Pocatello, Idaho's second largest city (pop. 51,466), is located at one of the major interstate junctions in the American northwest, between I-15 and I-84. Always a hub for travelers, Pocatello was founded as a resupply point along the Oregon trail and later became an important stop on early western railroad lines. Named for a Shoshone Indian Chief, today Pocatello is largely populated by descendants of the Mormon settlers who came to this area in the 19th century.
With more than a fifth of its population made up of Idaho State University students and faculty, Pocatello has many of the trappings of a college town. A number of bars and restaurants with local flavor provide a little nightlife. Visitors also can visit museums, golf courses, a zoo, and a historic downtown district.
American Falls Reservoir, Idaho's largest body of water, is only a few miles from town, and boating, fishing, and other water recreation activities can be enjoyed both on the reservoir and the Snake River which forms it. The Pebble Creek ski area is a short drive from town, along with other outdoor recreation options in the Caribou National Forest.
Pocatello is located in southeastern Idaho, at the junction of I-15 and I-86. For more information about Pocatello, please select an area of interest from the buttons on the left.
