Chubbuck, Idaho, is a suburban community of approximately 14,000 residents that is three miles north of Pocatello. Interstate highways link Chubbuck to popular recreational, cultural and entertainment destinations throughout southeastern Idaho.
Prior to the arrival of those of European descent, the area was home to the Shoshone and Bannock Indians. During the early 19th century, trappers and hunters visited the area to trade with the indigenous people. In 1843, John Fremont established a farm in the area. The community has undergone a number of name changes over the years. It was initially named Chubbuck Beet Run in honor of railroad conductor Earl Chubbuck. The name was later shortened to Chubbock Siding and then to Chubbuck.
The 19 city parks in Chubbuck offer many amenities including the largest tennis complex in Eastern Idaho. The new courts open at Capell Park in 2014. There are more courts at Bicentennial Park, Stewart Park and Cotant Park.
Water lovers often head west to American Falls Reservoir. The American Falls Dam was constructed across the Snake River in the mid-1920s. At the time, the Bureau of Reclamation relocated most of the community of American Falls to higher ground. Today, the reservoir offers 125 miles of shoreline and 65,000 acres of surface area. It addresses key irrigation needs during the June-September growing season.
The reservoir offers a wide range of water sports opportunities, including boating, skiing and canoeing. Trout fisherman benefit from the approximately four tons of rainbow trout stocked in the man-made lake every year. Trout weighing more than five pounds have been caught. The lake also contains substantial populations of brown trout, cutthroat trout, crappies, channel catfish and yellow perch. Ice fishing is popular in the winter. The area also offers an abundance of campsites, picnic areas and playgrounds. There are also many hiking trails along the lake.
Birdwatchers enjoy a number of species migrating along the Canada-Mexico Flyway. In fact, the great diversity of bird species is celebrated every August during the American Falls Shorebird Festival. Residents also enjoy trips to the Snake River for whitewater rafting, canoeing and kayaking.
Although there are no golf courses right in Chubbuck, two excellent municipal courses are only minutes away – Highland Golf Course and Riverside Golf Course. Highland GC is a par-72 test playing approximately 6,500 yards from the longest tees. Riverside GC is also a par-72 layout that measures about 6,300 yards from the back tees.
In the winter, the Pebble Creek Ski Area offers challenges to all kinds of snowboarders and skiers. The upper terrain is demanding enough that even professionals are attracted to the area to train. Pebble Creek offers 54 runs on over a thousand skiable acres. The area also features USAA slalom and giant slalom runs.
Chubbock residents are only minutes away from the arts and entertainment of Pocatello. Enjoy a concert featuring a nationally-known band at the Portneuf Health Trust Amphitheatre, or attend an event at the Stephens Performing Arts Center. The Idaho State University facility sits high atop Bartz Hill on the campus. Experience musicals, dramas, iconic bands and much more at this $34 million state-of-the-art center.
There are numerous museums in Pocatello, especially for a city its size. The Idaho Museum of Natural History, the Shoshone-Bannock Tribal Museum and the Bannock County Historical Museum are all illuminating indoor escapes when the weather is less than ideal. The most unique one of all is the Museum of Clean that is housed, appropriately enough, in a “green” building. Exhibits range from vintage washing machines to exhibits promoting clean air and water in today’s world. The place does not take itself too seriously, as is evidenced by the often-humorous signs.
Many residents look forward to Chubbuck Days, one of the largest special events in the community each year. The mid-August event starts with a tennis tournament on Thursday and on Friday there is a free family movie at cotant Park. Saturday morning brings the Chubbuck days parade preceded by the free pancake breakfast into the midafternoon.
The festival also includes helicopter rides, a vintage car show and the Eastern Idaho Scottish games championship. Learn about Scottish culture while enjoying the nine traditional heavy throwing contests that comprise the games. There’s a kid’s craft booth, carnival games and lots of entertainment. At the end of the day there is a free watermelon feed and a little “rain” provided by the Chubbuck fire department.
In late August, music lovers flock to the fairgrounds in Pocatello for the Bannock County Bluegrass Festival. Old Town Pocatello hosts a variety of special events throughout the year, like The Night of 1000 Santas Festival and the special trick-or-treat Halloween event on Old Town’s streets. At the Old Pavilion on Saturday mornings, residents can partake of an excellent selection of baked goods and fresh produce at the Portneuf Valley Farmers Market.
Since the population has almost doubled since 1990, many of the homes for sale feature many modern amenities. Those relocating to the area will find homes to fit almost every budget. Updated ranch homes on mature lots with 1300 to 1600 sq-ft of living space are often priced in the high-five to low-six figures. If you’re interested in a mid-sized home with three or four bedrooms and 2000-2500 sq-ft of living space, you’ll always find appropriate options in modern subdivisions. There are also larger homes with 4000 sq-ft of living space or more, many of which include amenities like home theaters, gourmet kitchens and hot tubs. Some Chubbuck homes come feature three-car garages, sheds and/or large lots.
I’d welcome the opportunity to tell you much more about Chubbuck and all of its recreational and other opportunities. Learn more about why Chubbuck is an ideal choice for those relocating to the Pocatello area. To learn more, please contact Gloria Howell. I look forward to hearing from you!
Gloria Howell
REALTOR®
Associate Broker, Gate City Real Estate
ABR, CRS, e-PRO, Green, GRI, PMN, SRES