If you’re road-tripping through eastern Idaho, there’s a good chance Idaho Falls stopover shows up on your itinerary as a convenient overnight stop. It sits right in that sweet spot between Yellowstone, Jackson, Salt Lake City, and the long drive south toward Nevada and Utah. But Idaho Falls is more than just a place to sleep.
On our trip, it became one of the most unexpectedly fun stopovers of the whole journey, mostly because we leaned into the most Idaho thing possible: eating an absolutely massive burger at Big Jud’s and making a detour to the Idaho Potato Museum.
If you want an easy, memorable, and slightly ridiculous Idaho Falls stopover, this is the combo.
Why Idaho Falls Is a Great Road Trip Stop
Idaho Falls is the kind of town that works perfectly for road trips.
It’s easy to navigate, has plenty of hotels and restaurants, and it gives you just enough to do without turning into a complicated detour. It also has that calm, small city vibe where everything feels simple after days of long drives.
For us, it was the perfect reset day. We stretched our legs, ate something legendary, and did one classic roadside attraction before getting back on the road.
Stop 1: Big Jud’s, Home of the Giant Burger Challenge
Let’s be honest. Big Jud’s is the reason you stop in Idaho Falls.
This place is famous for burgers that are not just big, but genuinely comical in size. Even if you’re not doing the full challenge, it’s the kind of meal you’ll be talking about long after the trip ends. Directions to Big Jud’s.
What Big Jud’s Is Known For
Big Jud’s is legendary for:
Huge burgers, including challenge sized burgers
Classic diner style comfort food
A casual, no frills atmosphere
Portions that make you question your life choices in a fun way
It’s the type of place where your burger arrives and everyone at nearby tables casually glances over like, “Yeah… that’s normal here.”
What We Ordered
We went for the massive burger experience and fully committed. The burger itself was huge, thick, and surprisingly good. This is not one of those places that relies on size alone. It tasted like a proper, old school diner burger with a lot of beef, a solid bun, and the kind of toppings that do not try to get fancy.
It is messy. It is heavy. It is absolutely worth it.
If you’re traveling with someone, splitting a burger is a totally reasonable move. Unless you want to live the full road trip fantasy, in which case you order the big one and accept the consequences.
Tips Before You Go
Go hungry, or plan to share
Expect a wait during busy meal times
Bring a sense of humor because the portions are part of the experience
If you’re doing the challenge, remember you still have road trip driving ahead
This is a great lunch stop if you’re passing through. It also works as a dinner reward after a long drive day.
Stop 2: The Idaho Potato Museum, Because Why Not
After Big Jud’s, we decided to keep the Idaho themed momentum going and visited the Idaho Potato Museum. Because if you are in Idaho and you do not see a potato museum, did you really even stop in Idaho?
The museum is in Blackfoot, which is a quick detour and easy to fit into a road trip route. It is small, quirky, and exactly what you want from a roadside attraction. You will learn more about potatoes than you ever expected to, and you will also laugh at least once, guaranteed.
What You’ll See at the Potato Museum
The museum covers:
Idaho potato history and farming
Old farming tools and equipment
Fun potato facts and trivia
Potato themed exhibits and displays
Gift shop items you will probably buy, even if you tell yourself you won’t
It is not a long stop, but that is part of the charm. It is perfect for a quick break from driving and it adds a playful moment to your trip.
Why It’s Worth It
Road trips are made for this kind of stop. Not everything has to be a major hike or a bucket list landmark. Sometimes the best memories come from leaning into the weird local attraction and just having fun.
Plus, after a huge burger, walking around a museum for a bit is a solid way to reset before getting back in the car.
Bonus: Idaho Falls River Walk for a Quick Stretch
If you have a little extra time, Idaho Falls also has a great riverfront area. The Snake River Greenbelt is an easy walk and a perfect way to get outside for a few minutes without committing to anything intense.
It is especially nice at sunset, when the light hits the water and the town feels peaceful.
Our Idaho Falls Stopover Itinerary
If you want to copy our stopover plan, here is the simple version:
Arrive in Idaho Falls in the afternoon or early evening
Eat a massive burger at Big Jud’s
Drive to Blackfoot for the Idaho Potato Museum, or do it the next morning
Take a quick walk along the Snake River Greenbelt
Sleep early and get back on the road refreshed
Final Thoughts: A Fun and Easy Idaho Falls Road Trip Stop
Idaho Falls is proof that a stopover does not have to be boring. With Big Jud’s and the Idaho Potato Museum, you get a perfect mix of road trip food and roadside fun, without adding stress or extra planning.
If you are driving between Yellowstone and Utah, or heading south toward Las Vegas and California, this is one of the easiest ways to make Idaho Falls feel like a destination instead of just a checkpoint.
And if nothing else, you will leave with one strong opinion: Big Jud’s burger really is as big as people say it is.
