Idaho’s Mammoth Cave: The Perfect Family Friendly Destination

Southern Idaho is so packed full of amazing natural wonders you could easily spend the entire month exploring it all. One of them can be conveniently found just 8-miles north of the historic town of Shoshone.

We’re referring to, “Idaho’s Mammoth Cave”, a volcanic cave formed by a massive eruption millions of years ago. It was discovered in 1902 by settling sheepherders and is currently the largest volcanic cave in the world open to the public.

That’s not all this place offers, though. Also on site is what they dub, “Shoshone Bird Museum of Natural History”. It’s a massive collection of exotic animals, rare rocks, dinosaur fossils, and more!

Let’s get into it and fill you in on how you can visit this amazing place for yourself.

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Mammoth Cave

Idaho‘s Mammoth Cave entrance sign. Shoshone, Idaho.

How To Get There

Address: 251 West Thorn Creek Street. Shoshone, ID 83352

If you’re coming from Shoshone or Twin Falls, Mammoth Cave will be on your left. You can’t miss it as you’ll see big blue wooden signs spelling out, “CAVE” (pictured above) just off the highway.

Idaho’s Mammoth Cave entrance. Shoshone, Idaho.

From here, continue another couple miles or so on a fairly well-maintained gravel/dirt road until you arrive at the pedestrian entrance and parking lot.

Find a spot to park along the fence line and walk through the entrance. You’ll see animal pens off to your left and a residential home up ahead. Continue walking until the path turns right to the Bird Museum. This is where you’ll pay the admission fee.

Admission Fees

Idaho’s Mammoth Cave. Shoshone, Idaho.

• $12.00 per adult

• $6.00 per child ages 6 - 12 years

• Free for children 5 years and under

Your admission fee includes access to both the cave and museum. You can choose to skip the museum and only do the cave but it will not get you a discount. It’s also your choice on which order you’d like to do each attraction.

Bird Museum of Natural History

Idaho’s Mammoth Cave Bird Museum. Shoshone, Idaho.

After we paid, we choose to walk through the museum first. Initially, I wasn’t excited about it because I’m not into birds that much. However, after walking in, I quickly realized it was much, much more.

The museum is packed to the gills with all sorts of native and exotic animals, birds, dinosaur and fish fossils, art artifacts, Native American pieces, rare rocks, minerals, and much more.

Dinosaur fossil at Mammoth Cave Bird Museum. Shoshone, ID.

Bears at Mammoth Cave Bird Museum. Shoshone, Idaho.

It’s touted as being one of the largest private collections in the world and we don’t doubt it. You could easily spend a couple hours or more exploring all the displays and is worth the price of admission alone.

When you’re finished looking through the museum, simply head out the same way you came in and let the attendant know you’re ready to explore the cave.

Mammoth Cave

Entrance to Mammoth Cave. Shoshone, Idaho.

After notifying the attendant that you’re ready for the cave, they’ll give you a quick run down on what to expect and hand each person a lantern. If you have your own flashlight, you can use that instead.

(We should warn you that there is NO natural or artificial light once you get past the cave’s entrance. The lantern was the only source of light. We turned ours off and couldn’t see our hands in front of our faces).

Mammoth Cave entrance. Shoshone, Idaho.

After getting your lantern, you’ll be directed down a dirt path that does a half circle around the building you were just in and towards the cave’s one and only entrance/exit.

Watch your head and keep an eye on the little ones. The entrance is a bit of a squeeze and you immediately begin a descent into the cave via a narrow path.

Inside Mammoth Cave. Shoshone, Idaho.

Inside Mammoth Cave. Shoshone, Idaho.

As you reach the bottom of the stairs and begin to make your way through the cave, you’ll begin to take notice of the unique color of the cave walls. This is due to a rare growth of mineral deposits that give the walls a look of pure silver.

You’ll also take notice of name markings on the walls. This was not due to vandalism (well, kind of). It was done by the early settlers who were the first to discover the cave back in 1902.

Silvery walls inside Mammoth Cave. Shoshone, Idaho.

Inside Mammoth Cave. Shoshone, Idaho.

