Top 23 Things To Do In Idaho Falls, Idaho

1. Visit the Museum of Idaho

Sitting amid the downtown’s hustle bustle is the Museum of Idaho, featuring more than 25,000 exhibits that encapsulate Idaho state’s cultural, natural, and historical roots. It is among the intermountain West’s premier museums and makes for a thoroughly fascinating experience. The highlights of the museum are the rotating exhibits that not only pique curiosity, but also satisfy it with in-depth information. The museum underwent a recent renovation, so it has made some pretty great additions to its kitty. The ‘Archimedes: Science and Innovations’ exhibit being one of them, takes you through the Greek mathematician’s work, legacy, and inventions. The museum is easily one of the most-visited spots in the town, so you’re likely to find it pretty packed at all times.

Museum of Idaho

Address: 200 N Eastern Ave, Idaho Falls, ID 83402, USA

Website: Museum of Idaho

Opening hours: Mon: 10am - 8pm; Tue - Sat: 10am - 6pm; Sun: 11am - 5pm

Price: 10 - 12 USD

2. Tour the Art Museum of Eastern Idaho

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

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Featuring five galleries, an interactive art area for children, and a dedicated workshop space, is the Art Museum of Eastern Idaho, making for an affordable yet interesting outing in Idaho Falls. The museum is all about visual arts and innovative exhibits and it is the only one of its kind in all of eastern Idaho! Along with showcasing rotating art exhibits, the museum also has on display art pieces that belong to Idaho’s local artists. To help further the museum’s vision and promote the collaboration of individuals with art, the Art Museum of Eastern Idaho regularly hosts workshops and events that are pretty fun, so do consider attending one. The museum is accessed via the scenic Idaho Falls River Walk & Greenbelt (covered later).

Art Museum of Eastern Idaho

Address: 300 S Capital Ave, Idaho Falls, ID 83402, USA

Website: Art Museum of Eastern Idaho

Opening hours: Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat: 10am - 5pm; Thu: 10am - 8pm (closed on Sun & Mon)

Price: 2 - 4 USD

3. Check out unusual artifacts at Collector Corner Museum

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Housed in a one-storey building in Idaho Falls is this humble museum that often doesn’t find its way on people’s must-see lists, but we wonder why! Adding charm to cute collectables is the Collector Corner Museum in Idaho Falls. Among the many collectibles which you’ll find encased in the museum’s glass cabinets are coins, comic books, miniature dolls, model planes, toy pistols, and many other such things that almost give out an old-worldly vibe in today’s age of razzle and dazzle. And, no, the collectables are not only antiques, but they are also newer items. The most recent addition to their celebrity case is the Donald Trump doll!

Collector Corner Museum

Address: 900 John Adams Pkwy, Idaho Falls, ID 83401, USA

Website: Collector Corner Museum

Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 10am - 5pm (closed on Sun & Mon)

4. Visit the animals at Idaho Falls Zoo in Tautphaus Park

Making for a hugely interesting experience is the Idaho Falls Zoo in Tautphaus Park. Among the largest and oldest parks in the city, Tautphaus Park’s central attraction is its zoo, which is home to more than 300 animals! Would you believe? The zoo is divided exhibit-wise, offering some of the most intriguing insights. Head over to listen to the laughing kookaburras at Australia & New Guinea exhibit or marvel at the Grant’s Zebra in the Africa exhibit. The Siberian (or Amur) Tigers at the Asia exhibit are an equally majestic sight and so are the many native species at the North America exhibit. Also, don’t forget to engage in chatter with the talkative flamingos at the South America exhibit. The Children’s Zoo brings together the world’s exotic farm animals in one exhibit, so don’t forget to head to that exhibit as well.

Idaho Falls Zoo, Tautphaus Park

Address: 2725 Carnival Way, Idaho Falls, ID 83402, USA

Website: Idaho Falls Zoo, Tautphaus Park

Opening hours: 9am - 6pm (daily)

Price: 4.5 - 7.5 USD

5. Enjoy a live performance at the Colonial Theater

Opened originally as a vaudeville theatre in 1919, the Colonial Theatre was and still is one of the foremost venues for live performances in the intermountain West. Currently part of the Willard Arts Center complex, the Colonial Theater hosts some 15 performances each year and sees thousands of patrons making it to enjoy the several shows. Check out their performance line-up online and catch one of the performances. They’re quite a treat!

