Idaho Just Opened Its First New State Park in 30 Years—Here’s What You Need to Know

A New Era for Idaho’s Outdoor Recreation

Idaho is celebrating the grand opening of its newest state park, Twin Peaks Ranch State Park. Located at 199 Twin Peaks Ranch Road between Challis and Salmon, the park officially opened in May. The Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation (IDPR) recently acquired the 670-acre site from a private landowner and hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house on Saturday.

The park offers a wide range of amenities, including 25 full-service cabins, a lodge, and a restaurant. Visitors can also enjoy a disc golf course, a rodeo arena, and an equestrian center. Ryan Buffington, the department’s East Region manager and the park’s spokesman, emphasized the potential for outdoor activities. “We’ll be able to stage horseback tours out of that area,” he said. Additionally, the department is working with the U.S. Forest Service and the U.S. Bureau of Land Management to designate an off-highway vehicle trailhead.

Two campgrounds are currently in development on the property, one designed for off-highway vehicles and the other for those traveling on horseback. The open house attracted community members, local leaders, and visitors from across the state. Attendees included Muzzie Braun from the Challis-based band Braun Brothers Reunion and representatives from the Salmon Back Country Horsemen Association. Multiple food vendors were also present, such as Water’s Edge Food Truck and Taco Wagon Food Truck.

In a June 18 news release, Idaho Parks and Recreation Director Susan Buxton expressed her excitement about the opening of Idaho’s 30th state park and the 28th under the department’s management. “Opening Twin Peaks Ranch State Park marks a historic milestone for Idaho Parks and Recreation,” she said. “This park serves as a gateway to endless outdoor recreation opportunities while creating a premier destination for visitors seeking adventure, relaxation, and unforgettable experiences.”

A Historic Addition to Idaho’s State Parks

Twin Peaks Ranch is the first newly acquired standalone state park in nearly 30 years. Thousand Springs in Gooding County, which is a natural discharge point for the Eastern Snake Plain Aquifer, was not recognized as an official state park until 2005. That designation merged four natural landmarks — Malad Gorge, Niagara Springs, Billingsley Creek, and Ritter Island — into one unified site.

Heyburn State Park, created in 1908, is Idaho’s oldest state park, according to the University of Idaho. The donation of the Harriman family’s 11,000-acre ranch to the State of Idaho in 1963 led to the creation of the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation.

Buffington shared the history of the Twin Peaks Ranch property. The Moore family sold the land to the State of Idaho in October. They had purchased it in 2018. The property began operating as a guest ranch in the 1990s but had been a dude ranch for 40 years prior. While there is evidence of early settlements on the property in the 1890s, Buffington says its definitive history begins in the 1950s when E. DuPont bought it, built five cabins, and ran it as a dude ranch. It was later sold to another private holding in the 1970s, with more amenities added over time.

Multiple Moore family members were involved in the ranch when they bought it eight years ago. However, many backed out over time, and managing it became “too challenging.” This led the family to list it for sale. The State of Idaho saw the listing and purchased it, with Buffington expressing the department’s enthusiasm for the property becoming public.

“Twin Peaks Ranch State Park represents a significant investment in Idaho’s public lands and local communities. The project reflects IDPR’s mission to improve quality of life through outdoor recreation and resource stewardship while expanding public access to some of Idaho’s most scenic and unspoiled landscapes,” the news release stated. “The park is expected to deliver lasting benefits to recreation, conservation, tourism, and community well-being for generations to come.”

Department officials highlight that Twin Peaks Ranch State Park is ideal for corporate retreats, weddings, family reunions, and other events. To make a reservation or learn more, call 208-894-2290 or visit the website.