The county seat of Bonneville County in Idaho is named after the rapids below the historic Taylor’s Bridge. Idaho Falls has cultural and sporting amenities and is close to well known attractions, such as Sun Valley and Yellowstone National Park. There are also nearby ski and snowmobile areas, including Kelly Canyon, Grand Targhee and Jackson Hole. The Sawtooths mountain range is also close by, a beautiful area of lakes, canyons and creeks. Trails lead through wildflowers and past waterfalls. An unusual boulder field is named Garden of the Gods.
One of the landmarks in the city is the Idaho Falls Temple, which has served the large community of Latter-day Saints since 1945. It is a modern, concrete building with a bright white finish. The natural history and cultural history of the state is on show at the Museum of Idaho. Visiting and permanent exhibitions are complemented by an educational program and library. An interactive Children’s Discovery Room has exhibits on fossils and life for the pioneers. There are mock ups of a bear cave and a pioneer cabin. Traveling displays have included the history of nuclear power and the exploits of Lewis and Clark.
Tautphaus Park Zoo is committed to a conservation program and several species have benefited, including Amur Tigers and Snow Leopards. There are more than 350 animals at the zoo, including endangered African Penguins. There is a walk through aviary containing South American birds and a children’s petting zoo with lambs and a donkey.
Golfers are well catered for in the area and the courses around Idaho Falls are of a very high standard. One of the most popular courses is the Pine Crest Golf Course, an 18-hole course with trees lining the fairways and sand bunkers to add interest. Sage Lakes Golf Course is a challenging, championship course with water hazards and multiple tee boxes.
Magnificent scenery and wildlife is abundant in the region. There are plenty camping grounds for getting close to nature and many trails for hikers, horseback riders and mountain bikers. Going out with the binoculars may reveal otters, ospreys, bald eagles, herons or mountain goats. Hunting permits allow hunting of elk, antelope, bear, mule deer, waterfowl and moose. Fly fishing is also excellent here, particularly in Henry’s Fork stream and parts of the Snake River, which is well stocked with trout, salmon and whitefish. Idaho Falls is a very pleasant city that leads to something worthwhile in every direction.
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