Idaho Falls is about 256 miles and four hours 15 minutes from downtown Provo, by an OpenStreetMap routing estimate (OSRM, no traffic) from Center Street and University Avenue to the river walk at the center of town. It is I-15 north nearly the whole way. Most people from Utah Valley know it as the place they stop for gas on the way to Yellowstone. The reason to stop longer is the Snake River Greenbelt: a paved path along both banks of a wide river, with a waterfall running through downtown.
The greenbelt, and what you can see from it
Visit Idaho, the state tourism office, describes the greenbelt as a paved path that covers five miles on both sides of the Snake River, built for walking and biking. Its centerpiece is the falls themselves, which the state describes as 600 feet wide across the river. Google lists the River Walk's address as 525 River Parkway, with the path open around the clock.
Three things line the walk, each a short detour:
The falls and the power plants. The river that gives the city its name also powers it. Idaho Falls Power, the city-owned electric utility, says it has used the Snake River for hydropower since 1900 and now owns and operates five hydropower plants that produce about one-third of the city's electricity. The utility advertises tours of its hydroelectric plant; check its site for when they run.
The Japanese Friendship Garden, 600 W. Broadway. The city describes it as sitting on a rocky island in the river, the site of the first bridge to span the Snake in eastern Idaho. It was built to mark thirty years of ties with Idaho Falls' Japanese sister city, Tokai-Mura, and includes a traditional gate, a viewing platform, water features, a "Dragon's Path" across a pond and a large lantern given by Tokai-Mura. Volunteers built much of it. Since 2022 the city has not taken reservations, so it is open to anyone who walks in; the city asks visitors to stay on the paths and not bring confetti, fake flowers or balloons (it is a popular photo spot).
The Idaho Falls Temple, 1000 Memorial Drive, on the east bank. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints lists its dedication as Sept. 23, 1945, and its rededication as June 4, 2017. A visitors' center on the grounds is open to the public, according to the Church's temple page. From the west bank of the greenbelt, the temple stands across the river from the falls.
A practical way to walk it: start downtown near Broadway, walk upstream on one bank, cross, and walk back on the other. You can make it as long or short as you like, since the path runs on both sides.
The museum and the zoo, for a full day
Museum of Idaho, 200 N. Eastern Ave., a few blocks from the river. Its website describes it as Idaho's premier history and science center, with a flagship Idaho exhibit where you can "hunt a mammoth" and stroll through an Old West town. As listed in October 2026:
| Ticket | Price |
|---|---|
| Adult | $20 |
| Senior (65+) or student (13 to 17, or college ID) | $16 |
| Youth (4 to 12) | $14 |
| Idaho residents | 25 percent off |
Hours are Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday 1 to 5 p.m. Parking is free. The museum notes it has no regular government funding. A college ID gets the student price, which matters for the BYU or UVU student making this trip.
Idaho Falls Zoo at Tautphaus Park, 2940 Carnival Way, south of downtown. The city describes it as home to about 130 species on roughly 10 developed acres, accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. It is seasonal: the city announced it would open for 2026 on April 16, and the next-door Funland amusement area reopened May 23. In 2026 the zoo opened a new Islands exhibit and received a male snow leopard named Lenny through a conservation program. Google listed daily hours of 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. in October 2026, but the zoo's season and hours change, so check its website before you go in fall.
Why a Provo reader would go
On the way to Yellowstone. Our Yellowstone guide routes most Utah Valley trips through Idaho Falls on I-15 and US-20 to the West Entrance. Turning a fuel stop into an hour on the greenbelt costs very little time and breaks up a six-hour drive. If you are coming home from Jackson Hole and Grand Teton over Teton Pass, the same applies.
On the way to Rexburg. BYU-Idaho is about 282 miles and four hours 45 minutes from Provo by the same routing, so Idaho Falls is the last half hour before campus. Students with siblings or friends at the other BYU make this drive more than most. Our BYU vs. BYU-Idaho comparison covers the schools themselves.
Going home. Plenty of Utah Valley students and new residents grew up in eastern Idaho. Our guide to moving from Idaho to Utah Valley covers that adjustment, including winter driving on I-15 over Malad Pass, the stretch to watch between here and there.
When to go
- Summer is when everything is open: the zoo, Funland, long daylight for the greenbelt, and the full four-hour drive home in daylight.
- Fall works for the greenbelt, the garden, the temple grounds and the museum. Check the zoo before counting on it.
- Winter narrows it to the museum and a cold river walk, and adds Malad Pass to the drive. If the forecast shows snow on I-15 in southern Idaho, this is not a trip to force.
A one-day version, and a better overnight
One day (long summer day):
- Leave Provo at 6 a.m.; Idaho Falls by about 10:15.
- Museum of Idaho when it opens at 10.
- Lunch downtown, then the greenbelt loop: falls, Japanese Friendship Garden, temple view.
- Zoo in the afternoon if it is in season.
- Leave by 4 p.m. to be home around 8:30.
Overnight: add the zoo without rushing, walk the greenbelt in the evening and again in the morning light, and drive home rested. For a longer loop, Idaho Falls pairs with Yellowstone to the north, or with Lava Hot Springs, which is a detour east of I-15 at McCammon on the way home.
More drives in every direction are in our day trips from Provo list.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Idaho Falls from Provo?
Is Idaho Falls a realistic day trip from Provo?
How long is the Idaho Falls Greenbelt?
What are the falls in Idaho Falls?
Does the Japanese Friendship Garden cost anything?
Can non-members visit the Idaho Falls Temple?
What does the Museum of Idaho cost?
Is the Idaho Falls Zoo open year-round?
Sources
The facts in this guide were checked against these sources. Hours, fees and rules change, so confirm anything time-sensitive with the source before you go. How we make Provo.com.
- Japanese Friendship Garden, City of Idaho Falls. Checked October 19, 2026.
- Parks (reservations note, shelters), City of Idaho Falls. Checked October 19, 2026.
- Zoo (species count, acreage, accreditation, 2026 opening and Funland news), City of Idaho Falls. Checked October 19, 2026.
- Idaho Falls Power: serving Idaho Falls since 1900, five hydropower plants, Idaho Falls Power. Checked October 19, 2026.
- Plan your visit: hours, admission, parking, Museum of Idaho. Checked October 19, 2026.
- Idaho Falls Idaho Temple, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Checked October 19, 2026.
- Idaho Falls Greenbelt, Visit Idaho (Idaho Division of Tourism Development). Checked October 19, 2026.
- OSRM route service (OpenStreetMap data), driving estimates from Center St & University Ave, Provo, Project OSRM. Checked October 19, 2026.
- Google Places listings: Idaho Falls River Walk, Japanese Friendship Garden, Idaho Falls Zoo at Tautphaus Park, Google. Checked October 19, 2026.
