19 Best Things to Do in Idaho Falls, Idaho
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Written by Kyle Kroeger
Idaho Falls has a sweet mountain-town charm due in part to both its location with the stunning Snake River that runs through it and because of the lovely people who live and work here.
It is the heart of eastern Idaho culture and commercial spaces with many galleries, museums, activities, and fun places like zoos, parks, and the Melaleuca Field Stadium.
Just outside of the city, agriculture and outdoor sports thrive. For National Park lovers, Idaho Falls is about two hours from Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park.
More than 60,000 people live in this robust city in Southeastern Idaho. Visit Idaho Falls for welcoming cultural experiences, good shopping and dining, and even better outdoor activities such as fly fishing, hiking, skiing, and camping. The city is inclusive of all and is one of our favorite places to visit in Idaho.
TL;DR
- Most significant landmark – Eagle Rock Fountain
- Park to visit – Russ Freeman Park
- Free activity – Snake River Greenbelt
- Activity for kids – Idaho Falls Zoo
- Activity for adults – Idaho Brewing Company
- Place to eat – Park Avenue Grill
- Nightlife – Samoa Club
- Place to stay – Destinations Inn
Things to Do in Idaho Falls, Idaho
1. Snake River Green Belt
Address: 525 River Pkwy, Idaho Falls, ID 83402
The Snake River Greenbelt is a five-mile expanse that covers both sides (shorelines) of the river, which runs through Idaho Falls, Idaho. The city of Idaho Falls and the Idaho Falls Rotary Club protect and maintain this green belt.
Not only does this space exist for beauty and wildlife, but residents and tourists also frequent the area for hikes, the Saturday morning Farmers Market, the Annual Great Snake River Duck Race, car shows, boat races, the Melaleuca Freedom Festival, and other events and festivals.
If you’re up for a scenic walk, there are two pleasant trails to take:
- Northern Loop (Temple Loop) Pathway – It’s 2.3 miles and will take you to the Idaho State Vietnam War Memorial. In the summer, you can cross the floating walkway on the river. You’ll also see Diversion Dam and Keefer Island in the middle of the river. This island was once a gold mining claim in the 1930s and 1940s. The mining cabin still stands there to this day.
- Southern Loop Trail – This 2-mile path passes Pedersen Sportsman’s Park, the Art Museum of Eastern Idaho, a children’s playground, South Tourist Park, Gem Lake, Ryder Park, and Taylor’s Crossing, which is a footbridge.
People of all ages will love and appreciate the Snake River Greenbelt. It is a beautiful space with easy walking access to many local attractions, restaurants, and shops.
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2. Idaho Falls Zoo
Address: 2940 Carnival Way, Idaho Falls, ID 83402
Idaho Falls Zoo, located in Tautphaus Park, has over 300 animals and 130 exotic animal species from all over the world. It’s often called the “best little zoo in the west.” When you visit, you’ll immediately see why.
The Zoo is organized into six categories: Africa, Asia, Australia, New Guinea, North America, South America, and the Children’s Petting Zoo. African lions, zebras, and lone alligators are their most visited animals.
I am truly amazed by how well-kept these creatures are, especially in such a compact zoo. The enclosures are neat, clean, and thoughtfully designed. Zookeepers are present, constantly addressing visitors’ questions and the animals’ needs.
This place also has wheelchairs, strollers, and wagons available for rent, making it accessible for all. A lot of thought has been put into this property and its operation, which makes it a great experience.
Even though the Zoo has a small acreage, it is perfect for families with small children because it contains enough excitement without being too exhausting.
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3. Eagle Rock Fountain
Address: 1075 S Utah Ave, Idaho Falls, ID 83402
This gorgeous Eagle Rock Fountain, also called the Giant Eagle Waterfall Nest, features two mature eagles, an eagle chick, and a mountain lion. It is also beautiful all year round.
In the warmer months, water cascades down the sculptured mountain and into a pool, splashing a refreshing mist in all directions. It freezes over in the cooler parts of the year and looks almost crystal-like.
Giant Eagle Waterfall Nest is in the middle of a roundabout on Utah Street, called the Utah Avenue Roundabout, but is surrounded by a sidewalk so pedestrians can get a better view of it. This statue will only take a few moments of your time, but it’s worth a view.