Colonial Theater

Address: 450 A St, Idaho Falls, ID 83402, USA

Website: Colonial Theater

6. View the artwork in ARTitorium on Broadway

No, it’s not your usual auditorium or museum, it’s ARTitorium, combining the best of technology, art, recreation, creativity, and learning! Primarily meant for kids up to 12 years of age, this recreational facility uses interactive exhibits, games, animations, collaborative murals, and installations to make learning all things fun for kids. The green screen area is quite a hit with kids, so do remember to head there. Along with this, the make-your-own-art area, the stop-frame animation area and the virtual art gallery are fun too. Although, keep note that the place gets pretty crowded, pretty quickly.

ARTitorium on Broadway

Address: 271 W Broadway St, Idaho Falls, ID 83402, USA

Website: ARTitorium on Broadway

Opening hours: Mon: 5pm - 8:30pm; Tue - Sat: 10am - 6pm; Sun: 1pm - 5pm

Price: 5 USD

7. Go whitewater rafting on Snake River

Making for a stunning location for some water activities is Snake River, engulfed in the beauty of lush greenery and mountains. So, if you’re seeking some adrenaline-pumping activities in Idaho Falls, you’ve hit jackpot! Hitch yourself a whitewater rafting tour and negotiate the fun yet challenging rapids of the river. You may be a large group or a handful, the experience will be equally thrilling. The only thing being, you may have to travel a little outside of the city to get to the best of the spots. You’ll find plenty of raft companies to arrange the experience for you.

8. Go hiking with Wilderness Ridge Trail Llamas

Make it a day exploring parts of the Capitol Reef National Park, hiking and hitching rides on the backs of horses and llamas. Spanning some four hours, these trips cover some stunning spots of the national park, from where you can enjoy panoramic views of the American countryside. Worried about the animals? Don’t be! They’re well trained, gentle, and friendly, plus the guides ensure that all safety standards are met. You will be provided with all hiking gear and equipment on-site, and also some snacks if you get peckish along the way. If not, the longer day hikes, you can even opt in for the hour-long hikes or the overnight ones.

Wilderness Ridge Trail Llamas

Address: 9038 E Ririe Hwy, Idaho Falls, ID 83401, USA

Website: Wilderness Ridge Trail Llamas

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 6am - 8pm (closed on Sat & Sun)

9. Marvel at the marine biodiversity at East Idaho Aquarium

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

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Setup in 2013, the East Idaho Aquarium in Idaho Falls is truly worth a visit. Home to permanent exhibits of freshwater species and a shark tank, the aquarium makes for a truly intriguing place to learn about marine life. Why stop at seeing them through the glass? You can even reach out to touch some of them – the river fish, bearded dragons, stingrays, and many others. While you can touch most species effortlessly, others require the assistance of the staff to ensure safety. Watch out for the signs on the exhibits. This is a great indoor experience so don’t miss out on it.

East Idaho Aquarium

Address: 570 E Anderson St, Idaho Falls, ID 83401, USA

Website: East Idaho Aquarium

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 11am - 8pm; Sun: 1pm - 6pm

Price: 9 - 12 USD

10. Watch a baseball game at Melaleuca Field

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Baseball and its fan following are big in Idaho Falls, so if you’re in town, there’s no way you shouldn’t also partake of some of that fanfare. Melaleuca Field is the home field of the Idaho Falls Chukars Minor League Baseball team. The stadium regularly hosts baseball games along with some local teams’ games as well. There’s ample seating in its large complex and also a souvenir shop to buy something for keepsake.

Melaleuca Field

Address: 900 Jim Garchow Way, Idaho Falls, ID 83402, USA

Website: Melaleuca Field

11. Camp at the Snake River RV Park & Campground

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Add a touch of experimental to your Idahoan getaway and go camping. Offering the best of amenities and facilities is the Snake River RV Park & Campground, entirely dedicated to making your camping experience a pleasant and fun one. There’s also a swimming pool, a hot tub, a children’s playground, and a gift shop, all within the bounds of the park! Also, don’t think you can only hitch RVs, you can pitch tents or rent cabins as well. The park is so famous among camping enthusiasts that some parts of the park look like townships, with RVs and people everywhere!

Snake River RV Park & Campground

Address: 1440 Lindsay Blvd, Idaho Falls, ID 83402, USA

Website: Snake River RV Park & Campground

Price: 46 USD onwards

12. Enjoy fishing in Becker Pond

Fishing enthusiasts, listen up! Here’s one place you can head to catch a pike or two and learn fly fishing if you don’t already know how. Rife primarily with Rainbow Trout and Catfish, Becker Pond makes for a great place for fishing. The pond is located within Ryder Park and loans out equipment on a first-come-first-serve basis.

