Looking for things to do in Idaho Falls, Idaho? If so, you should know that the town is one of the West’s best-kept secrets. 

Tragically, many treat Idaho Falls as a pit stop on the way to places they consider bigger and better, such as Yellowstone and Grand Teton. But those who do deprive themselves of the unique and diverse pleasures of this charming riverside getaway.

We explore some of these attractions in this article. By the time you finish reading, you’ll understand how Idaho Falls can be as adventure-packed and memorable as the destinations people passing through it are dying to reach.

Idaho Falls Activities: History and Culture

History and culture take center stage in many popular Idaho Falls activities. With displays ranging from mummies and ninth-century pioneer artifacts to interactive modern science experiments, the Museum of Idaho is a must-visit for curious minds of all ages. 

Art connoisseurs will love the Art Museum of Eastern Idaho. Featuring a constantly rotating selection of works from some of the Treasure Valley’s best artists, there’s something there for every taste. 

Unique Things to Do in Idaho Falls: Fun Places to Visit

Looking for fun things to do in Idaho Falls? Check out Tautphaus Park and Zoo, where a variety of furry, feathered, and scaly animals delight not only kids but also adults in touch with their inner child.

At the East Idaho Aquarium, you can do much more than look at fish through glass. It features several touch tanks where you can pet starfish and feed stingrays. Non-aquatic creatures like otters, birds, reptiles, and small mammals also live at the aquarium.

At iJump Idaho, the first indoor trampoline park in Southeast Idaho, there’s more going on than mere jumping. Visitors can also play trampoline dodgeball or pull off daring aerial stunts on the 6,000-square-foot three-trampoline interconnected foam pit area.

What to Do in Idaho Falls: Seasonal Events and Festivals

One highlight of an Idaho Falls summer is the Melaleuca Freedom Celebration, which is held every Fourth of July. One of the most impressive displays of patriotism and pyrotechnics in all Treasure Valley, it’s not to be missed. 

If booming spectacle isn’t your idea of a good time, you may prefer the Idaho Falls Farmers Market. Open during the warmer months, it’s a fantastic place to shop for local produce and handmade gifts. The market is at the edge of the River Walk, adding a dollop of scenic beauty to Saturday morning shopping. 

Those who love Christmas love Winter Wonderland at Freeman Park, which brings the season gloriously alive in a dazzling display of festive lights and holiday cheer. Children and the young and heart marvel when driving through the Festival of Lights, which starts on Black Friday and lasts throughout December.

This enchanting spectacle illuminates the night with neon-lit displays sure to elicit wonder and delight. With everything from twinkling reindeer to larger-than-life snowflakes, this event is a surefire way to get everyone in the Christmas mood.

Visitors can also revel in the unique magic of the UTV Holiday Light Parade, in which brightly colored, creatively decorated off-road buggies cruise alongside the River Walk. Afterwards, let the Idaho Falls Symphony sweep you away with its annual Christmas concert of timeless carols and contemporary holiday music.

Activities in Idaho Falls: Thrilling Outdoor Adventures

If you’re craving pulse-pounding outdoor excursions, there’s no shortage of things to do in Idaho Falls. 

The Idaho Falls River Walk, stretching for six picturesque miles along the Snake River, provides endless opportunities to take in the jaw-dropping natural beauty that makes the area famous. Perfect for biking, walking, or simply soaking in the scenery, the trail connects key points of the city while offering close-up views of the waterfalls that give Idaho Falls its name.

If you’re looking for a greater challenge, head to the South Fork of the Snake River and trek the rugged trails of the Wolf Flats Recreation Area. Thrill chasers can also hike or bike the Kelly Canyon Trail System, just a hop, skip, and jump from town. 

If you’re looking for aquatic adventures like world-class fishing and exhilarating river rafting, you’ll also find those on the South Fork.

Things to Do in Idaho Falls: Shopping and Dining

If you’re looking for shopping opportunities or culinary hotspots, Idaho Falls has you covered. In the historic downtown district, you’ll find a captivating mix of boutique shops, antique stores, and art galleries. Whether you’re hunting for one-of-a-kind local treasures or inspired works of art, downtown’s varied offerings won’t disappoint. 

At Pandora’s Baubles and Beads, you’ll find an exquisitely curated collection of designer beads from all over the world. Every piece of the shop’s gorgeous designer jewelry is as unique as a snowflake.

If you need an outfitter for your Idaho Falls outdoor adventure, you’ll find what you need at Idaho Mountain Trading. The store sells skis, snowboards, mountain bikes, electric bikes, and everything in between. 

