Twin Falls

Twin Falls is the largest city in South Central Idaho and the seventh-largest city in the state. Having been founded in 1905, it is the youngest of Idaho's major cities. Twin Falls has become a regional cultural and economic center for South Central Idaho and northeastern Nevada.

Understand
Once in the heart of a stretch on the Oregon Trail best known for its inhospitable environment, Twin Falls was founded in 1904 as a planned community after irrigation projects on the Snake River made large-scale agriculture in the area practical for the first time. Twin Falls is the principal city of the Magic Valley region of Idaho, so named because said irrigation projects "magically" transformed the harsh landscape into productive farmland. While agriculture remains one of the city's primary industries, its proximity to outdoor activities as well as to casino gaming in nearby Nevada give it a regional tourist flair. Twin Falls is home to over 40,000 residents, making it one of Idaho's principal cities outside the Boise metro area.

Talk
Although English is the primary language in Twin Falls, a significant Hispanic community as well as refugees brought in by the local community college give the city an added multicultural element. It is not at all unusual to hear Spanish, Bosnian and Russian - among other languages - spoken in the city. That said, don't expect too much linguistic diversity; as in the rest of Idaho, English is still by far your best bet with Spanish a distant second.

By car

 * Twin Falls can be accessed by car via US Highway 93. Interstate 84 runs approximately 5 miles (8 km) north of the city in Jerome County and intersects US-93. Unless you are coming from Nevada, you will cross the bridge over the Snake River Canyon.

By train

 * Due to both geographical and political realities, passenger rail service is utterly non-existent in the area. The closest Amtrak stop is in Elko, Nevada, some away. In short, driving or flying are the only practical methods to get here.

By bus

 * Greyhound Bus provides service between Boise and Twin Falls. The trip takes about two hours and fifteen minutes.
 * Salt Lake Express

Get around
Twin Falls offers a micro-transit system through RIDE TFT, which offers a citywide, point-to-point transportation. You can request or schedule a ride from the app or by calling 208-974-7433.

RIDE TFT Service Hours

Service Hours
Mondays – Thursdays:  6:00 AM to 9:00 PM

Fridays:  6:00 AM to Midnight

Saturdays:  7:00 AM to Midnight

Sundays:  CLOSED

Closed on holidays.

Fare

Standard fare before 9pm, is $3 per trip (no matter how many passengers in your party.)

After 9pm fare is $10 per trip. RIDE TFT service to the Twin Falls Airport cost $10 per ride.

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Having your own car is effectively a requirement to see anything more than walking distance from your hotel. Cars can be rented at Magic Valley Regional Airport from many companies including Alamo, Avis, Budget, Hertz and National.

Rudimentary taxi service is available in the city if needed, but it's no Manhattan. Don't expect to hail a cab even on busy streets. Check Yellow Pages for services.

Do
Most other diversions in the Twin Falls area revolve around outdoor activities such as camping, hunting and fishing. Other activities include:



Eat
Twin Falls isn't exactly a destination for foodies. Apart from the expected assortment of chain restaurants (i.e. Chili's, Outback, the usual complement of fast-food joints, et al.) the fare is a bit lacking. That said, Twin Falls does feature several Thai restaurants and family-oriented establishments.

Mexican cuisine is your best bet in the city. Try:



Approximately 45 minutes away in Hagerman, the Snake River Grill comes highly recommended by the locals, who often say it's worth the drive. Be sure to try the alligator. .

Drink
Bars in Twin Falls close at 1AM sharp, no excuses.

Sleep
Twin Falls has experienced something of a hotel building boom. Many of the hotels along Blue Lakes Boulevard and Pole Line Road were constructed after 2007, so there are plenty of new and comfortable rooms to choose from.



Connect
Cell phone service is consistent and reliable in Twin Falls proper as well as in the surrounding communities. However, if you travel further south than Jackpot, Nevada, on US Highway 93, expect to have an intermittent signal at best until you approach Wells or Ely.

Public WiFi access is available at most larger hotels, as well as at some coffee shops.

Stay safe
Given that much of the city's commercial and tourist infrastructure is concentrated around the intersection of Blue Lakes Boulevard and Poleline Road, as well as the fact nearby Perrine Bridge is effectively the only way in and out of Twin Falls from the north, traffic in the immediate area can be as heavy as anywhere in a much larger population center such as Boise. Stay alert if driving or walking through here.

Go next

 * Twin Falls is approximately halfway between Boise and Pocatello, about a two-hour drive from each. Salt Lake City is approximately three hours away by car, or a 45 minutes by air.
 * Jackpot - Approximately 45 miles (75 km) south of Twin Falls just over the Nevada border, the small town of Jackpot offers casino gaming and routinely draws crowds from all over the area. Collectively the Jackpot casinos employ more people from Twin Falls than any employer in Twin Falls.
 * Sun Valley - As in most of Idaho, the first day of ski season in November is eagerly anticipated in the Magic Valley. If the highbrow atmosphere (and corresponding prices) of Sun Valley aren't for you, try the more wallet-friendly Pomerelle resort south of Declo. Both locations are approximately an hour's drive from Twin Falls.