4. Idaho Brewing Company
Address: 775 S Capital Ave, Idaho Falls, ID 83402
Idaho Brewing Company has a welcoming and cozy atmosphere that encourages relaxation and enjoyment. The Tasting Room has natural elements, especially wood accents and giant houseplants. In the winter, the fireplace is lit for ambient comfort.
In the summer, you’ve gotta walk outside to enjoy the beer garden. Dogs are also welcome in the beer garden on the patio but are not allowed inside the Idaho Brewing Company building for health reasons. Food trucks and live music are regular parts here, too.
Of course, their brews are simply delicious; you will unlikely find a drink here that you won’t enjoy. They offer year-round and seasonal brews.
Highland Scotch Ale, Wolf’s Oatmeal Stout, and Pear Lager are favorites. Stay a while because you’re sure to meet some fun and interesting people here. The Idaho Brewing Company has a way of bringing the best individuals together.
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5. Museum of Idaho
Address: 200 N Eastern Ave, Idaho Falls, ID 83402
Walking into this museum is truly an experience. As you step inside, you’re greeted by this larger-than-life mammoth in the center of this giant, high-vaulted great room. From there, the adventure heats up.
The Museum of Idaho has several long-term and rotational exhibits on the regional history of this area, plus science and important archives. Hunt a mammoth, explore a detailed town from the Old West, and learn what Idaho and Yellowstone looked like more than 10,000 years ago.
Your kids will love checking out the Marie Putnam Discovery Room, which lets the little ones conquer mountains, wiggle through caves, play in a tipi, and explore an old-fashioned settler’s cabin.
They also have numerous books, puzzles, experiments, helpful displays, and more. Don’t forget to look down at your little one’s face as they walk into this room; it will light up when they see everything that lies before them.
While you’re here, you should consider staying at Destinations Inn. The hotel is a 1905 world-class-themed hotel with 14 themed suites to transport you to different places all across the globe. From Alaska, Athens, Egypt, and England, to Hawaii, Morocco, Paris and Rome, there’s a theme for everyone.
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6. Idaho Falls Scavenger Hunt
This scavenger hunt will take you all over Idaho Falls, showing you the best of the city and giving you several opportunities to meet kind people, learn about the area, pick up cool historical facts, experience the culture and art, and make some unforgettable memories.
When you book, you’ll receive your starting address and be emailed all the clues. From your starting point, you’ll follow 20 clues to different locations throughout downtown Idaho Falls, the scenic Snake River, and the surrounding areas.
It should take about three hours to complete your quest, and you’ll end up right where you started. You can move at your own pace, starting and ending the hunt at your leisure.
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7. Sportsman Park and Japanese Friendship Garden
Address: 600 W Broadway St, Idaho Falls, ID 83402
The Japanese Friendship Garden and the Sportsman Park are on an island in the Snake River, right by Broadway Street Bridge. The Idaho Falls Greenbelt hiking trails run right by here, too.
Many maps identify the park as Sportsman Park due to the fish hatchery built by volunteers in the 1950s. Since there is a nearby fish hatchery, sports fishermen commonly use the island on the river.
Now, though, the island is a Japanese Friendship Garden. While anglers may line the shores and edges of the Idaho Falls River Walk, it is primarily called the Japanese Friendship Garden.
Idaho Falls participates in an international Sister City Program paired with Tokai Mura, Japan, to promote international friendship and understanding. On odd years, a foreign exchange student travels from Tokai Mura to Idaho Falls to stay with American students.
For even years, an Idaho Falls student travels to Tokai Mura. What’s interesting about this partnership is that both cities are located in agricultural areas that specialize in growing and harvesting potatoes.
The park and Japanese pavilion are open all year round, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Clean restrooms are available on-site. The park has many attractive water features, a deck, a garden gate, thoughtful landscaping, a gazebo, and a viewing platform.
While you’re here, check out the nearby luxury hotel, Residence Inn by Marriott Idaho Falls. It is in downtown Idaho Falls, close to the Idaho Falls Riverwalk and the Snake River, and conveniently overlooks the Japanese Friendship Garden. It is a suite-only stay with great accommodations and amenities.
