Discover 8 hidden attractions, cool sights, and unusual things to do in Twin Falls (United States). Don't miss out on these must-see attractions: Shoshone Falls, Perrine Bridge, and Twin Falls Idaho Temple. Also, be sure to include Herrett Center for Arts and Science in your itinerary.
Below, you can find the list of the most amazing places you should visit in Twin Falls (Idaho).
Table of Contents
Shoshone Falls
Waterfall in Idaho. Shoshone Falls is a waterfall in the western United States, on the Snake River in south-central Idaho, approximately three miles northeast of the city of Twin Falls. Sometimes called the "Niagara of the West," Shoshone Falls is 212 feet in height, 45 feet higher than Niagara Falls, and flows over a rim nearly one thousand feet in width.
Formed by the cataclysmic outburst flooding of Lake Bonneville during the Pleistocene ice age about 14,000 years ago, Shoshone Falls marks the historical upper limit of fish migration (including salmon) in the Snake River, and was an important fishing and trading place for Native Americans. The falls were documented by Europeans as early as the 1840s; despite the isolated location, it became a tourist attraction starting in the 1860s.
At the beginning of the 20th century, part of the Snake River was diverted for irrigation of the Magic Valley. Now, the flows over the falls can be viewed seasonally based on snowfall, irrigation needs and hydroelectric demands. Irrigation and hydroelectric power stations built on the falls were major contributors to the early economic development of southern Idaho.
The City of Twin Falls owns and operates a park overlooking the waterfall. Shoshone Falls is best viewed in the spring, as diversion of the Snake River can significantly diminish water levels in the late summer and fall. The flow over the falls ranges from more than 20,000 cubic feet per second (570 m3/s) during late spring of wet years, to a minimum "scenic flow" (dam release) of 300 cu ft/s (8.5 m3/s) in dry years.[1]
Perrine Bridge
Deck arch bridge. The I. B. Perrine Bridge is a four-lane truss arch span in the western United States. Located at Twin Falls, Idaho, it carries U.S. Highway 93 over the Snake River Canyon, connecting to Jerome County and Interstate 84.
The Perrine Bridge is approximately 1,500 feet (457 m) in total length, with a main span of 993 feet (303 m) and a deck height of 486 feet (148 m) above the Snake River it is the eighth highest bridge in the United States. The elevation above sea level for the bridge deck is approximately 3,600 feet (1,100 m).
The bridge is named for I. B. Perrine (1861–1943), who spearheaded the early 20th century irrigation projects in the Magic Valley region and is largely credited as the main founder of Twin Falls; a statue of Perrine is at the visitors' center at the south end of the bridge.[2]
Twin Falls Idaho Temple
Temple in Twin Falls, Idaho. The Twin Falls Idaho Temple is a temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located in Twin Falls, Idaho, just south of the Snake River Canyon. It became the fourth Latter-day Saint temple in the state when it was dedicated in August 2008 and the second temple dedicated in Idaho that year. Standing at approximately 159 feet tall, as of 2009 the temple is the tallest building in Twin Falls.[3]
Address: 1405 Eastland Dr. North, 83301 Twin Falls
Herrett Center for Arts and Science
Museum in Twin Falls, Idaho. The Herrett Center for Arts and Science, located on the main campus of the College of Southern Idaho in Twin Falls, Idaho, USA, is a museum of anthropology, natural history, astronomy, and art. The museum's collections primarily comprise anthropological artifacts and natural history specimens from the Americas, as well as works of local artists. The Center also houses the Faulkner Planetarium, the Centennial Observatory, a museum store, and a 2900 square foot multi-purpose event space.[4]
Address: 315 Falls Ave, 83301 Twin Falls
Pillar Falls
Waterfall in Idaho. Pillar Falls is a waterfall near Twin Falls, Idaho. Several basalt pillars divide the Snake River into multiple channels, through which the river drops about 20 feet.[5]
Burton Morse House
The Burton Morse House, at 136 Tenth Ave. N. in Twin Falls, Idaho, was built in 1908. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1993.
It is a one-and-a-half-story weatherboarded house which was designed by local architect Burton Morse in Colonial Revival style, to serve as his own house. Its gabled front facade has flared cornice returns and a prominent, Classical Revival-style portico.
The house was deemed:
one of the best local examples of Colonial Revival residential design in Twin Falls. The symmetrical presentation of classical details allows this cottage to convey a stately yet unpretentious appearance. Frontal symmetry, combined with a free interpretation of classical Colonial features and the expression of interior functions on the side elevations make this house a true product of its era. The Colonial Revival style references the classicism that pervaded much of American residential design during this period, while the less formal and slightly asymmetrical treatment of side elevations reflects the "modern" movements coming into vogue at this time. / The 1908 design by Morse, a locally prominent architect, is a striking contrast to his grand public works and shows the range of his talents. Burton Morse is still remembered today, not only for his buildings, but also for his role as an early civic leader in Twin Falls.
An original garage, though deteriorated in 1992, reflects the house's architecture and was deemed a second contributing building on the property.
Morse also designed the Ramona Theater in Buhl, Idaho, which is also listed on the National Register.[6]
Twin Falls Original Townsite Residential Historic District
The Twin Falls Original Townsite Residential Historic District in Twin Falls, Idaho is a 264 acres historic district which was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2001.
The district is roughly triangular, and roughly bounded by Blue Lakes Ave. Addison Ave. 2nd Ave. E, and 2nd Ave. W. It included 929 buildings, of which 624 were contributing buildings.
The district includes the Bickel School and the Lincoln School, both of which are listed separately on the National Register.[7]
College of Southern Idaho
Community college in Twin Falls, Idaho. College of Southern Idaho is a public community college in Twin Falls, Idaho. It also has off-campus programs in Jerome, Hailey, Burley and Gooding. Until the foundation of the College of Western Idaho in 2007, CSI was one of only two comprehensive community colleges in Idaho, along with North Idaho College in Coeur d'Alene.
College of Southern Idaho offers associate of arts, associate of science, associate of applied science degrees, and technical certificates in over 115 disciplines. Additional upper-division courses through the University of Idaho, Idaho State University, and Boise State University are also offered. CSI's enrollment is approximately 7,000 students with an additional 3,000 in non-credit courses. Approximately 85% of the student body is from Idaho's Magic Valley region. The college is governed by a five-member board of trustees elected at large by voters in Twin Falls and Jerome Counties.[8]
Address: 315 Falls Ave, Twin Falls