Overview
Twin Falls is the largest city in South Central Idaho and the seventh-largest city in the state. The geology of the Magic Valley is also notable, considering that it once sat atop the hotspot that is under Yellowstone National Park. There are dormant shield volcanoes littered everywhere, and basalt as far as the eye can see, making this a prime spot for anyone interested in geological history. Its proximity to outdoor activities and to casino gaming in nearby Nevada give it a regional tourist flair.
7 sights · 4 things to do · 7 places to eat · 2 bars & cafés · 9 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Twin Falls
College of Southern Idaho
Known locally as CSI, the College of Southern Idaho in the northwestern part of the city often features many cultural performances. The school's nationally recognized community college men's basketball program is a big d…
Shoshone Falls
The self-proclaimed "Niagara of the West". Shoshone Falls is a waterfall on the Snake River east of the city. Indeed, the waterfall has a higher drop than its famed New York/Canada rival but is considerably narrower. Sho…
Herrett Center for Arts and Science
Minidoka National Historic Site
Site of a major Japanese-American internment camp during World War II. Most of the camp's buildings were removed after the war and can be found throughout the Magic Valley region. However, the site has remains of the gua…
Dierkes Lake Park
An oxbow lake near Shoshone Falls, Dierkes Lake is a well-known summer recreation destination among the locals.
Snake River Canyon
Perhaps best known for Evel Knievel's failed 1974 attempt to jump it in a rocket-powered motorcycle, the canyon has become a destination for BASE jumpers, as Perrine Bridge spanning the canyon is the only man-made struct…
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: May–Sep. Summer highs reach about 88°F; winter lows dip to about 12°F. Cold months (Jan, Dec) can bring snow and ice; check road conditions. Wettest: May and Jun. (climate data from nearby Jackpot)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- TWF Joslin Field Magic Valley Regional Airport, Twin Falls — 7 mi away. Directions
- SUN Friedman Memorial Airport, Hailey — 64 mi away. Directions
- BOI Boise Air Terminal/Gowen Field, Boise — 112 mi away (major hub). Directions
Budget & where to stay
- Typical meal: about $10 per person at listed restaurants.
See the Sleep guide ↓ for places to stay.
Sample 3-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Snake River Canyon, Herrett Center for Arts and Science, College of Southern Idaho
- Lunch Garibaldi's
- Afternoon Twin Falls Public Library, Team Bowladrome
- Dinner La Fiesta
- Evening Milner's Gate - Idaho Craft Brewery
Day 2
- Morning Shoshone Falls, Dierkes Lake Park
- Lunch Rice and Bites
- Afternoon Twin Falls County Fair
- Dinner Janitzio
- Evening Koto Brewing Co.
Day 3
- Morning Minidoka National Historic Site
- Lunch Jasmine Thai Cuisine
- Afternoon Viki Le Fevre Mountain Bike Skills Park
- Dinner Abracadabra's Twin Falls
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Twin Falls is home to many family owned and locally beloved restaurants. It features several Thai restaurants, Mexican restaurants, and family-oriented establishments.
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Understand
Having been founded in 1905, it is the youngest of Idaho's major cities. Twin Falls has become a regional cultural and economic center for South Central Idaho and northeastern Nevada.
Once in the heart of a stretch on the Oregon Trail best known for its inhospitable environment, Twin Falls was founded in 1904 as a planned community after irrigation projects on the Snake River made large-scale agriculture in the area practical for the first time. Twin Falls is the principal city of the Magic Valley region of Idaho, so named because said irrigation projects "magically" transformed the harsh landscape into productive farmland. Agriculture remains one of the city's primary industries. Twin Falls is home to over 55,000 residents, making it one of Idaho's principal cities outside the Boise metro area.
Local information
- Twin Falls town website
Get in
By plane
Go Joslin Field - Magic Valley Regional Airport (TWF)
It is served by regular flights from Salt Lake City on SkyWest Airlines.
By car
- Twin Falls can be accessed by car via US Highway 93. Interstate 84 runs approximately 5 miles (8 km) north of the city in Jerome County and intersects US-93. Unless you are coming from Nevada, you will cross the bridge over the Snake River Canyon.
By bus
- Greyhound Bus provides service between Boise and Twin Falls. The trip takes about two hours and fifteen minutes.
- Salt Lake Express
Get around
By bus
Twin Falls offers a micro-transit system through RIDE TFT, which offers a citywide, point-to-point transportation. You can request or schedule a ride from the app or by calling +1 208-974-7433.
RIDE TFT service hours:
- Mondays – Thursdays 6AM to 9PM
- Fridays 6AM to midnight
- Saturdays 7AM to nidnight
- Sundays and holidays no service
The standard fare before 9PM, is $3 per trip (no matter how many passengers in your party. After 9PM, the fare is $10 per trip. RIDE TFT service to the Twin Falls Airport costs $10 per ride.
