Activities Outside of Tamarack Resort in Donnelly, McCall, and Cascade, ID

Tamarack Resort offers a plethora of activities, but the surrounding area of the resort offers much to do as well. Donnelly, McCall, and Cascade may be smaller towns, but they still offer the visitor to southwestern Idaho great activities for a fun, relaxing vacation.

Museums
McCall, located just 12 miles away from Donnelly, home of Tamarack Resort, is home to Roseberry Township, which is rich in Idaho history. Roseberry is a historic community comprised of the Valley County Museum. The buildings of the area have been restored and renovated to resemble the authentic 1800s architecture of the first Finnish settlers. The main buildings of the area are the Methodist/Episcopal Church/Meeting House and the Roseberry General Store. These buildings are actually the original structures, unlike the various log cabins and other buildings in the community.

Also located in McCall is the Central Idaho Historical Museum. This 4-acre historic campus has eight log, board, and batten buildings representing the life and culture of the Finnish settlers of the 1800s. The four buildings on display are a Fire Warden's House, a Garage & Crew Quarters, The Machine Shop, and The Pump House.

State Parks
Ponderosa State Park, located in McCall, offers lots of great outdoor recreation for the whole family. The park covers a 1,000 acre peninsula surrounded by Lake Payette. One of the main highlights of Ponderosa is its 14.3 miles of well-kept trails specifically for Nordic skiing. They also offer 3.4 miles of hiking and biking trails with beautiful views of the lake.  Primitive camping is available, and you'll be able to see a lot of animals including deer, fish, ducks, and various other birds.

Lake Cascade State Park is located in Cascade, which is only 16 miles away from Donnelly. Lake Cascade State Park offers an abundance of activities that are both exciting and relaxing. You can enjoy fishing, swimming, boating, and water skiing on Lake Cascade and hiking and biking through scenic trails. Snowmobiling, ice fishing, and cross country skiing is offered during the winter months as well.

Donnelly Events
On July 15th, Donnelly has its annual Fundraiser at Donnelly Boat Docks. This event provides a day of entertainment and recreation ideal for the whole family. This fundraiser for Donnelly's chamber of commerce hosts a golf tournament open to the public. At this fundraiser, you'll also have a chance to partake in water sports and other great activities around Donnelly's docks. Food is available for purchase and silent and live auctions go on all day.

Donnelly's Huckleberry Festival is on August 12th and 13th, offering a unique treat to all who visit. This festival has several vendors, many of which sell one-of-a-kind huckleberry products. During the two days of the festival, Donnelly hosts a baking contest, huckleberry pancake breakfast, parade, car show, and live music.

If you're in Tamarack around Christmastime, come out to Donnelly to see this quaint town's Christmas spirit. Donnelly begins its Christmas traditions the week after Thanksgiving with activities including Christmas caroling and the official lighting of the town Christmas tree. The town also hosts a lighting contest, in which local businesses are judged for the best decorations. Donnelly will also receive a visit from Mr. and Mrs. Claus, who will distribute toys and candy to children. The day the festivities begin, December 2nd, you won't want to miss the town's bonfire and chili cook-off!