Idaho Falls is the jewel of Eastern Idaho and a gorgeous place to spend your next vacation. From museums to visit and outdoor adventures to embark upon, there are so many different things to do and see in and around town.

Whether you are staying in Idaho Falls or passing through on a road trip in Idaho you’ll want to include some (or all!) of these on your trip.

To help you plan your itinerary, this list has 12 of the best things to do in Idaho Falls. It even includes an awesome day trip or two. This way you’ll be sure not to miss a thing.

So, let’s get right into it and explore all the cool stuff to do in and around Idaho Falls.

 

 

12 Fun Things to Do in Idaho Falls

1.    Idaho Falls River Walk

At the top of the list of best things to do in Idaho Falls is to take a stroll along the River Walk.

This fabulous path continues for five miles on either side of the Snake River and is the best way to get to know the city.

You’ll love experiencing Idaho Falls as you meander along the River Walk. Along the way you’ll get to see many of the city monuments and the falls themselves.

 

 

 

2.    Japanese Friendship Garden

One of the most special things to do in Idaho Falls is to visit the Japanese Friendship Garden.

This incredible space is located on a small island in the middle of the Snake River.

Designed as a traditional Japanese garden, you’ll find serenity as you explore the garden paths and water features.

The Japanese Friendship Garden celebrates the relationship between sister cities Idaho Falls and Tokai-Mura, Japan.

 

 

3.    Museum of Idaho

Head to the Museum of Idaho to learn about the history of this great state.

It doesn’t matter if you’re visiting from across the globe or have lived in Idaho Falls your entire life, there’s still something to learn.

Many of the exhibits focus on the history of Idaho itself. While others are super interesting insights on everything from dinosaurs to steampunk.

The Museum of Idaho hosts international exhibitions about humanities and the sciences making the Museum of Idaho one of the most interesting things to do in Idaho Falls.

4.    Idaho Falls Idaho Temple

You’ll no doubt see the temple in Idaho Falls, even when viewing the Snake River you can see it in the distance, with its single spire.

And while on the River Walk you’ll see the Idaho Falls Idaho Temple across the Snake River. You can also go visit the temple and take a guided tour at the visitor center.

The Idaho Falls Idaho Temple is the tenth temple constructed by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and the first one built in Idaho.

Even if you don’t have time for the guided tour you can go for a walk in the gardens and admire the view of the Snake River.

 

 

 

5.    Tautphaus Park

Tautphaus Park is a huge 84-acre park in the heart of Idaho Falls.

As a fabulous traditional park, you’ll love walking through the beautiful greenery right in the middle of the city. There are baseball fields, tennis courts, and playgrounds to enjoy.

Tautphaus Park is also the home to the Idaho Falls Zoo and the Funland Amusement Park.

Kids will love the Children’s Zoo where they can even feed the animals, making Tautphaus Park one of the best family-friendly things to do in Idaho Falls.

6.    Snake River Ferry Boat Tour

Snake River is nice to look at. But it’s even better to get out on the river and explore the city from the water.

On a Snake River Ferry Boat Tour you’ll have a blast on the narrated tour as you navigate the river and learn interesting things about Idaho Falls and the river itself.

The tour will even give you an up close view of the falls themselves. Taking a Snake River ferry boat tour is one of the most fun things to do in Idaho Falls.

 

 

 

7.    Eagle Rock Fountain

A powerful symbol of the city of Idaho Falls, everyone must experience seeing the Eagle Rock Fountain.

Set atop rocks with cascading water, this larger than life scene is of parent Eagles protecting their young from a predator below.

Unveiled in 2006, the monument pays homage to the city which was originally named Eagle Rock in the 1800s. It was later renamed Idaho Falls.

Seeing the Eagle Rock Fountain is one of the most powerful things to do in Idaho Falls.

 

 

8.    Art Museum of Eastern Idaho

Since its opening in 2002 the Art Museum of Eastern Idaho has become the center of the art community.

It’s just about the most artsy things to do in Idaho Falls. Here you’ll see works from local artists and from around the world.

Check the museum’s calendar for special events, lectures, and workshops. They regularly host free days for seniors (65+) and Family Fun days.

9.    Hell’s Half Acre Lava Field

Known as Hell’s Half Acre due to the rugged and difficult to traverse landscape of the lava field, this Idaho attraction is one of the most unique things to do in Idaho Falls.

A portion of this lava flow area has been designated as a National Natural Landmark by the US Park Service.

There are two interpretive trails as well as one primitive trail at Hell’s Half Acre. Hiking the trail here reminded me of one of the trails at Sunset crater volcano in Flagstaff Arizona.

Lava can be ridiculously sharp and seems to resemble glass rather than rock sometimes, but no worries the Hell’s Half Acre Loop trail is paved so your footwear is not going to get torn up on the trail.

 

 

10.    Idaho Potato Museum & Potato Station Café

Okay. Okay. Yes, Idaho is known for their stellar potatoes. And, as you can see this is proof that Idaho Falls has so much to offer besides the spud.

But in the opposite direction, this list had to include something about this amazing legume. Come’on, it’s Idaho!

So, the Idaho Potato Museum is an absolute must on the list of things to do in Idaho Falls. Here, you’ll learn all about the great potato, its history, and its importance in the state of Idaho.

After perusing the museum make a stop at the Potato Station Café where you can enjoy a delicious baked potato. Yum!

11.    Day Trip to Grand Teton National Park

It’s just about a two hour drive to Grand Teton National Park, making a day trip there one of the best things to do in Idaho Falls.

The best itinerary is to get an early start so your day can be filled with the majestic nature around the Grand Tetons mountain range.

In one day it’s totally possible to hit many of the major spots in the Grand Teton National Park like Mormon Row, Schwabacher Landing, Oxbow Bend, and Lake Jenny.

 

 

12.    Day Trip to Jackson Hole Wyoming

Jackson Hole is one of the most popular destinations in the country. You’ll find lots cool and fun things to do in Jackson Hole.

It’s less than a two-hour drive from Idaho Falls, which means you can totally get there and back in a day.

The ski resorts have tons of fun warm weather activities like rock climbing and alpine slides. A favorite is to ride the aerial tram up to the top of the mountains.

You’ll love hanging out in the town itself with its old cowboy feel and great places to eat.

 

 

Final Thoughts

And that’s my list of 10+ best things to do in Idaho Falls to help you fill your itinerary and keep you entertained on your next visit. You’re sure to enjoy everything from a visit to the Idaho Potato Museum to navigating the Snake River on a ferry boat tour.

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