was long-lived, though the demand for essential individual transportation grew and was quickly satisfied with the locomotive, transitioning the need for survival into a sense of hard work, determination, and successive accomplishments. The days of providing service to the railroad have come and gone due to modern transportation nearly transferring all of the demand of distribution to the trucking industry. The lack of wealth, power, and opportunities quickly vanished, and significant sociocultural changes. The everyday problems that arose transitioned into innovations, regulations, and routines that revolutionized community involvement. The modern industry helped with machinery, tools, and technology advancements in terms of primary necessity. The shift within the local economy of Tetonia caused the area to flourish within various markets, including that of the surrounding natural environment increasingly becoming popular among tourists, attracting folks from all regions, and welcoming visitors to a beautiful community with modern-day amenities, ready with greetings of adventure, each day.

Every day on Mainstreet, folks start by preparing for locals, visitors, and travelers making their way through the area, in one of the most beautiful cities within the state, with breathtaking surroundings and customer service mainly contributing to the success of the booming local economy. The City is best known for wineries and vineyards, nature centers, botanical gardens, hiking trails, public golf courses, public tennis courts, historical sites, festivals, craft fairs, live theater, breweries, and educational activities. Nearly encompassed by national forest land and boasting incredible scenic views of the Teton Range and the Big Hole Mountain range, the entire area, is an open the door to the creative mind. Visitors experience a welcoming atmosphere combined with the attractive countryside landscapes, a mix of dining opportunities, overnight accommodations, and skillful outfitters waiting to keep customers experiencing some of the best moments life has to offer in an unforgettable destination, as well as droves of area things in and around town. This summer might be a great time to check out a few destinations. The time to make plans for weekend adventures or a getaway is now.

Downtown

~ The local destinations make for a great day out on the town, exploring shops, boutiques, the historical museum, salon, spas, antique stores, and taking a mid-day break to enjoy excellent hometown cooking. Local businesses provide a combination of shops, pubs and distilleries, art and trade companies, restaurants, supply stores, and the market. Check out hot air balloon tours, adventure & extreme tour guides, outfitters, aviation tours, and backcountry tours.

Beyond the City

~ Venturing beyond the City to surrounding destinations might include heading over to the beautiful waters of the Teton River or the soaring heights of the Teton Range. Truly experiencing some of the best the area offers is best done with multi-days allocated for the chance to take in the whole experience.

Activity opportunities

~ Fishing adventures will likely include surrounding destinations such as rivers and streams. Check out prime fishing locations within the Teton Basin found at Paddlesack Lake, the Teton River that spans the length of Fremont - Madison - and Teton Counties, a total of 81.5 miles Pine Creek, Canyon Creek, Birch Creek, Fall River, and Robinson Creek. The Teton River waters prove to be an excellent fishing opportunity for species including Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), Cutthroat (Oncorhynchus clarkii), Brook Trout (Salvelinus fontinalis), and Mountain Whitefish (Prosopium Williamson) and Cut box - Cutthroat and Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii x O. mykiss), Utah Chub, and Yellow Perch. For world-renowned fly fishing, entertain Henry's Fork near Island Park as fishing opportunities transform into an anglers paradise.

~ ATV/OHV use is a popular mode of transportation ideal for incorporating weekend camping, fishing, hiking, backpacking, and hunting adventures. If planning an overnight stay at one of the local RV/tent campgrounds with the addition of ATVs or dirt bikes, be sure to inquire about the policies, as a few sites do not allow the use of ohvs within the grounds. Be sure that permits are acquired and that any licensing and helmet requirements have been satisfied before taking off to the trails to accomplish positive outcomes. The Idaho OHV Registration sticker must be purchased and, as of January of 2020, no longer honors stickers from other states. Check out locations such as the Caribou-Targhee National Forest - Packsaddle Lake, Minnetonka Cave, Moody Swamp to Red Butte along Road 226, South Fork Indian Creek Trail, South Fork Snake River OHV Trail, and Poison Flats Trailhead to Burns Canyon. The trails within the Teton Basin Ranger District include the trails around the Mike Harris Campground, Mikesell Canyon, Pole Canyon, Powerline ATV Trails, Fourth of July Peak, Old Sheep Corrals, Trail Creek, and perhaps Murphy Creek.

