Nestled in the heart of Idaho, Idaho Falls is a hidden gem for travelers looking to explore the natural beauty and rich history of the place.
From stunning mountain landscapes to fascinating museums, there are plenty of amazing things to see and do, and, in this article we’ve gathered x of them that are worth the money!
1. Explore The Museum Of Idaho
If you’re looking for a fun and educational experience in Idaho Falls, the Museum of Idaho is a great place to go to.
As the main museum of Idaho, it showcases a ton of interesting exhibits that cover everything from dinosaurs and Native American culture to science and technology.
You can even see real dinosaur skeletons up close as well as check out cool artifacts from Lewis and Clark’s expedition and learn all about the history and culture of the area.
So, rest assured that the admission ticket you’ll pay for is well worth the money as you’ll get to learn about Idaho history better than anywhere else!
2. Take A Tour Of The Idaho National Laboratory
Another unique educational experience is that of a guided tour of the Idaho National Laboratory.
This facility is the leading nuclear research center in the country and has some incredible technology and research happening behind the scenes.
However, don’t think that you need to be a nuclear research enthusiast to enjoy this tour; with interesting facts and innovative work on display, you will be just as amazed when exploring this museum as a nuclear PhD researcher!
So, whether you think you want to know more about the history of nuclear power and energy or not, add this to your to-do list for when in Idaho Falls!
3. Visit The Idaho Falls Zoo
If you love animals – and who doesn’t? – you won’t want to miss the Idaho Falls Zoo.
This zoo is home to over 300 animals from all over the world, including lions, tigers, and bears, as well as some more exotic animals.
There, you can get up close and personal with the animals and learn all about their habits and habitats, something that makes paying a visit to the zoo a great family-friendly activity that everyone will love.
If you have kids in the company, this is a must!
4. Take A Hot Air Balloon Ride
For a truly breathtaking and unforgettable experience, don’t think twice before taking a hot air balloon ride over Idaho Falls.
This experience gives you the chance to see the city and surrounding areas from a whole new perspective and feel like a bird exploring the city from above.
The views of the mountains, countryside, and city skyline are absolutely stunning and make for great photo opportunities, so make sure to have your camera in hand to capture those sceneries.
Needless to say, it’s definitely worth the price for this once-in-a-lifetime experience that you’ll never forget!
5. Attend A Concert At The Colonial Theater
If you’re a fan of live music, theater, or comedy, the Colonial Theater in Idaho Falls is a must-visit.
This historic theater has been around since 1919 and has hosted some of the biggest names in entertainment over the years; from musical acts to stand-up comedians, there’s always something going on there.
Of course, attending a concert there doesn’t come for free and tickets must be purchased, but the intimate setting and great acoustics make it well worth it.
6. Visit Yellowstone Bear World
For those who oppose the idea of a zoo and are interested in seeing some of the local wildlife up close and personal (and free in nature), the Yellowstone Bear World is a great option.
This drive-through wildlife park lets you see bears, wolves, elk, and other animals in their natural habitats without the restrictions of a cage.
While you might think that this is a free experience, the truth is that the Yellowstone Bear World is a privately owned park. Still, it’s worth the money!
7. Go On A River Rafting Adventure
Thrill seekers know that watching wildlife animals from the inside of a car is not much of a thrill, so if you are one of those people looking for a thrilling and adventurous activity in Idaho Falls, you should skip the above and go straight for a river rafting trip.
The Snake River is one of the best places for white water rafting in the country with one of the many tour companies offering guided trips for you to experience the rush, and take in the stunning natural beauty of the area.
Of course, the fees for these rafting trips vary depending on the company and length of trip, but it’s definitely worth it for the adrenaline rush.
8. Go Fishing On The Snake River
On the other hand, if you want the water without the thrill and you’d rather chill by the river, why not try fishing?
Especially if you are an avid angler or even just a casual fisherman, a trip to Idaho Falls wouldn’t be complete without a day spent fishing on the Snake River.
This iconic river is known for its rafting offer but also for its world-class trout fishing and offers a variety of species to catch, including rainbow, brown, and cutthroat trout.
So, before going there, book a guided fishing trip with one of the many outfitters in the area or simply cast your line from the riverbank.
Either way, you’ll be surrounded by stunning scenery and have the chance to reel in some impressive catches. Just be sure to check the fishing regulations and obtain any necessary licenses before heading out.
9. Take A Trip To The Craters Of The Moon National Monument And Preserve
For a truly otherworldly experience, visit the Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve.
This unique geological area is filled with volcanic features like lava tubes, cinder cones, and craters, and you can take a guided tour or explore on your own.
There are plenty of hiking trails to choose from, all of which offer you the chance to see such a unique and awe-inspiring landscape.
And while we could talk for hours about all of these experiences and what they can offer, the truth is that telling your friends that you have been on a crater is something that beats everything else!
10. Enjoy A Round Of Golf
While we would not recommend this as a thing to do if you only have a day in Idaho Falls, going for some golf is a fantastic and well-worth option if you are staying there for long and want to spend a more relaxing day.
Idaho Falls has some great courses to check out like the Sage Lakes Golf Course, a popular spot that offers 18 holes of beautiful and challenging golf (see also “Best Hotels In Idaho Falls“).
There are also other options like the Pinecrest Golf Course and the Sand Creek Golf Course, and even though the fees for golf vary depending on the course and time of day, it’s undoubtedly a fun and relaxing way to spend a day there.
11. Attend An Idaho Falls Chukars Baseball Game
If you’re a sports fan but would rather watch a game instead of spending the day playing golf, try to book tickets for an Idaho Falls Chukars baseball game while you’re in town.
This local minor league team plays at Melaleuca Field and offers a fun and affordable night out for the whole family.
You can enjoy classic ballpark fare like hot dogs and peanuts while watching the game and cheering on the home team.
Ticket prices are reasonable, and the lively atmosphere and exciting gameplay make it a worthwhile experience.
12. Go Skiing Or Snowboarding At Grand Targhee Resort
If you’re visiting Idaho Falls in the winter months, be sure to head to the Grand Targhee Resort for some skiing or snowboarding.
This beautiful mountain resort has over 2,500 acres of skiable terrain and some of the best powder in the country.
Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, there are plenty of runs to choose from, and the stunning mountain scenery is unbeatable.
As for the fees for lift tickets and rentals, those will vary depending on the time of year and package, but the chance to hit the slopes at such a beautiful resort is worth it.
The Bottom Line
Even though these experiences come with a price tag, the memories and adventures you’ll have in Idaho Falls are worth every penny (see also “Amazing Places To Eat In Idaho Falls“).
From taking a trip to the craters of the Moon National Monument And Preserve to enjoying a hot air balloon ride over the area, each experience is unique and offers its own brand of adventure.
So, pack your bags, budget for some of these experiences, book some tickets, and head to Idaho Falls for a trip you won’t forget!
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