Idaho Falls Beginnings
The city of Idaho Falls began with miners, trappers, fur traders and early settlers. As westward migration continued in the 1860s, a wooden toll bridge was built over the Snake River close to what would later become Idaho Falls. The railroad brought the first settlers, and they called their settlement Eagle Rock. In the 1880s, water and water rights were a real challenge, and Idaho Falls’ location along the Snake River ensured the city’s survival. The Snake River adds to its appeal today. By the 1890’s, a building boom had begun, and the population was booming too. (There’s a tour of the Ridge Avenue Historic District buildings from this area that we’d love to do on a return visit.) As for the falls themselves, they are created by the diversion of a dam that provides hydroelectric power. The original dam was built in 1909. Idaho Falls’ three hydroelectric power plants produce 50% of the electricity needed for the city.
City Highlights
The downtown historic district is a nice walk. We especially enjoyed the public art in the form of 22 benches, created by local artists from different materials on different themes. There are numerous historic buildings, some of which have been carefully restored. The Museum of Idaho contains a revolving selection of traveling exhibits. Its focus is on the natural and cultural history of Idaho and the Inter-mountain West.
People, including us, enjoy strolling, jogging and biking along the six-mile Snake River Greenbelt. Our hotel was right near a stretch of the greenbelt, and we walked it almost every morning. We also used the hotel’s free bikes to take a longer ride and find a geocache hidden along the trail. For the more adventurous, there’s hang-gliding, skydiving, hot air balloons, all with those gorgeous views.
Natural Playgrounds in Idaho Falls’ Backyard
Look at a map of Idaho Falls and you’ll immediately see its prime location, with the Teton Mountain Range to the east and the world-famous Yellowstone National Park north of that. There are National Forests in all directions, and the Sun Valley and Grand Targhee ski resorts are within a few hours drive. Craters of the Moon National Monument is also within a comfortable drive distance.
Twenty miles north of Idaho Falls is Yellowstone Bear World. We got up close and personal with Stiltz the moose as well as lots of other wildlife. We used our work truck (shh!) and drove through the different habitats filled with free-roaming wildlife native to the region: Rocky Mountain Elk, Bison, White-tail Deer, Mule Deer, Rocky Mountain Goats, Moose, Black Bears, Grizzly Bears and Gray Wolves. Near Rexburg, ID, Bear World can be visited easily as you head up toward Yellowstone.
For some additional pics: http://s78.photobucket.com/albums/j97/d3loeber/Idaho/Idaho%20Falls/
http://s78.photobucket.com/albums/j97/d3loeber/Idaho/Tetons%20and%20Yellowstone/
