Best Places to Cool Off in the Magic Valley this Summer–Our Top Five
We all love the summer months, but let's face it, some days the heat is just too much to handle. But you don't have to retreat to your dark basement or camp out at the freezer section of the grocery store to stop the perspiration in its tracks. The Magic Valley has plenty of activities to do and places to visit that keep you out enjoying life without worrying about the overhanging threat of heat stroke.
Shoshone Indian Ice Caves
Sometimes the best way to hide from the sun is to make like an ostrich and bury your head underground, or your whole body if you can manage. This task becomes a lot easier with the Shoshone Indian Ice Caves, not to mention a lot less messy. Located 16 miles north of Shoshone, this historic lava tube is cold enough to freeze the subterranean water in it all year long, even in the summer months when you feel like you might melt like a popsicle. So bring a jacket and learn about the historic, geologic, and volcanic background of this natural wonder while staying nice and cool. Guided tours are available from May to September 8:00 AM-7:15 PM. Adults are $8.00, Seniors are $7.00, Children 4-12 are $5.00, and Children 3 and under are free.
- 1561 N. Hwy 75, Shoshone
- 208-886-2058
Shoshone Snack Bar
On your way home from the cave, be sure to stop in at the Snack Bar in Shoshone for the biggest soft-serve ice cream cones you've ever seen in your life. Their Small is bigger than other places' Large! They come in vanilla, chocolate, and swirled. Also available are some of the best burgers you'll ever eat, breakfast items, milk shakes and malts, sundaes and floats, and a kids' menu. They're open Monday-Saturday 8 AM-10PM and on Sunday 10 AM-10 PM.
- 415 S. Greenwood St. (on Hwy 93), Shoshone
- 208-886-2294
- shoshonesnackbar.tripod.com
- http://www.facebook.com/pages/Shoshone-Snack-Bar/213593037375?sk=
Kiwi Loco
For a healthier alternative to getting the desired chill, try Kiwi Loco's nonfat frozen yogurt. They have a ton of different flavors to choose from including the expected Vanilla and Chocolate and the unexpected Carrot Cake, Gingerbread, Snickerdoodle, and White Chocolate Macadamia. They have no-sugar varieties, non-dairy varieties,original tart, Eurotart, and premium yogurt. And don't forget the toppings! They have every kind of candy, nut, fruit, and syrup you could think to put on top of your frozen treat and more. It's self-serve, so you pick out your yogurt, pile on the toppings, and pay by the ounce. Could life get any sweeter than that?
- 1520 Fillmore St. N. #2 (In the Villa shops behind OfficeMax), Twin Falls
- 208-733-1343
- www.kiwilocoyogurt.com
- http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kiwi-Loco-Twin-Falls/373423119165#!/pages/Kiwi-Loco-Twin-Falls/373423119165?sk=
Skateland
Love tearing up the pavement with your blades but it's just too dang hot? Take your fun indoors at Skateland! You can bring your own rollerblades or skates or rent theirs. Enjoy this great pastime while indulging in that well-beloved modern convenience, air/conditioning. They are open on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from 1:00 PM-4:00 PM for $4.00/person; Wednesday evening 7:00 PM-9:30 PM for Family Night, $4.00/person or $12.00/family of 6; and Friday and Saturday evening 7:00 PM-10:30PM for $6.00/person. This fee is for a rollerskate rental or using your own skates. Rollerblades and speed skates are available for $2.00 more. Call to schedule a private party on Tuesday and Thursday or any time they aren't open during regular hours.
- 2100 Kimberly Rd., Twin Falls
- 208-734-5455
- http://www.facebook.com/tfskateland
Murtaugh Lake
Sometimes the coolest place to be is on the water. Murtaugh Lake is the best water-skiing destination in Twin Falls County and also offers opportunities for swimming, canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. Murtaugh Lake Park has 12 boat docks, 26 RV sites with hook-ups, tent sites, a picnic area, and two pavilions available for reservation. Pack a picnic and enjoy the beauty of nature while beating the heat, or make a whole weekend out of it. Tent sites can be rented for $4.00/night and RV spaces for $8.00/night. Call ahead to make a reservation.
Directions--Take Highway 30 East out of Twin Falls for about 10 miles (past Kimberly and Hansen). Turn right (South) on 4475 E. which is also marked with a "Sportman's Access" sign (if you cross the bridge and pass the "Welcome to Murtaugh" sign, you've gone too far). Follow the road for about a mile and turn left into Murtaugh Lake Park.
208-734-9491