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Photo credit: Idaho Tourism. Western Heritage Historic Byway. Once a route for miners and homesteaders, the Western Heritage Historic Byway passes through farmland and rocky terrain, giving visitors the opportunity to create their own unique frontier adventure. Dig into history at Celebration Park, Idaho’s only archaeological park.
Story of the Byway. The Western Heritage Historic Byway is a 47-mile route that meanders through sagebrush and canyon along the Snake River in southwestern Idaho. A panoramic view of the Owyhee Mountains lends itself to bird watching—specifically, birds of prey that are protected in the area.
The Western Heritage Historic Byway begins on Idaho State Highway 69 south of Meridian and extends forty miles to Swan Falls Dam through high desert beauty abundant with historic, scenic, and geologic wonders.
- The Drive
- Getting There
- Attractions
- Visiting
The entire drive through the Historic Byway is about 50 miles. So, you should allow yourself at least an hour and a half to two hours for travel. It’s even better if you block out an entire day. That way you can pull off and spend as much time as you want at each attraction. Be sure to plan: Fill up your gas tank and pack a cooler full of snacks an...
The byway begins in Meridian and takes you south for the whole 50 miles. You can take I-84 in Meridian down to I-69 south and exit at marker 44.
Snake River Canyon
A major attraction along the byway is the Snake River Canyon, where you will discover vast sagebrush lands, canyon rims and spectacular views of the Owyhee Mountains to the southwest. More than half of the Byway is on the Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area; 600,000-acres of desert and canyon which inhabits the largest concentration of nesting birds in North America. Here you can marvel at many different species of birds soaring through the skies, including hawks, eagles, osp...
Initial Point
Initial Point is a volcanic butte where surveyors first mapped out Idaho in 1867. A brass marker right on the butte can reference every piece of land in the state.
Swan Falls Dam
You can see the oldest Hydroelectric project on the Swan River at Swan Falls Dam. The dam was initially built in 1901 to supply power to the nearby mining companies. Now, it is a museum. A newer plant was later built in the mid-1900s.
If you’re visiting from out of town and need help with last-minute hotel reservations, check out our sister site: HotelCoupons.com.
Dec 5, 2017 · Western Heritage Historic Byway - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024) United States. Idaho (ID) Meridian. Things to Do in Meridian. Western Heritage Historic Byway. 1 review. #12 of 32 things to do in Meridian. Scenic Drives. Write a review. About. Duration: More than 3 hours. Suggest edits to improve what we show. Improve this listing.
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- Attraction
- Meridian, 83641, Idaho
Explore the Western Heritage Historic Byway's vast sagebrush lands and canyon rims of the Snake River. The panoramic, breathtaking view encompasses the snowcapped Owyhee Mountains, the Boise Front, and the Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area.
Western Heritage Historic Byway. Explore the Western Heritage Historic Byway's vast sagebrush lands and canyon rims of the Snake River. The panoramic, breathtaking view encompasses the snowcapped Owyhee Mountains, the Boise Front, and the Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area.
