The Portneuf Valley is home to several towns. These small towns create a network of exciting and welcoming opportunities for citizens to take part in. Each city is unique in the tapestry of Southeast Idaho. Though close in proximity, each has a different origin, history and unique present-day traits.

Pocatello is known for its scenic beauty, natural outdoor recreation opportunities and growing community. It is the fifth largest city in Idaho with a population of 56,000 from the 2020 census. You may even be aware of Pocatello when it became nationally famous for having the nation’s worst city flag according to the North American Vexillological Association and a 2015 TED talk by Roman Mars. Pocatello moved quickly to rectify the flag’s unfortunate reputation and a new one was unveiled in 2017. It is now ranked 11th out of 312 city flags across the United States.

Pocatello has been recognized as one of the best places to live in Idaho by various publications and organizations. In 2021, Pocatello was named one of the “Top 100 Best Places to Live in America” by Livability.com and Forbes has consistently placed Pocatello in its Top 10 “Best Places for Business and Careers” among small metro areas.

Pocatello is often referred to as the “Gateway to the Northwest” and hosts a variety of events such as the Pocatello Marathon, Ladies Only Spinderella Bicycle Ride, the Chrome In The Dome Car Show, and community sponsored Fourth of July Parade and firework show. When scheduled events aren’t taking place, you can enjoy the nightlife of Historic Old Town Pocatello where many local’s hangout and enjoy the local eateries or bars.

Chubbuck is Pocatello’s immediate neighbor and is part of the Pocatello Metropolitan Statistical Area. Founded in 1843, the city has recently published its Strategic Plan for 2023 to 2024 which includes initiatives to welcome new and innovative businesses to the area by providing new road infrastructure and new accessibility I-15. Chubbuck Leadership continually works to fulfill their vision to be a “family-oriented community” and “a great place to live, work, and raise a family.”

Lava Hot Springs is an enchanting town known for its renowned world-class geothermal hot springs. The town hosts several events and has a very active nightlife with after-hours restaurants and bars. Amidst a backdrop of natural beauty, outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hiking, biking, fishing, and skiing in the nearby Caribou-Targhee National Forest or Pebble Creek Ski Area.

Next to Bannock County is the agricultural hub of Southeast Idaho, Power County. American Falls, and Aberdeen are towns, each with their own proximity to outdoor opportunities and unique attractions. All feature a town day where citizens come together and offer food and festivities for everyone to be a part of. During the summer, these places come alive with community traditions such as live music in the parks, parades, wine tastings, and farmer markets.

Together, the cities in Bannock County provide year around events that keep you, your family, and business actively engaged in the community.

In Pocatello, you can look forward to the highly participatory Fourth of July Parade featuring university and local business floats. The annual ISU Christmas Tree lighting sparks the spirit of giving a community each year. And when it warms up, you can enjoy live music on the ISU Quad with family activities such as obstacle courses, frisbee and BBQ.

Close by, Lava Hot Springs brings out the bold with their annual Fire and Ice Winterfest – a weekend long either participate in the celebration by exposing yourself to fun challenges such as an ice plunge, or spectate the events in warmth and comfort.

In the spring, the city of Inkom next to the Pebble Creek Ski Area hosts their annual Festival of Wildflowers. As the snow melts, the ski hill blossoms into life with colorful flowers. And every year, residents are invited to enjoy live music and amongst the greenery as the sunsets below the west mountains. It’s a truly wonderful experience.

With all the events these towns have to offer, you’ll spend more time figuring out how to empty your calendar rather than filling it up!