Discover Idaho Falls

Idaho Falls combines paths along the Snake River with cultural attractions, recreational opportunities, and an annual rodeo. When planning a hotel stay, it helps to first sort out your interests and travel dates: the River Walk is designated for walking and cycling, while museums, the zoo, swimming pool, and events offer different focuses. This way, you can choose your travel dates based on what you want to do in Idaho Falls.

River Trails and Recreation

The Idaho Falls River Walk extends for five miles along both banks of the Snake River. A one-mile section around Freeman Park is also designated as part of the River Walk. The two lengths refer to different descriptions: the five miles describe the River Walk along both riverbanks, while the shorter distance refers to the section near Freeman Park. This gives you a specific point of reference when planning a particular part of your trip for a walk or bike ride. The stated distance is not an indication of how long it will take to walk or cycle.

Japanese Friendship Garden: Design and Local History

The Japanese Friendship Garden is located on a rocky island in the Snake River in Idaho Falls. Its features include a traditional Japanese garden gate and numerous water features. The island is also a site of river history: the first bridge over the Snake River in eastern Idaho was located there. The garden was created to mark 30 years of ties with the Japanese sister city of Tokai-Mura. The landscape, design, and history of the bridge give the site a range of cultural connections.

Museums, Zoo, and Swimming Pool

The Art Museum of Eastern Idaho is located along the Greenbelt Trail and offers a view of the Snake River. The Museum of Idaho has a different focus: six adventure backpacks, with themes such as Time Traveler and Storyteller, help visitors explore the Way Out West exhibit. If you are interested in art or history, these two offerings already differ in their respective connections to the river and the exhibit.

The Idaho Falls Zoo at Tautphaus Park is home to around 130 animal species and is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. For travelers who want to make animal species the focus of their visit, the zoo is a destination in its own right. The Wes Deist Aquatic Center has a heated 25-yard indoor pool with eight lanes, three slides, and a hot tub. Its specific facilities set it apart from outdoor trails and cultural attractions.

Rodeo, City History, and Other Interests

The War Bonnet Round Up takes place every year on the first weekend of August as a PRCA-sanctioned rodeo in Idaho Falls. Through its connection with the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes of Fort Hall, Idaho, it is considered an important part of the culture and traditions of eastern Idaho. The first officially named War Bonnet Round Up took place in 1912 at Reno Park in Idaho Falls. This year refers to the first event under that name.

The city's naming history can also be placed in a timeline: on August 26, 1891, the community was named Idaho Falls; before that, it was called Eagle Rock. Golf enthusiasts can choose from three championship golf courses in Idaho Falls with certified PGA staff. Walking and cycling, museums, rodeo, swimming, and golf each offer a different focus for a trip. When looking for hotels in Idaho Falls, you can use your preferred focus and travel dates as a starting point for planning.

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