8. Park Avenue Grill
Address: 1480 Fremont Ave, Idaho Falls, ID 83402
Objectively speaking, Park Avenue Grill is the best restaurant in Idaho Falls. This family business offers mouthwatering tailgate charbroiled burgers, street tacos, burritos, sandwiches, and paninis, as well as great appetizers like chips and salsa, onion rings, nachos, and hand-cut fries.
They have the best local prices, and the food is great. The lengua taco and brisket tacos are always a hit, but I’m drawn more to their classic carne asada tacos.
While you’re out and about in downtown Idaho Falls, you may also come across their food cart. It specializes in tacos and cold beverages, so don’t pass by it without stopping!
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9. Idaho Potato Museum and Potato Station Cafe
Address: 130 NW Main St, Blackfoot, ID 83221
Just outside of Idaho Falls, about a 30-minute drive, you’ll find the Idaho Potato Museum. The museum offers a wealth of information on the history and cultivation of Idaho potatoes. Kids are always delighted that this museum has an accompanying gift shop and cafe in an old train depot.
It will probably take you an hour to navigate the entire property. While you’re here, you’ll learn about the early native history of potato farming, the development of the plant, important people in the industry, how potatoes are processed, how the land is developed and rinsed, technical development, and Idaho’s World Potato Exposition.
The friendly environment has many interactive exhibits to keep you entertained and engaged. Parking is generous here and RV-friendly. Admission is cheap, and you’ll be gifted free potatoes on your way out.
The Potato Station Cafe serves baked potatoes, french fries, Paisley Cakes, Potato Cupcakes, Papa’s Chocolate Potato Chips, Reed’s Dairy Ice Cream, and Reed’s Dairy Chocolate Milk.
10. East Idaho Aquarium
Address: 570 E Anderson St, Idaho Falls, ID 83401
The East Idaho Aquarium prides itself on being Idaho’s most interactive experience. It is a non-profit organization that intends to educate and inspire people to learn about water ecosystems in Idaho and worldwide. You can feed birds, fish, stingrays, and iguanas. They also have a friendly porcupine named Rufus.
The animals are well-cared for here, and their health and happiness are the priority. Even though there are dozens of tanks, all are well-maintained, with filters in each and appropriate heaters in the tropical fish tanks.
The tanks are also well-matched to meet the necessary space requirements of each species. The aquarium has ocean life exhibits featuring sharks, eels, crabs, fish, and jellyfish. They also have freshwater tanks and a river giants exhibit.
The East Idaho Aquarium has several land animals, too. While you’re here, be sure to visit the birds, iguana, and bearded dragon feeding stations.
You may touch a caiman and a toucan. You’ll meet their mascot, Wookiee, a very friendly (and unbearably cute) sloth.
I love how transparent and helpful the aquarium is. They even explain shipping the fish, sharks, and other animals to their aquarium. If you have a spare hour (or two), you should definitely stop at the East Idaho Aquarium.
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11. Shop Downtown Idaho Falls
Location: Shoup Avenue, Park Avenue, A Street, B Street, Idaho Falls, Idaho 83402
If you’re looking for that small downtown charm right on the river, each one of the shops here brings exactly that. Each shop has kind owners and helpful staff who will make you feel welcome and do a great job informing and entertaining their patrons.
Lily’s has some of the best-ever thrift store finds. This shop specializes in affordable yet well-made clothing and jewelry that will last a long time.
The Handmade Idaho Shop has artisan goods locally handmade by artists in Idaho Falls. You’ll find handmade clothing, paintings, jewelry, candles, handbags, stuffed animals, glass art, signs, and more.
The delicious Nice Spot Mercantile and Coffee Bar has fragrant hand soaps, pottery, wicker baskets, mugs, dishes, home decor, and more, including some of the best coffee in town.
Ravens Hollow is an herbal and health shop with a super knowledgeable owner who is happy to teach you about plants, herbs, and teas and their healing properties.
The outdoorsmen (and women) will instantly fall in love with Idaho Mountain Trading. This store has everything you need for mountain sports, from all types of bikes to skis to snowboards and even accessories like car and truck racks. They have it all!