By car
Having your own car is effectively a requirement to see anything more than walking distance from your hotel. Cars can be rented at Magic Valley Regional Airport from many companies including Alamo, Avis, Budget, Hertz and National.
By taxi
Rudimentary taxi service is available in the city if needed, but it's no Manhattan. Don't expect to hail a cab even on busy streets. Check Yellow Pages for services.
See
See Snake River Canyon
Perhaps best known for Evel Knievel's failed 1974 attempt to jump it in a rocket-powered motorcycle, the canyon has become a destination for BASE jumpers, as Perrine Bridge spanning the canyon is the only man-made structure in the United States where BASE jumping is allowed year round without a permit (although bungee jumping is not; you will attract unwanted attention from local authorities if you attempt it). Golf is available on the canyon floor at the public Canyon Springs Golf Course and the private Blue Lakes Country Club.
See College of Southern Idaho
Known locally as CSI, the College of Southern Idaho in the northwestern part of the city often features many cultural performances. The school's nationally recognized community college men's basketball program is a big draw during the winter months. Home games are always well-attended.
See Shoshone Falls
The self-proclaimed "Niagara of the West". Shoshone Falls is a waterfall on the Snake River east of the city. Indeed, the waterfall has a higher drop than its famed New York/Canada rival but is considerably narrower. Shoshone Falls is best viewed in the spring. By summer hydroelectric and irrigation demands on the Snake River often bring the flow down to a trickle, exposing the white bedrock underneath. Check website for current flow rates.
See Minidoka National Historic Site
Site of a major Japanese-American internment camp during World War II. Most of the camp's buildings were removed after the war and can be found throughout the Magic Valley region. However, the site has remains of the guard entry station, waiting room, and rock gardens as well as a reconstructed guard tower. The visitor center, in a historic warehouse, has exhibits, bookstore, and a park film narrated by actor George Takei (who was interned at Tule Lake camp in California).
See Clyde R. Thomsen Park
Named after a man who was in charge of the Twin Falls Municipal Golf Course. There is a story walk, that is themed based on the seasons.
Do
Most other diversions in the Twin Falls area revolve around outdoor activities such as camping, hunting and fishing.
Do Viki Le Fevre Mountain Bike Skills Park
A mountain biking park at the Auger Falls Wetland Preserve.
Buy
Shop Downtown Twin Falls
Located in the heart of the original 1904 townsite, Downtown Twin Falls features a plethora of eclectic businesses.
Eat
Twin Falls is home to many family owned and locally beloved restaurants. It features several Thai restaurants, Mexican restaurants, and family-oriented establishments.
Eat Abracadabra's Twin Falls
Their breakfast and brunch scene is well known locally for its large, economical portions and delicious food.
Eat Twin Falls Sandwich Company
A public restroom stands nearby, and free concerts are held every Friday from 6 PM to 8 PM.
Eat Garibaldi's
Mexican restaurant with large portions and quick customer service. Typically fairly busy.
Eat La Fiesta
Mexican restaurant with beautiful décor, cozy ambience, bar, and a dog friendly patio. Happy hour is 4-7pm.
Eat Janitzio
Mexican restaurant with friendly servers and well seasoned food.
Drink
Drink Koto Brewing Co.
Brewpub with live music
Drink Milner's Gate - Idaho Craft Brewery
Brewery with delicious food.
Bars in Twin Falls close at 1AM sharp, no excuses.
Sleep
Stay safe
Given that much of the city's commercial and tourist infrastructure is concentrated around the intersection of Blue Lakes Boulevard and Poleline Road, as well as the fact nearby Perrine Bridge is effectively the only way in and out of Twin Falls from the north, traffic in the immediate area can be as heavy as anywhere in a much larger population center such as Boise. Stay alert if driving or walking through here.
Go next
- Twin Falls is approximately halfway between Boise and Pocatello, about a two-hour drive from each. Salt Lake City is approximately three hours away by car, or a 45 minutes by air.
- Jackpot - Approximately 45 miles (75 km) south of Twin Falls just over the Nevada border, the small town of Jackpot offers casino gaming and routinely draws crowds from all over the area. Collectively the Jackpot casinos employ more people from Twin Falls than any employer in Twin Falls.
- Sun Valley - As in most of Idaho, the first day of ski season in November is eagerly anticipated in the Magic Valley. If the highbrow atmosphere (and corresponding prices) of Sun Valley aren't for you, try the more wallet-friendly Pomerelle resort south of Declo. Both locations are approximately an hour's drive from Twin Falls.
Nearby
Buhl
City / town · 15 mi away
Shoshone
City / town · 6 listings · 25 mi away
Hagerman
City / town · 4 listings · 27 mi away
Burley
City / town · 6 listings · 34 mi away
Jackpot
City / town · 16 listings · 43 mi away
City of Rocks National Reserve
Park · 1 listings · 52 mi away
Craters of the Moon National Monument
Park · 10 listings · 61 mi away
Mountain Home
City / town · 2 listings · 73 mi away
My experience
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