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Cities and Towns
of South Central Idaho
Buhl
Burley
Hagerman
Jerome
Twin Falls
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South Central Idaho
South Central Idaho is a land of contradictions. Stretching at its base from the tri-state border of Nevada, Idaho and Utah at the south north to the town of Shoshone, the region comprises some of the state's most arid countryside - and most fertile pastureland. Intersected by the mighty Snake River, it is home to the Magic Valley, a high desert area whose nickname refers to the lush transformation it has received since farmers began irrigating it with the Snake River. The city of Twin Falls, which sits at an elevation of 3,745 feet, is the region's largest city and the agricultural hub for both South Central Idaho and the northeastern tip of Nevada.
Shoshone Falls on the Snake River, Twin Falls Idaho. Go Northwest photo by Jack High.
GPS: N 42, 35.6393; W 114, 24.1002. Altitude: 1,018 m.
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waterfalls, winding canyons and mesmerizing rock formations make up this region's topography. South Central Idaho, while drier than other parts of Idaho, is rich with natural attractions. Of the most famous is Shoshone Falls Park, whose 210-foot-deep waterfalls are said to rival Niagara in depth and beauty. The wind-worn Balanced Rock, located northwest of Castleford, is a testament to the power of Mother Nature and is a favorite location for picnicking. The fossils found at the Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument are believed to date back about three million years and belong to North America's earliest known species of horse.
South Central Idaho's outdoor recreation opportunities are abundant as well. Magic Mountain Ski Area and Pomerelle Mountain Ski Area, southeast of Twin Falls, both offer family-oriented winter recreation. The surrounding Sawtooth National Forest offers groomed trails for snowmobiling, Nordic skiing and backcountry hiking.
Interstate 84, southern Idaho's main artery, links the region with Boise (to the northwest) and Salt Lake City, Utah (to the southeast), providing easy year-round access from all points.
VISITOR INFORMATION
Southern Idaho Tourism. PO Box 5155, Twin Falls, ID 83303. Toll-free: 1-800-255-8946.
Balanced Rock
This forty-foot tall rock is perched on a base only a few feet in diameter.
City of Rocks
A landscape of rock monoliths up to 60 stories tall.
Malad Gorge
A dizzying view can be had from the steel footbridge spanning the
250-foot deep canyon. Below is a 60-foot waterfall called the Devil's Washbowl,
trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding.
Thousand Springs Outlet for Lost River
Visible from Highway 30 are hundreds of natural
springs,
gushing through porous volcanic rock. The source of all this renegade water is the
Snake River Plains aquifer, one of the world's largest ground water systems. When
the winter snows begin to melt they are even more impressive.
Oakley
Oakley is listed on the National Register of Historic Places due to its many stone and wood structures built in the 1800s.
Herrett Center for Arts and Science. 315 Falls Avenue, Twin Falls, ID 83301. Phone: 208-736-3059.
Housed on the College of Southern Idaho Campus, the Center includes two art galleries and a planetarium. The Faulkner Planetarium is the largest Digistar II in the Northwest, seating 151 people.
Heritage Museum
A large mounted wildlife exhibit, and 12,000 Indian artifacts.
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The town
and road map of South Central Idaho will help you locate cities, towns and other attractions. |
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