Idaho Falls Idaho
The Snake River and its falls flowing through the center of town
Racing across the St. Anthony Sand Dunes on an off-road vehicle
A peaceful morning of fly-fishing on one of the region’s streams
The cascading waters of Mesa Falls
Boating on a nearby lake at sunset
The bridge over Johns Hole, which flows into the Snake River
A competitor gliding across the snowy landscape during the American Dog Derby sled race
A sunset zip line tour at Heise Hot Springs
Exploring the charming streets of the city’s downtown district
A gorgeous fall day in Swan Valley
- Major Airports:
- Idaho Falls (IDA)
- Salt Lake City (SLC)
- States:
- Idaho
Small-town charm, outdoor adventures and a festive riverfront
Explore the Great Outdoors
Idaho Falls is the closest metropolitan destination to Yellowstone National Park. It’s just a two-hour drive to hiking, biking, fishing, horseback riding and camping amid Yellowstone’s picturesque geysers, geothermal features and waterfalls. If you’re traveling with kids, don’t miss Yellowstone Bear World, a drive-through wildlife park where you can bottle-feed a bear cub.
In the winter months, sign up for a snowmobiling adventure in the Teton Mountains, or soak in endless natural beauty while cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. To the west, hike amid volcanic craters and lava fields at Craters of the Moon National Monument. Island Park to the north, known as the Snow Mobile Capital of the World, offers mountain cabin rentals with outdoor hot tubs. Insider tip: May and October boast ideal weather with fewer crowds.
Downtown Idaho Falls
Hints of Idaho Falls’ history as a frontier town remain in the charming streets of downtown. Take a walking tour to learn about turn-of-the-century buildings characterized by Art Deco, Renaissance Revival and Georgian Revival architecture. Some of the building facades remain largely unchanged, though inside you’ll find boutiques, local eateries, galleries, antique shops and pubs. Take a seat (and tons of great photos) on decorative benches that make up the city’s “Art You Can Sit On” creative initiative. Dozens of benches throughout downtown and along the Snake River are crafted to look like whimsical shapes including a fishing lure, bicycle, canoe and mountain peaks. Other notable attractions include the Museum of Idaho, Idaho Falls Aquarium and Idaho Falls Zoo.
Fun on the Riverfront
The Snake River winds through the heart of Idaho Falls. Eight kilometers of waterfront have been developed into the city’s River Walk, a greenbelt of parks, walkways, piers, historic markers and public event spaces offering views of the water. Summertime on the waterfront is especially active. Locals and visitors alike gather for free outdoor concerts, a farmers’ market and special events. Stop into the Art Museum of Eastern Idaho; it’s right on the river and admission is free the first Saturday of the month. At Sportsman’s Park, a small island in the Snake River, take a quiet stroll through the Japanese gardens.
Fun Fact
The waterfalls that give the city its name are the result of a man-made dam.
The city's "Art You Can Sit On" series features more than 40 sculptural benches with funky artistic flourishes.