Becker Pond

Address: Idaho Falls, ID 83402, USA

Website: Becker Pond

Opening hours: 6am - 11pm (daily)

13. Stroll through Idaho Falls River Walk & Greenbelt

Covering about 8km (5 miles) on the border of the Snake River is Idaho Falls River Walk, one of the city’s most stunning walking trails, infused with lush greenery and refreshing air. The trail has manicured landscaping and its picturesque scenery, strewn with geese and birds aplenty, is quite a beauty. You’ll find flocks of people heading there to engage in some form of outdoor activity, such as cycling, jogging, walking, exercising, or just for leisure. Else, you can even engage in some hiking in the river. The place, with its rich foliage and riverfront views, makes for quite a romantic setting, so definitely keep it on your list if you’re heading to Idaho Falls with your partner.

Idaho Falls River Walk & Greenbelt

Address: River Walk Drive, Idaho Falls, ID 83402, USA

Website: Idaho Falls River Walk & Greenbelt

14. Head to Russ Freeman Park

Located towards the north side of Idaho Falls is Russ Freeman Park, an open space offering some of the best views of Snake River. Many people flock here to enjoy a picnic and some time outdoors. There’s also a superb 18-hole golf course for enthusiasts to enjoy a game or two! Else, there are swings for kids as well. However, not just recreation, the park is also famous for its Vietnam Veterans Memorial, which was built in the memory of all local soldiers who were killed or were POWs of the Vietnam War.

Russ Freeman Park

Address: 1290 Science Center Dr, Idaho Falls, ID 83402, USA

Website: Russ Freeman Park

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

15. Unwind at the Japanese Friendship Garden

Located within Sportsman Park in Idaho Falls is the scenic Japanese Friendship Garden, bringing a touch of Japan to north-west USA. Set in the landscape of an island in Snake River, this public park makes for a stunning place of retreat. The park was set up to commemorate Idaho Falls’ long-standing friendship with the city of Tokai-Mura in Japan. The highlight of the Japanese Friendship Garden is a traditional Japanese gate set against a backdrop of the river and manicured landscaping of the garden, and several fountains, waterfalls, viewing platforms, and a ‘Dragon’s Path’ bridge adding to the aesthetic. While entry to the park itself is free, access to the viewing platforms is paid.

Japanese Friendship Garden

Address: 600 Broadway Street, Idaho Falls, Idaho

Website: Japanese Friendship Garden

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Price: Free

16. View the stunning Eagle Rock Fountain

If for nothing else, head over to the Utah Avenue Roundabout only to marvel at the beauty of the colossal Eagle Rock Fountain, or ‘The Protector’. Among the most prominent landmarks of the city, the fountain makes for a sight with gentle streams of water spouting off its grand design in the summers and crystal-turned frozen water in the winters. The fountain was unveiled in 2006 and it is touted to be the world’s largest eagle monument! Don’t forget to carry your camera along, it makes for an absolutely picture-worthy site.

Eagle Rock Fountain

Address: S Utah Ave, Idaho Falls, ID 83402, USA

17. Discover Hell's Half Acre lava field

Reminded of Dante’s Inferno after reading the name? Spread across the Snake River Plain, about 40km (25 miles) west of Idaho Falls in the Bingham and Bonnevile counties, is this lava field called Hell’s Half Acre. Although an area of geological study, it has also been set up with walking trails for people to enjoy scenic views of the areas around as well as the lava field and the formations. Several signs have been placed for people to gain insight. There’s also an abundance of flora and fauna that you can marvel at here.

Hell's Half Acre

Address: Hell’s Half Acre Lava Field Interstate 15 Idaho 83221, USA

Website: Hell’s Half Acre

18. Go ice skating in Wayne Lehto Ice Arena

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Offering the best and most premium of ice facilities in the town is Wayne Lehto Ice Arena. Here, there’s ice hockey, ice skating, and plenty of other non-ice recreational activities, all for you to indulge in. Also, not just indoors, here you can also enjoy skating outdoors – there are an outdoor ice skating rinks as well. However, you’re required to deposit your driver’s license or vehicle keys as a safety deposit to use the outdoor rink. We suggest you wear cold-friendly clothes if you’re planning to head there. You wouldn’t want to catch the chills, now, would you?

