Blake Walsh

15 Best Things to Do in Twin Falls County, ID

  • Published 2022/11/07

Known for its scenic views and natural wonders, Twin Falls County in Idaho is the perfect place for adventurers.

Established in 1907 with its county seat at Twin Falls City, the county got its name from the nearby waterfalls on the Snake River.

It is home to 92,243 people as of July 2021 and is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

With its natural terrains and bodies of water, this county offers various attractions to travelers.

Check out this list of the best things to do in Twin Falls County, Idaho, if you’re planning a trip to the area:

Practice Your Photography at the Famous Balanced Rock

View of Balanced Rock

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A popular destination in the county, the wind-carved Balanced Rock stands over 48-foot tall and weighs 40 tons.

Located west of the Balanced Rock Park in Buhl, it is a popular spot for tourists who want to take photos of or with the unique geological formation.

You may also climb the rock and document the moment you reach the top, as many have done in the past!

Closer view of Balanced Rock

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With stunning sunrise and sunset views, it’s a great place for photography or just taking in the beauty of nature.

You may also bring your equipment and camp in the area or hang out with friends and family.

Balanced Rock is a one-of-a-kind destination you shouldn’t miss when you find yourself in Twin Falls County.

Explore Crystal Clear Waters at Blue Heart Kayaking

Aerial view of Blue heart

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Kayak the crystal clear waters of Blue Heart when you try one of Blue Heart Kayaking’s rental services.

Located less than a mile upriver from the Blue Heart Springs in the city of Buhl, the access site stands on a private property where parking is available.

You may choose from a two-hour or four-hour trip where you can go past Box Canyon or traverse the four-mile Thousand Springs.

If you paddle down the river, you may also tour the historical Ritter Island.

Blue Heart Kayaking offers packages for large groups, so feel free to contact them if you’re planning to bring along family and friends!

Pick Your Own Fresh Produce at Kelley’s Canyon Orchard

Visit the family-owned Kelley’s Canyon Orchard to experience picking your own produce.

Established in 1908, the orchard has stood the test of time and has proven to be a reliable source of fresh fruits—cherries, apricots, peaches, and nectarines, among many others!

Because fruits grow depending on the season, check out their social media pages for updates on fruit availability.

For an even better experience, try booking a stay at Mary Anne’s Place at the orchard.

A cottage in the heart of Kelley’s Canyon Orchard is the perfect accommodation if you want to unwind!

Kelley’s Canyon Orchard is located in the city of Filer.

Visit Idaho’s Shoshone Falls

Picturesque view of Shoshone Falls

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You can’t leave Twin Falls without seeing the Shoshone Falls!

Dubbed the “Niagara of the West,” it is one of the largest natural waterfalls in the U.S. at 212 feet tall and 900 feet wide.

Shoshone Falls is located on the Snake River and carves its way through a basalt canyon up to the Columbia River.

View of Shoshone Falls

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The flow of Shoshone Falls varies from season to season, so don’t forget to research if you want to visit during the best time.

The park where you can view Shoshone Falls is situated in the city of Twin Falls.

Visitor enjoying the stunning view of Shoshone Falls

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Catch a Show at The Earl & Hazel Faulkner Planetarium

When you go to the College of Southern Idaho in Twin Falls City, you should also catch a show at The Earl & Hazel Faulkner Planetarium.

The largest planetarium theater in the state of Idaho, it has 144 seats under the Digistar 7 full-dome projection system.

Since it opened in November 1995, the planetarium has hosted school and private groups.

You may catch different astronomy and children’s shows at The Earl & Hazel Faulkner Planetarium.

A live show presenter may also take you on a tour of the current night sky and introduce you to planets, constellations, and ancient myths about the skies.

Schedule a Tee Time at Twin Falls Golf Club

Twin Falls Golf Club, located in the city of Twin Falls, boasts various challenging courses at affordable prices.

Whether you’re an amateur or a competitive golf player, there’s a course available here.

This par-68 public golf course has 18 holes where you can play an exciting game of golf with a scenic backdrop.

Junior camp sessions are also available for those training to be the best at golf.

Twin Falls Golf Club hosts major events throughout the year, so check with them if you want to catch one!

Have a Relaxing Time at the Dierkes Lake Park

Aerial view of Dierkes Lake Park

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If you want to wind down and have a simple but fun time outdoors, go to Dierkes Lake Park.

Located in Twin Falls City, the 191-acre park is a go-to place for residents or anyone who wants to spend time with family and friends.

Scenic view of Dierkes Lake Park

Chanilim714, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Dierkes Lake, purchased by the city in 1969, provides the perfect view for people lounging in the park and is also available for fishing.

You may also host family barbecues or picnics here.

For those who want to stay active, you may stroll the 1.7-mile walking trail that goes around the lake.

People swimming in a beach at Dierkes Lake Park

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Other activities in this park include biking, rock climbing, swimming, and playing volleyball.

Twin Falls City has a lot to offer, and one of its staple parks is Dierkes Lake Park.

Experience the Canyon Floor Landscapes at Auger Falls Heritage Park

For a more adventurous experience, go to Auger Falls Heritage Park!

Here you’ll see more of Twin Falls County’s native landscape and the canyon floor.

You may go hiking and mountain biking on the county’s natural terrains to have the full Auger Falls experience.

The park is located next to the Snake River and has historical viewpoints and fishing areas.