At the Handmade Idaho Shop, you’ll find items lovingly handcrafted by local artisans. No mass-produced trinkets here, just one-of-a-kind, creatively inspired treasures. 

If you’re looking for a place to eat after your shopping adventures, Idaho Falls has a variety of options. Smokin Fins, known for its quality sushi, mouthwatering appetizers, and inviting atmosphere, is one of the top restaurants in town. If you don’t like sushi, they also offer an impressive selection of other seafood dishes as well as beef and chicken. 

D’railed, the only importer of Japanese beef in Idaho, serves culinary masterpieces in a repurposed railroad bunkhouse. Many can’t believe a town the size of Idaho Falls can support a restaurant as high caliber as this place. It even serves Kobe, a meat that’s hard to find even in big cities. 

Sandpiper Restaurant specializes in succulent, hand-cut steaks, slow-roasted prime rib, and fresh fish. It also has extensive selections of wine and premium scotch. Locals love to dine outdoors to enjoy the stunning views of the nearby Snake River. They recommend the macadamia-crusted halibut, a melt-in-your-mouth magnus opus that pairs perfectly with a crisp glass of white wine.

What to See in Idaho Falls: Adventures Beyond the Ordinary

If you’re looking for activities off the beaten path, Idaho Falls offers some unexpected sights and adventures you won’t want to miss.

The Collector’s Corner Museum, home to over 130 collections of collectibles, is among the city’s most unique attractions. There you’ll find collections of Precious Moments figurines, Ron Lee clowns, coins, stuffed animal toys, commemorative plates, and even hubcaps. And the owners might let you fire candy into your mouth with the museum’s PEZ ray gun.

Nestled along the Idaho Falls River Walk is the Japanese Friendship Garden, which offers serene beauty. Lovingly built and maintained by many volunteers, the garden is a tribute to Idaho Falls’ Japanese sister city, Tokai-Mura, and contains a traditional gate, water features, a viewing platform, a deck, and the large Japanese lantern gifted to the city by Tokai-Mura.

The Idaho Potato Museum in nearby Blackfoot is a quirky tribute to Idaho’s most famous export. Here, you can bone up on spudology by learning all about the vegetable’s place in history. This gallery of wonders boasts the most extensive collection of potato mashers on the planet, and its display of the world’s biggest potato chip, a Guinness Book of World Records holder, will blow you away. 

Just 20 miles southwest of Idaho Falls, the 222-acre Hell’s Half Acre Lava Field offers a tantalizing glimpse into Idaho’s fiery past. This rugged expanse, left behind by a volcano that erupted over 4,000 years ago, feels like stepping onto another planet.

Attractions Near Idaho Falls

As you can see, there are lots of things to do in Idaho Falls and its immediate vicinity. But if you’re looking for more, check out these other day- or weekend-trip adventures.

About 61 miles northeast of town, the Mesa Falls Scenic Byway takes drivers on a 28-mile journey to the Upper and Lower Mesa Falls. Roaring cascades carve through steep canyons, and dense, emerald-green forests stretch as far as the eye can see. 

Like Hell’s Half Acre Lava Field, the Craters of the Moon National Monument–about a 90-minute drive from Idaho Falls–is an otherworldly landscape formed by a fiery eruption millennia ago.

Idaho Falls is also relatively close to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks.

Tips for Visiting Idaho Falls

• Download trail maps ahead of time: Because cell service can be spotty on hiking trails like those at Hell’s Half Acre, make sure you have offline maps. Downloading ahead of time can prevent you from getting lost. 
• Visit during off-peak hours: Attractions like the Museum of Idaho and Farmers Market can get pretty packed on weekends. To avoid the crowds, visit during off-peak times.
• Ask locals for recommendations: People who’ve lived in the area all their lives know the hidden hotspots. So, if you’re looking for the best place to fish or the tastiest huckleberry pie in town, hit them up for recommendations.
• Research accommodations: Idaho Falls offers a range of accommodations, from quaint bed and breakfasts to national hotel brands. Choose the type that best meets your needs and preferences.

Discover the Magic of Idaho Falls

Far too many consider Idaho Falls only a place to stretch their legs while passing through. But those who treat the town as a mere stopover are missing out big time. 

From the cultural richness of the Museum of Idaho to the stunning beauty of the River Walk to the quirkiness of the Collector’s Corner Museum, the city is chock full of opportunities for fun and adventure. 

So, if you’re looking for relaxation, excitement, or a combination of the two, head over to Idaho Falls for an unforgettable experience. Use our guide to plan your escape, whether for a weekend, a full week, or even a lifetime!