Idaho is home to a truly special community. Idahoans are naturally nature and beauty-loving folk, and we take extra joy in finding hidden spaces that create a sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of daily life. These are quiet places, but they are also communal — secret squares of green and light and flowers tucked into the unexpected hearts of towns. In light of spring’s approach, we’re letting you in on one particularly enchanting secret garden worth seeking out–one which is no secret to its community residents, but is an overlooked gem for visitors: the Rock and Japanese Friendship Gardens in Idaho Falls.
Idaho Falls is well known for the graceful urban waterfalls that cascade in the middle of the Snake River, and for the beautiful greenbelt that meanders alongside the water.
Howard Richter/Flickr
For many in this lovely waterfront city, the beautiful scenes of Sportsman Park are a reminder of how the community has grown up around an island known to early settlers as Taylor’s Crossing.
Tim Thompson/GoogleMaps
Wally Schofield/GoogleMAps
But few people realize that this city has won quite a few awards for its beautiful parks and landscaping–a truly special accomplishment for humble Idaho.
City of Idaho Falls/Facebook
Mike Flippin/GoogleMaps
Muhammed Danish/GoogleMaps
Most recently, the additions of the Japanese Friendship Garden and Rock Garden into the park setting are uniquely beautiful additions that that no one should miss.
Kris Westergard/GoogleMaps
Thomas Case/Google Maps
Vance Boyer/Panoramio Today, Sportsman Park is home to a Japanese-themed Friendship Garden, a respite created by hundreds of local volunteers who came together to work on the project in 2011.
The Japanese garden is set slightly aside from the main park area, designed with the input of representatives from Idaho Falls’ sister city: Tokai.
City of Idaho Falls/Facebook
Here, you’ll find meditation stones, benches, waterfalls, and small creeks…
Paul S/GoogleMaps
Muhammed Danish/GoogleMaps
And endless lush vegetation.
michael guo/GoogleMaps In fact, as you walk into the garden-like Sportsman park, the first thing you’ll hear is the soothing sound of the streams flowing and trickling.
Clint Nelson/GoogleMaps
Nearby, multiple war and veteran memorials dot the rock walls and pathways, like this Blue Star Memorial.
City of Idaho Falls/Facebook
Running right alongside the river, the nearby Rock Garden creates a winding maze of relaxing beauty.
City of Idaho Falls/Facebook
Paul S/GoogleMaps
City of Idaho Falls/Facebook
For the artistic soul, the whimsical sculptures, benches, and commisioned pieces offer inspiration and charm.
patty p./TripAdvisor
patty p./TripAdvisor
patty p./TripAdvisor
Tranquil and inspiring, this is one “secret” park garden that is too lovely to pass up this spring!
Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce It’s the perfect place to get away in the warmer months. And, if you’re there around dusk, the lighting is gorgeous!
Paul S/GoogleMaps
But while this beautiful garden and its idyllic park setting may be Japanese-inspired, you’l no doubt find some Idaho wildlife to remind you where you are.
Dan Ostler/Google Maps
Ready to enjoy this idyllic waterfront oasis in Eastern Idaho?
Howard Richter/Flickr
Tim Thompson/GoogleMaps
Wally Schofield/GoogleMAps
City of Idaho Falls/Facebook
Mike Flippin/GoogleMaps
Muhammed Danish/GoogleMaps
Kris Westergard/GoogleMaps
Thomas Case/Google Maps
Vance Boyer/Panoramio
Today, Sportsman Park is home to a Japanese-themed Friendship Garden, a respite created by hundreds of local volunteers who came together to work on the project in 2011.
Paul S/GoogleMaps
michael guo/GoogleMaps
In fact, as you walk into the garden-like Sportsman park, the first thing you’ll hear is the soothing sound of the streams flowing and trickling.
Clint Nelson/GoogleMaps
patty p./TripAdvisor
Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce
It’s the perfect place to get away in the warmer months. And, if you’re there around dusk, the lighting is gorgeous!
Dan Ostler/Google Maps
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