Photo Courtesy: Visit Idaho
Adventure in Twin Falls
Discover the heart of Southern Idaho’s Magic Valley
More than 15,000 years ago, a cataclysmic Ice Age flood ripped through Southern Idaho, leaving behind a massive canyon, tumbling waterfalls and a landscape brimming with character. In modern times, Twin Falls has attracted daredevils, adrenaline seekers and more-relaxed folks who enjoy wild scenery, riverside picnics or an afternoon of downtown shopping. A few hours’ drive from Salt Lake City, Pocatello or Boise, Twin Falls is the hub of the lively Southern Idaho region called the Magic Valley.
Photo Courtesy: Visit Idaho
Play
The Snake River Canyon gained international notoriety in 1974 when Evel Knievel tried to soar across the quarter-mile-wide, 500-foot-deep chasm in an ill-conceived rocket. The stunt failed when his parachute deployed too early, forcing the rocket to flutter harmlessly to the river. Knievel emerged unscathed. The canyon is still an outdoor destination for visitors to Twin Falls, no spangled jumpsuit required.
The Shoshone Falls, known as the Niagara of the West, are a can’t-miss canyon scene. Much like those famous falls back east, these Falls are wider than they are tall (and at 212 feet, they are plenty tall), creating a broad spray of mist and rainbows. The Falls are especially powerful and impressive during the high-water seasons of late spring and early summer. Shoshone Falls Park offers short walking trails, viewing platforms and picnic spots.
Walk or bike along Canyon Rim Trail, a developed path accessible at many spots, including the Twin Falls Visitor Center, for nonstop views of the Snake River Canyon. Look for the plaque commemorating Evel Knievel’s famous stunt near the actual launch site.
Photo Courtesy: Visit Idaho
For a different perspective on falling water, drive to the bottom of the canyon and take the short, accessible trail that ducks behind Perrine Coulee Falls, a slender cascade tumbling 200 feet down from the canyon rim.
The canyon bottom is also home to Centennial Waterfront Park, a launching spot for kayakers, boaters and paddleboarders on a calm, nearly current-free stretch of the Snake River. The park has shady hiking trails and picnic sites as well as great views of the Perrine Bridge. For those who crave an adrenaline rush, zip line tours across the canyon are available March through September.
Don’t expect to see the “Twin Falls” that gave the town its name, even if you make the trip to Twin Falls Park, a pleasant spot for waterside picnics and barbecuing. The second half of that once-iconic feature was diverted for hydroelectricity, leaving a single cascade next to the adjacent power plant. The remaining falls would still be a major attraction in many parts of the country, but in Idaho it’s overshadowed by the surrounding natural wonders.
Photo Courtesy: Elevation 486
Indulge
If your group can’t quite decide on a dinner plan, you can find something for everyone at 2nd South Market, a ramped-up food court with seven inviting restaurants, including Poke & Sushi Hut, The Smokey Bone BBQ and Lucy’s New York
Style Pizzeria.
Milner’s Gate, a popular downtown brew pub, pays close attention to every part of the menu, from suds to spuds. Along with your local stout or IPA, you can order a beef short rib ramen bowl, a Snake River Farms Wagyu flank steak or Idaho “nachos” with potatoes instead of chips.
Also downtown, The SnakeBite Restaurant offers big burgers, Sriracha salmon and other creative, filling dishes in a relaxed setting.
Photo Courtesy: Milner’s Gate
For a memorable meal with an only-in-Twin-Falls view, head over to Elevation 486. Perched on the canyon rim, the restaurant serves upscale comfort food—jambalaya, grilled quail, Idaho trout—and soaring views of the Snake River.
For a sweet treat post dinner, head to Cloverleaf Creamery, which offers coffee, pies and ice cream made from cows raised in Idaho.
Shop
With wide sidewalks, outdoor seating and free parking, downtown Twin Falls is welcoming and accessible. Get out of the car, walk around and take it in.
Founded in 2007 by an Armenian family—who escaped war-torn Azerbaijan for Twin Falls in 1992—the sustainably-focused boutique Ooh La La! sells designs from jewelry and revived vintage clothing to locally crafted home decor. For additional touches for a house, visit Apricot Home, which sells antique and modern furniture, quirky room accents and unusual knick-knacks, old and new.
Wabi Sabi hosts The Art Guild of the Magic Valley, a community hub for artists of all genres who gather to share ideas and support in their creative pursuits. The gallery showcases the works of these local artists, and includes handcrafted ceramics, paintings inspired by nearby landscapes and sculptures made from natural materials such as wood.
Photo Courtesy: Herrett Center for Arts and Science
Discover
The Herrett Center for Arts and Science, located on the campus of the College of Southern Idaho, features the Faulkner Planetarium (the largest domed theater in Idaho), a museum with Indigenous artifacts and a complete mammoth skeleton, plus a high-powered observatory open for star viewing several times each month as weather permits.
Golfers can take in the essence of Twin Falls—sheer canyon walls, waterfalls and views of the Perrine Bridge—from the Canyon Springs golf course, which is open to the public.
Photo Courtesy: Nikki Bigger
Idaho is hot springs country, so it makes sense to add a soak to the itinerary. Miracle Hot Springs, less than 30 miles away from town, features four outdoor pools of varying temperatures surrounded by 21 private soaking rooms.
Kids can take a break from waterfalls at Glow Games Family Fun Center, home to a two-tiered laser tag arena, 10 holes of mini golf, and an arcade of video games, candy cranes and Skee-Ball. 
photo Top left courtesy of Elevation 486 | Top right courtesy of Milner’s gate | bottom and opposite page courtesy of visit idaho
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