The 20 Best Things to Do in Twin Falls, ID for First Timers

Shoshone Falls

Known as the gateway to the Snake River Canyon, Twin Falls is a city in southern Idaho. It is known for its waterfalls and the diverse landscape surrounding the city. At the northern edge of the town is Perrine Coulee Falls, while the Shoshone Falls is at the town’s southern edge. It is a beautiful place to visit, and there are activities to suit all interests and ages. To get the most out of your Twin Falls vacation, you should plan your itinerary in advance. Here are the 20 best things to do in Twin Falls, ID, for first-timers to give you some ideas for how to spend your time in this location.

Idaho's Mammoth Cave

20. Explore Idaho’s Mammoth Cave

An interesting natural feature of the area to explore during your vacation is Idaho’s Mammoth Cave. You will find this cave just seven miles south of the Shoshone Falls. As its name suggests, the inside of this cave is huge. Within the cave, there are several museums that each have a different focus. For example, there is a museum with rate animal collections, and another has exhibits containing artifacts from around the world.

Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument

19. Take a Trip to Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument

Just outside Twin Falls is the Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument. The state fossil of Idaho is the fossil horse, Equus simplicidens, and the monument is one of the best places in the state to see this fossil. Start your visit at the visitor center, which has many examples of fossils discovered at Hagerman. Then take the Oregon Trail through the monument to see enjoy the unique landscape.

The Buffalo Cafe

18. Have Breakfast at The Buffalo Café

You will no doubt want to enjoy some breakfast out during your stay in Idaho, and one of the best places to enjoy a morning meal is at The Buffalo Café. It is one of the most popular eating establishments in Twin Falls, and it is known for its excellent service. This café serves traditional American comfort food, and there are plenty of options for vegetarians. Even the biscuits and jams are homemade at this café.

Auger Falls

17. Go Mountain Biking in Auger Falls

If you are a fan of mountain biking, then you will enjoy spending time at Auger Falls during your stay. There are more than 10 miles of trails that form the Auger Falls Trail System, and many of the tracks are ideal for mountain biking as they have challenging rocky sections.

Trampoline at Jump Time

16. Trampoline at Jump Time

A fun activity for a rainy day is to go trampolining at Jump Time. This indoor attraction has been open since 2013, and it has multiple trampolines, foam pits, slam dunk basketball, and a dodgeball court. It is an excellent place to take the kids to burn off some energy, and adults can also get involved and have some fun.

Dierkes Lake Park

15. Go Swimming at Dierkes Lake Park

You can enter Dierkes Lake Park at the same entrance as the Shoshone Falls Park. It has been open since 1969, and it is known for its astounding beauty. Many people go simply to admire the surroundings or to enjoy a picnic in a beautiful setting. However, there are also many activities to enjoy in this park, and the most popular option is swimming in the lake. Other activities to enjoy are scuba diving, nature walks, volleyball, and rock climbing.

Hot Spring

14. Relax at a Hot Spring

If you are the sort of person who goes on a vacation to enjoy some rest and relaxation, then Trip Buzz recommends spending some time relaxing at the hot springs. One of the best places to enjoy this relaxing activity is at Miracle Hot Springs. It is an outdoor spa complex that is built on the area’s natural hot springs, and visitors can sit in a private natural pool. Unlike many spa facilities, the entrance to this attraction is affordable. Other places where you can enjoy the hot springs are the Nat Soo Pah Hot Springs & Campground and at Canyon Springs Golf Course.

Centennial Waterfront Park

13. Enjoy Outdoor Activities at The Centennial Waterfront Park

Between Auger Falls Park and the Canyon Springs Golf Course, you will find The Centennial Waterfront Park. It is a fantastic place to enjoy outdoor recreational facilities. One of the most popular activities in this park is zip-lining along the Snake River. Some other popular activities to enjoy are hiking and kayaking. There is also a lake with ramps and boat docks. While at the park, children can play in the playground, you can enjoy a family picnic, and you can sit and watch the BASE jumpers.

Canyon Crest

12. Treat Yourself to a Meal at Canyon Crest

There is no shortage of amazing places to eat in Twin Falls, but one of the best is Canyon Crest. It is an urban steakhouse and cocktail lounge located on the Snake River Canyon. It overlooks Snake River, the canyon, parks, and the golf course. Not only does this restaurant have excellent views of the canyon, but it also receives outstanding reviews for its food. Although it specializes in steak, it also serves vegetarian and gluten-free options, so there is something on the menu for everybody. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, which enhances the dining experience.

Canyon Springs Golf Course

11. Play a Round of Golf at Canyon Springs Golf Course

Golf enthusiasts can enjoy their favorite activity as much as they like during a visit to Twin Falls as there is a public golf course. Canyon Springs Golf Course is an 18-hole public course at Snake River Canyon’s base, so there are beautiful views to enjoy while you play golf. The course offers various challenges, but it is suitable for people of all abilities. To make sure you get to play golf during your vacation, you can book your tee time online in advance. By doing so, you are guaranteed time on the course during your visit.

