Things To Do Near Rexburg, Idaho
St. Anthony Sandbar: A Free Swimming Spot Near Rexburg, Idaho
The St. Anthony Sandbar is hands down my favorite place to swim near Rexburg, Idaho — and one of my favorite places in the whole world. Every summer I spend long, hot days here having the time of my life, and so do families from St. Anthony, Rexburg, and the surrounding towns. Best of all, it is completely free. Just be aware that there is no lifeguard on duty, so swimming and all other activities are at your own risk.
St. Anthony Sandbar Quick Facts
- Location: St. Anthony, Idaho, on the Henry’s Fork of the Snake River — about 15 minutes northeast of Rexburg
- Cost: Free public swimming spot with parking
- Lifeguard: None — swim at your own risk
- Best for: Families, strong swimmers, and hot summer afternoons
- Features: River swimming, a culvert water slide, a diving board, and a sand play area
About the Sandbar in St. Anthony, Idaho
One of the main reasons families in St. Anthony love this spot is the water slide made out of a culvert — very small-town Idaho, and a total blast. Next to the slide there is a multi-level sand pit separated by cement, with a cement staircase connecting it all. The staircase leads down to a sandy beach that borders a sectioned-off part of the river, which is the safest area to swim. The water in this roped-off section usually reaches about an adult’s waist, so many parents let younger kids play in the upper sand area while the older ones swim and ride the slide into the river.
What to Do at the St. Anthony Sandbar
The Water Slide and Sand Play Area
The culvert water slide is the heart of the Sandbar for most kids, sending you straight down into the river. Right next to it, the multi-level sand pit and cement staircase make a perfect spot for little ones to dig and splash in shallow water while older kids take turns on the slide. It is one of the easiest places near Rexburg to keep a whole family of different ages happy at once.
The Diving Board and Retaining Wall
One of my favorite things about the Sandbar is the diving board, which lets you jump right into the water — it always feels amazing. The layout here is really unique, too. Part of the river curves left over a cement retaining wall to form a long waterfall. If you are a strong swimmer, you can swim across the river against the current to reach the wall, then walk along the top of it. It almost looks like you are walking on water. Just be careful, because the surface is slick.
The Rapids (Strong Swimmers Only)
When the water is high, a lot of it rushes over the edge of the retaining wall, and the rocks below create a strong current with some rapids. My friends and I used to ride down those rapids without tubes or anything, and it was a blast. I only recommend this if you truly know what you are doing — at that point I had already been a river guide and a lifeguard for five years. So please, be careful.
Is the St. Anthony Sandbar Safe?
The Sandbar can be a safe, fun place for the whole family, but it is a river, not a pool, and there is no lifeguard on duty. Everyone swims at their own risk. Keep a close eye on children, stick to the roped-off, waist-deep section with younger kids, and save the wall, the deeper water, and the rapids for confident, strong swimmers. Water shoes help on the slick surfaces, and water levels tend to run higher and faster earlier in the summer.
St. Anthony Sandbar Photos
Frequently Asked Questions About the St. Anthony Sandbar
Where is the St. Anthony Sandbar located?
The Sandbar sits on the Henry’s Fork of the Snake River in St. Anthony, Idaho, about 15 minutes northeast of Rexburg. You can tap the Get Directions button above to open it in Google Maps.
Is there a lifeguard at the St. Anthony Sandbar?
No. There is no lifeguard on duty, so everyone swims at their own risk. Watch children closely and only let strong swimmers attempt the deeper water, the retaining wall, and the rapids.
Is the St. Anthony Sandbar free to visit?
Yes. It is a free public swimming spot with parking, a grassy area, a pavilion, and a sand play area — one of the best free things to do near Rexburg in the summer.
Is the Sandbar good for kids?
Yes. The roped-off, waist-deep section and the upper sand play area make it popular with families, while older kids and teens love the slide and diving board. Because there is no lifeguard, always supervise children closely.
What should I bring to the Sandbar?
Bring sunscreen, towels, water shoes (the slide and wall can be slick), snacks and water, and a chair or blanket for the grass. The pavilion offers some shade on hot afternoons.
When is the best time to visit?
Summer afternoons and evenings are ideal, and the sunsets over the river are gorgeous. Water levels run higher and faster earlier in the season, so the current is usually calmer later in the summer.
