Southeastern Idaho Free Fun Things to Do
Idaho Falls Greenbelt
Take a walk, jog, or bike ride around The Greenbelt in Idaho Falls. This is a 2.3 mile path around the Snake River. There is an additional mile or so to the trail as it connects into Freeman Park. I recommend doing this part of the path as well as it is more shaded and a bit quieter. As you stroll around the Greenbelt you will pass many hotels and restaurants. There are dozens of picnic tables, if you are interested. You will also pass the Falls. I would bring your camera as there is a scenic overlook of the Falls where you can get a few good pictures. I also like to bring some bread and feed the ducks along the way.
Location: Broadway at River Pkwy, Idaho Falls, ID 83402 http://www.idahofallsidaho.gov/wwwroot/userfiles/files/pr/greenbelt_brochure.pdf Hike the“R” Mountain
The “R” mountain is just a few miles outside of Rexburg in Menan. This is a moderate hike which is pretty steep all the way to the summit. It is very desert like with almost no shade and some sandy areas to walk up. At the top, there are great views of the surrounding desert landscape. When we went, there was no one else there, so we enjoyed taking a peaceful break at the top. There is also another mile or so you can walk around at the top that loops around. The whole hike up and down was up about 3 miles. There are not a lot of signs to guide you down, so there are several options to get down. I thought getting down the mountain was a lot harder than going up as it was so steep! However, they do have chain railings that you can hold on to guide you down. I enjoyed this hike as it was a good workout for my legs. There is a parking lot and bathrooms, but no water so make sure to bring your own as it gets hot with no shade.
Location: N. on Hwy 20 from Idaho Falls. Turn left on Menan-Lorenzo Hwy. Go west for 5.9 mi., then turn N. on 3600 East. After 2.2 mi. the road becomes Twin Butte Rd. Continue N. on Twin Butte Rd to trailhead. http://www.blm.gov/id/st/en/fo/upper_snake/recreation_sites_/north_menan_butte.html The Art Museum of Eastern Idaho
Admission to this art museum in Idaho Falls is free the first Saturday of each month! It is also free to senior citizens, 65 and up, on the first Tuesday of every month. There are 3 separate gallery rooms featuring the works of artists local to Idaho. Although the Museum was smaller than I expected, I did see many interesting works and it was a nice way to spend an hour or so for free. There is a nice park with picnic tables located adjacent to the museum.
Location: 300 South Capital Avenue, Idaho Falls, ID 83402-3952 http://www.theartmuseum.org/ Snake River Landing Paths
There are over 5 miles of paved walking/biking paths within this residential community in Idaho Falls. My boyfriend and I enjoyed our bike ride as we passed streams and ponds. The path also wraps around a small lake. I enjoyed this path more than the Greenbelt because it is far away from the highway. It was very quiet, not crowded, and had great landscaping. Location: Snake River Landing, Idaho Falls, ID http://www.snakeriverlanding.com/recreation.html Idaho Falls Public Library
This is a very large public library located in the Idaho Falls downtown area. They have a nice coy pond in the entrance, which is always interesting to look at. I have also seen various book sales here throughout the year, where you can find books for under $1. Location: 457 W. Broadway, Idaho Falls, ID 83402 http://www.ifpl.org/ Visit a Park
One of my favorite parks in Idaho Falls is Kate Curley Park. This is a small, quiet park which has a large path around it. I enjoy coming to this park to run. It is never crowded and is one of the few places in town that is covered with large, old pine trees. There is a large covered area with many picnic tables that I often see people having birthday parties at.
Location: 9th/Emerson Idaho Falls, ID http://www.idahofallsidaho.gov/city/city-departments/parks-recreation/parks-reservations/kate-curley-park.html Go for a Hike
If you enjoy hiking, then you will not be disappointed. There are many places to hike in Southeastern Idaho. Hiking is a fun, free activity and also is a great fitness workout. Harriman State Park in Island Park is one of the best places for hiking. I visited this state park, which was located at the end of the Mesa Falls Scenic Byway. For more
information on hiking trails at Harriman State Park, please visit the website below. Location: Harriman State Park- Eastern Idaho, 18 miles N. of Ashton on Hwy. 20 Island Park, ID http://parksandrecreation.idaho.gov/parks/harriman.aspx Visit Downtown Idaho Falls
Take a stroll around historic downtown Idaho Falls. Enjoy viewing historic buildings and browsing through local shops and galleries. There are plenty of restaurants and even a discount theater. The Idaho Falls Public Library is also located downtown. From the downtown area, it is a short walk to the Greenbelt. I was able to find free street parking nearby. http://www.downtownidahofalls.com/ |