Location: Hagerman
Top Things to do in Hagerman
What to do and see in Hagerman, United States: The Best Places and Tips
Hagerman is a town in Gooding County, Idaho, United States. The population was 872 at the 2010 census, up from 656 in 2000. The area is noted for its fossil beds and the Thousand Springs of the Eastern Snake Plain Aquifer. Hagerman is home to a national fish hatchery, a university research station, and extensive aquaculture, assisted by an abundance of geothermal water for temperature regulation.
1. Thousand Springs Scenic Highway
Overall Ratings
4 based on 22 reviews
A 68-mile scenic drive.
Reviewed By KLsWanderlust - Houston, Texas
We saw the signs for Hagerman Fossil Beds and turned off the interstate - so glad we did! We stopped at the Visitor Center and the helpful ranger pointed us to the Fossil Beds viewpoint and directed us on down the Scenic Highway. We stopped at the Salmon Falls /Thousand Springs turnout to better see the waterfalls, still in good flow in early May. A welcome change from the monotony of the interstate, definitely recommended if you're not in a huge hurry.
2. Miracle Hot Springs
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 100 reviews
Reviewed By JediSushiChef - Austin, Texas
For starters, be aware that the Miracle Hot Springs and Banbury Hot Springs are under the same ownership...and for Miracle, I'm reviewing the hot springs portion only since I didn't stay in any of the yurt domes or at the campground. I also can't comment on the costs since my stay across the highway at the Banbury Hot Springs included free admission into this one....but from what I could tell they charged you an hourly rate, although they seemed to be super casual about it.
It's a rather simple setup, and brings a sort of southwestern architectural feel, although it's hard to not imagine what a Roman bath might have been like back in the day....it's pretty much the same thing, minus the toga. You check in at a window, where the staff is friendly and tells you about the layout. You can get ice cream and snacks there too. There's changing rooms and showers in a bathroom down a hallway. There's private rooms you can rent, where you can wear your birthday suit for an hourly fee. You can also get a massage, but I didn't to that.
The outdoor hot springs are divided into four different pools, all different temperatures. The main large pool is good for floating and is lukewarm, and then the two adjacent smaller pools are a bit warmer. One of them has a board for checkers/chess. But my favorite is the covered pool, which is still open and exposed to the outdoors, but covered by a cement arch that doubles as a sun deck above. It's temperature is like a hot tub, minus the jets, and feels amazing. The cover helps to keep the warmth of the bath in, and gives it some nice privacy or shade from the sun.
You can feel the softness of the water and minerals on your skin. If your body is in need of the minerals, rest assured it will soak them up. Be warned that as you absorb them, you might get a bit sleepy. In my case, I came here during the day and by the time I made it back to Banbury I was completely comatose and had to take a nap....I sacked out for over two hours, and had trouble surfacing....but I felt great and super relaxed.
Loved this place, will definitely come back. Super casual, stress-free experience, as places like this should be. I'm not a hot springs nut by any means, but I can see the appeal and why people seek them out....so I might be jumping on the bandwagon! In my limited hot springs experience, this one so far is the best.
3. Malad Gorge State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 43 reviews
Reviewed By CrankingChick - Tucson, Arizona
Great scenery at this park! Interesting geology in a 250' deep canyon carved by a spring-fed river. A five-mile long scenic drive leads to six viewpoints with educational signage. A couple have short, paved walkways suitable for wheelchairs or strollers. At Devil's Hole, a waterfall tumbles under a pedestrian bridge that is adjacent to I-84. The day-use area near the entrance has a picnic area with shade trees, playground and restroom. We went early in the morning in July and it was very quiet. There isn't a lot of shade and it's HOT in summer so plan accordingly. Admission $5/vehicle. Malad Gorge is a unit of Thousand Springs State Park. It's conveniently located just off I-84 at Tuttle (exit 147) so it would make a great rest stop for road-trippers. From the exit, head west on E 2350 S for .2 mile then turn north/right on Ritchie Rd. The park entrance is .6 mile down on the left.
4. Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 83 reviews
This 4,000-acre park is known for its variety of fossils, particularly the horse, Idaho's state fossil.
Reviewed By nicolediane - Atlanta, Georgia
We didn't realize that the visitor center was in the town of Hagerman. We saw the sign for the National Monument and went there . Don't expect to see any fossils. We stopped at the overlooks. The Oregon Trail went though the area and there is some interesting information on that. We did the 1/2 mile interpretive trail which is at the Oregon Trail Overlook. You could see forever! Nice trail. The only public access is at the overlooks and small trail. After checking out the monument we did go to the visitor center in town. Enjoyed talking with Jay ( or Ray). He was very interesting. some small exhibits in the visitor center include a replica of the Hagerman horse. Jay told us that hundreds of these fossils were found. They have more fossils than they have room to store. Although there isn't much to it the monument is worth stopping. Get out of the car and look around. The National parks and Monuments belong to all of us. enjoy.
5. 1000 Springs Tours
Overall Ratings
5 based on 12 reviews
We invite you to take in the vivid beauty of the Hagerman Valley and the Snake River from the Thousand Springs area on board The River's Mist. Travelers and locals alike will enjoy this unique experience on Idaho's scenic Snake River. Your group can dine on some of the finest food in Southern Idaho while on a lunch or dinner cruise, or simply take in the sights and relax with a beverage on the scenic cruise. Reservations are required so please call in advance or visit our website.
Reviewed By Nancy F
Scenic cruise was relaxing. But friendly captain lacks tour-guide aspirations, for sure. Not much narration. He offers some information, but I wanted more stories about the history of the place, the fish in the water, the birds in the sky, the geological formations. We got some — plus a little discussion on the areas rich and famous -- but not enough to fill two hours. Instead, we talked to our fellow passengers, which was fun. The crew was quite attentive, selling beverages. For a closer look at the springs spilling from the mountainside, sit on the left side of the boat. If you are a bird watcher, the right side is better.
6. Thousand Springs State Park
Overall Ratings
4 based on 14 reviews
Reviewed By CrankingChick - Tucson, Arizona
This state park is actually several separate park units along 30 miles of the Snake River that are combined under the umbrella of "Thousand Springs". These park units are roughly located along US30 between Tuttle and Twin Falls, and offer scenic views and recreation opportunities. The big attraction is the natural springs that cascade down the rocky canyon walls to the river. If you visit the Idaho Parks and Recreation website for this state park, there is a link to maps and brochures to help locate the parks. I highly recommend that you have a map or directions because it is a rural agricultural area; some of the locations were hard to find (need some directional signage) and not all of the roads are paved. We spent an entire day exploring this area. A $5/vehicle fee covers all the units.
We began at Malad Gorge, which is the northernmost park unit, just off I-84 at Tuttle. This site has a 5-mile paved scenic drive with overlooks of a waterfall on the Malad River. There are some short trails and a picnic area with restrooms. (Malad Gorge has its own Tripadvisor page.)
After visiting nearby Lower Salmon Falls Dam and Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument, we proceeded to the next unit of Thousand Springs: Ritter Island. This site has a historic farm on an island in the Snake River. We parked the car and walked over a bridge onto the island. Huge waterfalls were pouring down the cliffs and it was very pretty. A family was busy tending the orchard.
The next park unit we came to was Earl Hardy Box Canyon, where there is a trail to an overlook on the edge of the canyon. We didn't hike the trail because it was very hot out and there was no shade. The trail was just a rough footpath through the brush and not suitable for wheelchairs. (It's 2/3 mile to the first overlook and 1.2 miles to the second.)
