Historic Downtown Idaho Falls
Historic Downtown Idaho Falls blends preserved charm with modern vibrancy, offering unique shops, diverse dining, and scenic Greenbelt access.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Farmers Market buzz
Historic Downtown Idaho Falls
Best Time
Farmers Market buzz
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic Downtown Idaho Falls blends preserved charm with modern vibrancy, offering unique shops, diverse dining, and scenic Greenbelt access.
"A revitalized downtown that's a lovely place to shop, dine, get a drink, be entertained and take in some culture."
🚗 Parking Pointers
Metered parking is common. Some Redditors suggest carpooling or checking for employee parking solutions. :parking:
🎨 Discover Local Art
Explore Pugsslane Alley for vibrant street art and check out local galleries and boutiques. :art:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historic Rogers Building
Downtown Idaho Falls
A beautifully preserved historic building housing unique boutiques like The Plant Box and Thistle Dew.
Pugsslane Alley
Downtown Idaho Falls
Vibrant street art and graffiti murals transforming alleyways into an open-air gallery.
Idaho Falls Farmers' Market
Bonneville County Civil Court (Saturdays)
A bustling Saturday market offering fresh produce, local crafts, and delicious baked goods.
Snake River Greenbelt
Adjacent to Downtown
Scenic walking paths along the Snake River, perfect for a leisurely stroll with city views.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Charm, Plan Your Parking
Discover Local Gems & Events
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Pointers
Metered parking is common. Some Redditors suggest carpooling or checking for employee parking solutions. :parking:
🎨 Discover Local Art
Explore Pugsslane Alley for vibrant street art and check out local galleries and boutiques. :art:
🛍️ Shop Unique Boutiques
From plants to fashion, discover one-of-a-kind items in historic buildings. :shopping_bags:
🌸 Admire the Flowers
Enjoy the bright, cheerful, and well-maintained flower displays throughout downtown. :flowerplayingcards:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Pointers
Metered parking is common. Some Redditors suggest carpooling or checking for employee parking solutions. :parking:
🎨 Discover Local Art
Explore Pugsslane Alley for vibrant street art and check out local galleries and boutiques. :art:
🛍️ Shop Unique Boutiques
From plants to fashion, discover one-of-a-kind items in historic buildings. :shopping_bags:
🌸 Admire the Flowers
Enjoy the bright, cheerful, and well-maintained flower displays throughout downtown. :flowerplayingcards:
🚶♀️ Walk the Greenbelt
Take a relaxing stroll along the Snake River for beautiful views and a break from shopping. :running:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Historic Downtown Idaho Falls for its charming atmosphere, diverse shopping, and excellent dining options. The revitalization efforts have created a vibrant and walkable area. However, some concerns have been raised regarding parking policies and their impact on businesses and employees.
"Charging for parking tells people to stay far away from and never shop at a downtown business. You are destroying downtown with your stupid ideas that are anti customer and then anti business. You should be ashamed of yourselves."
Joe B
"In a process that’s mirrored across the country, Downtown Idaho Falls has been revitalized in the last couple of decades, and is a lovely place to shop, dine, get a drink, be entertained and take in some culture.
Many of the spots on this list can be found downtown, and there’s a catalogue of independent shops for fashion, one-off gifts, furniture, antiques, flowers, jewelry, photography, musical instruments, toys, art and specialty items.
On Saturdays the thriving Idaho Falls Farmers’ Market also sets up at Bonneville County Civil Court, for fresh seasonal produce, handmade specialty foods and tasty baked treats.
As for dining, there’s a truly cosmopolitan selection, whether you’re hankering for Mexican (Pachangas), American classics (Snakebite), Pizza (Lucy’s New York Style Pizzeria), Thai (Krung Thep), Chinese (Happy’s), Indian (Cardamom), to name just a small few."
Ankit Patel
"I love the flowers everywhere. They are bright and cheerful and very well maintained. I also love the walkability of downtown Idaho Falls. So fun to walk around, stop in a few shops, grab lunch and maybe head to the Green Belt."
Marijke Mill, Real Estate
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Historic Downtown Idaho Falls is easily accessible by car. Major routes like I-15 will lead you to the city. Once downtown, street parking is available, though it can be metered. Public transportation options might be limited, so driving is often the most convenient way to reach the area.
Information on extensive public transportation directly serving Historic Downtown Idaho Falls is limited. It's advisable to check local transit schedules if you prefer not to drive, but driving and parking is the most common method for visitors.
Historic Downtown Idaho Falls is very walkable, making it easy to explore shops and restaurants on foot. Many visitors enjoy strolling along the Greenbelt as well.
While street parking is prevalent, specific parking garages might be available. It's recommended to look for signage upon arrival or use a navigation app to find designated parking areas.
