South Central Idaho

Amazing Gazes

Thousand Springs

How did the Thousand Springs Scenic Route get its name? Keep an eye on the canyon walls between Hagerman and Buhl. You'll soon see plumes of water gushing from the black basalt. Hot springs and fishing holes all along this route entice travelers to linger in the Hagerman Valley. If you stop for a meal, chances are any fish on the menu will be fresh from within a few miles of the restaurant, because most of the world's commercially raised trout comes from South Central Idaho. See the Clear Springs Visitor Center to learn how fish are farmed, and to get an underwater view of the trout and their big brothers, the sturgeon (some of whom grow to eight feet long!)

FOSSIL BEDS

The secrets of these fossil beds weren't revealed until 1928 when Hagerman Valley residents discovered ancient bones encased in the bluffs above the west bank of the Snake River. Soon paleontologists uncovered fossils from 144 different animals, 44 identified for the first time. A stop at the Visitor Center will introduce you to the amazing Hagerman Horse, Idaho's official state fossil. These remarkable zebra-like creatures existed 3 million years ago on the shores of the now extinct Lake Idaho.

HERRETT CENTER & PLANETARIUM

The new Faulkner Planetarium in the Herrett Center for Art and Science is the largest state-of-the-art facility in the entire Northwest. Enjoy a star-studded show or experience the past through exhibits of ancient tools and pottery. A variety of art exhibitions are scheduled throughout the year.

More on South Central Idaho

Antor

South Central Idaho

Amazing Gazes

History and Culture - Lava Flows and Lost Rivers: High Desert Heaven

Retracing Pioneer Footsteps

The Snake River Plain