Many different animals made use of the cave for shelter such as bears, buffalo, and horses. The bones of which have been discovered along the cave’s dirt floor.

The walk from the entrance to the end of the cave is only 1/4 of a mile. At the end of the designated path, you’ll see a sign describing the scene ahead of you. The ceiling of the remainder of the cave is about 50 feet high and surrounded by thick layer of lava rock.

End of the trail. Mammoth Cave. Shoshone, Idaho.

From here, you’ll simply turn around and go back in the direction from which you came. In and out, you’re looking at a half mile’s worth of walking along an easy dirt path.

Adults and children of all ages would be able to complete the trail. You’ll need to watch your footing, but the occasional rock is your only real hazard.

Unfortunately, the sheer nature of the cave floor and its entrance would make it difficult for those with certain handicaps and impossible for those in need of a wheelchair. The museum, however, can be enjoyed by all!

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Conclusion

We hope this article about Idaho’s Mammoth Cave has inspired you to visit this wonderful place for yourself. If so, please consider supporting our website by sharing it with your friends and family on social media. You can further show support by staying on and reading one or more of the articles above.

Safe travels and thanks for reading!

How to Spend One Full Day In Twin Falls

Known as the gateway to the Snake River, Twin Falls lies in Southern Idaho not far from the Nevada border. It has a population just shy of 50K and is home to many amazing attractions.

We recently paid a visit to this cool little city, spending a few days admiring its beautiful scenery and eating delicious food at a handful of its amazing restaurants.

After our trip, we were asked by family members (who were planning to visit) which attractions we would recommend the most as they were only going to be there for one day. That gave us the idea of putting this guide together.

The format will assume you’re spending a full day here. You’ll get a hotel or Airbnb the night before, spend the next day out and about, stay one more night, and head out the next day.

For simplicity sake, we’re going to skip our usual “how to get there” section as there are too many to list (depending where you’re coming from). We’ll also assume you’ll be driving in or will rent a car on arrival.

Let’s get into it!

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Breakfast

Norm’s Cafe. Twin Falls, Idaho.

Time: 1 hour or less.

We’re firm believers in starting our day of adventure with a hearty breakfast. We also believe in supporting as many local restaurants as we can when we travel. Enter, “Norm’s Cafe”.

Norm’s was conveniently located just down the road from our Airbnb and had great reviews on Yelp, so it made for the perfect starting point for our day.

Norm’s is family owned and operated with friendly staff, delicious food, and speedy service. Options include omelettes, pancakes, waffles, chicken fried steak, breakfast burritos, and more!

Shoshone Falls

Shoshone Falls. Twin Falls, Idaho.

Time: 1.5 - 2 hours

Easily the most popular attraction in Twin Falls is the natural wonder known as, “Shoshone Falls”. It’s dubbed the, “Niagara of the West”, as it surpasses the height of its New York counterpart at 212-feet.

Due to its popularity, we recommend making it your first stop of the day (after breakfast) so you can beat the crowds. If you’re a sunrise or sunset person, this would make a great spot for either as well.

For information on how to get to the falls and when the best time to go is, read our complete guide here.

Evel Knievel Jump Site

Evel Knievel Jump Site. Twin Falls, Idaho.

Time: 1 hour or more (depending how much you do)

On September 8th, 1974, famed Daredevil Evel Knievel attempted to launch himself across the mile-wide chasm of this section of Snake River Canyon. The stunt failed, as the parachute malfunctioned and caused Evel to plunge into the canyon below.

Fast forward to present day and thanks to the generosity of current land owners, the ramp Evel used has been preserved as a monument, enabling visitors to see both it and the sheer magnitude of this attempted stunt for themselves.

The jump site is part of a local trail that zig-zags along the rim of Snake River Canyon and connects this to other area attractions like Shoshone Falls, Perrine Bridge, and the Visitor Center.

Visitor Center

Twin Falls Visitor Center. Twin Falls, Idaho.

Time: 1 hour or less

Get out of the sun for a bit and pay a visit to the city’s namesake Visitor Center. It’s a small but beautiful building that features local photography, art displays, an information booth, and gift shop.

