Sometimes you are aware of something but don’t really think it is worth taking the time to go see.  Balance Rock is probably one of these places, you’ve heard of it, seen it on a postcard or on TV but never thought it was such a big deal that you would want to take the time to drive out and see it.  You would be amazed at how beautiful the whole experience will be.

The light is south of Buhl in the Salmon Falls Creek Canyon and is over 48 feet tall and 40 tons, wind-carved rock which balances precariously on a pedestal only 3 feet by 17 inches.  Just think of that, all that weight sitting on something so small for so many years!

The canyon is little, as is the campground in it, but the sights are fabulous.  The hike up to the Balanced Rock is not difficult and gives you a whole new appreciation for this rock.  It is huge and beautiful, nature did a great job creating this wonder for you to enjoy.

While there you may want to visit Salmon Falls Creek reservoir which was built in 1919 to provide water for irrigation to farms.  It has formed a lake which is filled with fish including brown trout, Chinook and kokanee salmon, yellow perch, black crappe channel catfish, small mouth bass, and walleye.  Not only can you fish during the summer but ice fishing is great here too.  This is the premier walleye fishery in Idaho.

If you want to hunt the area you can hunt for antelope and upland game birds.

If you are an outdoors person then you want to visit the Burley area where boating, fishing, hunting and hiking are favorite activities.  There are developed and primitive recreation sites along more than four miles of Snake River shoreline int he canyon.

Salmon Falls Creek Reservoir

Idaho

(208) 677-6641

Balance Rock – Buhl, Idaho is a post from: Idaho Tourism

When you come into the studio, you get to choose your own piece of pottery. You will be able to find everything from traditional vases to ceramic animals, dinosaurs, and trains and just about everything else that you could imagine. Without a doubt, you will find the perfect piece of pottery to paint. This is a wonderful activity to partake in whether your idea of an afternoon well spent means sitting down to play online poker, or going out with friends to do some watercolour in the park.

After you have your piece, you can look at the stamps and stencils to get an idea for your design. Then you get to choose your paints and begin painting your pottery piece. When the painting is complete, you leave it at the studio. The staff of Hands On will then clean it up for you and glaze it. You can then pick it up a few days later.

In addition to pottery pieces, you can also create mosaics on picture frames, tables, mirrors, clocks, flower pots, and a whole lot more. With the mosaics, you can take them home immediately – however, you have to be careful with them until they dry.

If you live in the Twin Falls area, this is a great place to visit. Those who are vacationing will want to make it one of the first stops on their trip so that they can have their finished piece to take home with them as a souvenir.

Hands On makes a great place for a party as well. You and your friends or family can get together and create some great pottery pieces, mosaics, beads, and even spa materials like bath salts; while adults play flash casino games in the internet cafe.

Kids and adults will have a great time making memories as well as painting pottery when they visit Hands On. Painting is a great way to let your imagination run wild.

147 Shoshone Street North
Twin Falls, ID 83301
208-736-4475

Hands On Studio – Twin Falls, Idaho is a post from: Idaho Tourism

Hagerman is home to over two hundred different species of fossil plants and animals. There are 30 complete horse fossils and portions of 200 individual horses.  It is the largest concentration of Hagerman Horse fossils in North America.

It is believed that the horse evolved in North America.  The Equus Simplicidens was the first true horse. It was about the size of a modern Arabian horse. However, its bones most closely resembled zebra bones, Grevy’s zebra to be exact.

The fossil beds is home to over 200 different species of fossil plants and animals.  The list includes Sabertooth Cat, a Hyena-like dog, Peccary, Mastodon, Otter, Bear, Shrew, Camel, and Ground Sloth, as well as many other species.  With over 3,000 new fossil fragments found each year, it is one of the most fossiliferous Pliocene-aged sites in the world.

The National Park Service Visitor Center is located on Route 30 in Hagerman,ID across from the high school.

Fossil exhibits, an informational DVD, a discovery corner, and programs are provided by park staff.  Regularly scheduled ranger-guided tours are available seasonally. Educational programs for groups are available throughout the school year.  Reservations are required.

There are many interesting experiences awaiting you at the Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument.  Fossil Days, Flower Walks, Paleo Porch Programs are just some of them so be sure to visit often.

The catastrophic Bonneville Flood thundered through the Hagerman Valley 15,000 years ago leaving behind enormous fields of rounded lava boulders – some as big as cars. They are called ‘melon gravel’ and can still be seen throughout the valley today.

The weather in the area is generally sunny, dry and clear but in the summer it can get to above 90 degrees Fahrenheit and the winters are mild with occasional winter storms.  Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and appropriate clothing for the season.

Directions: Hagerman Fossil Beds NM Visitor Center is located along Highway 30 in the town of Hagerman across from the High School.

From 1-84 East, take the first Bliss exit (#137) and travel approximately 2 miles to the turn off for Highway 30 on the right. Travel 8 miles on Highway 30 to the town of Hagerman. The Visitor Center is on your left.