Wayne Lehto Ice Arena

Address: 390 Rogers St, Idaho Falls, ID 83402, USA

Website: Wayne Lehto Ice Arena

Opening hours: Mon, Wed, Thur: 11am - 2pm; Tue: 11am - 2pm, 7pm - 9pm; Fri: 11am - 12:45pm, 7pm - 9pm; Sat: 2pm - 4pm, 7pm - 9pm: Sun: 2pm - 4pm

19. Sample quality beers at Idaho Brewing Company

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

How about some crisp, chilled beer, overlooking the Snake River? Make your way to the Idaho Brewing Company and try one (or all!) of their 18 different styles of beer! While some eight brews are available throughout the year, the rest are seasonal. Boasting a comfortable vibe and friendly service, this place in Idaho Falls offers the best selection of beers and some interesting insight into how they’re made as well. Their What a Pear Lager, Maggie’s Dog Slobber Brown Ale, Wolf’s Oatmeal Stout, and Black Lager are among the top-rated flavours. Amplifying the overall experience is the live music.

Idaho Brewing Company

Address: 775 S Capital Ave Idaho Falls, ID 83402

Website: Idaho Brewing Company

Opening hours: Mon: 3pm - 7pm; Tue - Wed: 3pm - 9pm; Thu - Sat: 3pm - 10pm (closed on Sun)

20. Get your caffeine fix at Villa Coffeehouse

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

A classic combination of strong brew, tasty food, and quick service is Villa Coffeehouse and Cafe in Idaho Falls. This wood-floored, cosy but large cafe is in the city’s downtown and makes for a great place to stop for a bite and a sip. Not only are their coffees great, but also the food is equally good. Try one of their cold brews or the espresso coffee. Else, the pumpkin butternut soup and the apple crumb pie are also amazing. You can even buy some coffee beans to bring back at your vacation rental!

Villa Coffeehouse

Address: 344 Park Ave, Idaho Falls, ID 83402, USA

Website: Villa Coffeehouse

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 7am - 5pm; Fri - Sat: 7am - 6pm; Sun: 8am - 4pm

21. Indulge your sweet tooth at Carstens' Bakery

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

If you’re a fan of all things sweet, sticky, and gooey, don’t forget to try Carstens’ Bakery, a family-run shop in Idaho Falls. Decorated in a somewhat vintage fashion with family photographs adorning bright blue walls, Carstens’ Bakery nails almost all bakery items they sell. It is loaded with yummy danishes, pastries, doughnuts, and many other irresistible goodies. One thing you must try there is their cream cheese brownies – they literally sell like hotcakes! The raisin-filled cookies and the beehive cake are two other items you must try.

Carstens' Bakery

Address: 243 Cliff St, Idaho Falls, ID 83402, USA

Website: Carstens’ Bakery

Opening hours: Tue - Fri: 7:30am - 5pm; Sat: 8am - 4pm (closed on Sun & Mon)

22. Enjoy delicious cuisines at Copper Rill Restaurant

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

Serving some of the best delicacies in Idaho Falls is Copper Rill Restaurant, right across the street from Idaho Falls River Walk & Greenbelt. Opened in 2013, this restaurant features a selection of dishes on their menu. Right from sandwiches to pasta and pan-seared tacos to Thai lamb chops, these guys put the taste in tasty. Also, not only are their flavours memorable, but also the service and the ambience are equally amazing!

Copper Rill Restaurant

Address: 415 River Pkwy, Idaho Falls, ID 83402, USA

Website: Copper Rill Restaurant

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 4pm - 8:45pm (closed on Sun)

23. Have a fun night out at Hurricane's

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

No one takes partying and nightlife as seriously as the folks at Hurricane’s. One of the town’s leading nightclubs and bars, Hurricane’s is all about smashing music, superb ambience, and a chiller vibe. When live bands aren’t performing, there’s karaoke nights and other themed nights bringing the place’s atmosphere alive. And if you happen to reach there between 5 to 8 pm, you’ll also be treated to shots and drinks at half the price! Every Thursday night is their live comedy shows and other nights keep alternating between karaoke, DJ, and other theme nights.

Hurricane's

Address: 888 N Holmes Ave, Idaho Falls, ID 83401, USA

Website: Hurricane’s

Opening hours: Mon, Wed, Fri & Sat: 5pm - 2am; Tue & Thur: 6pm - 2am (closed on Sun)

Plenty of things to do in Idaho Falls

The largest city in Southeastern Idaho, Idaho Falls has an array of attractions for all kinds of travellers. You may be heading there to unplug or explore, you’ll have a great many options of things to do. This list of things to do in Idaho Falls, Idaho, will not only make your life easier, but it will also make your holiday a great one. Plus, you don’t even have to worry for a place to stay, since Idaho Falls offer plenty of accommodation options, including house rentals and RV rentals So, get planning!