Go a mile further into the park, and you’ll find the waterfalls that the park is named after.

From the Auger Falls Heritage Park, you may also see the Mermaid Falls and ride a bike to the Perrine Falls, where you can ride behind the waterfalls!

Discover Natural History at the Herrett Center for Arts and Science

There’s always something new to discover in museums, so if you enjoy learning, check out the Herrett Center for Arts and Science.

Located on the main campus of the College of Southern Idaho in Twin Falls City, the center is a non-profit museum mainly for students and the community of South Central Idaho.

The museum houses a collection of preserved anthropological artifacts and natural history specimens related specifically to prehistoric America.

Here you’ll be able to explore galleries on natural history, astronomy, and art.

Don’t forget to visit the Rick Allen Room, where lectures are available in its auditorium and small stage.

Before leaving, drop by the Herrett Center for Arts and Science’s store and find something you can take home as a souvenir!

See the Beauty of Plants at the Orton Botanical Garden

View of Orton Botanical Garden

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If you’re a plant enthusiast or enjoy gardening, visit the Orton Botanical Garden in Twin Falls City.

You’ll appreciate the different plant species and the birds they attract in this five-acre garden.

The garden will teach you about different plants, including cacti and succulents, native and drought-tolerant plants, environmental health, and resource conservation.

You’ll see the self-sustaining ecosystem for yourself and learn how plants support each other and the wildlife in the garden.

The Orton Botanical Garden is also known as a pollinator demonstration garden, as its plants attract many pollinators.

Don’t miss out on this piece of beautiful nature in Twin Falls County!

Hike the Mogensen Trail

The 2.2-mile Mogensen Trail is Twin Falls City’s offering for hikers.

Regardless of whether you’re a beginner, you’ll enjoy hiking this quiet trail that follows the Snake River upstream.

While going through the path, you may even catch BASE jumpers descending from the Perrine bridge!

The Mogensen Trail is a local favorite and is rated as one of the best urban trails in the Magic Valley for a good reason.

You’ll find small waterfalls and wildlife along your way, so take in as much of nature as you can!

Traverse the Iconic Perrine Memorial Bridge

Gorgeous view of Perrine Memorial Bridge

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When you’re in the area, you must go to the Perrine Memorial Bridge, an iconic infrastructure in Twin Falls.

The bridge got its name from Ira Burton Perrine, an early settler credited as the founder of Twin Falls.

View of Perrine Memorial Bridge

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The 1,500-foot-long bridge spans the stunning Snake River Canyon, making it the perfect place to take photos and appreciate nature’s fascinating features.

The eighth tallest bridge in the country, it’s a well-known spot for BASE jumping.

If you’re up for an adventure, base jumping with professionals from Perrine Memorial Bridge would be one for the books!

Top view of Perrine Memorial Bridge

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Bring Family and Friends to Rock Creek Park

There’s so much to do in Twin Falls County, but if you want to spend quiet but quality time with friends and family, bring them to Rock Creek Park.

It is situated along Addison Avenue in Twin Falls City.

Staying here is a great way to enjoy the outdoors with its volleyball courts, hiking and walking trails, disc golf course, and fishing areas.

There are also playground equipment and horseshoe pits for children.

If you plan on hosting an event, there are pavilions that you may reserve in advance, so be sure to reach out to the park management before going.

Native wildlife species are also present in Rock Creek Park.

Enjoy Outdoor Activities atCentennial Waterfront Park

Signage of Centennial Waterfront Park

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For river and canyon recreation, visit the Centennial Waterfront Park.

Located in the northern part of Twin Falls City, it is the access site for water-related activities.

Here, you’ll find magnificent views of the Perrine Memorial Bridge and Perrine Coulee Falls.

The park offers a variety of amenities, including kayak and stand-up paddle board rentals, boat docks, zip lining, ramps, and hiking trails!

You may also enjoy their picnic shelters and playground for a more laid-back time.

The public Centennial Waterfront Park, managed by Twin Falls County, is the perfect spot for sightseeing and watching the jumpers from the Perrine bridge.

Visit and Trek the Evel Knievel Jump Site

View of Evel Knievel Jump Site

Michael Gordon / Shutterstock.com

If you’re a daring traveler or interested in historical places, visit the Evel Knievel Jump Site!

It is known as the site where notorious motorcycle daredevil Evel Knievel attempted to jump on a steam-powered skycycle in September 1974.

You’ll find here the 500-foot-deep Snake River Canyon where he jumped.

View of Evel Knievel Jump Site

Michael Gordon / Shutterstock.com

Today, a monument sits at the location in honor of Knievel and his legacy.

You may also trek the 1.8-mile trail to see Knievel’s perspective when he attempted the jump decades ago.

In 2016, a stuntman named Eddie Braun successfully jumped the Canyon in a rocket motorcycle.

If you want to see a historic site for bold adventurers, don’t pass on the Evel Knievel Jump Site!

Trail along the Evel Knievel Jump Site

Michael Gordon / Shutterstock.com

Final Thoughts

With its rich culture and natural wonders, there’s nothing in the world quite like Twin Falls County, Idaho.

This place has so much to offer, from parks and museums to rivers and canyons.

If you want to spend some time with nature and go on a special adventure, this county is the place to be.

Before heading out, make sure you’ve gone through this list of the best things to do in Twin Falls County, Idaho!

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