~ Archery and rifle hunting include the awe-inspiring landscapes of the Teton Range, with colossal big game including bear, lion, wolf, moose, elk, and trophy deer within Unit 64, 65, 67- Region 6, and upland game opportunities closer to town including quail, chukar, gray partridge, forest grouse, sage-grouse, pheasant, and turkey. Small game reports to include rabbit, hare, squirrel, and fur-bearer. Waterfowl hunting includes turkey, grouse, crane, dove, goose, duck, coot, and snipe. Experience upland bird hunting bragging world-class honors. Before heading out, be sure to check boundaries, licensing requirements, weather warnings, and fire restrictions.

~ Trail enthusiasts who enjoy a bit of hiking, climbing, or mountaineering might consider checking out Garns Mountain or Red Mountain. There are, of course, too many trails to list; a few popular trails include the Monument Peak and Garns Mountain Trail and the Ashton to Teton Trail.

~ Beginning from the City of Driggs, Idaho, adventurers may take off for the Monument Peak and Garns Mountain Trail, which boasts a 20.8-mile loop with an elevation gain of 4,402 ft. The trails to Piney Peak (9,020 feet) sit 4 feet higher than Garns Mountains (9,016 feet) and offer scenic views of the Teton Range and the other Big Hole mountains peaks. The switchbacks may confuse GPS devices; a physical topographic map may be handy. The trails are popular for mountain biking, so if hiking is the preferred method, be sure to be aware of the surroundings for the potential of quickly approaching passerbyers.

~ Ashton to Teton Trail - Teton Range Trail etiquette is to maintain a healthy distance from foot traffic unless passing, and please remember to keep off the trail when it is muddy. As always, remain aware of the surroundings and never approach wildlife. The 29.6 +/- mile Ashton-Tetonia Trail system opened in 2010 with the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation cooperation. The trail initially acted as the Oregon Short Line Railroad route, though due to a transition of shipping methods, the railroad shut down, leaving the opportunity for the trail to convert into a pathway for public use. The trails boast views of forest pine, cottonwoods, and aspen trees; the trails wrap throughout the countryside with scenic views filled with the Teton Range, farmers' fields, nature, and three historic train trestle bridges. Bring along a pack filled with food and drinks for an outdoor picnic while hiking and non-motorized mountain biking, and in the winter months, cross country skiing and snowshoeing might be a consideration depending on the weather. Famous wildlife sightings include deer, fox, gophers, elk, moose, cows, hawks, horses, eagles, geese, swans, and coyotes. For additional information, park pass, and events, contact the park at (208) 558-7368.

~ Birding and Nature Trails surrounded by wildflowers in the Spring season make excellent educational opportunities to learn about the geology, topographical features, and area terrain. Day and night birding offers the chance to come across birds such as the beautiful.

~ Snowmobiling, skiing, snowboarding, and backcountry skiing, is quite popular in the winter months. The pass within the range between Tetonia and Swan Valley is well known for severe weather storms causing the pass to shut down for motorized vehicles, and requires gathering advanced weather data before making travel plans during the colder months.

~ Equestrian tours and horseback adventures lead visitors to new heights with birds-eye views over the valley from the Teton Range. Alpine Lakes, surrounded by meadows filled with wildflowers, make a great stopping point for a midday lunch break and enjoying the warmth of a sunny day.

~ Photography opportunities abound with most any adventure within the southeastern portion of the state and offer the chance to capture sentimental moments or, depending on the activity of choice, and who knows, maybe once in a lifetime accomplishments.

~ Rafting, whitewater adventures, floating, canoeing, kayaking, boating, opportunities abound. Along the Teton River, Highway 33 to Felt Power Plant from April to October, the whitewater class has been reported to range in IV-V, running the length of 7 miles of sheer exhilaration. For a more relaxing day on calm waters heading over to the Snake River in Swan Valley offers incredible fishing opportunities, nature, and scenic waterfalls.

