Popular State Guides
|
Free Traveling Guides » States » Idaho » DestinationsBruneau Dunes State Park
Bruneau Dunes State Park, situated in Mountain Home, Idaho, is home to a large number of large sand dunes and a spectacular lake. The park is also the site of the highest single-structured sand dune in North America. This gigantic sand dune is 470 feet (140 meters) high. The sand dunes in the Park are unique in the Western Hemisphere as unlike most dunes that drift fast and form at the edge of the natural basin, the Bruneau dunes drift slowly and form only near the center. The dunes are kept stable by the prevailing winds that blow from the northwest 32% of the time and from the southeast 28% of time. Visitors are allowed to climb the dunes but vehicles are not permitted in the area. However, float tubes, rafts, and non-motorized canoes are permitted inside. Sledding and horseback riding is also allowed.
A major attraction in the State Park is the Bruneau Dunes Observatory, which offers an opportunity to the visitors to use a telescope for star gazing. The Park also features a vast desert, prairie, and a marsh habitat. It is also home to several nocturnal species. The recreational activities at the Park include camping, bird watching, swimming, star gazing, and hiking. Another favorite tourist activity is fishing for bluegill and bass in the park’s small lake.
The Visitor Center provides significant information on all insects, birds of prey, fossils, sand dunes, wildlife, and gift items for purchase. Also, two cabins are made available for rent. A 98-unit group camp is open to the public from early March until late fall. Out of all the units, 82 are serviced with water and electricity. In addition, an equestrian overnight facility is also offered. The Bruneau Dunes State Park also operates an educational center that offers many natural history displays and features interpretive programs.
|
Top 5 National Parks
- Great Smoky Mountains
- Grand Canyon
- Yosemite
- Olympic
- Yellowstone
All 58 national parks. |
