
Herrett Center Twin Falls Idaho
A free museum exploring natural history and anthropology, featuring a captivating planetarium and art gallery.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Free telescope viewing

Herrett Center Twin Falls Idaho
Best Time
Free telescope viewing

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A free museum exploring natural history and anthropology, featuring a captivating planetarium and art gallery.
"Free entry to a clean, well-lit, and very interesting museum and learning center."

🎯 Free Museum Entry!
Enjoy the museum galleries for free! Donations are welcome to support their community services.
⭐ Star Parties are Cool
Don't miss free telescope viewing on Second Saturdays, weather permitting. Great for night owls!

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Faulkner Planetarium
Immerse yourself in cosmic wonders with captivating shows about the sun and stars. Affordable and educational for all ages.

Natural History Galleries
Explore fossils, ancient tools, and impressive specimens, including a replica of the Huntington Canyon mammoth.

Anthropological Exhibits
Discover Native American cultural items and artifacts from the prehistoric Americas, offering a glimpse into ancient civilizations.

Art Gallery
Appreciate diverse artistic expressions in a well-lit and engaging space, often featuring local and regional artists.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Free Museum, Paid Planetarium
Check Show & Event Schedules
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Free Museum Entry!
Enjoy the museum galleries for free! Donations are welcome to support their community services.
⭐ Star Parties are Cool
Don't miss free telescope viewing on Second Saturdays, weather permitting. Great for night owls!
🎟️ Planetarium Tickets
Shows have a fee ($7 adult, $6 senior, $5 kid). Check schedule for times and book ahead.
👨👩👧 Kid-Friendly Fun
Great for all ages! Hands-on crafts, games, and educational activities make learning fun.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Free Museum Entry!
Enjoy the museum galleries for free! Donations are welcome to support their community services.
⭐ Star Parties are Cool
Don't miss free telescope viewing on Second Saturdays, weather permitting. Great for night owls!
🎟️ Planetarium Tickets
Shows have a fee ($7 adult, $6 senior, $5 kid). Check schedule for times and book ahead.
👨👩👧 Kid-Friendly Fun
Great for all ages! Hands-on crafts, games, and educational activities make learning fun.
♿ Accessible Telescope
In 2004, they had the world's largest wheelchair-accessible telescope. Inquire about current accessibility.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Herrett Center for its free museum admission, engaging exhibits on natural history and anthropology, and the captivating shows at the Faulkner Planetarium. The knowledgeable and friendly staff enhance the experience, making it a highly recommended stop for families and anyone interested in learning.
"Plenty of free parking.
Free entry to the museum / center.
Great place to take kids of all ages.
The place is clean, well lit, easy to navigate, and very interesting.
If you have time and are in the area, you should stop by and spend an hour exploring here."
Jeremy Leishman
"This place is a museum and learning center, the gallery and museum part are FREE, but donations are welcome (and you should consider donating so they can continue to provide their services to the community.)
Second Saturday of each month, free telescope viewing, lasting from sunset to 9:00 pm or two hours after, whichever is later.
Ask for a schedule for the planetarium shows, tickets are $7 per adult $6 per senior, $5 per kid and 2 years old and younger is free. Ask for a schedule for the star parties and events, the star parties are very cool if you’re a night owl and love learning about stars and such. They host reptile reviews, hands-on crafts and games, and many other educational activities. They also provide information on development of STEM programs at the college and in the community, as well as community learning events at the Herrett center. The staff is great at answering any questions, and I highly recommend that anyone and everyone go here.
Fun fact, in 2004, they had the largest wheelchair accessible telescope in the world. It’s a pretty big telescope!"
Samantha Payne
"Informative intresting museum on campus of College of Southern Idaho in Twin Falls city. It is for all age groups. It is educative for school children. Center has Anthropological artefacts & natural history specimens. It has 3 sections
1 Natural history - 6 galleries showing fossils, ancient stone tools, Native American cultural items
2 Astronomy - Faulkner Planetarium & Centennial observatory
3 Art gallery
No admission fee
Opening times are different on different days
Sunday, Monday closed
Planetarium has some shows on fee.
Souvenir shop & restroom available.
Replica of Huntington canyon mammoth is interesting"
Anil Aggarwal
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Herrett Center is located on the campus of the College of Southern Idaho (CSI) in Twin Falls. It's easily accessible by car, with plenty of free parking available. If using GPS, search for 'Herrett Center CSI' or the college's main address.
Information on public transportation routes serving the College of Southern Idaho campus can be found on the local transit authority's website. It's advisable to check their schedules in advance.
You'll find ample free parking available at the Herrett Center, which is a significant plus for visitors.
The Herrett Center is a prominent building on the CSI campus and is generally easy to locate. Follow campus signage once you arrive.
Absolutely! The Herrett Center is a great stop for a day trip, offering a few hours of engaging exploration.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission to the museum galleries at the Herrett Center is free! Donations are gratefully accepted to support their educational programs.
Planetarium shows have a fee: $7 for adults, $6 for seniors, and $5 for children. Children 2 and under are free.