If you’re looking for more information about the area, the employees are very knowledgable and can give you great tips and advice.

Outside, just beyond the parking lot, you’ll find a stone monument for Evel Knievel and a deck to view the Perrine Bridge. If you’re a Tesla owner, there are half a dozen or so charging stations here as well.

Perrine Bridge + Lunch

Perrine Memorial Bridge. Twin Falls, Idaho.

Time: 1 - 2 hours

Just a stone’s throw from the visitor center is Perrine Memorial Bridge. The bridge is named after L.B. Perrine who is considered to be the main founder of Twin Falls.

It spans 1500-feet across Snake River Canyon and stands at 486 feet above the river. Viewing decks are located on each side connected by pedestrian walkways offering epic views of the river and canyon features.

The south side viewing area is the easiest to access from the visitor center but the one on the north side was our favorite (pictured above). You can either walk across or drive to the small parking lot on the north side.

When you’re done here, simply pick and choose where you want to have lunch. There are many options nearby including Chick-Fil-A, Habit, Texas Roadhouse, and more.

Perrine Coulee Falls

Perrine Coulee Falls. Twin Falls, Idaho.

Time: 30 minutes or less

Shoshone Falls may be the most known of Southern Idaho waterfalls but when it comes to sheer beauty, in our opinion, Perrine Coulee Falls takes the cake.

We found it by pure accident while driving down the canyon into Centennial Park. A bit of luck plays into this as you will have to secure one of the few parking spots on the side of the road.

Perrine Coulee drops 200-feet into a half-bowl shaped portion of the canyon. A short trail takes you behind the falls (backside of water, anyone?) and over to the other side.

Balanced Rock Park

Balanced Rock Park. Southern Idaho.

Time: 2 -3 hours (including drive time and time spent at the campground)

Full disclosure, this one isn’t in Twin Falls. It’s near Buhl. However, it’s still in the same county and it’s too cool to miss, especially if you’re like me and really into weird rock formations.

As mentioned above, Balanced Rock can be found near Buhl, about 30-minutes or so from Twin Falls. The drive takes you through beautiful farm land before dropping you into Salmon Falls Creek Canyon.

Salmon Falls Creek Canyon. Southern Idaho.

The rock in question (pictured above) is wind-carved, 48-feet tall, weighs 40 tons, and sits precariously on a 3 foot by 17 inch pedestal. It’s truly an interesting sight.

There’s a fairly large parking lot with a singular picnic bench on the side of the road. From there, just pick one of the spur trails and head up. Or just check it out from the parking lot.

Balanced Rock Campground. Southern Idaho.

Just down the road from Balanced Rock is the campground of the same name. Simply put, this was one of the most purely beautiful campgrounds we’ve ever seen.

It features picnic tables, plenty of camping spots dotted along the canyon wall (no RV hook-ups), bathrooms, and fishing in Salmon Falls Creek. The best part? It’s first-come, first-serve and free.

Dinner

Scooter’s Chillin & Grillin restaurant. Twin Falls, Idaho.

Time: About 1 hour

You’ve been out and about all day long. Now it’s time for you to sit back, relax, and go to town on the most delicious burger in Twin Falls, “Scooter’s Chillin n’ Grillin”.

This sports bar has far more than just burgers, but it’s what they’re most known for. Add chipotle bacon and habanero cheddar for a kick and finish it off with their savory sweet potato fries. You won’t be sorry.

Conclusion

There it is. Your full day itinerary for Twin Falls. Obvisouly, these are just our suggestions. Feel free to tweak it to your preference and interests. After all, it’s your trip.

We hope this article about Twin Falls has inspired you to visit this wonderful place. If so, please support our website by sharing it with you friends and family on social media. You can further show support by staying on and reading one or more of the articles below.

The Essential First-Timer’s Guide To Shoshone Falls

Coming in at a height of 212 feet and a width of 900, Shoshone Falls is one of Southern Idaho’s most popular natural attractions. Surpassing the height of its New York counterpart, it’s fittingly referred to as the, “Niagara of the West”.