12. Art Museum of Eastern Idaho
Address: 300 S Capital Ave, Idaho Falls, ID 83402
This family-friendly art museum shows off the contemporary art of local emerging artists. The Idaho Falls Arts Council operates it. They have regularly rotating exhibits and interactive art projects. The Art Museum hosts yearly classes, events, competitions, and poetry slams. Some of their most cherished events are:
- Art and Ale – Drink good, cold beer while painting growlers on the eve of the Mountain Brewers Beer Fest.
- Art of Golf – Sign up for this golf tournament, and you’ll get a continental breakfast, a free art print, and chances to win some fun raffle prizes.
- Beaux Cadeaux Artisan Fair – This annual fundraiser where artists share their works with the community. Art pieces are for sale, live music plays, and hors d’oeuvres are served. All art displayed is original and handmade; commercially made pieces are forbidden.
- Family Days and General Classes -Bring your kids to enjoy the children’s interactive art area, view current exhibits, and then make your museum masterpiece with the help of museum staff. They also have several classes for all age groups.
Admission to the Art Museum of Eastern Idaho is already inexpensive. However, they still host free admission days on the first Saturday of the month for all and free admission for seniors 65 or older on the first Tuesday.
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13. Hell’s Half Acre
Location: 20 Miles Southwest of Idaho Falls
Hell’s Half Acre is a geologic formation caused by an old lava flow. A paved 3/4 mile hiking trail meanders around this island of hardened lava, allowing visitors to get a better look at the area.
Molten lava was pushed up 30 to 50 miles through the Earth’s crust. The lava just solidified a few thousand years ago. Eventually, the soil will be blown over it, and soil and plants will fully cover the lava rock.
Hell’s Half Acre also has several picnic areas. Of course, since it is situated in a rest area, there are vending machines, restrooms, drinking fountains, and trash bins all over the property.
The state of Idaho and the Bureau of Land Management manage it. Look around, and you’ll see pinion trees, sage, buckwheat, prickly pear cacti, junipers, lichens, and more.
14. Collectors Corner Museum
Address: 900 John Adams Pkwy, Idaho Falls, ID 83401
The Collectors Corner Museum is an eclectic collection of toys and memorabilia. Jim and Nida Gyorfy married in 1960, opened a Tupperware store on the corner, and sold Tupperware from 1975 to 2003. In 2003, they retired and turned the corner store into a place to display all the collections they had amassed since their wedding.
They have more than 125 galleries of completely separate (unrelated) collections. Their collections include Ron Lee Clowns, coins, stuffed animals, troll dolls, model airplanes, Precious Moments figurines, mechanical monkeys, commemorative plates, toy pistols, hubcaps, PEZ dispensers, “Funny Money” bills, Avon bottles, Barbie dolls, military and war artifacts, patches, shells, knives, pistols, vintage bullets and gun oil, Beanie Babies, and so much more.
If you’re anything like me, you’ll be amazed by how much stuff they’ve packed into this space. Oh! And don’t be afraid to open the drawers; you’re supposed to do that, and you’ll find all kinds of hidden treasures.
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15. Melaleuca Field
Address: 900 Jim Garchow Way, Idaho Falls, ID 83402
This field is mostly used for baseball and is home to the Idaho Falls Chukars, an independent team of the Pioneer League. The stadium, built in 2007, can hold 3,600 people. They have 1,350 box seats and eight luxury boxes.
Idaho Falls has a history with baseball; the first baseball diamonds were created here in 1919. In 1926, the first baseball club, the Idaho Falls Spuds, was created, as were the first bleachers. In 1940, covered wooden grandstands were built.
In 1975, those grandstands burned to the ground. They were replaced the next year, and the year after that, it was renamed McDermott Field. In 2006, McDermott Field Stadium was demolished. Melaleuca Field Stadium was built in 2007, and Ballpark Digest called Melaleuca Field “America’s Best Ball Park Renovation of 2007.”
When you visit Idaho Falls, you should look into their schedule to see if you can go, because this is a memorable space with a fun vibe.
16. Fly Fish on the Snake River
The Snake River runs through the center of Idaho Falls, so if you want to immerse yourself in the city, you must spend some time on the river. Consider fly fishing.
The river currently has one of the most robust populations of native cutthroat trout left in the Rocky Mountain region. In this region, you’ll mostly catch fine-spotted snake river cutthroat trout and some Yellowstone cutthroat trout.
