Rich history and beautiful scenery combine on the Curlew National Grasslands Scenic Drive in Idaho. As the only national grassland in the Intermountain West, exploring this incredible area is a must for both nature and history enthusiasts. Chock full of historic, long-abandoned homesteads and endless grasslands, your journey on this scenic drive will be one to remember.
Dotted with historic homesteads in between vast landscapes of serene grassland, the Curlew National Grassland Scenic Drive in Idaho is an adventure unlike any other.
Max Rae/Flickr
As the only national grassland in the western region of the country, this landscape is extraordinary in so many ways. Established in 1960, it is comprised of over 47,000 acres of wide-open grassland in southeast Idaho.
Max Rae/Flickr
The grassland is primarily located in Oneida and Power counties. First inhabited by the Bannock and Shoshone native tribes, the rich landscape now provides an area for the grazing of livestock, watershed management, wildlife, and recreational use. It’s considered an especially spectacular birdwatching destination!
Lance Kohs/Google
White settlers started flocking to the area in the late 1800s and early 1900s because of the landscape’s great agricultural opportunities. Back then, the entire Curlew Valley was filled with ranches and homesteads. It’s said that there was a ranch on every 160-acres across the grasslands during this period.
Max Rae/Google
Most of those homesteads were abandoned long ago and have sat vacant for decades. Exploring these empty dilapidated structures today gives us a rare glimpse at the region’s very first settlers, and it’s a mesmerizing way to spend a few hours on the road.
Richard Brown/Google
Visitors can experience the unending beauty of Curlew National Grassland by driving a straight shot on Idaho State Highway 38 north of Holbrook. From here, a variety of dirt roads will take you to the region’s different pastures and fields, most of which can be identified by prominently placed signs.
Max Rae/Flickr
Surround yourself with both incredible history and never-ending grassland scenery when you take on this scenic drive in southeast Idaho. Just don’t forget your camera! These are the types of sights you won’t ever want to forget.
Max Rae/Flickr
Did you know about the Curlew National Grasslands Scenic Drive? It’s amazing to think of the history that resides in this beautiful region of Idaho. Tell us about your experience with exploring this area in the comments below!
Max Rae/Flickr
Lance Kohs/Google
Max Rae/Google
Richard Brown/Google
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