While not always mandatory, it's highly recommended to check the schedule and book planetarium show tickets in advance, especially for popular showings or during peak times, as they can sell out.
Opening hours vary by day, and the center is closed on Sundays and Mondays. It's best to check the official Herrett Center website or call ahead for the most current hours of operation.
Yes, the Herrett Center hosts free events like 'Star Parties' on the second Saturday of each month, offering telescope viewing from sunset.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The Herrett Center features three main sections: Natural History (fossils, ancient tools, specimens), Anthropology (Native American artifacts, prehistoric American continents), and an Art Gallery.
Absolutely! The Herrett Center is designed to be educational and fun for all ages, with interactive elements and engaging exhibits that appeal to children.
The Faulkner Planetarium offers immersive shows about the sun, solar storms, and the cosmos. It's a highlight for many visitors, providing a captivating visual experience.
The center hosts various events, including 'Star Parties' for telescope viewing, reptile reviews, hands-on crafts, and STEM-focused community learning events.
Most visitors find that spending about an hour exploring the museum galleries is sufficient, but you could easily spend longer if you attend a planetarium show or participate in an event.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The Herrett Center itself does not appear to have a cafe or restaurant. Visitors typically eat before or after their visit.
Being on the CSI campus, there might be limited options directly adjacent. However, Twin Falls city offers numerous restaurants and cafes within a short driving distance.
Generally, it's best to consume food and drinks outside of exhibit areas to preserve the artifacts and displays. Check for designated areas if available.
The Depot Grill, a historic restaurant serving locals for over 100 years, is mentioned in Twin Falls, though its proximity to the Herrett Center would require a short drive.
Twin Falls offers a variety of dining options, from casual eateries to more established restaurants, catering to different tastes and budgets.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed in the museum galleries for personal use, but flash photography might be restricted to protect exhibits. Always check for posted signs or ask staff.
Photography during planetarium shows is typically not permitted to avoid distracting from the immersive experience.
The exhibits themselves, especially the natural history specimens and anthropological artifacts, offer unique photographic subjects. The art gallery also provides visual interest.
Weekday mornings or early afternoons usually have fewer crowds, allowing for more relaxed photography. The lighting within the galleries is generally good.
Tripods and professional photography equipment may require special permission. It's best to contact the Herrett Center in advance to inquire about their policy.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Look out for special events like hands-on crafts and games, which are perfect for keeping children entertained and learning. The center's layout is clean, well-lit, and easy to navigate, making it stress-free for parents. The staff are known for being welcoming and helpful, adding to the positive family experience.
💰 Budget Travelers
Parking is also free, further reducing costs. Consider timing your visit for the Second Saturday Star Parties, which offer free telescope viewing and a unique astronomical experience. This makes the Herrett Center a fantastic option for an enriching and inexpensive outing in Twin Falls.
🔭 Astronomy Enthusiasts
Don't miss the Second Saturday Star Parties for free telescope viewing opportunities. The center's history with large, accessible telescopes, including the world's largest wheelchair-accessible one in 2004, speaks to its commitment to astronomy. The knowledgeable staff can provide insights into celestial events and the science behind them.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Natural History & Anthropology Exhibits
The Anthropological sections delve into the rich history of the prehistoric American continents. You'll find Native American cultural items and artifacts that provide insights into the lives and traditions of ancient peoples. The Journeys and Andean (Peruvian) exhibits are particularly praised for their depth and presentation, offering a fascinating look at human history and cultural development.
These free-to-enter galleries are a cornerstone of the Herrett Center experience, providing a substantial educational component without any admission cost. The clean, well-lit, and easy-to-navigate layout ensures a pleasant exploration for everyone.
The Magic of the Faulkner Planetarium
While the museum galleries are free, there is a fee for planetarium shows. Tickets are priced affordably at $7 for adults, $6 for seniors, and $5 for children, with younger children under two admitted for free. The shows are highly recommended by visitors for their educational value and immersive quality, making them a worthwhile addition to your visit. It's advisable to check the show schedule and consider booking tickets in advance, especially during busy periods.
Community Engagement and Special Events
A popular recurring event is the Second Saturday Star Party, where visitors can enjoy free telescope viewing from sunset. These events are a fantastic opportunity for night owls and astronomy enthusiasts to explore the night sky. Beyond astronomy, the center also organizes reptile reviews, hands-on crafts, and games, ensuring there's something engaging for visitors of all ages.
The staff at the Herrett Center are consistently praised for being knowledgeable and friendly, always ready to answer questions and enhance the visitor experience. The center also celebrates its community connections, as seen in social media posts bidding farewell to dedicated staff members who have contributed significantly to its programming.

Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit