Murtaugh IdahoATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Murtaugh, Idaho.
1. Caldron Linn
HISTORIC NATURAL WONDER
Caldron Linn, also known as Star Falls or the Devil's Cauldron, is a spectacular waterfall formation on the Snake River near Murtaugh. The name originated from the turbulent way water boils and churns at the bottom of the falls, resembling a witch's brew in a cauldron. The area remains natural and untamed with no safety features like guardrails or paved paths, offering visitors an authentic wilderness experience.
2. Murtaugh Lake County Park
YEAR-ROUND OUTDOOR RECREATION
Murtaugh Lake County Park is an excellent destination for camping, fishing, and swimming during summer months. The park transforms in winter, becoming a popular spot for ice fishing. Located south of town on the opposite side of US-30, it offers diverse outdoor activities for visitors throughout the year.
3. Milner Dam Wind Park
SUSTAINABLE ENERGY SHOWCASE
Milner Dam Wind Park is one of the top attractions in the Murtaugh area, showcasing renewable energy innovation. The wind park features numerous turbines that harness wind energy while offering scenic views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can learn about sustainable energy production while enjoying the unique visual spectacle of the massive wind turbines.
4. The Snake River Canyon
DRAMATIC NATURAL FORMATION
The Snake River Canyon near Murtaugh reaches depths of more than five hundred feet, carving through the fertile farmlands of the Magic Valley. Crossing the canyon requires traveling down a winding road and over the Murtaugh Bridge, providing spectacular views of this impressive geological formation. The canyon offers opportunities for hiking, photography, and appreciating the natural beauty of southern Idaho.
5. Rock Creek Station and Stricker Homesite
PRESERVED HISTORICAL LANDMARK
Rock Creek Station and Stricker Homesite preserves an important piece of Idaho's pioneer history near Murtaugh. This historical site features preserved buildings from one of the oldest trading posts in the region, dating back to the Oregon Trail era. Visitors can explore the original stone store, homestead, and other structures while learning about the area's settlement history.
6. Shoshone Falls
NIAGARA OF THE WEST
Shoshone Falls, located near Twin Falls, stands at 212 feet tall and 900 feet wide, making it higher than Niagara Falls. The spectacular waterfall on the Snake River is one of Idaho's most visited natural attractions, particularly during spring runoff when water flows are at their peak. Visitors can enjoy viewing platforms, picnic areas, hiking trails, and a swimming area in the park surrounding this magnificent natural wonder.
7. Minidoka National Historic Site
WWII INTERNMENT CAMP MEMORIAL
Minidoka National Historic Site preserves and interprets the legacy of Japanese American incarceration during World War II. The site includes original and reconstructed buildings from the internment camp where thousands of Japanese Americans were forcibly relocated between 1942 and 1945. Visitors can tour the grounds, view exhibits, and learn about this challenging chapter in American history through ranger programs and self-guided tours.
8. Perrine Bridge
ICONIC BASE JUMPING DESTINATION
The Perrine Bridge spans the Snake River Canyon at a height of 486 feet, offering breathtaking views of the canyon and river below. This iconic structure is one of the few places in the world where BASE jumping is allowed year-round without permits, attracting thrill-seekers from around the globe. The bridge features a pedestrian walkway where visitors can watch jumpers or simply enjoy the panoramic canyon vistas.
9. Herrett Center for Arts and Science
MUSEUM AND PLANETARIUM COMPLEX
The Herrett Center for Arts and Science is a comprehensive museum complex located on the College of Southern Idaho campus. The center houses five major exhibition areas including anthropology, natural history, art galleries, a planetarium, and an observatory with one of Idaho's largest telescopes. Visitors can explore diverse exhibits ranging from ancient artifacts to contemporary art, attend planetarium shows, and participate in public star-gazing events.
10. Balanced Rock
GEOLOGICAL MARVEL
Balanced Rock is an impressive 40-foot tall, 40-ton boulder that appears to defy gravity as it balances precariously on a pedestal only 17 inches in diameter. This natural wonder is located in a scenic park setting about 20 miles southwest of Murtaugh. Visitors can picnic beneath the magnificent geological formation while taking in views of the surrounding canyon and Salmon Falls Creek.
11. Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument
PREHISTORIC HORSE DISCOVERY SITE
Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument protects one of the world's richest fossil deposits from the late Pliocene epoch, approximately 3.5 million years ago. The site is renowned for containing the largest concentration of Hagerman Horse fossils, an extinct species that represents one of the first true horses. Visitors can learn about these prehistoric discoveries through exhibits at the visitor center and enjoy beautiful views of the Snake River from the monument's overlooks.
12. Miracle Hot Springs
NATURAL THERMAL RELAXATION
Miracle Hot Springs offers visitors a relaxing experience in natural mineral pools along the Snake River. The facility features multiple private pools and larger public pools, all fed by natural hot springs that maintain comfortable temperatures year-round. Guests can enjoy soaking in the therapeutic waters, book massage services, or even stay overnight in one of the on-site accommodations including cabins and dome rentals.
13. Cloverleaf Creamery
FARM-TO-CONE DAIRY DELIGHTS
Cloverleaf Creamery is a beloved local dairy that produces premium ice cream, milk, and other dairy products using traditional methods. Their ice cream is made in small batches using cream from their own grass-fed cows, with flavors ranging from classic vanilla to unique seasonal offerings. Visitors can watch the production process through viewing windows before enjoying freshly made treats in the charming shop.
14. Twin Falls Visitor Center
GATEWAY TO SNAKE RIVER
The Twin Falls Visitor Center offers panoramic views of the Snake River Canyon and serves as an information hub for regional attractions. The modern facility provides exhibits on local history, geography, and attractions, helping visitors plan their exploration of the Magic Valley area. From the center's patio and viewing platforms, guests can see BASE jumpers launching from the Perrine Bridge and take in the dramatic canyon landscape.
15. Rudy's - A Cook's Paradise
CULINARY SHOPPING DESTINATION
Rudy's - A Cook's Paradise is a comprehensive kitchenware store offering everything from basic utensils to specialty cooking equipment. The shop features regular cooking demonstrations and classes where visitors can learn new culinary techniques and recipes. Cooking enthusiasts will find an impressive selection of gourmet ingredients, local food products, and unique kitchen tools not available in typical department stores.