From I- 84 West, take the second exit # 155, (Wendell/Hagerman). Travel @ 10 miles to the intersection of Highway 30. Make a right onto Highway 30 and travel approximately 2 miles. The Visitor Center is on your right. Parking is available in front of the Visitor Center, behind the Visitor Center, off Reed Street, or at the Town Park, one block north of the Visitor Center.

Hagerman is located approximately one and one half hours from Boise, Idaho and forty minutes from Twin Falls, Idaho.

Operating Hours and Seasons

Memorial Day to Labor Day:
Open every day from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Winter Hours:

Open every day 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Beginning October 23rd the Visitor Center will be
closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays until Memorial Week.

Admission: There are no fees charged at the Monument, but donations are always welcomed.

Location: 221 N State Street
Hagerman, ID 83332

Phone:
208-837-4793
The Visitor Center is open all Federal holidays except for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Day.
 

Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument – Hagerman, Idaho is a post from: Idaho Tourism

Some people thought he was crazy, others thought he didn’t do anything that wouldn’t cause a stir but Evel Knievel certainly did capture the imagination and curiously of the American people, and some worldwide.  Others thought that he was one of the most spectacular athletes of all times.  He certainly captured the imagination of many with his stunts of all kinds with his motorcycle.

Just a short distance from Twin Falls Evel Knievel bought some land to abut the canyon over the Snake River after the government forbid him from doing his “jump” over the Grand Canyon.  He said he would keep his word about jumping a canyon and if the government wouldn’t allow him to do it over the canyon then he would buy the land (which he did) and do it on private property where the government couldn’t stop him.

On September 8, 1974 he attempted the jump of the 500 foot deep quarter-mile-wide Snake River Canyon on a steam-powered “skycycle”.  This was an incredible feat, and whether you get your thrills when you play online poker or take your bike over a few jumps on a dirt track, this was something else entirely.

Doug Malewicki was the designer and engineer of Evel Knievel’s steam rocket powered SkyCycle X-1 canyon jumping motorcycle.  Theoretically – a two wheeled, streamlined, fin stabilized rocket that is capable of rolling along on those wheels could be deemed a “Motorcycle”. Similarly, launching and flying across the Snake River Canyon could also be deemed a “jump”.  Mr. Melewicki was a private aerospace engineer and inventor hired for this project by Evel Knievel.

Though Knievel crashed on the jump because of a parachute malfunction, it opened right after his take off had had him plunge 600 feet down ending up right next to the river. He survived with only a broken nose – barely a scrape for a man who broke nearly 40 bones during his daredevil career. The ramp where Knievel made the leap sits on private property about two miles east of the Buzz Langdon Visitor Center. It is visible from the center and vantage points along the Snake River Canyon Trail. For the most “up-close” look, hike up the Centennial Trail from Shoshone Falls Park. The 1.5 mile developed trail provides beautiful views of the canyon and Shoshone Falls and terminates just short of the ramp.

Evel Knievel’s hometown of Butte, MT plays host to the world’s greatest celebration for the Worlds Greatest Daredevil in the finest fashion.

Started in 2002, the three-day event draws thousands of visitors from all over the world to the Mining City during the last weekend in July each year.  If you enjoy the excitement of this daredevil then you may very well want to attend this event.

Seasons: All Year

Mailing Address
858 Blue Lakes Blvd. N.
Twin Falls ID 83301

Phone: 208-733-3974

Fax: 208-733-9216

Hours: Daylight

Fees: Free

Evel Knievel Jump Site – Twin Falls, Idaho is a post from: Idaho Tourism

Cassia County Historical Museum – Burley, Idaho

This museum was established to show the history of Cassia County.  It provides people with the opportunity to see Indian artifacts from the Paleo Indians who settled in the area 15,000 to 16,000 years ago. Later the Shoshoni and Paiute people established communities in the area using the natural bounty of the land to hunt, fish and gather on their seasonal rounds.  You can check out the fossils that they have or look over the farm tools that were used years ago.

There are a Pullman railroad car and a caboose for you to tour and many pieces of horse-drawn farming equipment.  The area also has three log buildings showing a home, schoolhouse and general store from years gone bye.

The main building of the museum showcases a relief map of Cassia County with lighted trails, a kitchen, parlor, saloon and a millinery shop.  There is also a room dedicated to the WWII men from the county with many uniforms and memorabilia from the war.

Included will be information on life at the turn of the century. At this time many cattle and sheep were being raised in the area. Eventually, cattlemen and sheepmen began to argue over grazing rights. One feud led to the arrest of the famous hired gunman, Diamondfield Jack Davis in 1897. Diamondfield Jack, who was hired by a cattle rancher to keep sheepherders off his land, was accused of murdering two sheepherders in February of 1896. It wasn’t until November of 1900 that two cattlemen confessed to the murders. Mr. Davis was eventually pardoned in 1902. Documents from the trial proceedings involving Diamondfield Jack are kept in the archives of Cassia County.

Researching the archives of the county will bring out many stories of these days up until present Burley history.  If you enjoy research and looking at what life was like "in the old days" then you will certainly enjoy visiting the museum.

