Southern Idaho Tourism

DISCOVER YOUR AUTHENTIC

SOUTHERN IDAHO STAY AND PLAY

Pomerelle Mountain Resort, Albion

ICONIC SOUTHERN IDAHO YOU DON’T HAVE TO LOOK VERY FAR TO FIND THE BEAUTY THAT MAKES THIS REGION OF THE COUNTRY SO UNIQUE.

WATERFALLS The majestic power of waterfalls is on view almost everywhere you look in the Magic Valley.

That’s due to plummeting canyon walls, winter snow runoff, natural springs and other diverse landscapes. The result is a stunning array of falls that will take your breath away.

Shoshone Falls, known as the Niagara of the West, is one of the largest natural waterfalls in the country. At more than 200 feet tall and 900 feet wide, it can be viewed from the canyon rim as well as its base. Niagara Springs, a National Natural Landmark in the Hagerman Valley, features towering basalt cliffs 350 feet high. Other falls in the area include Box Canyon Falls, Auger Falls, Crystal Springs Falls, Pillar Falls, Caldron Linn, Ross Falls, Perrine Coulee Falls and the falls at Malad Gorge.

Shoshone Falls, Twin Falls

< SNAKE RIVER

The picturesque Snake River is not only diverse in its scenery and wildlife but also offers a wide variety of recreational opportunities. If you’re after speed, opt for a day of whitewater rafting or jet boat tours. Various guide services can help steer you, whether you are a beginner or experienced. If you enjoy a slower pace, then paddle the calmer, flatwaters of the Snake. While on the river, bring a fishing pole, watch for birds and take in the beauty of this piece of earth.

I.B. Perrine Bridge, Jerome

NATIONAL & STATE PARKS There’s no question this part of the country is appropriately named Magic Valley. Natural wonders abound in both state and national parks. Breathtaking vistas await visitors to Southern Idaho’s state parks, including Lake Walcott, Malad Gorge and Castle Rocks. Thousand Springs State Park, which comprises five areas in the Hagerman Valley, has everything from bald eagles and historic agricultural structures to waterfalls and the Oregon Trail. You’ll discover spectacular views and history at City of Rocks National Reserve, Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument, Minidoka National Historic Site and Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve.

Mt. Harrison Overlook, Albion

City of Rocks National Reserve, Almo

SAWTOOTH NATIONAL FOREST & FOOTHILLS For stunning scenery, visit the Sawtooth National Forest, which has more than 2 million acres. All kinds of activities are available in the forest and neighboring foothills, including biking, camping, hiking, hunting, nature viewing, climbing and fishing. There are also water activities and winter sports, as well as outdoor learning opportunities. The shoreline of Lake Cleveland and Diamondfield Jack Campground are the perfect places to pitch a tent, or for the more adventurous, strap on some skis and head to Pomerelle Mountain Resort, one of our three ski resorts.

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AUTHENTIC ADVENTURE THE SOUTHERN IDAHO REGION HAS EVERY ADVENTURE YOU NEED TO MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR VISIT â&#x20AC;&#x201C; NO MATTER WHAT TYPE OF FUN YOU PREFER.

BY PADDLE Water is the center of everything in Southern Idaho. Get in the game with stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking or canoeing on the beautiful Snake River.

You can glide at your leisure or opt for the rapids with clear blue skies, ancient canyon walls and even dramatic waterfalls as your backdrop. Rentals and lessons are available at a number of places, so definitely dive in!

Snake River, Hagerman

Dierkes Lake, Twin Falls

BY LAND Land lovers will enjoy the beautiful rough edges that make up Southern Idaho. This area of the state is popular for rock climbing, particularly at the City of Rocks National Reserve, which draws some 60,000 climbers each year. Mountain bikers love the twists and turns at Auger Falls and Pomerelle Mountain Resort (not to mention the terrific views). ATV lovers will want to head for the South Hills for an up close look at wildflowers, rolling vistas and maybe even a peek at a South Hills Crossbill, a bird endemic to the area.

Soldier Mountain Resort, Fairfield

< BY SLOPE

The hills are alive in Southern Idaho, where you can pick your mode of transportation on the slopes – skis, snowboards, snowshoes or inner tubes. For daredevils, try CAT skiing at Soldier Mountain Resort, where you’ll be guided to the freshest powder and open backcountry, or kite skiing in Fairfield and get a little extra air this season.

Numerous ski resorts make it easy to spend a day on the slopes, including Pomerelle Mountain Resort, Soldier Mountain Resort, Magic Mountain Resort, and check out Craters of the Moon National Monument and Reserve and City of Rocks National Reserve for snowshoeing. If you’re a beginner, lessons are available for novices.