~ History fans may enjoy a day of area exploration as there are quite a few historical landmarks, buildings, and structures and the fascinating stories of the area development.

~ Great farm-to-market fresh food, the hometown cafes, kitchens, restaurants, coffee houses, and unforgettable down-to-earth folks that help create once-in-a-lifetime experiences await. There is no requirement to break the bank to participate in the complete sense of what makes Tetonia great.

It is Idaho; the weather especially at higher altitudes may become volitile with rapid changes regardless of what may be forecasted. Bringing along a spare change of clothing with any activity is advised for the occasion of unexpected climate weather surprises. Mainly due to unexpected snowstorms, which occur at higher elevations year-round. If planning an alpine trip, rain has the potential to make creek passes impassable, turning a backpacking adventure into a headache. Be prepared, have various backup plans for weather, safety, preparedness related purposes A - too hot - hydration - health, B - too cold - warmth - survival, and C - too wet - safety - nourishment, notify people of where the trip route will be, and stay aware of the surroundings.

Overnight accommodations

~ Visiting this area might include an overnight stay in a local lodge & spa or perhaps a log cabin rental, hotel, RV park, air bnbs, motels, resorts, bed & breakfast, overnight retreats, tipi rental, or one of the surrounding campgrounds for the maximum 'under the starry sky' experience. Jump for the opportunity of a 1-5 night stay with a local guided tour adventure and discover the backcountry that leads to the Teton Wilderness.

~ Area Campgrounds within the Teton Basin RD include the Mike Harris Campground, Pine Creek Campground, Teton Canyon Campground, and the Trail Creek Campground to name a few.

Local and nearby events -

* April 30 - A Superhero Circus is Coming to the City! Teton County Fairgrounds, Driggs, ID

* April 21 - At 6:30 pm, MST Teton Regional Land Trust webinar "Pollinators: One of Earth's Wonders" with speaker Dr. Jody Johnson.

* April 22 - From 4–7 pm, check out the Driggs City Center Building for the Earth Day Festival, with art, music, dance, educational booths, activities, vendors, and more!

* June 25 - Wrun for Wray Targhee Hill Climb - at the Grand Targhee Resort

* July 2 - Tetonia Celebrates America - Held the 2nd Saturday in July!

* July 19 - Shakespeare in the Park - Twelfth Night 6:30 pm Driggs City Center Plaza, Driggs, ID

* July 20th - 24th Driggs Digs Plein Air Festival 9:00 am Driggs City Center, Driggs, ID.

* September 8th - 8:30 pm - 10:30 pm $10 - Six Spring Ranch

* September 12 thru September 17 - 5th Annual Greater Yellowstone Crane Festival

* September 17 at Pontirussa Ranch - In A Landscape: Classical Music in the Wild

* Tetonia Ice Rink- Weather Pending, open during winter months.

* Tetonia Snow Plane Rally: Held the 3rd Saturday in January!

* Snow Plane Rally Tetonia, typically held around January 19

Sources:

https://www.familysearch.org/en/wiki/Tetonia,_Teton_County,_Idaho_Genealogy

https://driggsidaho.org/about/history/

https://www.tetonvalleymagazine.com/history-stories/teton-valleys-checkered-past/

https://tetonlandtrust.org/event/new-event-stargazing-experience/

https://bestthingsid.com/tetonia-id/

https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/idaho#:~:text=The%20%243%20billion%20tourism%20industry,food%20production%20and%20recreation%20technology.

https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/idaho#:~:text=The%20%243%20billion%20tourism%20industry,food%20production%20and%20recreation%20technology.

https://www.riderplanet-usa.com/atv/trails/info/idaho_16408/ride_2665.htm

https://www.alltrails.com/parks/us/idaho/caribou-targhee-national-forest/off-road-driving

https://www.idahoaclimbingguide.com/bookupdates/piney-peak-9019/

https://idfg.idaho.gov/ifwis/fishingplanner/water/1118383438988

https://idfg.idaho.gov/ifwis/fishingPlanner/water/1118840438445

https://www.jacksonholekayak.com/en/information/online-guide/whitewater-rivers/