Looking for outdoor adventures with a small-town vibe? Be sure to check out Mackay Idaho, a Preserve America Community located in the Lost River Range of south-central Idaho. From ghost towns and historic mines, to hiking, fishing, and plenty of UTV trails- Let’s explore what makes Mackay a must-visit destination!
Explore Mackay’s History
Mackay Mine Hill Tour
Take a self-guided tour of Mackay’s historic copper mining operations. This scenic tour explores mining sites and structures of the White Knob Mining Company, through 19 interpretive sites. We weren’t sure what to expect on this route, but we were pleasantly surprised by the historic sites and highly recommend making the drive.
Stop at the Hardrock Mining Exhibit first. This was a very interesting stop where you will find exhibits featuring tools and gear from past mining operations. Tour the outbuildings, check out the big trucks and mining equipment outside (a big hit with the kids), then continue the tour into the mountains. You’ll pass by the aerial tramway towers on your way up to the Compressor Plant and Cossack Tunnel.
The ‘green route’ tour continues to 2 more sites up the mountain but be mindful that the road gets pretty bumpy. The tour states that the green route is accessible for all transportation modes, however anything other than a 4×4 vehicle or an ATV is in for a pretty rough ride.
There were tons of side by sides and ATVs on the trail. That seems to be the most enjoyable way to continue up the trails and tour further into the stunning mountainside.
Tour the Ghost Towns of Mackay
Cliff City and White Knob offer a peek into the past of the booming copper mining operations in the area. There are also great ATV trails along the route to visit these ghost towns.
According to the historical marker:
“Cliff City and White Knob were bustling mining towns established west of Mackay in the late 1800s.
After copper was discovered in the White Knob Mountains in 1879, Cliff City and White Knob sprang up to support the mines. The boomtowns were home to hundreds of miners and boasted stores, saloons, a post office, school and theater. Both town[s] died in the early 20th century, as Mackay became the regional mining center and the copper industry waned.”
Outdoor Adventures in Mackay
Trails
Mackay is surrounded by protected state and federal public lands. There are miles and miles of trails for any outdoor adventure- ATV, UTV, Hiking, and Biking. There are multiple businesses located right in Mackay that offer ATV rentals and tours, as well as other adventure gear (tents, kayaks, etc.). The above-mentioned Mine Hill Tour is a very popular ATV route along with the Copper Basin Trail and Challis Trails.
Mackay Reservoir
The Joe T. Fallini Recreation Site is located on the Mackay Reservoir just outside of town. This park is a great stop for a picnic, a hike, or an overnight stay!
The park offers a boat launch, restrooms, picnic shelters, ATV/UTV trails, boating/kayaking, swimming, and interpretive walking trail, fishing (and even winter ice fishing), and camping.
Wildlife viewing is in abundance in and around the park. We saw a bald eagle, an osprey, ground squirrels, and all kinds of waterfowl. Along with other perch and trout species, the lake boasts a large amount of self-sustained kokanee and is also stocked with rainbow trout, making for great fishing.
Camping
We found a fantastic lake front site in the small campground. Sites are first come first served with partial (water & electric) hookups available. The campground offers an RV dump station and water fill on-site. Find out more at recreation.gov
Main Street Mackay
Walk the town’s charming Main Street and browse the shops and boutiques. Catch a movie at the historic Main Street Theatre. Meet the friendly volunteers and tour the Lost River Museum. You’ll step back in time as you learn about Mackay’s early days and the town’s rich mining history. Our favorite exhibit was the stunning refurbished wagon that was on display.
Stop for lunch at Scoops Corner Cafe, a local favorite. Where you will enjoy tasty Mexican fare, classic soda fountain drinks, and of course, delicious ice cream! The huckleberry ice cream was a crowd pleaser!
Scenic Drive
The Peaks to Craters Scenic Byway is a stunning 143-mile drive that starts in Challis, Idaho, and traveling from north to south, ends just west of Picabo. The Byway wanders through the gorgeous Grand View Canyon, climbs Willow Creek summit, and travels alongside the beautiful Lost River Mountain Range and Mount Borah. You’ll pass through the towns of Mackay and Arco, as well as Craters of the Moon National Monument.
Great Day Trips from Mackay
Worth the trip, here are a few popular destinations nearby:
- Arco: the first city lit by atomic energy! Visit a nuclear reactor at the Experimental Breeder Reactor-I (EBR-I) Atomic Museum
- Land of the Yankee Fork State Park: home to historic sites, hot springs, and the Yankee Fork Gold Dredge
- Craters of the Moon National Monument: Hike the short but steep trail to the top of Inferno Cone for epic views of the surrounding lava fields that make up this moon-like landscape. Take a family hike on the Caves Trail, the kids loved rock scrambling through a lava tube cave!
We had a blast visiting Mackay, there was so much to see and explore in this area! Be sure to add Mackay to your plans when traveling through Idaho. Find more of our must visit destinations here!
Happy Travels!
