15 Best Things to Do in Twin Falls, Idaho

Twin Falls is a small town in Twin Falls County in the southwest region of Idaho, known for its extraordinary outdoor adventures, stunning landscapes, and many rivers and lakes.

Those who visit Twin Falls are drawn in by its beautiful scenery and activities, and many plan return trips because of its friendly locals, relaxing atmosphere, and quaint downtown scene. You don’t have to love the outdoors to enjoy a visit to Twin Falls, but this southern Idaho town will most likely make you fall in love.

For outdoor enthusiasts, Twin Falls has some of southern Idaho’s best rivers, hikes, and mountain biking attractions. You’ll witness beautiful landscapes and picturesque scenery everywhere you turn. Here are the most fun things to do in Twin Falls, Idaho.

TL;DR

• Most significant landmark – Shoshone Falls
• Best park – Dierkes Lake Park
• Free activity – Snake River Canyon
• Activity for kids – Centennial Waterfront Park
• Activity for adults – Snake River Canyon Trail
• Place to eat – Elevation 486
• Nightlife – O’Dunken’s Draught House
• Place to stay – Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Twin Falls

Things to Do in Twin Falls, Idaho

1. Shoshone Falls

Address: 4155 Shoshone Falls Grade, Twin Falls, ID 83301, United States

Known as the Niagara of the West, Shoshone Falls is one of the largest natural waterfalls in the United States. Its height alone does surpass the great Niagara Falls. Seeing Shoshone Falls in person is one of the best things to do in Twin Falls, Idaho, and it will surely be the most memorable part of your trip.

In the 19th Century, travelers along the Oregon Trail would take a detour to experience the majestic Shoshone Falls for themselves. It’s easy to see why.

Shoshone Falls stands 212 feet tall and 900 feet wide and is located on the Snake River, through a deep canyon on its way to the Columbia River. If you’re traveling to Twin Falls to see Shoshone Falls specifically, plan a spring trip, as the best season to experience the magic is when the snowpack begins to melt. It is a beautiful fall to explore on a half-day guided tour.

There is also a canyon rim trail that most people can hike, so you can view Shoshone Falls from multiple vantage points and fully appreciate its immense beauty.

Shoshone Falls Park is open from dawn to dusk year-round. Visitors with cars must pay a $5 entrance fee during busy months. For a convenient hotel stay nearby, try the Fairfield Inn & Suites.

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2. Herrett Center for Arts & Science

Address: 315 Falls Ave, Twin Falls, ID 83301, United States

Located on the main campus of the College of Southern Idaho, the Herrett Center for Arts & Science is a non-profit educational museum that specializes in anthropology, art, natural history, and astronomy.

The museum’s natural history exhibits emphasize objects and artifacts from around the globe. Visitors will learn about the human species’ wandering mind and its adaptability to new environments and cultures while studying the impacts and understanding we develop along the way.

Natural history exhibits include the Huntington Canyon Mammoth, ancient technologies with artifacts from Peru, and the fishing tools and technologies the Native Americans used in Ancient Idaho.

The Astronomy section features the Faulkner Planetarium, Idaho‘s most advanced planetarium theater, and the Centennial Observatory, one of the world’s largest fully wheelchair-accessible public telescopes. The Planetarium has various weekly films and showtimes and seats 144 people.

The Herrett Center hosts free public events involving the telescope at Centennial Observatory. The events are a great way for the public to learn about the solar system, planets, and nearby stars.

Kids will love to visit the museum, explore the interesting exhibits, peek into the stars with the telescope, and watch an engaging film on prehistoric humans on planet Earth. Herrett Center for Arts & Science is open Tuesday through Friday and Saturday from 1 pm to 9 pm. 

3. Dierkes Lake Park

Address: HJV5+GX3, Twin Falls, ID 83301, United States

Dierkes Lake Park is a charming lakeside park that offers many recreational activities in Twin Falls, Idaho. With 191 acres of land and water, visitors can spend the entire day at the park if the weather permits.

The park features a 1.7-mile walking trail that loops around Dierkes Lake. There’s also a seasonal concession stand for sustenance, lifeguards from June through August to monitor swimming activity, and picnic tables for families and groups to share a meal.

Non-motorized boats, canoes, and kayaks are welcome on the lake. Bring the kids for some sunny fun and let them splash in the lake, play on the playground, and run around the grassy, open space. 

Itching to cast a line? Dierkes Lake Park offers some great fishing. You’ll likely encounter bass, trout, or bluegill. Dierkes Lake is a great place for kids just learning to fish or for seasoned pros.

Dierkes Lake can be seen from Shoshone Falls, just one short mile away. It’s a hot spot in the summer for tourists and locals to cool off in the water, scuba dive, fish, kayak, hike, and enjoy a day with family in the sunshine in beautiful Idaho.

