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Twin Falls, ID

Frequently asked questions

Twin Falls, ID

Twin Falls is the county seat and largest city of Twin Falls County, Idaho, United States. The city had a population of 51,807 as of the 2020 census. In the Magic Valley region, Twin Falls is the largest city in a 100-mile (160 km) radius, and is the regional commercial center for south-central Idaho and northeastern Nevada. It is the principal city of the Twin Falls metropolitan statistical area, which officially includes the entirety of Twin Falls and Jerome Counties. The border town resort community of Jackpot, Nevada, 50 mi (80 km) south at the state line, is unofficially considered part of the greater Twin Falls area. Located on a broad plain at the south rim of the Snake River Canyon, Twin Falls, is where daredevil Evel Knievel attempted to jump across the canyon in 1974 on a steam-powered rocket. The jump site is northeast of central Twin Falls, midway between Shoshone Falls and the Perrine Bridge.

Twin Falls is located at 42°34'N 114°28'W (42.561,-114.464). According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 18.16 square miles (47.03 km²), of which 0.06 square miles (0.16 km²) is covered by water.

The Snake River Canyon forms the city's northern limits, separating it from Jerome County. Three waterfalls are in the immediate area. Shoshone Falls is located about 5 mi (8.0 km) east of Twin Falls city. Pillar Falls is located roughly 1+1⁄2 mi (2+1⁄2 km) upstream from the Perrine Bridge, while Twin Falls, the city's namesake, is located upstream of Shoshone Falls. Shoshone Falls stands at 213 ft (65 m), which is 46 ft (14 m) higher than Niagara Falls.

The Perrine Bridge, which spans the Snake River Canyon immediately north of the city, is one of only a handful of artificial structures worldwide where BASE jumping is legal. In September 2005, Miles Daisher of Twin Falls set a BASE-jumping world record by jumping off Perrine Bridge 57 times in a 24-hour period. In July 2006, Dan Schilling jumped off the bridge 201 times in 21 hours to raise money for charity. Unlike Daisher, Schilling was hoisted to the top of the bridge by a crane after every jump.

Excavations at Wilson Butte Cave near Twin Falls in 1959 revealed evidence of human activity, including arrowheads, that rank among the oldest dated artifacts in North America. Later Native American tribes predominant in the area included the Northern Shoshone and Bannock.

The first people of European ancestry to visit the Twin Falls area are believed to be members of a group led by American Wilson Price Hunt, who attempted to blaze an all-water trail westward from St. Louis, Missouri, to Astoria, Oregon, in 1811 and 1812. Hunt's expedition met with disaster; much of his expedition was destroyed and one man was killed in rapids on the Snake River known as Caldron Linn near present-day Murtaugh. Hunt and the surviving members of his expedition completed the journey to Astoria by land.

In 1812 and 1813, Robert Stuart successfully led an overland expedition eastward from Astoria to St. Louis, which passed through the Twin Falls area. Stuart's route formed the basis of what became the Oregon Trail. Some 150 years later, Robert Stuart Middle School in Twin Falls was named in his honor.

The first permanent settlement in the area was a stage stop established in 1864 at Rock Creek near the present-day townsite. By 1890, a handful of successful agricultural operations were in the Snake River Canyon, but the lack of infrastructure and the canyon's geography made irrigating the dry surrounding area improbable at best.

A land drawing was held for the future townsite in July 1903, with disappointing results. A much more successful drawing was held in October 1904. Twin Falls city was founded in 1904 as a planned community, designed by celebrated Franco-American architect Emmanuel Louis Masqueray, with proceeds from sales of townsite lots going toward construction of irrigation canals. Twin Falls was incorporated as a village on April 12, 1905. The city is named for a nearby waterfall on the Snake River of the same name. In 1907, Twin Falls became the seat of the newly formed Twin Falls County.

Twin Falls focuses on health and wellness. The city boasts several healthcare facilities, such as St. Luke's Magic Valley Medical Center, providing residents with access to comprehensive medical services. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs offered by the Twin Falls Parks and Recreation Department. These spaces provide opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, sports, and picnicking. Join local fitness centers and gyms to participate in exercise programs, fitness classes, and strength training. Some popular options include FIT 1 Gym, Studio G Fitness and XrossWay Fitness Center. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around Twin Falls, such as the Snake River Canyon Rim Trails, Ascension Park and Harmon Park. These trails offer opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

Top sites in Twin Falls, ID are Orton Botanical Garden, Herrett Center, and Shoshone Falls Park.

Population: 55,589 (2024). ZIP codes: 83301, 83302, 83303. Area codes: 208, 986. Elevation: 3,734 ft (1,138 m). Area: 19.47 sq mi (50.43 km²).

FAQs

What is Twin Falls, ID known for?

Often referred to as the Niagara of the West, Shoshone Falls is a must-see attraction in Twin Falls, Idaho.  At 212 feet tall and 900 foot wide, Shoshone Falls is one of the largest natural waterfalls in the United States surpassing the height of the famous Niagara Falls. Shoshone Falls is located on the Snake River as it carves its way through a deep basalt Canyon on its way to the Columbia River. 

Is Twin Falls, ID a good place to live?

Twin Falls has a very low cost of living, 9% lower than the national average. It is located in a beautiful part of the country, with mountains, rivers, and lakes nearby. It's also a safe community with a low crime rate because it is known for its friendly and welcoming people. Twin Falls is a great place to raise a family because there are plenty of schools, parks, and other activities for kids.

Is Twin Falls, ID expensive to live in?

Twin Falls, Idaho's cost of living is 9% lower than the national average. Twin Falls's housing expenses are 15% lower than the national average and the utility prices are 18% lower than the national average. Transportation expenses like bus fares and gas prices are 11% higher than the national average. Twin Falls has grocery prices that are 4% lower than the national average. Healthcare in Twin Falls is 14% lower than the national average.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Twin Falls

St. Luke's Magic Valley Medical Center

Twin Falls Parks and Recreation Department

FIT 1 Gym

Studio G Fitness 

XrossWay Fitness Center

Snake River Canyon Rim Trails 

Ascension Park 

Harmon Park

Orton Botanical Garden

Herrett Center

Shoshone Falls Park

Twin Falls Idaho

Payscale

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