Where to eat, stop, and stay in Swan Valley, Idaho, on your way to Jackson Hole.
SWAN VALLEY, Idaho, June 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — With catastrophic damage to the Teton Pass corridor, commuters and tourists are now forced to take a longer route from Idaho to/from Jackson Hole, WY. The new commute through Swan Valley may help shed some light on this small but vibrant community that is often overlooked, and River Retreat Lodge is sharing the local spots for travelers to know.
Snake River in Swan Valley, Idaho.
Located in southwestern Idaho, Swan Valley is known first and foremost for world-class fly-fishing on the Southfork of the Snake River. Many visitors to Jackson Hole come to experience this river’s greatness. Jimmy Fallon and Jimmy Kimmel frequent the area, and Kimmel even has a lodge here.
Second, it is known for Palisades Reservoir and the surrounding lush forests, which are great for hiking, biking, and adventuring. A small ski resort, Kelly Canyon, is also located in the Valley, and travelers often visit Heise Hot Springs.
Swan Valley’s local businesses are the heart and soul of the area and rely on tourism, just as Jackson Hole and Driggs, to survive. As tourists and commuters now traverse this scenic valley, it’s the perfect time to spotlight these small, local businesses that are happy to welcome new guests and support locals and workers traveling to/from Jackson Hole during the interim until the pass is repaired.
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Where To Eat Treat yourself to a gourmet dinner, order a picnic lunch, or stop at the roadside grill.
The Gilded Trumpeter is a new boutique dining restaurant at River Retreat Lodge. It offers apps, salads, proteins, sides, desserts, wine, and beer. Breakfast is also available, and you can preorder a picnic lunch. Located in Irwin, just off the main drag at 1591 Old Irwin Road, or call +1 (877) 787-5634. Make dinner reservations on Open Table- https://bit.ly/swan-valley-restaurant-reservation Breakfast Hours: Thursday – Saturday, 8:00 – 9:30 am Happy Hour: Wednesday – Friday, 4:00 – 5:00 pm Dinner Hours: Wednesday – Saturday, 5:30 – 8:00 pm
Snake River Roadhouse Bar and Grill is your standard community pub located on the main highway at 2998 Swan Valley Highway. For more information, call +1 (208) 483-2000. Lunch and Dinner Hours: Wednesday: 11:30 am – 8:30 pm Thursday: 11:30 am – 8:30 pm Friday: 11:30 am – 9:00 pm Saturday: 11:30 am – 9:00 pm Sunday: 11:30 am – 8:00 pm
Little Moose Lodge Restaurant is a quaint establishment serving burgers, fish and chips, and similar items. Wine and beer are also available. It is located at 3427 Swan Valley Hwy, or you can call +1 (208) 483-2281. Call for restaurant reservations. Lunch and Dinner Hours: Friday: 11:00 am – 8:00 pm Saturday: 11:00 am – 8:00 pm Monday: 11:00 am – 8:00 pm
Need to Stay Over River Retreat Lodge—Six spacious suites offer warm hospitality and breakfast included with your stay. There is a restaurant on site and beautiful grounds to sit back and unwind. Located off the main highway at 1591 Old Irwin Road
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Hansen Guest Ranch– A western-style bed and breakfast and guest ranch in Irwin. Horses may be welcome if traveling with a trailer. 956 Rainey Creek Road
Little Moose Lodge – The stopover if you travel with a pet ($25 pet fee). The lodge offers seven rooms, and breakfast is available onsite for an additional charge. 3427 Swan Valley Hwy
Convenience Store Swan Valley General Store, grocery store, deli, bakery, beer, wine, 12 gasoline/diesel pumps. Hours: Monday – Thursday, 7:00 am – 8:00 pm Friday, 7:00 am – 9:00 pm Saturday, 7:00 am – 8:00 pm Sunday, 7:00 am – 8:00 pm
In a recent CNN article, the US Department of Transportation said the Teton Pass corridor “serves as a critical commuter route and facilitates the transport of goods and services that are lifelines to the growing regional economies in Wyoming and Idaho.” Swan Valley hopes to help support the region during this unprecedented event.
About River Retreat Lodge Six spacious suites perfect for couples, friends, or family looking for a getaway in top fishing and year-round outdoor destination Swan Valley, Idaho. Boutique dining onsite at The Gilded Trumpeter serves breakfast, happy hour, dinner, and pre-order picnic lunch. Restaurant open to the public with reservations. Book online at riverretreatlodge.com or find the restaurant on OpenTable.
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5 Star Draw: 8 p.m. MT on Tuesday and Friday.
Idaho Cash: 8 p.m. MT daily.
Millionaire for Life: 9:15 p.m. MT daily.
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The rotunda as seen on March 16, 2026, at the Idaho State Capitol Building in Boise. (Photo by Pat Sutphin for the Idaho Capital Sun)
Ahead of the 2026 primary elections, the League of Women Voters of Idaho is teaming up with several local groups to hold candidate forums and voter education events in the hopes of boosting voter turnout.
The groups invited all candidates for public office in Ada and Canyon County’s commissions, and inlegislative district 11, which is in Canyon County.
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The groups that are hosting include Mormon Women for Ethical Government, the Caldwell Chamber of Commerce, the American Association of University Women’s Boise branch and the College of Idaho’s Masters of Applied Public Policy Program.
Here’s when and where the forums are:
Ada County Commissioner District 2:7-8:30 p.m. April 24 at Meridian City Hall, located at 33 E. Broadway Ave. in Meridian.
Ada County Commissioner District 1:7-8:30 p.m. April 28 at Valley View Elementary School, located at 3555 N Milwaukee St. in Boise.
Legislative District 11:6:30-8:30 p.m. April 30 at Caldwell City Hall, located at 205 S. 6th Ave. in Caldwell.
Canyon County Commissioner:6-8 p.m. May 7 at Caldwell City Hall, 205 S. 6th Ave. in Caldwell.
Learn more about candidates at the League of Women Voters’ online voter guide,VOTE411.ORG.
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BOISE (Idaho Statesman) — Idaho drivers wanting to celebrate America’s anniversary this year now have a unique way to do that. The Idaho Division of Motor Vehicles has released an America 250 license plate to mark the occasion.
The new license plate includes an American flag on a blue background with the words “America 250” and the dates “1776 – 2026.”
The plate requires an extra fee that will go toward supporting the Idaho Heritage Trust, according to an Idaho Transportation Department news release. The specific fee wasn’t listed.
“This plate gives Idahoans a chance to mark a historic milestone and show their pride on the road,” said Lisa McClellan, DMV administrator, in a statement. “We’re proud to offer a design that honors our country’s past while supporting Idaho’s efforts to preserve its own history.”
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The America 250 license plate was released to celebrate a historic national milestone. | Idaho Transportation Department
Idaho’s favorite license plate
The new license plate may give Idaho’s favorite a run for its money.
The Idaho Transportation Department recently held a “Battle of the Plates” vote to find out which license plate Idahoans loved best.
The Forests Forever plate was crowned the champion on April 7. Funds generated from this plate go toward Idaho replanting and reforestation projects, as well as environmental education programs for Idaho students and teachers.
“One of Idaho’s newest plates, Forests Forever made a strong run and came out on top, highlighting just how much Idahoans value our forests and natural resources,” the transportation department said in a social media post.
Idahoans chose Forests Forever as their favorite specialty license plate. | Idaho Transportation Department
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