If you plan a visit to Twin Falls, add Dierkes Lake Park to your itinerary. It’s one of the best free things to do in Twin Falls, and you can spend all day there. You can also try the guided tour of Dierkes Lake Park and Shoshone Falls.

See Related: Family-Friendly Spring Break Ideas

4. Auger Falls Park

Address: Canyon Springs Road, Twin Falls, ID 83301, United States

If you love waterfalls, visit Auger Falls Park while in Twin Falls. Featuring 680 acres, this natural park in Twin Falls, Idaho, is next to the Snake River. Auger Falls draws crowds every spring and summer for its beautiful views and the iconic waterfall.

Auger Falls Park offers trails for all skill levels for hiking and mountain biking, so be sure to check out the trails if you’re in the area. A new Skills Park for mountain biking is nearby, offering jumps for beginner and advanced bike riders. Bring your bike and enjoy fantastic views of Snake River as you work up a sweat.

Along with physical activity, Auger Falls has ideal fishing spots on the river. The waterfall is about one mile into the park. Keep your eyes peeled for Mermaid Falls, another gorgeous waterfall in the area.

Whether looking for the best mountain biking trails or a place to hike with the family, Auger Falls Park has exciting trails for every fitness level. You can spend a few hours here and experience some of Idaho’s most magical waterfalls. 

5. Rock Creek Park

Address: Twin Falls, ID 83301, USA

Rock Creek Park is another beautiful public park in Twin Falls, Idaho, for visitors and locals to enjoy all year round. The park’s 12 acres feature a playground for the kids, horseshoe pits, volleyball courts, hiking trails, and fishing.

An exciting addition to the park is the brand-new disc golf course that is already a local favorite. Don’t forget a frisbee if you want to play while you’re here.

Two pavilions can be rented for events and scenic areas for picnics. It’s an ideal spot to spend the day, pack a lunch, and explore the local terrain and wildlife. The Snake River runs right through Rock Creek Park, making trout fishing a fun activity for those interested.

The park also offers RV camping, with no reservations required on a first-come, first-served basis. You won’t regret spending a few nights at a quiet campsite away from the hustle and bustle of downtown Twin Falls.

No park does it better than Rock Creek Park in Twin Falls, Idaho, for a free, peaceful place to enjoy the great outdoors. It’s a local gem that doesn’t get the same foot traffic as the busier parks, making it unique.

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6. Sawtooth National Forest

Address: Idaho 75, Stanley, ID 83278, USA

Sawtooth National Forest covers nearly two million acres of land, expanding through several regions in Idaho. The national forest features many bodies of water, including Redfish Lake, Stanley Lake, and Pettit Lake.

Driving on Highway 93 to Stanley Village will give you some of the most breathtaking views of the forest and its widespread mountain range. There are hiking areas, hot springs, and great places to picnic.

Locals and visitors enjoy camping at one of the many lakes in the summer. Pettit Lake campgrounds offer stunning lake views and easy camping for families or solo travelers. Rock Creek Road is southwest of Twin Falls and will take you to some breathtaking scenery of the grassy plains outside the forest.

With so much open land stretching through Idaho and into Utah, you can expect to see a wide range of wildlife, species of trees, animals, and vegetation. The region is home to wolves, bobcats, turkeys, deer, squirrels, porcupines, and black bears.

Enjoy the mountainous scenery at Sawtooth National Recreation Area, which covers over 750,000 acres and features trails, peaks, and alpine lakes. Visitors can also enjoy outdoor activities like camping, hiking, backpacking, fishing, boating, and rafting.

There are many birding opportunities, chances to observe nature, and great landscapes for photographers to capture. Exploring Sawtooth National Forest is easily one of the best things to do in Twin Falls, Idaho.

7. Centennial Waterfront Park

Address: Canyon Springs Rd, Twin Falls, ID 83301, United States

Centennial Waterfront Park is a public park located inside Snake River Canyon in Twin Falls. This splendid park is a great choice if you’re looking for a place to spend the day with your family.

In the warmer months, visitors can kayak, canoe, and paddleboard on the river. There are also BBQs and a picnic area for relaxing and cooking a delicious meal.

Kids can run around at the playground for hours, or you can explore one of the hiking trails together. There are boat docks for those wanting to spend time on the water. There’s even zip lining for the thrill seekers in your group!

While there, take in the stunning views of the I.B. Perrine Bridge and Perrine Coulee Falls. If you’d prefer a guided tour of Perrine Coulee Falls, you can schedule one here.

Centennial Waterfront Park is an excellent park for the day if you’re up for outdoor adventures. Whether traveling solo, with kids, family, or friends, there’s so much to see and do at Centennial Waterfront Park. If the weather permits, you can easily spend the whole day at the park. Visitors can enjoy the stunning views of Perrine Bridge and Snake River Canyon no matter the season.