The final park unit we visited was Niagara Springs. The narrow gravel entrance road winds down a cliff face into the Snake River Canyon where there is a shady picnic area with restrooms and a pond for fishing. The road leads along the river past several springs, including Niagara Spring and Crystal Spring which appeared to be the largest ones. There's also a fish hatchery in the river bottom. The road was well-graded and all right for our passenger car, but we had to take it slow. I don't recommend this road for RVs or large trailers, or for people who are afraid of heights as there are steep drop-offs with no guard rail.
7. Banbury Hot Springs
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 21 reviews
We are excited to announce that Banbury Hot Springs is now under new ownership! Bob Jensen, Kenneth Webb, and Bill Ehrstrom have recently purchase Banbury from long time owners Herb and Zippy Deuel. The new owners appreciate the beauty of this unique property with Snake River frontage and both hot and cold water. The resort features large swimming pool and hot tubs with healing mineral water, RV park, camping, and picnic areas. The river access provides a boat dock and launching area. Thousand Springs Boat Tours operate from Banbury's dock. The secluded park-like atmosphere with large, mature trees, and off-the-road quiet, peaceful river views make this a desirable destination resort. Banbury Hot Springs will be open 7 days a week and year round.
Reviewed By JimH_Tarheel - Denver, Colorado
After a long day of kayaking the Snake River, we decided to camp at Banbury Hot Springs and enjoy the hot pools, great campsites and beautiful views. The campsite are lush, green grass canopied by tall cottonwood trees. The hot pools are adjacent to the Snake River and there are two waterfalls visible from the property.
The hot pools offer a friendly staff, dressing rooms, showers and even free pool toys.
8. Idaho Guide Service - Day Tours
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 11 reviews
Dear Friends, New Address: Idaho Guide Service 17940 US HIGHWAY 30 Hagerman, ID 83332 This is the year and now is the time to plan your Outdoor Adventure on the Snake and Salmon Rivers. Idaho Guide Service Inc. is owned and operated by Olin and Shelley Gardner and Family. We are a licensed, bonded and insured outfitting company with over 30 years experience in providing fun and exciting adventures for folks of all ages and abilities. We have a terrific crew of guys and gals who help make all our trips a great success. They themselves are licensed professional guides with their own unique specialties and personalities. We offer trips from 1/2 day though 7 days. All of our trips have first class service in addition to being fun and informative and of course, wet and wild if you like. Spring, Summer, and Fall Adventures are a great way to get family and friends together for Fun and Excitement. For business's it's a good way to get diverse groups together for teambuilding, or to promote your companies management objectives, or for a job well done. Let us put a trip like this together for your family, group or business We can have a guide/representative contact you to provide more information and answer questions if you wish. Thank you for taking the time to learn more about our company. Please contact us at the address and phone number below or send us an e-mail. We'd love to hear from you!
Reviewed By ninetyninevette - Sun City Center, Florida
Went on white water rafting trip on the hagerman section of the snake river with Daniel as our guide who actually did most of the work and was very knowledgeable of the history of the area.
Had a very nice healthy lunch. Went through several class 2-3 rapids. Got wet sometimes which felt good because of the hot day.
9. Hagerman State Fish Hatchery
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 11 reviews
Reviewed By Jim239 - North Las Vegas, Nevada
Not really worth stopping, Only a short distance off of US 30 but run down and even had a large decayed fish in the observation pool.
10. Lower Salmon Falls Park
Overall Ratings
4 based on 2 reviews
Reviewed By CrankingChick - Tucson, Arizona
Idaho Power manages this free day-use site located on the scenic Snake River off US30 just north of the town of Hagerman and west of Billingsley Creek Wildlife Management Area and Malad Gorge State Park. There is a parking area and viewpoints for the river and dam, as well as a boat ramp and access for canoeing or kayaking. A small landscaped park area offers shade trees, picnic tables, geocaching, restrooms and a wheelchair-accessible fishing pier. Educational signs provide information about the dam and the river ecosystem. We stopped here on a Thursday morning in early July while visiting nearby Hagerman Fossil Beds National Monument and it was very quiet.
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