The Magic Valley city of Twin Falls, Idaho has it all and awaits your eager discovery. Twin Falls began as a stage stop established in 1864 at Rock Creek and has grown to a metropolis of 44,000. The city’s setting along the Snake River Canyon is impressively picturesque. Surrounded by unique natural and manmade features, Twin Falls is a happy place to visit.
Perrine Bridge
Perrine Bridge was opened in September 1927; at which time it was the highest bridge in the world. It is still impressively high at 486 feet above the river. The four-lane truss arch span carries US 93 across the Snake River Canyon. Go to the visitors’ center at the south end of the bridge and see the statue of Ira M. Perrine, the founder of Twin Falls. Base jumping is allowed here year round without a permit. If you are lucky you will get to watch it. At the visitors center you can obtain souvenirs and gifts, Idaho products, visitor information, and interactive exhibits, and from there you can follow trails that offer great bridge views.
Shoshone Falls
Shoshone Falls is also known as the Niagara of the West, and for good reason since it is actually 45 feet higher than Niagara and has a total rim span of 1000 feet. Situated only three miles northeast of Twin Falls, the falls are spectacular and ruggedly beautiful. The falls form the upstream limit of salmon migration in the Snake River. Shoshone Falls Park is located on the south bank of the Snake River at the falls, offering an overlook, interpretive displays and a trail system along the south rim of the Snake River Canyon that leads to Dierkes Lake and Evel Knievel’s 1974 jump site.
Snake River Canyon
Snake River Canyon Trail offers walking, running, biking, base jump watching, and sightseeing on a trail that is easily accessible for all. Among the trail’s highlights are the Perrine Bridge and the Snake River Canyon.
Herrett Center for Art and Science
Herrett Center for Art and Science is a non-profit museum on the main campus of the College of Southern Idaho. The planetarium shows are very popular. The museum specializes in the art of indigenous peoples around the globe. Exhibits in the King Gallery are co-sponsored by the College of Southern Idaho Art Department and Associated Students of CSI.
Centennial Waterfront Park
Centennial Waterfront Park offers a range of activities from, picnicking, walking, hiking and backpacking, to boating, canoeing, and rock climbing. There are natural trails to explore and guided boat tours are available.
Idaho Heritage Museum
Those who like anything having to do with the Old West, and who want to see just what it was like to live in that time period will enjoy a visit to the Jerry Lee Young’s Idaho Heritage Museum. More than 300 mounted animals, 20,000 artifacts, and a 1500 square foot gift shop comprise this private museum.
For a further sampling of Twin Falls’ heritage, stroll the downtown historic district. Twin Falls is also a convenient center from which to explore the Craters of the Moon National Monument, Sun Valley, and the Sawtooth National Forest (take the little known Phantom Falls trail for a rewarding view of one of the best-kept secrets in the area).
Where to Eat in Twin Falls
Elevation 486 is all about the view of the Snake River Canyon from inside or the patio in warmer weather. A special occasion setting, with a wide menu selection; call ahead to request a table by the window to watch the sunset. Jacker’s presents a range of dishes from burgers with onion rings to honey BBQ prime rib and blackened chicken Alfredo. The atmosphere is steakhouse friendly. You’re in Idaho so have the baked potato soup, and enjoy the complimentary fresh scones, a specialty. Buffalo Café has the best breakfast in town, in a diner style atmosphere. The portions are generous and delicious. La Fiesta is a family run Mexican restaurant with consistently great meals. Order the special of the day or the enchiladas with Verde sauce. Idaho Joes has a range of hearty options from chicken pot pie to pepper steak sandwich. They are known for their buffet. And their pie. Think Idaho Joes, and you will think pie.
