Idaho Falls, Idaho
Idaho Falls is a vital municipality that serves most of Eastern Idaho counties and some parts of Montana and Wyoming. With great early expeditions across the raging waters of Snake River, the town continued to thrive for over the past 150 years. Endless outdoor activities and easily accessible attractions provide an outstanding work-life balance and holiday destination.
Geography And Climate Of Idaho Falls
Within a 2-hour drive northwest and a 26-kilometer hike, travelers can experience Yellowstone National Park while simultaneously standing in three states: Idaho, Wyoming, and Montana. The urban area of Idaho Falls is the largest town in Bonneville County and covers an area of around 62 sq. km. Almost 350 kilometers south is Salt Lake City, Utah, and 4 hours east by car is the state capital of Idaho, Boise. Palisades Reservoir widens the Snake River at the Wyoming border just 111 kilometers east of the city limits. It is 1440 meters above sea level in the eastern portion of the Snake River Plains.
The high elevation of Idaho Falls creates snowy and freezing winter weather, and while summers are hot and dry - it is the best time for visitors to travel to this region. In a town with an arid climate, the rainfall accumulation is minimal. With May being the rainiest month, it receives less than 40 millimeters. Temperatures can stay above 24˚C during the summer and almost 80% of clear skies in July. By October, snow starts falling, and low temperatures could dip below freezing. Snowfall increases as winter hits, with the average snowfall over 200 millimeters. The harsh winter causes the number of sunny days to creep below the national average at 201 annual sunny days.
History Of Idaho Falls
The indigenous Shoshone Bannock tribe migrated to this area of Idaho in the 1600s in search of buffalo. They were thriving off the land with abundant sources of plants, fish, shelter, and animals to hunt, assisting the survival of the bands in the basin for hundreds of years. The 1862 discovery of gold in Idaho had prospectors scattering across the state and surrounding areas. Harry Rickets successfully sent the first ferry across the Snake River in 1864. Two years later, the official founder of the town, Matt Taylor, built a toll bridge across the waterway and named the village Taylor's Crossing. It then changed to Eagle Rock and its current title of Idaho Falls in 1891. Just over 60 kilometers west of the town, the National Reactor Testing Station began testing different nuclear reactors in 1949. The neighboring town of Arco was the first place to be powered by atomic energy in 1955.
Population And Economy Of Idaho Falls
The fourth-largest city in Idaho has 66,898 residents, and the population growth has been on the rise since the establishment of Idaho Falls. Now 12.6% of citizens are below the poverty line, and the median household income is $75,356. A homeowner rate of just over 61%, and a house's average price is roughly $179,000. Over 79,000 people have employment within the town, and a shallow unemployment rate of less than 2%. Health care, social, retail, and technical services employ the most people in Idaho Falls. In comparison, the highest-paid careers are specialized services, mining, and oil and gas industries.
Attractions In Idaho Falls
Museum Of Idaho
Situated on the shores of the Snake River, in the core of Idaho Falls, the Museum of Idaho has over 25,000 articles on display that educate guests about the state's western culture, history, and ecology. More than 100,000 visitors enter the museum to witness detailed displays, from permanent to temporary exhibits. The facility offers different workshops and classes for children and adults.
Idaho Falls Zoo
Idaho Falls Zoo is tucked away in the corner of Tautphaus Park in the heart of Idaho Falls. Guests can travel from different continents and have an up-close experience with wild animals from Africa, Asia, Oceania, and North and South America. They are members of credited conversation organizations that help protect wildlife species worldwide.
Greenbelt Trail
The Greenbelt Trail is a relaxing way to see the city and spans over eight kilometers on either side of the Snake River. The trail presents beautiful views of the city, gardens, memorials, and wildlife, and many people enjoy it by foot or bicycle. The extensive pathway can also access restaurants and shopping, which makes for a great break.
