.jpeg_600.jpg)
Explore the largest city in Eastern Idaho by taking a day to play! From art exhibits to golf courses, Idaho Falls is as varied as it is beautiful.
Melaleuca Field
568 W Elva St
The Idaho Falls Chukars (Kansas City Royals) make their home at Melaleuca Field. From June until September you can catch the Chukars in action. The stadium comfortably seats 3,600 fans. Located off West Elva, 208-522-8363
Museum of Idaho
200 N. Eastern Ave.
“Where science and history meet,” this local museum is Idaho's No. 1 source for national and international exhibits and welcomes almost 100,000 visitors annually. Upcoming exhibits include Way Out West (set to open December 2020) and Body Worlds: Animal Inside Out (set to open January 2021). Current hours are Monday-Saturday 11 a.m.-6 p.m. For more information about exhibits or COVID regulations, visit www.museumofidaho.org or call 208-522-1400.
Civic Center for the Performing Arts
501 S. Holmes Ave.
Built in 1952, this auditorium seats over 1,800 and is home to concerts, plays, conventions and more. Past performers include Donny Osmond, Johnny Cash, Louis Armstrong, Motley Crue and Ballet West. Visit www.idahofallsarts.org to view upcoming events at the center.
Tautphaus Park
2800 S Blvd.
One of the oldest and largest parks in Idaho Falls is Tautphaus Park. Just a few of the many highlights include a playground, skate park, tennis court, baseball and softball fields, picnic areas and even a zoo.
Idaho Falls Zoo at Tautphaus Park
2725 Carnival Way
This zoo is home to more than 300 animals, representing 130 different species from around the globe. From kookaburras in the Australia exhibit to ring-tailed and red-ruffed lemurs in the Africa exhibit, it’s no wonder this has been called the “Best Little Zoo in the West.” Events and exhibits vary to accommodate visitors of every age, including an online penguin live cam for when the zoo closes during cold winter months. Call 208-612-8552 or visit www.idahofallsidaho.gov/Zoo for tickets and current hours. Located on the western side of Tautphaus Park.
Japanese Friendship Garden
In the heart of Idaho Falls on a little island lies the Japanese Friendship Garden. The location of this garden is historically significant as it is the site of the first bridge to span the Snake River in Eastern Idaho. To celebrate Japanese culture, this garden has many water features, a viewing platform, a “Dragon’s Path” across a pond and a traditional Japanese garden gate. Exploring this garden is free to the public, though the lower deck is available to be rented for events, call 208-612-8580 to make reservations. Located near the Broadway Bridge.
Idaho Falls Riverwalk
Formerly known as the Snake River Greenbelt, the Idaho Falls Riverwalk winds through Idaho Falls beside the Snake River. This popular jogging, walking, boating and water fowl area features breathtaking views of the river’s waterfalls and passes by Pedersen’s Sportsman Park and an old pioneer cabin on Keefer’s Island.
Freeman Park
Another large and popular park is the 75-acre Freeman Park. Highlights include Idaho’s Vietnam Veterans Memorial, softball and baseball fields, picnic areas and a scenic drive by the river. Located off Science Center Drive.
Idaho Falls Public Library
457 W. Broadway St.
Serving the Idaho Falls community, this library offers a full blend of great books and periodicals, online resources and a venue for numerous contests, workshops and community gatherings. There are also a variety of programs and activities held at the library. To inquire about a library card, call 208-612-8460 or visit the second-floor desk.
Idaho Falls Temple Visitors’ Center
1000 Memorial Dr.
Films, exhibits and tours of Idaho’s first temple for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Open daily, 9 a.m.-9 p.m.
Call 208-523-4504 for more information.
Golf
Idaho Falls has four championship courses, including a private country club and a trio of public tracks. Events like family or free golf days can be found on www.golfif.com for all three public Idaho Falls golfing locations.
Idaho Falls Country Club
18-hole course, 6,392 yards, driving range, pro shop, snack bar.
11611 S Country Club Dr.
208-523-5762
Pinecrest Golf Course
18-hole course, 6,783 yards, driving range, pro shop, snack bar.
100 E 65th N (Tower Road)
208-612-8535
Sand Creek Golf Course
18-hole course, 6,426 yards, driving range, pro shop, snack bar.
5200 S 25th E, 208-612-8115
For the Kiddos
Got a potential pin-seeker in the family? The Idaho Falls Junior Golf Association might be just the ticket. It only takes about 20 minutes and $35 to register a participant ages 3-17. Registration can be done online, although the association asks all participants to view a golf etiquette video so all golfers can stay safe and treat others kindly on the course.
Joining the association comes with many perks, including:
- Junior Association Members can play for free on Family
- Golf Days
- A large selection of junior lesson programs
- An annual banquet and awards party
For the Off-Season
Want to keep your game in tee-top shape when the cold weather hits? Try Bob’s Indoor Golf. Located at 2249 E 17th Street, this facility features pro-quality simulators, huge putting greens and even a separate area for cornhole. Get all the details at www.bobsindoorgolf.com.
Wes Deist Aquatic Center
Highlights of the center include spas, whirlpools, an indoor observation deck and redwood outdoor deck, classes, lap swimming and an Olympic-sized indoor pool. Located at 149 7th St., 208-612-8111
Gem Lake Marina
The marina provides boat-launching facilities, picnicking and sunbathing and is located in the southern part of the city on the Snake River. Gem Lake itself is popular for jet and water skiing and fishing. Contact 208-612-8480 for more information.
Joe Marmo / Wayne Lehto Ice Arena
South eastern Idaho’s premier ice facility offers high-quality programs for hockey and ice-skating as well as entertainment and non-skating recreation. On the first floor is an 85 foot by 190 foot ice surface, a large lobby area, rental shop, snack bar and locker room facilities. To buy tickets for this affordable facility, call 208-612-8367. Located at 390 Rogers St. near Idaho Falls Zoo in Tautphaus Park.
Even more…
Movie theaters, wall murals, bowling alleys, roller skating rinks, unique shops and specialty restaurants can all be found in Idaho Falls. Numerous parks abound all throughout the city featuring places to play baseball, softball, tennis or to picnic.