30 Miles South of Rexburg
Idaho Falls Day Trip Guide
Why Students Make the Trip
Idaho Falls is the nearest city of any significant size to Rexburg, located about 30 miles south on US-20. The drive takes 30-35 minutes in good conditions. The city has major retailers, restaurant chains, and entertainment options that do not exist in Rexburg.
Most students go once or twice a month, usually for a specific reason: a Costco bulk run, stocking up at Target, or eating somewhere different. Coordinate with roommates or ward members to share gas costs — the drive is short enough that a full car makes the trip cheap.
Getting to Idaho Falls
By Car
The standard option. Take US-20 south out of Rexburg. It is one highway the entire way — straightforward with no turns until you reach Idaho Falls.
- • 30-35 minutes in good conditions
- • 45-60 minutes in winter weather
- • Gas runs roughly $4-6 per person in a full car
- • Free parking at all major stores
Carpool
The practical approach for students without a car. Post in your ward group chat or ask neighbors.
- • $5-8 gas contribution is standard and appreciated
- • Check BYU-Idaho Facebook groups for ride offers
- • Ask classmates who make regular Costco runs
- • Plan for 3-4 hours total for a full trip
Uber / Lyft
Available but expensive solo. Works better split between 3-4 people.
- • Expect $35-55 one way
- • $70-110 for a round trip
- • Split 4 ways: $18-28 per person
- • Limited drivers — book ahead when possible
Winter Driving Note
US-20 between Rexburg and Idaho Falls can be icy and dangerous during winter storms. Check road conditions at 511.idaho.gov before leaving. Allow extra time, and if conditions look bad, postpone the trip. Black ice can form quickly with no warning.
Shopping in Idaho Falls
The main reason students make the drive. These major retailers are not available in Rexburg.
Target
General & ClothingThe biggest reason most students make the trip. Clothing, home goods, electronics, groceries, and a pharmacy — all in one store. Not available in Rexburg.
Costco Wholesale
Bulk & WholesaleRequires a membership ($65/year). Worth splitting with roommates. Excellent prices on food, toiletries, and household goods in bulk.
WinCo Foods
Grocery (Cheapest)Lowest grocery prices in the region. Open 24 hours. Cash or debit only — no credit cards. The bulk section is excellent for grains, nuts, spices, and snacks.
HomeGoods
Home & DecorGood source for apartment decor, bedding, rugs, and kitchen items at discounted prices. Inventory changes frequently.
TJ Maxx
Clothing & HomeName-brand clothing and home goods at reduced prices. Often next to HomeGoods. Good for modest, affordable clothes.
Hobby Lobby
Crafts & Home DecorCraft supplies, seasonal decor, and home accents. Prices drop 50% after each holiday. Closed on Sundays.
Old Navy
ClothingAffordable, BYU-I dress-code-friendly basics. Check the Old Navy app for coupons before going — they run frequent sales.
Sportsman's Warehouse
Outdoor & Winter GearCamping, fishing, hunting, and winter gear. Competitive prices on boots, base layers, trekking poles, and cold-weather accessories.
Best Buy
ElectronicsFor electronics you want to see in person before buying. Good for laptop bags, cables, headphones, and accessories.
Shopping Trip Tips
- • Make a list before you leave — it is easy to forget things once you are there
- • Bring reusable bags for WinCo and Costco — WinCo does not provide bags, and having your own saves hassle at both stores
- • An insulated cooler tote keeps Costco frozen goods cold for the 30-minute drive back to Rexburg
- • Costco requires a membership ($65/year individual). Share with a roommate and split the cost
- • Most major stores cluster near the freeway exits — plan your route before arriving
- • Sunday: Hobby Lobby closes. Target, Costco, WinCo, and grocery stores remain open
Restaurants in Idaho Falls
Rexburg has solid local spots, but Idaho Falls adds variety — especially for groups with different tastes or special occasions.
Olive Garden
ItalianPopular for group dinners and special occasions. Good value with the unlimited soup, salad, and breadsticks deal.
Texas Roadhouse
American SteakhouseLarge portions at reasonable prices. Often a long wait on weekend evenings — arrive early or call ahead.
Red Robin
BurgersGourmet burgers with bottomless steak fries. Good menu variety for groups with different preferences.
Cracker Barrel
American Home-StyleFamily-style comfort food at fair prices. Located near the freeway. Country store attached sells gifts and candy.
Chili's
AmericanConsistent quality with a large menu. Good for groups where everyone wants something different.
Jamba Juice
SmoothiesFresh smoothies and bowls. Download the Jamba app before going for discounts and free item offers.
Si Senor Mexican Grill
MexicanLocal Idaho Falls favorite with fresh ingredients and generous portions. Better value than chain Mexican restaurants.
Kona Grill / Local Options
VariousIdaho Falls has a broader restaurant scene than Rexburg. Check Google Maps for current local favorites and reviews.
Idaho Falls has many more local restaurants. Check Google Maps for current hours and reviews before making the drive.
Things to Do in Idaho Falls
Idaho Falls has more to offer than just stores. It works well as a half-day or full-day outing.
Snake River Greenbelt
Outdoors (Free)A 5-mile paved walking and biking path along the Snake River through downtown Idaho Falls. Free to use. Best in spring and summer when the river is high and the trees are green.
Falls Park
Outdoors (Free)See the Idaho Falls waterfall the city is named after. Walk the riverfront, watch the water, and enjoy the park. Best visited in spring when snowmelt increases the flow.
Tautphaus Park Zoo
Family ActivityIdaho's largest zoo with over 350 animals. Open May through September. Affordable general admission; check for student or group discounts.
Museum of Idaho
Culture & HistoryRotating exhibits on Idaho history, natural history, and science. Reasonable admission prices. Good option for a rainy day or a date.
Edwards Grand Teton 14
MoviesThe closest IMAX theater to Rexburg. Significantly better experience for big films than smaller local theaters. Check showtimes at fandango.com before making the drive.
Downtown River Walk
Outdoors (Free)Stroll through downtown Idaho Falls along the river. Several restaurants, shops, and a farmers market (summer Saturdays) line the route.
Making the Most of the Trip
- 1.Combine errands. Costco, then Target, then dinner — one trip instead of three separate drives down the same highway.
- 2.Fill the car. More passengers means a lower cost per person, and you can take turns driving on the way back.
- 3.Check store hours before leaving. Some stores close earlier than expected on weekdays, and Hobby Lobby closes Sundays.
- 4.Winter: check road conditions at 511.idaho.gov before leaving, especially after overnight snowfall on US-20.
- 5.Budget the full trip. Gas, a meal, and shopping can add up to $50-100 per person — plan ahead so you do not overspend.
- 6.For a full day out: walk the Greenbelt in the morning, grab lunch, shop in the afternoon, and drive back after dinner.
More Guides for Rexburg Students
Idaho Falls is one way to get out of Rexburg. See what else is nearby, or find what you need in town.