Growing steadily in popularity as both a place to live and visit, this riverside city combines natural beauty with a strong regional identity. Set along a broad, scenic waterway, it has developed into an important economic and cultural hub for the surrounding area.
Idaho Falls lies on the banks of the Snake River and takes its name from the striking man-made waterfall at its center. The state’s second-largest city offers a wide range of attractions, from engaging museums and historic sites to cultural landmarks and a lively downtown filled with local shops and restaurants.
One of its standout features is the picturesque Greenbelt, a network of parks and natural spaces connected by a riverside trail that runs along both sides of the river. While the city itself provides ample outdoor appeal, many visitors also use Idaho Falls as a convenient gateway to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, both within easy reach.
Grand Teton National Park
Although it lies about two hours’ drive east of the city, Grand Teton National Park is definitely not to be missed for its spectacular scenery. Known not only for its soaring mountains and sparkling lakes but wonderful wildlife too, it lies just across the border in Northwest Wyoming.
Founded in 1929, the picturesque park is named after the loftiest peak in the range, which reaches a staggering 13,775 feet in height. Its rugged slopes feature endless forests and untouched wild spaces with rushing rivers, rock formations and ravines dotted here and there.
Due to all this, Grand Teton is an outdoor lover’s dream with superb hiking, biking and camping on offer. As well as keeping an eye out for moose, bison and bears, visitors can also swim, rock climb and kayak amidst its awe-inspiring landscapes.
Yellowstone National Park
Just north of Grand Teton in Northwest Wyoming is another of the nation’s most beautiful and best-loved national parks. The first to be established in 1872, Yellowstone’s volcanic confines encompass astounding hot springs, bubbling mud pots and spurting geysers.
While the west entrance lies around two hours drive northeast of Idaho Falls, many people still use the city as a base for exploring the park. Amidst its verdant forests and rugged mountain ranges are craggy canyons, gushing rivers and, of course, a gigantic geothermal area. Of its hot springs and geysers, Old Faithful and Grand Prismatic Spring are undoubtedly the most popular, photographed and impressive.
Besides enjoying all kinds of exciting outdoor activities, you can also spot moose, grizzly bears and wolves amidst its wild and remote reaches.
Idaho Falls Temple
Rising dramatically above the river is the delightful and distinctive Idaho Falls Temple. Certainly one of the city’s most beautiful buildings, it lies amidst lush grounds and gardens, some ten minutes north of downtown.
Built between 1940 and 1945, the gleaming white structure is topped by a striking single-spire that shines in the sun. Inside, the attractive Art Deco edifice is just as appealing as marble, hardwood and murals coat its ceremonial rooms. Scenes and important stories from the church’s scripture also feature.
At the Visitor Center, guests can learn all about the incredible temple and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. After this, you can then stroll around its flower-filled gardens and down beside the winding Snake River.
Japanese Friendship Garden
The gorgeous Japanese Friendship Garden is another scenic and serene part of the Greenbelt to stop by. Occupying a small rocky isle in the middle of Snake River, it has charming paths, stone lanterns and other ornamental features to check out.
Lovingly laid out, it was completed in 2011 to celebrate the city’s thirty year friendship with Tokai-Mura in Japan. Alongside a traditional Torii gate are a fantastic pavilion, water features and viewing platform that offers up sweeping vistas over the river.
A historically important spot, the island was the site of the first bridge to span the Snake River in all Eastern Idaho. Despite its proximity to the center, the tranquil garden feels a world away from the hustle and bustle of downtown.
Giant Eagle Waterfall Nest
Just a short stroll further down the river is another of the city’s top attractions: the hugely impressive Giant Eagle Waterfall Nest. Disregarding its rather unfortunate setting at the center of a roundabout, the majestic monument makes for some fabulous photos and viewing.
One of the largest sculptures of its kind in the States, it depicts two enormous eagles protecting their nest and chicklets from a mountain lion below. Thanks to the extraordinary level of detail, the scene really does look larger-than-life as water splashes below the rocky mountain top roost. In total, it towers 26 feet tall with The Protector having been designed by Vic Payne back in 2006.
As the roundabout doesn’t really encourage you to linger, most people snap a couple of pics before continuing off along the River Walk.
Lava Trail
Much closer to town are the incredible landscapes and lava tubes of Hell’s Half Acre that cover a huge area directly west of Idaho Falls. Within just half an hour, you can find yourself surrounded by all its tortured terrain, hiking along the terrific Lava Trail.
Thought to have been formed several millennia ago, the extensive lava field’s basalt rock formations and volcanic vents sprawl across a wide-open plain. Visitors can choose between two trails with one taking all day and the other simpler loop stretching just half a mile in length. Both take you past striking scenery with informative plaques on the lava flow, fauna and flora lining the route.
As the paths are flat and paved for the most part, the National Natural Landmark is accessible to all. Its fissures, lava tubes and sharp jagged rocks make for quite the sight at any time of year.
Museum of Idaho
A must for those looking to learn more about the history of the state, the Museum of Idaho lies in the heart of downtown. Boasting an exhaustive list of artifacts and exhibits, its collection covers the various peoples and places that have shaped the Gem State.
Only opened in 2003, it occupies a magnificent modern building that connects the historic Carnegie Library and Masonic Temple. Its well-done displays and dioramas shine a light on not just the early origins and geology of the state but trappers, traders and modern technology too. Hands-on exhibits and activities help young ones stay engaged with play areas, photos and film clips dotting its floors.
On top of the museum’s excellent educational and outreach programs, it also regularly hosts top-class traveling exhibits.
River Walk & Greenbelt
A wonderful way to see as much of the city as possible is to walk, run or bike along the scenic River Walk. Hugging both banks of the Snake River, it connects the numerous parks and green spaces that make up the gorgeous Greenbelt.
One of the Pacific Northwest’s major waterways, the Snake River winds its way peacefully through the center of town. While some small rapids and waterfalls dot its course, lush green grounds and gardens coat its banks. These include Freeman Park, the Japanese Friendship Garden and South Central Park.
Aside from strolling along its banks, stopping by its parks and enjoying divine views over the river, there are plenty of outdoor art installations to check out. In addition, the River Walk passes by some interesting museums, historic sites and the city’s lively downtown.