Twin Falls and Beyond
A South Central Idaho Adventure
Twin Falls may be home to the awe-inspiring Snake River Canyon and Shoshone Falls, the “Niagara of the West,” but it’s only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to exploring south central Idaho. Check out these adventures beyond Twin Falls and turn your weekend getaway into a weeklong stay.
Pick a Town, and Start Exploring.
Visitor center exhibits at Minidoka National Historic Site, Jerome. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.
Jerome
Whether you’re looking for an outing with a hint of history or ready to take off on an adrenaline-pumping ATV ride in the great outdoors, Jerome has you covered.
Don’t Leave Town Without Visiting…
- Minidoka National Historic Site preserves the history of the 13,000 Japanese Americans who were held at this Idaho relocation center during World War II. Explore the visitor center filled with interactive exhibits, watch a documentary film and take a self-guided or ranger-led site tour.
- Discover family-friendly fun at Idaho Central Credit Union Park & Pavilion, which features a skate park, pump track, splash pad, interactive playground and picnic area.
- Open Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Jerome Farmers Market offers fresh and fantastic finds from local farmers, bakers and artisans.
- Enjoy hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding and off-roading at Snake River Canyons Park.
- Trek along the Yingst Grade Trail to Mermaid Cove, one of Jerome’s most popular hiking destinations.
- Grab your morning pick-me-up at Renew, a community-driven coffee shop with espresso creations, gourmet bagel sandwiches and more. When lunchtime rolls around, swing by Choate’s Family Diner, which serves classic American fare like patty melts, quarter-pound burgers, and hot fudge and marshmallow shakes. Fat Clarence’s Pub and Grub, dishes up food-coma-inducing fare such as their original butterscotch French toast and crispy, hand-breaded chicken sandwiches. You can’t go wrong with Garibaldis, where the authentic Mexican cuisine ranges from tasty tamales and tostadas to enchiladas and molcajete.
There’s more to explore! Find more adventures in the area.
Window Arch Trail, City of Rocks National Reserve, Almo. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.
Oakley & Albion
The towns of Oakley and Albion are sure to lure those with a truly adventurous spirit. With fantastic rock-climbing locations and pristine ski slopes just waiting to be shredded, there are ample opportunities to get your heart pumping.
Don’t Leave Town Without Visiting…
- The City of Rocks Backcountry Byway is a one-of-a-kind road trip experience filled with rugged landscapes, history and geological wonders. In addition to the towns of Oakley and Albion, there are plenty of locations to stop and explore along the way:
- The City of Rocks National Reserve is a world-renowned rock-climbing destination boasting 600+ routes, along with an assortment of hiking trails and birdwatching. Better yet, City of Rocks is now an International Dark Sky Park with stellar stargazing.
- Castle Rocks State Park is a rock hound’s paradise, attracting climbers from around the globe. Round out your adventure with horseback riding and mountain biking, or check out some Native American pictographs.
- There’s always fun to be had at Pomerelle Ski Resort. In the winter, shred groomed slopes, try a backcountry snowcat tour, or enjoy disc golf and mountain biking in the summer.
- Take a tour of the town of Oakley and its historic buildings. Founded by Mormon immigrants in 1878, this town is on the National Register of Historic Places.
- Durfee Hot Springs beckons travelers seeking relaxation with its warm, soothing natural spring water, hot tubs and kiddie pool.
- Teepee Rocks is a unique landscape filled with sandy-white cone-shaped formations (don’t forget your camera!).
- Situated below Mount Harrison, Lake Cleveland is a popular spot for outdoor recreation. This alpine lake is only accessible during the summer and offers camping, swimming, fishing and other activities.
- Stop by Smith’s Cafe for juicy handmade burgers, sandwiches and hearty soups. Or, head to One Punch Pizza for the authentic flavors of Italy, including homemade pasta and hand-tossed pizza. PiggySue Bar-B-Que tempts diners with slow-smoked, Texas-style barbecue. Feast on brisket nachos, ribs and other mouthwatering menu items.
There’s more to explore! Find more adventures in the area.
Earl M. Hardy Box Canyon Springs Nature Preserve, Thousand Springs State Park. Photo credit: Visit Idaho.
Hagerman
Featuring captivating waterfalls, eagle sightings and fossils, Hagerman is brimming with unexpected marvels. Top it all off with some decadent local cuisine, and you’ll find yourself coming back for more.
Don’t Leave Town Without Visiting…
- Thousand Springs State Park is an expansive park comprised of six separate park units. Here are just a few of the wonders you’ll encounter:
- Situated along the Snake River, between two spectacular springs, Ritter Island has sensational sightseeing, birdwatching and wonderful waterfalls.
- Behold the natural beauty of the Malad River at Malad Gorge State Park. Get the best views from the bridge that crosses the canyon.
- At Earl M. Hardy Box Canyon Springs Nature Preserve, you’ll find the nation’s 11th-largest spring.
- Embrace your inner archaeologist at the Thousand Springs Visitor Center, the new home of the Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument. While you’re there, check out the fossil displays and listen to a ranger talk.
- Nicknamed the “Eagle Tree” by locals, this particular tree has been known to have more than 80 eagles perched in it at a time during the winter months. While you’re in town, join an Eagle Tree or Winter Birds Tour provided by Hagerman Valley Foundation. (Explore these other areas within the Hagerman Valley for even more birdwatching opportunities.)
- Measuring 48 feet tall and weighing 40 tons, Balanced Rock is a mighty geological marvel that, remarkably, is balanced on a pedestal that is 3’ x 17’’.
- Start your day at Bullets ’N Brew, a full-service espresso bar with grab-and-go breakfast options. Tantalize your taste buds with arroz con pollo and shrimp fajitas at Los Potrillos Mexican Restaurante. Or, try the Snake River Grill, which serves up surprising dishes ranging from sturgeon filet sandwiches to cornmeal-dusted alligator with aioli. Drop by Papa Kelsey’s of Hagerman for their homemade pizza crust and house-baked bread. Or, pop into Fire Pie Pizza & Pasta for handcrafted wood-fired pizza, garlic cheese-stuffed breadsticks and lasagna.
There’s more to explore! Find more adventures in the area.
