Things to Do in Idaho Falls: How to Spend the Perfect Day

A local shares her list of favorite fun things to do in Idaho Falls.

By Amy Antonation on September 17, 2024

Brayden Weeks

If you’re looking for fun things to do in Idaho Falls, it’s good to gather intel from a local resident.

Larissa Hale knows the Mountain West: She grew up in Wyoming and moved to Caldwell, Idaho, in high school before attending Utah State University. But when she moved to Idaho Falls a year ago, she fell in love. 

“I have a really hard time thinking about leaving this place,” she says. “It is beautiful! Right outside my office, I’m looking at the waterfalls. So many people travel from around the world to see this section of the U.S.; there’s so much more to do here than people realize.” 

Hale shares her ideal day with these fun things to do in Idaho Falls.

Get Up and Go 

“For starters, I absolutely love City Bagels,” says Hale of the homey bakery that boasts airy windows looking out onto the city’s historic downtown and turns out sweet and savory bagels. Then, Hale picks up her regular pick-me-up, an iced white mocha, at Moose Ridge Coffee. And she doesn’t miss a chance to stop by nearby Love at First Bite Mercantile for the tastiest chocolate and caramel treats around. 

“It’s packed to the brim with decorations and Idaho-specific things – the most random things that are so cute,” Hale says. “I could spend forever looking in there.” 

Brayden Weeks

Shopping opportunities in the city are endless. On Saturdays, from May through October, the Idaho Falls Farmers Market sets up on the eastern shore of the Snake River, which cuts through downtown. Over 80 vendors gather there to sell local produce, meat, baked goods, snacks, flowers and art. 

A couple of Hale’s picks: Aguas Maria, which sells aguas frescas in flavors from blue bubblegum to horchata, and Bumble & Bleat Soapery, which hand makes goat-milk soaps, lotions and potions. 

Year-round, brick-and-mortar Poppy & Pout “has the cutest clothes,” says Hale, “and they make their famous lip balm. It gives ’80s retro store.” (The lip balm earned its reputation when it appeared on the 2021 edition of Oprah’s Favorite Things gift guide, and it is still made in-store where customers can watch.) 

Ride Along the River 

“Next,” says Hale, she’d stop in at Rib & Chop House for lunch before exploring Idaho Falls River Walk (also known as the Greenbelt). The 5-mile paved path comprises two loops along both shores of the Snake River and accommodates walkers, runners and bikers. 

From the trail, folks can access the Japanese Friendship Garden, a river island landscaped to honor Idaho Falls’ sister city, Tokai-mura, Japan. Be sure to see the eponymous waterfall and enjoy views of wildlife and beautifully landscaped riverbanks. 

“I love to ride around the Greenbelt or by the Gem Lake Recreation Area,” Hale says. “It’s so beautiful out there.” 

Brayden Weeks

Night Highlights 

Hale admits she initially underestimated the city’s entertainment options. “I didn’t expect Idaho Falls’ nightlife to be very busy,” she says. But she’s been pleasantly surprised. 

She suggests two great options for dinner: The SnakeBite Restaurant, which has the “best burgers ever,” and Copper Rill, a fine-dining spot serving entrees like haddock topped with lobster-mango salsa that she describes simply as “so delicious.” 

In late 2022, the 6,000-seat Mountain America Center opened in Idaho Falls, luring national performers to the city. “That has done amazing things for our tourism here,” Hale says. “We’ve had insane artists come: Luke Bryan, Tool, Disney on Ice.” The venue has also hosted sporting events like Professional Bull Riders competitions and is home to the Spud Kings, the city’s own junior hockey team (and its mascot King Tot, a crown-wearing Tater Tot). 

“The games sell out,” Hale says. “I didn’t really understand the hype, but the games are so fun to go to!” More intimate venues like the historic Colonial Theater, Frontier Center for the Performing Arts and the Downtown Event Center (DEC) host performances of all types. 

“The DEC brings in comedians, magicians, bands, all the stuff,” Hale says. “I’ve been to many events down there. Usually after that, people go out to the bars.” 

There are plenty of places for a nightcap (or a mocktail) in town. 

“Downtown, we have this speakeasy bar called bar XVIII,” Hale says. “It’s very hidden, which is cool. That place is so fun.” In addition to classic cocktails, it boasts an extensive nonalcoholic menu.