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8. Perrine Bridge

Address: Jerome, ID 83338, United States

Wondering what Twin Falls, Idaho, is known for? For some, the Perrine Bridge is a place you can not miss. Located right on the northern edge of Twin Falls (technically in nearby Jerome, despite being closer to Twin Falls) lies the iconic 1,500-foot-long Perrine Bridge. It’s the eighth-tallest bridge in the United States. People come from across the country to witness this magnificent bridge. It’ll take your breath away!

What’s unique about the Perrine Bridge is that it can be admired from many angles. You can kayak beneath it, watch people base jumping off it, drive on it, walk across it, and even catch a glimpse of Perrine Coulee Falls.

On the south side of the bridge, you’ll find a parking area near the Twin Falls Visitor Center and access to the canyon rim trails that lead to the bridge. The bridge has pedestrian walkways with amazing views of the Snake River and a few waterfalls.

The almost equally famous Evel Knievel jump site is east of the bridge. In 1974, he attempted to jump the canyon on his skycycle. The dirt ramp he used is still visible along the south rim of the canyon.

Mister Knievel wasn’t the only daredevil fond of this bridge. Because of its height and location, the Perrine Bridge is known worldwide for its excellent base jumping into the 500-foot-deep canyon below. Base jumping is allowed all year round without a permit at the Perrine Bridge, making it a popular spot for visitors who enjoy base jumping.

9. Twin Falls County Historical Society Museum

Address: 21337 US-30, Filer, ID 83328, United States

The Twin Falls County Historical Society Museum resides in what was once the Curry Union Schoolhouse from 1914 to 1968. These days, the building is home to a wide array of historical artifacts, farming equipment, photographs, and more from the early days of Twin Falls. Visit the museum and learn what Twin Falls was like in the early 1900s and the types of machinery and technology farmers used.

On the museum grounds, you can visit and explore a blacksmith shop, a pioneer house, and a craft house. You can also see old ice wagons, a steam tractor, a 1940 fire engine, and many other fascinating relics representing Twin Falls’s local history. You’ll learn about Idaho in the 19th Century and appreciate how far the town has come in the last century and beyond.

If you have a few hours, plan to visit the museum, explore the exhibits, and pack a lunch. In the warmer months, there’s a nice park behind the museum with picnic tables.

The museum is free and open Tuesday through Sunday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. It is a non-profit organization run by the Twin Falls Historical Society.

See Related: Best Museums in the US You Need to Visit

10. Twin Falls County Fair

Address: 215 Fair Ave, Filer, ID 83328, United States

If you plan to be in Twin Falls in late August, the Twin Falls County Fair should be one of your first stops. Hosted in nearby Filer, the fair’s family-friendly environment welcomes kids and adults of all ages to enjoy everything it has to offer.

There are many sites and exhibits at the Twin Falls County Fair. For the little ones, the Magic Valley Model Railroad is a thrilling look at model locomotives, and the exciting mutton-bustin’ children’s event is fun for all ages. If farm animals are your thing, don’t miss a stroll through the livestock division to see the year’s Best in Show!

You may love the diversity of the booths, games, and exhibits at the fair, but we all come to the fair for one thing — delicious fair food! From onion blossoms, kettle corn, corn dogs, and donuts to lemonade, craft beer, and ice cream, the Twin Falls County Fair features some of the best fair food you’ll ever taste.

You can eat, play games, ride thrilling, and experience live music in one of Idaho’s most popular summer spots. Even in the off-season, the fairgrounds host many exciting events for visitors. Events include rodeos, concerts, monster truck shows, and much more.

11. Canyon Springs Golf Course

Address: ​199 Canyon Springs Rd, Twin Falls, ID 83301, United States

The 18-hole beautiful golf course at Canyon Springs Golf Course is one of the most popular courses in southern Idaho. Nestled in Snake River Canyon, you’ll enjoy stunning views of the river, the Perrine Bridge, and the canyon around you.

Play a full round or practice your swing at the driving range on-site. Cart rentals, push carts, and private carts are available for rent before you tee off. You can also rent clubs if you don’t feel like carrying yours on an airplane or trying to fit them in the back of your car.

If you’re traveling with your kids who golf, plan and schedule them for a Junior Golf session or a more informal 30-minute session for $40 per lesson.

You’ll likely be hungry after hours on the golf course, so stop by the Canyon Springs Bar & Grill to refuel. They have a full-service bar, tasty food, and a spectacular canyon view. Menu items include chicken fingers, a turkey bacon wrap, a chicken salad, and a delicious breakfast burrito, among many others.

If you’re looking for a hotel nearby, La Quinta by Wyndham Twin Falls is around 2 miles from Canyon Springs Golf Course. Talk about convenience!