Yes, biking is a great option! The Greenbelt offers scenic paths that connect to downtown, making it a pleasant way to arrive for cyclists.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no tickets required to simply visit and explore Historic Downtown Idaho Falls. Entry to the area is free. Specific attractions or events within downtown may have their own admission fees.
Operating hours for shops and restaurants in Historic Downtown Idaho Falls vary. Most boutiques are open during standard business hours, typically from 10 AM to 6 PM, with some staying open later. Saturday Farmers' Markets have specific hours.
The Snake River Greenbelt in Idaho Falls is a public park and is free to access. You can enjoy the walking paths and scenic views without any admission charge.
Parking in Historic Downtown Idaho Falls can be metered, with costs varying. Some reviews mention concerns about parking charges impacting customer experience. It's best to check parking meters or signs for current rates.
Yes, downtown Idaho Falls frequently hosts free events, especially during holidays and seasons. The Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony is a popular free event. 
🍽️ 🛍️ Shopping & Dining
You'll find a diverse range of independent shops, including boutiques for fashion, unique gifts, furniture, antiques, flowers, jewelry, photography, musical instruments, toys, and art.
Downtown Idaho Falls boasts a cosmopolitan dining scene with options like Mexican (Pachangas), American classics, pizza, Thai, Chinese, and Indian cuisine.
Yes, several coffee shops are located in the historic downtown area, perfect for a break while exploring. ZZ Coffee is mentioned as a neighbor to other boutiques.
The Idaho Falls Farmers' Market, held on Saturdays, offers fresh seasonal produce, handmade specialty foods, and baked treats. It's a great place to experience local flavors.
Absolutely! The independent boutiques and gift shops in Historic Downtown Idaho Falls are perfect for finding unique souvenirs and one-of-a-kind items.
📸 📸 Photography Spots
Great photo opportunities include the historic architecture, Pugsslane Alley's vibrant murals, the Snake River bridge, and the beautifully maintained flower displays. The Greenbelt also offers scenic backdrops. +1
Pugsslane Alley is the prime location for street art and graffiti murals. The Instagram page @pugsslanealley is a good resource for discovering these artistic spots.
During the holiday season, the decorated streets, Christmas lights, and the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony provide magical backdrops for festive photos.
Golden hour, shortly after sunrise or before sunset, offers beautiful lighting for photographing the historic buildings and streetscapes. Midday can be bright, but the flowers and art provide good subjects.
Generally, it's polite to ask permission before taking extensive photos inside private businesses. Many shops encourage sharing photos of their products or spaces on social media.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The Saturday Farmers' Market is a great outing for families, offering fun sights, sounds, and tastes. Strolling along the Snake River Greenbelt provides a safe and scenic space for children to run around. During the holidays, events like the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony are particularly magical for younger visitors.
+1🚶♀️ Walkability Enthusiasts
The Snake River Greenbelt is a major draw, offering miles of paved paths perfect for leisurely walks, jogging, or cycling. This connectivity between the downtown core and the natural beauty of the river enhances the pedestrian experience.
🎨 Art & Culture Aficionados
The area's historic architecture itself tells a story, with buildings like the Rogers Building offering a glimpse into the past. Keep an eye out for local events and performances that often take place in and around downtown, adding to the cultural richness of the experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Revitalization of Historic Downtown Idaho Falls
The development corporation has been instrumental in sponsoring events that draw people to the area, fostering a lively atmosphere. From holiday sleigh rides to brewery events, these initiatives aim to make downtown a fun place for both families and adults. This proactive approach has helped to combat the decline often seen in historic city centers, making it a model for other communities.
Visitors can experience this renewed energy by exploring the unique boutiques, enjoying the cosmopolitan dining options, and taking in the scenic beauty of the Snake River Greenbelt. The blend of history and contemporary appeal makes Historic Downtown Idaho Falls a compelling place to visit and support.
Exploring the Unique Boutiques
+1For plant enthusiasts, The Plant Box, located within the historic Rogers Building, is a must-visit. It boasts an impressive selection of healthy plants and knowledgeable staff ready to assist.
Thistle Dew, also in the Rogers Building, offers a curated selection of goods, contributing to the area's reputation for distinctive shopping experiences. Beyond these, you can discover shops specializing in antiques, art, musical instruments, and photography, ensuring there's something to pique every shopper's interest. This focus on local and independent businesses is a key part of the downtown's charm and appeal.
A Culinary Journey Through Downtown
Restaurants like Pachangas Mexican Restaurant and Uncle Benny's Pizza are popular choices, providing delicious meals in a vibrant setting. For those seeking a more upscale experience, establishments like Smoking Fins and Copper Rill offer refined dining.
In addition to sit-down restaurants, the Saturday Farmers' Market is a fantastic place to sample local delicacies, baked goods, and specialty foods, adding another layer to the culinary exploration of downtown Idaho Falls.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit