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The Thousand Springs Scenic Byway and the Hagerman area
have a lot to offer. Spend a half-day or so and experience the entire
Byway. Travel it from west to east (from Bliss back to the Interstate at
Twin Falls or Hansen) or vice versa. If you start at Bliss the first thing
you'll see are the huge new wind-power generators. You'll get a great view
of them at the pull off just south of Bliss. At this same stop you'll also
see small fish farms, river rapids and the geologic strata where fossils
have been found. Proceeding down the grade you'll soon drive across the
bridge at the Malad River. Just before you get to Hagerman you'll come to
the new Billingsley Creek Unit of the Thousand Springs State Park. You can
take a short hike down to the Creek if you like. This park is in the early
stages of development. In the future there will be, additional trails and
equestrian facilities, a group camp and an amphitheater. Some of the
events that take place in the Hagerman area are Fossil Days on Memorial
Day Weekend, "Blues in the Park" on the second weekend in September, a car
show and swap meet on the thrid weekend of September and the Thousand
Springs Art Festival on the last full weekend in September. Hagerman has
a great City Park where you can have a picnic or, in season, watch a
little league baseball game. If you're here at mealtime be sure to enjoy
a culinary treat at one of our wonderful restaurants. Be sure to visit
the Hagerman Fossil Beds Visitor Center and learn about the Hagerman Horse
and visit the Hagerman Historical Society Museum to see local artifacts
and learn about our area's history. Stop by the State and National Fish
Hatcheries and view the fish and water fowl. Take a swim or a soak in the
hot springs and stay the night in a local resort, RV park, Bed and
Breakfast or motel. |
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People frequently ask where they can see Idaho's alligators. Many
think it's a joke, but it's not. Alligators can be found in the Hagerman
Valley. They are raised for their meat at a local fish farm. The gators,
particularly the big ones, are fed what is left over after the fish are
processed for sale. Some of the gators are quite big and are really
something to see. Just remember, the purpose for keeping the gators is
not to attract tourist. Fortunately, however, the fish farmer allows
people to view the big gators for free, but, he asks that visitors park
only in the designated area and that they stay on the path to see the
alligators and not wander around the facility and disturb the fish he is
raising. To take the side-trip to see the alligators; travel along
US Hwy 30 (the Thousand Springs Scenic Byway) to the Hot Springs area
which is about 10 miles south of Hagerman. Turn off US 30 onto the road
across from the entrance to Miracle Hot springs (this is the road to
Banbury Hot Springs). Less than 2/10 of a mile after you get on this road
you will turn right and travel south 3.2 miles along the River Road to the
fish farm where the alligators live. |
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Enjoy your visit to the Hagerman Valley and the Thousand Springs Scenic Byway. |
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