Elevation 486

10. Have a Drink with Views at Elevation 486

Although there are plenty of places to sit and enjoy a drink while you are in Twin Falls, some venues stand out as they offer a unique experience. The best place to have a drink during your vacation is at Elevation 486. This bar sits on the south rim of Snake River Canyon, and the views across the canyon are breathtaking. While enjoying a cold beer, you can sit and admire views of Pomerelle, the Pioneer Range, and Soldier Mountain. It is a traditional American pub that has a daily happy hour session from 2.30 pm until 6 pm. It also serves food, so you can grab a bite to eat. There are items on the menu to suit all tastes and diets, including vegetarian and gluten-free options.

Twin Falls County Fair

9. Enjoy a Day at Twin Falls County Fair

A fun and educational day out for all the family is a day at the Twin Falls County Fair. The country fair promotes the traditional agricultural values of the area and teaches visitors about the agricultural heritage of the city. There are food stalls selling foods made using local produce. Although this is an educational attraction, there are also fun things to enjoy, including country music concerts and rides. There are events taking place throughout the year, including the Magic Valley Stampede PRCA rodeo. You will find something to interest everyone at the country fair.

Downtown Twin Falls

8. Spend Time in Downtown Twin Falls

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Downtown Twin Falls is the city’s historic district. There are 42 historic buildings in this district, which you will see if you spend some time exploring the area. Despite its historic nature, the district perfectly combines the old with the new, and there are many modern features in the area to enjoy. In Downtown Twin Falls, you will find a theater, boutique shops, vintage stores, breweries, and many of the city’s best restaurants and bars.

Minidoka National Historic Site

7. Visit Minidoka National Historic Site

Just outside Twin Falls is the Minidoka National Historic Site, which you will find in Magic Valley in Jerome County. It is a memorial site that pays tribute to the nine thousand Japanese-American men who were killed during World War II. Visitors can learn how these men suffered before their incarceration and the historical and cultural significance of this tragic event.

Herrett Center for Arts and Sciences

6. See the Exhibits at the Herrett Center for Arts and Sciences

Those who are interested in history, art, and science should include a trip to Herrett Center for Arts and Science in their itinerary, says Travel Lens. It is a non-profit museum located on the main campus of the College of Southern Idaho. There is an emphasis on the old American continents, and the topics covered are art, astronomy, natural history, and anthropology. Although it is free to enter the museum, there is a small fee if you wish to go into the planetarium. It is a great activity for those who are visiting this area on a tight budget.

Redfish Lake

5. Take a Boat Ride Across Redfish Lake

Redfish Lake is a great spot to enjoy various activities, including fishing, kayaking, and hiking. If you visit Redfish Lake, head to the marina where you can board a boat and take a trip across the lake. It is an excellent way to admire the beautiful surroundings, and it is an activity that all the family can enjoy. You should take your camera along on the boat trip so that you can capture the scenery.

Sawtooth National Forest

4. Explore the Sawtooth National Forest

One of the most beautiful areas close to Twin Falls is the Sawtooth National Forest, which covers 750 thousand acres. Within the forest are the Sawtooth Mountains, which consist of 57 peaks that are all over 10 thousand feet. The park also consists of 400 alpine lakes, 700 miles of hiking trails, campsites, recreation areas, wildlife, and fishing. Sun Valley is one of the best features of this park as it has areas for hiking, horseback riding, golfing, mountain biking, trail running, skiing, and fishing.

Snake River Canyon

3. Hike Around Snake River Canyon

Snake River Canyon was formed when the Snake River carved its way through an ancient lava flow, and it is now 50 miles long. There are multiple hiking trails throughout the park, including a 10-mile trail that gives you access to the Twin Falls Visitor Center and the Shoshone Falls. The trails vary in difficulty, and there are options for both casual walkers and for experienced hikers. Throughout the canyon, there are multiple places that are known as fantastic spots to enjoy the sunset.

Perrine Bridge

2. Visit the Perrine Bridge

While the Shoshone Falls are the most impressive natural feature of the area, the most notable manmade landmark in Twin Falls is the Perrine Bridge. At 1,500 feet long and 486 feet above the ground, the bridge is the fourth-largest arch bridge in the United States and the largest in Idaho. It is popular amongst BASE jumpers, as it is the only bridge in the United States where this activity is legal throughout the year. There are pedestrian walkways with stunning views along the Snake River Canyon.

Shoshone Falls

See the Shoshone Falls

According to Wander Wisdom, the best thing to do in Twin Falls, ID, is to see the Shoshone Falls. Known as the Niagara Falls of the West, this waterfall is a magical sight, and it is one of the largest waterfalls in the United States. At 212 feet high, it is 40 feet taller than Niagara Falls, but it is not as wide at 900 feet. It is impressive to see as the rocks surrounding the waterfall glow orange in the sunlight. The views from the top of the falls are spectacular. If you are only in the area for a few days and can only see a few things, then make sure the Shoshone Falls is one of them.

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