Outdoor weekends close to home in Idaho Falls
Curious about what you'll do when you live in Idaho Falls? If you like the idea of wandering along the Snake River, getting artsy in downtown galleries, and are daring enough to try plunging into whitewater rapids, Idaho Falls is calling you home! This list of fun things to do will take you from hot springs to starry skies and give you a true taste of Idaho Falls's outdoor and cultural highlights.
Chandi, Our Local Expert Guiding Your Move
Chandi is Idaho born, raised, and still deeply obsessed with the Gem State, even though she now splits her time between here and South Carolina. With a mind-boggling 30 moves under her belt, she's amassed a library's worth of moving tips and tricks. She believes Idaho rewards curiosity, from small town events to overlooked trailheads and restaurants that haven't yet been popularized. She loves dinner at XVIII in Idaho Falls, welding junk into sculptures, and getting a little too excited about spiders, beetles, and other types of arthropods. At Snappy Scout, she brings sharp local instincts and hard earned insight from three decades of Idaho living.
Read moreWritten with local insight from Snappy Scout relocation experts
What Will You Do in Idaho Falls?
From weekend adventures to iconic road trips, here's how locals spend their time off.
On a Saturday with perfect weather
Idaho Falls Farmers Market on Memorial, huckleberries, fiddles, and sunshine. In winter, snowy walks with Hallmark-like scenery.
On a rainy dreary day
Attend the Museum of Idaho that showcases traveling exhibits where dinosaurs high five astronauts.
For those needing something more intellectually stimulating
Read all about INL history at the Museum of Idaho, nuclear swagger, and local eyebrow raises.
The artsy scene
The Art Museum of Eastern Idaho, watercolors flirting with thunderheads.
Something inside and free
Carr Gallery at Willard Arts Center, sleek silence and big ideas.
For the outdoorsy
Snake River Greenbelt cruise, osprey patrols overhead, falls roaring fresh gossip.
Fitness oriented
Kelly Canyon climb until quads confess, then pizza at Heise.
With your dog
Greenbelt loop with water breaks, on afters at Idaho Brewing Company. Note: the squirrels will file formal complaints.
For the family oriented
Idaho Falls Zoo at Tautphaus Park, penguins waddling like tiny mayors.
When you're in need of a selfie
Friendship Garden pagoda, falls fizzing.
You have to see this
The falls at dusk, neon clouds that blanket the endless open sky, and riverborne thunder.
On a budget
Freeman Park picnic, frisbee chaos, sunset painting the buttes.
My Favorite Local Spot in Idaho Falls
I've said it several times already ... XVIII. It's ambiance and food is perfect for a local like me. The bartenders know what they're doing (even if you want a mocktail) and the food is spectacular without being overpriced. Definitely try the lamb appetizer. If you happen to see a Karie Anne's gelati truck, STOP! The line is there for a reason. Note: you may have to drive to Rexburg to get this. And just one more! Make the drive to Rigby for a bambino. It's worth it.
— Chandi Lyn
Idaho Local Expert
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