Pocatello

Pocatello is a college town in Southeastern Idaho. About 57,000 people lived there in 2021.

Understand
Named after a noted 19th-century Shoshoni chief, Pocatello is a working-class town with a strong railroad and trade union heritage. As such it has more of a blue-collar feel to it than the other major Idaho cities. At one time the city boasted the largest rail yard west of the Mississippi River. The city has a reputation for being a (slightly) more progressive enclave in otherwise conservative, Mormon-dominated Eastern Idaho.

Although the presence of Idaho State University in Pocatello unquestionably makes it a college town as well, student life is somewhat more sedate than in other college towns in the region such as Moscow, Idaho, or Missoula, Montana. The bar scene can be lively on the weekends, but don't expect to find too many raging frat house keggers here.

Get in

 * Pocatello can be accessed by car via Interstate 15 from Idaho Falls in the north and Salt Lake City in the south. Pocatello is the eastern terminus of Interstate 86, which connects the city to the Twin Falls area in the west.
 * Intercity bus service is provided by Salt Lake Express and Greyhound.
 * Despite its railroad heritage, Pocatello now has no passenger rail service. For decades the railroad tracks have been used only for freight trains.
 * Despite its railroad heritage, Pocatello now has no passenger rail service. For decades the railroad tracks have been used only for freight trains.

Get around
Pocatello Regional Transit offers limited bus service.

Do
Deleta - A rollerskating rink open at nights and during the day on non school days. Also has laser tag, a play area, video games, and a food court.

Outer Limits - Video games, small indoor roller coaster, laser tag, food and a play area.

McKee's - A pet store that also has an outdoor petting zoo. One can pet goats, sheep, pigs, llamas, donkeys, turtles, see ostriches, emus, miniature horses, and even a deer along with lots of chickens.

Fort Hall Casino - Owned and operated by the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes, and located on the Fort Hall Indian Reservation north of Pocatello, Fort Hall Casino is the only legal gaming facility in southern Idaho. Unlike in many Nevada casinos, where a minimum age of 21 is strictly enforced, 18-year-olds are allowed to gamble (but not drink) here.

Learn
Idaho State University is an important part of Pocatello.

Sleep
Most national chains available.



Stay safe
Pocatello tends to have more snow and more severe snowstorms than the other major cities in Idaho (although not as severe as places like Stanley). Given that and the city's hilly landscape, driving can be a challenge in the winter.

The Pocatello area is also subject to inversions in the winter months. This, combined with the output of nearby fertilizer plants, can make air quality an issue.

Go next
Surrounded by mountains, Pocatello has many hiking trails and ski areas.
 * Cherry Springs Nature Area within Caribou-Targhee National Forest for excellent birding and wildlife viewing