Idaho Falls began as Eagle Rock in 1864, founded by Mormon pioneers drawn by the power of the Snake River’s rapids. The river’s force led to a dam in 1891 and arrival of the railroad by 1903, firmly establishing its place on the map.

Now a city of approximately 69,000 people, Idaho Falls retains that same sense of forward motion. Downtown, the river’s drop forms a natural amphitheater that sets the scene for evening strolls and dinner tables placed just steps from tumbling water.

When you step into the Museum of Idaho, the tone shifts dramatically compared to other parts of the town. Housed in the former Carnegie Library and Masonic Temple, it displays saber-tooth cat fossils discovered in nearby dig sites. Geological specimens include volcanic rock pulled from the Snake River Plain, and an exhibit on early nuclear research traces the city’s connection to World War II–era science. A block away sits the Colonial Theatre, built in 1919, its Grecian-style exterior masking a history of rediscovered stained-glass windows and cracked plaster. The venue hosts touring jazz quartets, documentary nights, and student theater, giving audiences glimpses of places they might otherwise never visit.

Small businesses in Idaho Falls offer unexpected delights beyond souvenir shops. Manwaring Cheese in continues a family tradition that began in 1955 in Ashton. The shop, now located downtown, offers fresh cheese curds made daily and over 20 unique cheese flavors including Dill, Garlic, and Hell Fire. Lovey’s Crystal Cottage is a charming shop offering a curated selection of crystals, gemstones, and metaphysical supplies. It features handpicked items like amethyst towers, labradorite, and sterling silver jewelry.

When hunger strikes, the restaurants in Idaho Falls rise to the occasion. Smokin Fins delivers tuna gyoza and lobster-stuffed avocados on a riverside patio where live music drifts through warm evenings. At Copper Rill, plates include braised beef short ribs in red-wine jus and shrimp atop crisp polenta with citrus glaze, finished off with molten-chocolate cake that oozes sweet ganache.

Saturday mornings bring a different rhythm to Idaho Falls. The farmers market features booths selling heirloom tomatoes, lavender-honey granola, smoked cheeses, and sweet cinnamon bread. Honey sourced from Ammon’s wildflower fields tastes of sunshine, and apple cider is pressed on-site. Music ranges from swing to folk ballads, inspiring dancers from nearby studios. The market isn’t overproduced; it reflects seasonal flows—July's tomatoes and September's squash signal that nothing here is staged.

In another corner of Idaho Falls, mid-20th-century ranch homes stand as reminders of a different era. Built for engineers and scientists tied to the Idaho National Laboratory, these unpainted-brick houses reveal an intentional design with deep eaves and broad lots intended for lab equipment. Sidewalks now shade families walking dogs, but the layout remains a silent testament to the city’s atomic-age roots.

Not far from these quiet neighborhoods, modern challenges meet practical solutions. RM Wildlife and Pest Solutions operates throughout Idaho Falls, handling everything from raccoons in attics to voles tunneling through lawns. Known for humane trapping and detailed home inspections, we also offer exclusion services that prevent repeat infestations. Contact us today for more information.