Open

April 1st thru October 1st

Closed July 4

Hours

Tuesday-Saturday

10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The Cassia County Museum is located on the corner of Hiland and Main Street in Burley.

Phone: (208)678-7172

Cassia County Historical Museum – Burley, Idaho is a post from: Idaho Tourism

The falls are known as the Niagara Falls of the west and is one the most impressive views along the famous Snake River.  With the waterfalls being nearly 1500 feet wide with water dropping a staggering 212 feet it is even a longer drop than the Niagara Falls which drops 176 feet.

Idaho Power controls the flow of the water that flows over the Shoshone Falls by using the dam located right above the falls.  The water is also used for irrigation so if you are there during that time you will be seeing a somewhat less spectacular view.  If you can get there during the late winter through early April you will be able to see the falls at their most splendid time.

If you take the kids with you on your trip you can enjoy the Shoshone Falls Park for something different.  It is a gently sloped city park with large grassy areas for the kids to run off some of their energy.  There are several scenic overlooks around the park to keep the interest of the kids peaked with the hiking trails and playground equipment.

The hiking opportunities at the park will allow you get up close to the edge of the river, see the fabulous flow of water from a totally different angle. 

The Snake River Canyon is also the canyon that Evil Knievel tried to jump in 1974 with his Sky-Cycle.  Since he couldn’t get permission to jump part of the Grand Canyon he bought land next to the Snake River and set the jump up at that location.    The jump was totally unsuccessful but not fatal.  His shoot opened right after take off, the wind caught it and slammed his bike to the ground next to the river, 600 feet below.  Although it could have been tragic, Evil Knievel walked away with jut minor injuries.

Bridal Veil Falls is also located in Shoshone Falls Park. The small cascade is formed from a small stream that empties from Dierkes Lake along the side of the road (on the way to Shoshone Falls).  It is a rather small falls and probably not worth driving to see specifically but since you in the area for Shoshone Falls you might want to see the little one too.

There are restrooms at the park, plenty of parking, concession stands, pay phones and covered picnic areas.  It is also stroller and wheelchair friendly and you won’t be crowded out by throngs of people.

Hours: Open daily year round from 7 am to 9 pm.

Admission: $3 per vehicle and $20 per bus.

Effective, Saturday, April 19, 2008, No alcoholic beverages will be allowed at Dierkes Lake Park or the Shoshone Falls boat dock area.

To Shoshone Falls – From Interstate 84’s Exit 173, head south on U.S. 93/Blue Lakes Boulevard for 2.2 miles. From Blue Lakes Boulevard, turn left onto Falls Avenue and head east for three miles to 3300 East. The falls are several miles north, with signs pointing the way.

Shoshone Falls – Twin Falls, Idaho is a post from: Idaho Tourism

When you plan to visit Idaho, you plan to spend time outdoors, taking in the beautiful scenery and the majestic hills you see just about everywhere.  If you are traveling to Idaho, you do need to experience The Great Rift.  When you do, you will be taking in one of the most amazing experiences you will see in the world.  There are only two features like this known to humankind in the world.  That makes it definitely worth seeing.

What is the Great Rift?  It is the largest, the deepest as well as the most recent volcanic rift system in the United States.  You will find that one of the most important and most amazing aspects of this area is the sheer size of the rift.  The Great Rift encompasses some 635 square miles, which makes it incredibly large by most standards.  

The Great Rift is of belief to have creation some 15,000 years ago due to a very large fissure that extended some 65 miles.  At that time, the fissure opened up and emitted successive amounts of lava into the area.  Years later, after everything cooled and the lava was no more there was a tremendous work of art left.  The Great Rift provides some of the unique experiences because it has cinder cones located within, ice tubes, spatter caves and caves of other styles located throughout the region  

Throughout the entire region of the Great Rift you will find some 350,000 acres of land that has undisturbed and very unusually geologic designs to it.  It is an amazing, and unique, site to see.  If you are coming to Idaho to see any of the other natural landmarks that dot the landscape, chances are good that many of them lie along the Great Rift because the fissure caused their designed to happen.  

Visitors should call the local park service for hours of operation, as there are many challenging areas located throughout this "lava desert."  If you want to walk in a desert, this may be one of the best places to do so.  There is no fee for visiting this natural wonder.  To locate it, visit South Central Idaho, and it is located just north and east of the American Falls.  

By the way, the only other similar structure known in the world to be as this one is located in Africa.

The Great Rift – Burley, Idaho is a post from: Idaho Tourism

Skiing is a top interest in Idaho where we have one of the two US Ski and Snowboard Association cross country courses.  Idaho is the top choice for cross country skiers – offering a wide variety of courses, slopes, and of course the resorts and accomodations to make your trip excellent!

Idaho’s museums, including the Museum of Idaho offer wonderful educational and historic tours as well.  Ice Age Mammels is exhibiting in the Museum of Idaho, featuring Pleistocene-era mammals, the Columbian Mammoth, Mastodon, Saber Tooth Cat, Giant Ground Sloth, North American Camel, Giant Beaver, Ancient Bison, and Giant Short-Faced Bear.

Idaho Vacation is a post from: Idaho Tourism