“Thousand Springs” by brewbooks is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.
Nestled within Idaho’s Magic Valley, Thousand Springs State Park embodies the essence of natural splendor and historical depth, making it one of the most unique things to do in Idaho for adventurers and history buffs alike. This expansive park is divided into seven distinctive units, each offering its unique set of wonders and activities. From exploring the trails of the Oregon Trail at Kelton Trail to witnessing the awe-inspiring Malad Gorge and enjoying the tranquility of Billingsley Creek, Thousand Springs is a testament to the diverse beauty and heritage of southern Idaho.
A Mosaic of Natural Wonders
Spanning across multiple locations near the Hagerman Valley, Thousand Springs State Park provides visitors with an array of geological and hydrological phenomena that are as varied as they are stunning. The park’s units, including Malad Gorge, Kelton Trail, Earl M. Hardy Box Canyon Springs Nature Preserve, Billingsley Creek, Ritter Island, and Niagara Springs, showcase the incredible force of water as it cascades down volcanic cliffs, forming gushing springs and serene pools that define the landscape of south-central Idaho.
Malad Gorge & Kelton Trail
At Malad Gorge, visitors can marvel at the Malad River as it plunges 250 feet through Devil’s Washbowl before winding its way through a striking canyon. This unit not only offers breathtaking views from its viewing bridge but also invites explorers to delve into crystal-clear springs and an additional canyon. Meanwhile, the historic Kelton Trail, once a vital route for mail, freight, and passengers, preserves the legacy of those who traversed this rugged terrain, with visible wagon ruts cut into the rocks serving as silent testimonies of the past.
Billingsley Creek & Ritter Island
Billingsley Creek is set to become the central hub of Thousand Springs State Park, with plans for a new visitor center, RV campground, and various recreational facilities in the works. Currently, the creek offers a peaceful retreat where visitors can fish, float, or simply relax by the water. Ritter Island, rich with pioneer history, tells the story of Minnie Miller and her state-of-the-art dairy farm. Visitors today can paddle around the island, hike along the Snake River, or attend the annual Thousand Springs Festival of the Arts, celebrating the island’s heritage and natural beauty.
Box Canyon & Niagara Springs
Earl M. Hardy Box Canyon Springs Nature Preserve is home to one of North America’s largest springs, with water flowing at an astonishing rate of 180,000 gallons per minute. A 4.3-mile loop trail offers an immersive experience as it follows the canyon rim and the vibrant blue pools below. Niagara Springs, meanwhile, impresses with water bursting from the canyon walls into a striking blue pool, a sight easily accessible via a short walk from the road. This unit also provides a picturesque setting for picnicking or fishing, adding to the park’s allure.
Planning Your Visit
Visiting Thousand Springs State Park requires a $7.00 entrance fee per car, with a $10.00 Idaho State Park Pass available for those planning to explore multiple parks. The brand-new visitor center in Hagerman, located along the Thousand Springs Scenic Byway, serves as the perfect starting point for your adventure, offering maps, information, and even adventure backpacks for loan. Whether you’re driving through charming towns, stopping for local cuisine, or exploring the varied units of the park, Thousand Springs State Park is a destination that promises unforgettable experiences.
Discovering Thousand Springs State Park – Unique Things to Do in Idaho
Thousand Springs State Park stands as a beacon of Idaho’s natural beauty and historical significance. With its diverse landscapes, from awe-inspiring waterfalls and ancient canyons to serene springs and historic trails, the park offers a myriad of activities for all who visit. Whether you’re a rock climber, hiker, history enthusiast, or simply in search of tranquility, Thousand Springs State Park invites you to discover the magic of Idaho’s Magic Valley, where every visit is an adventure and every vista tells a story.
Quick Facts About Thousand Springs State Park
- Thousand Springs State Park is uniquely divided into seven units, including Malad Gorge, Kelton Trail, Earl M. Hardy Box Canyon Springs Nature Preserve, Billingsley Creek, Ritter Island, and Niagara Springs, each offering a unique slice of the Magic Valley’s natural and historical tapestry.
- The park is renowned for its stunning geological and hydrological phenomena, showcasing the power of water as it cascades down volcanic cliffs to form gushing springs and serene pools across the varied landscape of south-central Idaho.
- Visitors can tread along the historic Kelton Trail, an essential route for mail, freight, and passengers in the mid-19th century, and explore Malad Gorge to view breathtaking waterfalls and ancient canyons, witnessing the area’s natural beauty and historical significance.
- Billingsley Creek, set to become the future hub of Thousand Springs State Park, will feature a new visitor center, RV campground, and various recreational facilities, enhancing the park’s appeal and accessibility for future visitors.
- Earl M. Hardy Box Canyon Springs Nature Preserve within the park boasts one of North America’s largest springs, with water flowing at an impressive rate of 180,000 gallons per minute, offering visitors an immersive natural experience alongside vibrant blue pools and cascading waterfalls.
- With a nominal entrance fee and the option for an Idaho State Park Pass, the park encourages exploration of its numerous units, facilitated by the brand-new visitor center in Hagerman. This center provides maps, information, and even adventure backpacks for loan, ensuring visitors fully experience the magic of Thousand Springs State Park and its surrounding attractions.
Idaho’s Mammoth Cave
Planning a trip to Idaho? Don’t forget to put Idaho’s Mammoth Cave at the top of your list. As one of the most unique things to do in Idaho, you can explore a unique and awe-inspiring underground landscape at your own personal pace with our self-guided tours. In addition to the cave, there are two privately owned museums of natural history on-site, the Shoshone Bird Museum and the Richard Arthur Olsen Museum featuring a wealth of exhibits that has earned them nickname “The Smithsonian of the Desert,” making it an unforgettable stop for the whole family.
Located eight miles north of Shoshone, Idaho, on Highway 75, Idaho’s Mammoth Cave will be open for seasonal tours from May – October, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., 7 days a week, including all major holidays. For more information, visit idahosmammothcave.com or call (208) 329-5382.