BY SKY Thrill seekers will want to gear up for BASE jumping off the 486-foot Perrine Bridge over the Snake River in Twin Falls. Need a little company for security sake? Then book a tandem jump with an experienced BASE jumper. No prior experience is necessary, just a wind-in-your-face attitude. BASE jumping is offered year round, whether you want to do it solo or with a bit of help. Stepping off that platform into the sky is an adrenaline rush you won’t soon forget! If you’d rather let someone else do the “flying,” book a scenic flight for a bird’s-eye view of the area’s spectacular topography.

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I.B. Perrine Bridge, Twin Falls

FEEDING YOUR SOUL FROM FARMERS MARKETS WITH THE FRESHEST FARE TO FARM-TO-TABLE RESTAURANTS, SOUTHERN IDAHO TAKES FOOD AND DINING TO THE NEXT LEVEL.

WE GROW IT Southern Idaho is rich in farm-fresh food. Both residents and visitors can enjoy the bounty of delicious locally grown fare at area markets and restaurants. This is a culture of growing, sharing and enjoying what the fields and waters provide. Farmers markets, U-pick farms, food tours, cooking classes and food festivals allow you to explore the area’s fresh food culture. Mike Heath, of M & M Heath Farms, has been providing certified organic produce to area farmers markets for 25 years, and believes it’s important to contribute to the local food market. “The main thing is that a lot of people want local, they want fresh, and they want to know who’s growing it,” he says.

M&M Heath Farms, Buhl

WE PREPARE IT One reason fresh food is easy to come by is because of the variety of thriving food enterprises operating here. Numerous producers such as Gossner Foods, Jerome Cheese Co., High Desert Milk, Idaho Milk Products and Glanbia Foods are just a few of the local manufacturers churning out fresh-from-the-farm dairy products. Chobani is the world’s largest yogurt plant, and don’t miss the best ice cream in the West at Cloverleaf Creamery. Dairy is just a small slice of Southern Idaho’s food production, but they sure do it well.

In fact, you can see the process first-hand at a local family dairy. Steve Ballard of Ballard Family Dairy & Cheese in Gooding, says his company’s tours offer visitors a complete look at the process.

“We will go to the milking parlor, then go out and talk about the cattle and sometimes we will go and taste the cheese,” Ballard says. “We show cheese production from the cow to the table.”

Chobani, Twin Falls

Cloverleaf Creamery, Buhl

Cloverleaf Creamery, Buhl

SERVED WITH CARE Local chefs know how to turn the rich regional produce into delicious seasonal offerings, and you can taste the fruits of their labor at a number of area restaurants. Twin Falls Sandwich Co. uses local pork, chicken, cheese, produce and bread from local companies.

Henry’s at the Drift Inn in Rupert and the Snake River Grill in Hagerman also provide locally sourced fare on their menus, which ranges from Idaho steelhead to locally raised lamb chops. Other places to sample the local fare include Jakers Bar and Grill, Elevation 486, Canyon Crest, Mountain View Barn, Eagles Nest Cafe and Magic Valley Brewing.

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ARTS & CULTURE CULTURAL EVENTS AND ATTRACTIONS DRAW VISITORS FROM FAR AND WIDE TO SEE A PERFORMANCE OR STROLL THROUGH A COUNTRY FAIR.

The Gathering Place, Rupert

DOING DOWNTOWN Many of the small towns that dot the Southern Idaho region are known for their specialty stores.

Rupert’s historic town square, for example, offers a variety of shops, including The Gathering Place, which is the largest quilting store in the Northwest with over 17,000 bolts of fabric. Visitors from around the world come to shop here and at Mad River Laser and The Bookstore, unique shops offering engraving, fudge, clothing and other treasures. In downtown Twin Falls you’ll find cute boutiques such as The Brass Monkey and Ooh La La! Fashion Boutique, both selling clothing and unique accessories. Rudy’s, also in downtown Twin Falls, is known as a “cook’s paradise,” with a great selection of cooking supplies.

Allow time to walk around some of these historic downtown squares and take home a special souvenir.

Mad River Laser, Rupert

< ARTS &

Magic Valley Folk Festival, Burley

ENTERTAINMENT

The arts are thriving in the Magic Valley, producing a creative culture that locals and visitors can enjoy. The Magic Valley Arts Council is at the center of this artistic effort, bringing together arts groups, individual artists and the community at large. The historic Wilson Theatre in Rupert specializes in performing arts, while the College of Southern Idaho Fine Arts Center in Twin Falls is a cultural hub for an array of activities. The King Fine Arts Center in Burley is another place to catch a play or hear music. Not to be missed is the Art & Soul of the Magic Valley, an annual event showcasing the work of community artists.

Oakley Valley Arts Council performs plays and productions year round in the historic Howells Opera House.

Elevation 486, Twin Falls

EVENING VIBES Enjoy some of the Magic Valley’s many clubs and entertainment venues, as well as some of its annual events. Grab a drink and a bite to eat as you watch the sun go down at Elevation 486, or boat directly up to Morey’s Steakhouse and Dry Dock in Burley. Other options include Anchor Bistro, O’Dunkens, La Hacienda and The Asylum. Jazz on the Canyon, set against the scenic Snake River Canyon, draws visitors to hear talented local musicians. Performances at area theaters, nightspots and other venues are also always on tap.

Twin Falls County Fair, Filer

CELEBRATING OUR RURAL ROOTS The region’s rich lineup of county fairs, with all of the fun and festivities that go along with them, is worth putting on your itinerary when you visit. These summertime fairs offer an incredible assortment of activities, including 4-H and FFA exhibits, food vendors, carnivals, monster trucks, livestock shows, parades, dancing, music and crafts. Lincoln, Jerome, Cassia, Camas, Minidoka and Gooding all have their own celebrations, and Twin Falls presents the largest county fair in early September. If rodeos are more to your liking, the region also has plenty of those on the calendar.

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WILDLIFE WONDERS FISHING, BIRDING, HUNTING AND VIEWING ALL KINDS OF WESTERN WILDLIFE MAKE A VISIT HERE UNFORGETTABLE FOR LOVERS OF THE GREAT OUTDOORS.

< FISHING

Those who pack a rod and reel in their luggage will be delighted with the exceptional fishing opportunities in the Magic Valley. The Snake River, Lake Walcott, Rock Creek and Salmon Creek Falls are a few of many choice spots.

Hagerman is one of the best spots for fly fishing. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll find large and smallmouth bass, carp, walleye, catfish and tiger muskie among other fish at local spots such as Niagra Springs and Billingsley Creek in Thousand Springs State Park. Plenty of destinations such as Camas Ponds, Castle Rocks Pond and Emerald Lake are also family-friendly for an outing with the kids.

Snake River, Jerome Lake Cleveland, Albion

HUNTING & ARCHERY Hunters from across the country head to Southern Idaho for an opportunity to hunt big game, upland game and waterfowl. The wilderness areas and inland waters provide a quiet, uncrowded experience for adults and kids alike. Mountain lions, elk, Bighorn sheep, deer, moose, black bears, duck, rabbit, pheasant, partridge, quail are just a few of the animals you can hunt. At Castle Rocks State Park, life-size moose, elk and mountain lions made of 3D foam provide target practice for archers, who can then go out test their shooting skills hunting for real game.

BIRDING Grab your binoculars for a day of spectacular birding in Southern Idaho. Shorebirds, raptors, songbirds, upland birds and waterfowl are all found here. Birds wintering in the area and spring migration offer terrific times to go birding. Some of the best viewing spots are Thousand Springs State Park, Minidoka National Wildlife Refuge, City of Rocks National Reserve, Hagerman Wildlife Viewing Area and Centennial Marsh near Fairfield. Join with others who love birding at the Hagerman Bird Festival or City of Rocks Birding Big Day Blitz.

Castle Rocks State Park, Almo

WILDLIFE SANCTUARIES Southern Idahoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wildlife sanctuaries are the perfect place to stop and admire the wonders of nature. Minidoka National Wildlife Refuge, 12 miles northeast of Rupert, is the place to see large groups of nesting American White Pelicans. The birds are drawn to Lake Walcott and its surrounding 80 miles of shoreline. In fact, half of the refugeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 20,699 acres is open water where the birds like to congregate. The 880-acre Hagerman Wildlife Management Area also has a rich population of birds, including raptors, songbirds, shorebirds

and bald eagles, and

typically winters some

30,000 to 40,000 ducks.

In addition, the Hagerman

Wildlife Area has 36 species

of mammals, 61 species of

fish and 60 species of

reptiles and amphibians.

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Snake River, Hagerman

A DEEPER LOOK THERE IS PLENTY TO DO, SEE AND EXPERIENCE IN SOUTHERN IDAHO, THANKS TO ITS MANY INTERESTING DESTINATIONS AND FUN ATTRACTIONS

SOUTHERN IDAHO’S SEVEN SCENIC COUNTIES Every small town in the seven-county area in Southern Idaho offers its own unique attractions and festivals such as Buhl’s Sagebrush Days, Camas Lily Days, the Spudman Triathlon and the Idaho Boat Regatta. Recreational opportunities include trout fishing, snow skiing, mountain biking and much more. Nearby national and state parks give visitors a glimpse of the region’s dramatically diverse topography.

Snake River Canyon

CAMAS COUNTY Located next to the Sawtooth National Forest and adjacent to Sun Valley, Camas County has some of the area’s most pristine natural landscapes and exceptional outdoor recreation. Fairfield, the county’s only town, has a very strong sense of community and rich history. Its annual Pioneer Picnic, which began in 1915, celebrates the county’s pioneer heritage and provides a day full of family fun. Heavy snowfall and Soldier Mountain Ski Area draw both locals and visitors to enjoy winter activities. Camas Lily Days and the Camas County Rodeo are other family-friendly events you won’t want to miss.

Camas Lily Blooms, Camas Prairie, Fairfield

Idaho Boat Regatta, Snake River, Burley

MINI-CASSIA – CASSIA & MINIDOKA COUNTIES Mini-Cassia is the name given to the area that encompasses both Cassia and Minidoka counties. The region has a wide array of natural resources and recreational opportunities. With more than 26 miles of accessible shore, the beautiful Snake River is a haven for boaters, fisherman and paddlers. Burley and Rupert’s town centers are also great for shopping and dining. The Idaho Boat Regatta and the Spudman Triathlon are two of the most popular events and draw people from all over the country. City of Rocks National Reserve, Castle Rocks State Park and Lake Walcott State Park offer spectacular views and unparalleled outdoor adventures. Join in on one of their photography workshops, first-time fishing outings, all-ages climbing experiences or the Birding Big Day Blitz in June.

GOODING COUNTY Gooding County is situated on the picturesque Snake River Plain and offers one the most diverse sets of attractions in Southern Idaho. To start, the Gooding City of Rocks is a hiker’s paradise, offering an opportunity to explore unusual rock formations.

Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument lets you learn about the Pliocene Epoch and the fossils of the past. Malad Gorge, a narrow canyon and waterfall; Earl M. Hardy Box Canyon, the 11th largest spring in the United States; Ritter Island State Park; and Billingsley Creek are also unique features of Gooding County. The scenic Thousand Springs area is perfect for enjoying boat trips, fishing, hot springs and other water sports.

Interested in snagging some the area’s famous trout?

You’ve come to the right place – they are one of the largest trout-producing areas in the country.

Ritter Island State Park, Hagerman

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LINCOLN COUNTY Lincoln County, located north of Twin Falls and south of Sun Valley, offers all kinds of outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking and horseback riding.

The cities of Dietrich, Richfield and Shoshone are steeped in history, and you can tour the local history museum for a lesson on Lincoln County’s past.

The Union Pacific Railroad runs through the middle of Shoshone, and all of the original buildings are still standing today. Shoshone Arts in the Park, Richfield Outlaw Day and Lost N Lava Cowboy Gathering are just a few of the fun festivals that happen during the summer. And you won’t want to miss the area’s unique shops and a great eateries.

Shoshone Art Festival, Shoshone

JEROME COUNTY Originally plotted for its wondrous views of the Sawtooth Mountains, Jerome County grew from its agricultural roots. The Jerome Recreation District features an outdoor swimming pool, a new skate park and community events throughout the year. The Minidoka Relocation Camp and National Historic Site, one of 10 Japanese American internment camps set up during World War II, is a fascinating look at this period in history. While you’re there, experience a round of golf next to the Snake River Canyon, get lost at the Idaho Farm and Ranch Museum, or head to Wilson Lake Reservoir – a great place for camping and boating.

Idaho Farm and Ranch Museum, Jerome

Balanced Rock Park, Castleford

Twin Falls Visitor Center, Twin Falls

TWIN FALLS COUNTY Twin Falls County is situated on the edge of the Snake River Canyon and bordered to south by the South Hills. Known as the hub of the Magic Valley, you can experience anything from the mild to the wild during any of the four seasons. The canyon offers world-class views of the Snake River and the I.B. Perrine Bridge. For great warm-weather activities, visit Balanced Rock Park, Murtaugh Lake or Salmon Creek Falls Reservoir. Or head to the South Hills when temperatures get cooler for epic snow sports. If thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not your thing, Buhl offers unique temperate conditions for year-round golf. No matter your interests, make sure to stop at the Twin Falls Visitor Center. From there, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re just a short drive to unbelievable mountain biking, rock climbing, bird-watching, kayaking, shopping, BASE jumping, fishing or canyon-side dining.

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