Carey: History, Parks, and Scenery in the Little Wood River Valley

Carey lies in the heart of the Little Wood River Valley, amid Idaho’s picturesque, agriculture-shaped landscape. The town brings together an early settlement history, city parks, and Carey Lake WMA east of Carey. The Peaks to Craters Scenic Byway also leads to Carey. These different aspects give you several ways to plan your trip: local history, time in the parks, fishing, or a scenic route through the area.

Valley History and the Name Carey

By the time Idaho joined the Union as the 43rd state in 1890, many families had moved to Carey Valley. One specific part of this early history is the first post office: James Carey, one of the valley’s earliest settlers, operated the Carey Post Office. As it became established, the town was named Carey. The town’s name and post office are therefore directly connected.

Carey Pioneer Cemetery near Carey adds to this picture of local history. It has a small angel monument, many unmarked graves, and headstones dating from 1889 to 1916. Directions take you along U.S. 93 through Carey and then along Wood River Reservoir Road. The dates on the headstones place the cemetery within a distinct historical period in the area’s early history.

City Parks and Carey Lake WMA

Carey owns and maintains two city parks, with a combined area of more than 4.5 acres. The community parks include playground equipment, sports facilities, and open spaces for a variety of activities. Together, they offer several uses for urban open spaces: in addition to playground equipment, there are sports facilities and room for outdoor activities. When planning your time in Carey, this mix offers a different focus from the fishing opportunities at Carey Lake WMA.

Carey Lake WMA is less than a mile east of Carey. It has a parking lot and few other facilities. Fishing is the main recreational activity, with species including Largemouth Bass and Bluegill. The two destinations therefore differ in their offerings: the city parks have playground equipment, sports facilities, and open spaces, while fishing is the main draw at the WMA. The fish species mentioned give you a specific point of reference for this focus.

Carey Along the Route and Throughout the Year

The Peaks to Craters Scenic Byway runs from the intersection of Idaho 75 and U.S. 20 to Carey. Along the byway, Carey is one of the places where fuel, food, and lodging are available. For travelers on this route, the town is therefore not just part of the route described, but also one of the listed service stops. This information helps you place Carey within the route without assuming a specific driving time or distance.

Annual events are also part of local life. A Very Carey Christmas takes place every year at the Blaine County Fairgrounds. Carey also holds an annual Heritage event whose roots go back to the original Pioneer Days. If you’re traveling for an event, check the dates for that year before planning your trip.

During your stay, you can explore Carey through several different themes: the history of the post office and cemetery, the variety of open spaces, or the town’s place along the scenic byway. The focus that best suits your trip depends on whether you want to prioritize local history, parks, fishing, or the route.

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Go to the main travel overview: Blaine.