Shoshone Falls is located just 7 miles from Twin Falls. Its natural beauty, impressive flow, and ease of access makes it uber popular, attracting more than half a million spectators annually.

This guide will give you all the information you’ll need to see this natural wonder for yourself. At the end of the article, we’ll also give you some recommendations of other attractions you’ll want to check out while you’re there.

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Getting There

As stated above, Shoshone Falls is located just 7 miles outside the city of Twin Falls in Southern Idaho and the directions are fairly straightforward. Starting from Twin Falls:

• You’ll head northeast on Shonshone Street towards 2nd Ave

• Take a slight right on Addison Ave

• Turn left on Champlin road. Stay on for 2.5 miles and stay left at the junction before arriving at the parking lot

• For GPS purposes, the exact address is 4155 Shoshone Falls Grade Road, Twin Falls, ID 83301

On the way, you’ll drive through beautiful farmlands before descending into an impressive canyon as you make your way to the falls.

If you pay attention and you’re here at the right time of year, you’ll see little streams of water coming down the canyon walls around you. It’s a gorgeous sight.

Parking & Fees

Between the months of March and September, there is a fee to visit the falls (and Dierkes Lake). The fee is just $5 per vehicle and you’ll pay at the toll booth near the entrance.

You can pay with cash or credit/debit card. If you plan to visit five or more times during the season, consider purchasing an annual pass at just $25.

It’s worth mentioning that when we came here in late June (close to sunset), there was no one collecting fees. We just drove right in. Not sure if this happens often but it was our experience.

Shoshone Falls

From the parking lot, there are a few viewing platforms to see the falls from. The middle one (the closest and most popular) is right off the lot and is accessed by a stairwell.

Uphill and to the right is where you’ll find another viewing platform. This one was our least favorite as there was lots of shrubbery blocking the view.

In the opposite direction to the left is a higher platform and was our favorite as it gave us a great view of not just the falls, but the Snake River as well. It was also much less crowded.

When to Visit

This was something we wish we researched more before we came. In the summer, much of the river is diverted for irrigation purposes (we were here in late June and flow was minimal).

If you come in the fall time, Shoshone Falls will look nearly dry as the snowmelt is pretty much gone at that point and the remaining flow is used to recharge the reservoir system upstream.

That said, spring is the undisputed best time to view the falls. Provided there was a decent snowfall throughout winter, you’ll be able to see the falls at its best.

The park has a livestream camera that you can utilize before your visit to see what the flow is looking like. You can view that here.

Nearby Attractions

Shoshone Falls may be the most known attraction in the area, but you could easily spend a few days or more exploring everything Twin Falls (and the surrounding area) has to offer. Below are just a few of our suggestions.

Evel Knivel Jump Site

Located downstream from Shoshone Falls is where you’ll find the location where famed daredevil, Evel Knievel, attempted to launch himself over the Snake River in a steam powered “skycycle”.

You’ll scratch your head in disbelief when you see for yourself the sheer magnitude of this attempted jump and make you wonder what the @#$! he was thinking.

Perrine Bridge

Further downstream from the falls and jump site is the Perrine Memorial Bridge. This impressive bridge spans 1500 feet across Snake River Canyon and connects the cities of Twin Falls and Jerome.

Both sides of the bridge have parking lots and viewing decks and much like most popular bridges, there’s a pedestrian walkway you can utilize.

Twin Falls Visitor Center

Near the Twin Falls side of the bridge is where you’ll find the city’s visitor center. It’s a beautiful building that features merchandise, knowledgeable employees, photography displays of local attractions, and its own viewing deck of the canyon, bridge, and river.

Shoshone Ice Caves

Located outside the town of Shoshone, Idaho (about 45 minutes from Twin Falls), the ice cave is a MUST if you’re in the area. Your tour guide will take you through a 1,000 foot lava tube on walking planks above the ice. On a hot day, this is the perfect activity to take part in.

Conclusion

We hope this article about Shoshone Falls has inspired you to visit this wonderful place. If so, please support our website by sharing it with your friends and family on social media. You can further show support by staying on and reading one or more of the articles above.

Thanks for reading and safe travels!