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12. Snake River Canyon

Snake River Canyon should be at the top of your travel itinerary for some of the most spectacular views in Twin Falls. The Snake River cut through ancient lava flows and formed the 50-mile canyon. Two major waterfalls and many springs are down the river.

Make a stop at the Twin Falls Visitor Center and learn all about the history of the river flowing through Twin Falls. You will enjoy stunning views and get helpful information and trail maps for the best ways to see the canyon.

If you want to hike, you’re in the right place. Around the south rim of the canyon, the Snake River Canyon Trail is a 10-mile paved walking path that leads to more amazing views of the river below. It’s not for the faint at heart, and we recommend leaving the kids at home if you plan to complete the trail.

You’ll likely see base jumpers parachuting off the Perrine Memorial Bridge as you hike. There’s a beautiful canyon overlook just south of the bridge and another at Shoshone Falls.

The canyon also provides a relaxed setting for fishing and boating on the Snake River. Whether you’re here to explore, learn, hike, or enjoy a water activity, Snake River Canyon and the surrounding areas provide a memorable experience for visitors and locals alike.

See Related: Things to Do in Boise, Idaho

13. Elevation 486

Address: 195 River Vista Pl, Twin Falls, ID 83301, United States

After all the outdoor exploring you’ve been doing, you’ll be more than ready to sit down and relax with a good meal, great views, and an upbeat atmosphere. For the best food and vibes in Twin Falls, look no further than Elevation 486.

Elevation 486 is located right on the south rim of the Snake River Canyon, 486 feet above the Snake River. The breathtaking views draw in locals and visitors, but the delicious bistro food and atmosphere keep them returning. The local favorite was in the top 4 contenders for Idaho’s best fine dining and wine selection.

Menu items include Kobe beef meatloaf, seafood linguine, baby back ribs, King salmon, burgers, sandwiches, and more. Sit back and interact with the friendly staff who ensure your visit is pleasant.

Enjoy many local craft beers and popular cocktails, including a margarita and Moscow mule, and an impressive wine list for libations.

A great spot to stop after a hike or biking trip, for a date night, or with a large group, Elevation 486 welcomes all party sizes, children, and everyone in between. Elevation 486 is open for lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday. They are closed on Sundays. 

See Related: Family Vacation Ideas

14. O’Dunken’s Draught House

Address: 102 Main Ave N, Twin Falls, ID 83301, United States

Are you looking for a local watering hole after a long day outdoors? O’Dunken’s Draught House is located in downtown Twin Falls and draws in crowds for its Irish roots, tasty beers and cocktails, and lively nightlife.

If you’re looking for a nearby place to stay, The Filmore Inn is close to downtown Twin Falls and offers a lovely bed and breakfast experience within walking distance.

O’Dunken’s offers outdoor seating for large parties or those bringing their dogs. With friendly staff and a welcoming vibe, O’Dunken’s is great for kids and families during the day. Locals rave about the Reuben sandwich and pizza; the helpful staff will make their recommendations if you ask.

As for the nighttime scene, O’Dunken’s is the place to be in Twin Falls. The draught house has over 25 beers on tap, so be sure to come thirsty! They’re open until 1 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights and 10 p.m. the rest of the week.

O’Dunken’s hosts many live music events featuring local artists and bands. Support the local musicians, grab a beer, and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere and friendly patrons. O’Dunken’s participates in celebrations like Oktoberfest, St. Paddy’s Day, and most national holidays.

15. Craters of the Moon National Monument

Address: Idaho, United States

Had your fill of Twin Falls? Looking for day trip ideas? Craters of the Moon National Monument is about a 2.5-hour drive from Twin Falls, but it’s worth taking. It’s located in the Snake River Plain, encompassing three major lava fields and 400 miles of wetlands, covering around 1,100 square miles in central Idaho.

Begin at the visitor center to get the maps and information you need. There are crater caves and trails on the 7-mile Loop Road, so you can stop and see many hot spots and caves if you’re driving.

If you set aside the day to visit Craters of the Moon, there are several exciting hikes you can take to experience more of the land by foot. We recommend the Inferno Cone, Spatter Cones, and Walking the Devil’s Orchard Trail for visitors who want more time. Inferno Cone is a short but steep walk that pays off with inspiring views of the monument.

Also, if you have several hours, try Indian Tunnel and Broken Top Loop. As you explore, watch for animals, plant life, and vegetation. Fifteen thousand years of lava eruptions have created a landscape home to diverse plants and animals. Depending on the time of day, you may see foxes, skunks, mountain lions, snakes, deer, lizards, and bats.

Plan a day or camping trip at Craters of the Moon National Monument for a memorable outdoor adventure in Idaho. Don’t miss out on a guided full-day Craters of the Moon National Monument tour.

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