Anglers may also get a few rainbow and brown trout here. If you catch a rainbow trout, keep it and harvest it. Rainbow trout directly compete with the native cutthroat, and conservationists want to reduce their impact and competition as much as possible.
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17. Camp at the Snake River RV Park
Address: 1440 Lindsay Blvd, Idaho Falls, ID 83402
The Snake River RV Park can be its destination simply because of its large and well-rounded space. Here, you can bring your tent or RV (up to 85 feet long) or stay at one of their convenient camping cabins.
The campground has a playground for small kids, a gift shop for all ages, laundry facilities, restrooms, hot showers, a small on-site grocery store, free wifi, fire pits (and firewood), two pet spaces, a swimming pool, and all kinds of events that are hosted year-round.
This RV Park is on the river, steps away from the Idaho Falls Greenbelt Trail. If you’re an avid fisherman, you’ll delight in the riverbank and how easy it is to fish here.
If you catch any rainbow trout, please keep them and harvest them. Rainbow trout are plentiful in the river, but they are invasive to this river (though not in other parts of Idaho) and are too competitive for the native Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout.
18. Samoa Club
Address: 339 Park Avenue, Idaho Falls, ID 83402
Samoa Club is the place to go to get a delicious, cold craft beer and meet cool new people. Idaho Falls is a relatively small town, so you’ll probably be surprised by how many people are in this club in the evenings.
The service is fast and friendly, the food and drinks are high-quality yet inexpensive, the patrons are great, and you can usually count on live music or open-mic karaoke and friendly bar games being in progress.
Walking through the wooden door of Samoa Club’s historic building will unveil a friendly, cozy space that feels hometown-like yet welcoming for tourists. The aesthetic is bright and colorful, yet a bit moody and eclectic.
Neon signs compliment the hand-carved wooden accents and grand bar station. There’s a jukebox in the corner, too, so if you come on a quieter evening, you should fire that thing up. Ask the bartender about Bob’s food. Bob regularly grows, supplies, and prepares produce for the bar.
Your bartender can tell you about the process and which items Bob just brought you to enjoy. While the bartenders are great, turn to say hello to your neighbors at the bar. You’ll have no idea where the conversation may lead; sometimes, that’s where the fun lies.
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19. Russ Freeman Park
Address: 1290 Science Center Dr, Idaho Falls, ID 83402
Russ Freeman Park sits on over 60 acres and is adjacent to Idaho State University, Idaho Falls. Inside the park are beautifully manicured lawns, with a crystal-clear creek running through it to add a few water challenges to your disc throws. Disc throws? Oh, did we mention there’s a disc golf course?
This great course is well-maintained, with long drives, rolling terrain, and open holes. Russ Freeman Park also has a bike and running path all around and through it. They have rental scooters you can try out and lots of playground areas for the kids.
In addition, there are pavillions to reserve for events or parties. And if you aren’t up for disc golfing, you can sit by the river and relax. It’s no wonder this is the highest-rated park in Idaho Falls.
Places to Stay in Idaho Falls
Looking for something out of the ordinary for your next vacation? Check out Destinations Inn Theme Rooms! This unique hotel offers themed rooms that are decorated to transport you to a specific destination. Each room is equipped with surround sound, a DVD player, and individual lighting controls to create the perfect ambiance. Plus, you'll have all the amenities you need for a comfortable stay, including a microwave, refrigerator, and hairdryer. And after a long day of exploring, relax in the 2-person chromatherapy bubbler bath tub.
This luxurious Idaho Falls hotel is just 1 mile from Highway 15 and boasts gorgeous, destination-themed rooms complete with a drop-down projection screen TV and in-room jacuzzi. You'll love the unique decorations, surround sound, DVD player, and individual lighting controls in each room - not to mention the 2-person chromatherapy bubbler bath tub! Other thoughtful amenities include a microwave, refrigerator, and hairdryer. We can't wait to help you relax and escape the everyday at Destinations Inn Theme Rooms!
Looking for a peaceful family vacation in Idaho Falls? This charming vacation rental house is the perfect temporary home for your crew! This 3-bed, 2.5-bath abode boasts a sleek contemporary style and features a fully equipped kitchen, downstairs den, and modern amenities that will make your stay comfortable as can be. Plus, you'll love the downtown location - walk to restaurants, bars, shops, and more!
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