American Falls Idaho Chamber of Commerce

Snake River near American Falls In the heart of Southeastern Idaho, on the banks of the Snake River and the shores of the American Falls Reservoir, the City of American Falls and its 4100 inhabitants enjoy the rich heritage and history of westward expansion of the United States. Originally settled as a supply stop along the Oregon Trail, American Falls is now a commercial center with access to the Union Pacific railroad and Interstate 86. The city is located just 23 miles west of Pocatello, a growing city of 50,000 featuring Idaho State University, major retail centers and a growing high tech sector. The economy is dominated by agriculture, particularly the growing of sugar beets and famous Idaho potatoes. In addition. a variety of light manufacturing facilities are located throughout Power County.

Outdoor recreational activities abound. The Snake River and the Reservoir offer many opportunities for boating and fishing. The Willow Bay Marina complex offers camping, boat launch facilities and a cafe. Massacre Rocks State Park, just 10 miles west on I-86, provides camping, river access, hiking and fishing. Bird watchers find the area to be a prime site for the year-round observing of a variety of birds at all times of the year, particularly during the Spring migration. The city operates a challenging 9 hole golf course.

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View of American Falls Until 1925, the city was located adjacent to a series of cascading falls. In 1927, the new American Falls Dam was completed by the Bureau of Reclamation, creating the largest of what would be six major water storage facilities along the Snake River. The city had to be moved up the hill to escape the rising waters of the new reservoir. Late in the summer, following significant water withdrawal for irrigation, the foundations of the "old town" are clearly visible.

The American Falls School District consists of two elementary schools, a middle school, and a fabulous high school complex built in 2002. The high school features a state-of-the-art auditorium which is used throughout the year for a variety of musical and theatrical events.

American Falls is home to Power County's offices and courthouse, County EMS, Harms Memorial Hospital, Power County Nursing Home and the Public library. The Power County Press is published each Wednesday.

Residents of the city enjoy the mild high-desert climate, with warm summer days and cool nights. Annual rainfall averages about 9 inches. For winter sports enthusiasts, excellent skiing and snowmobiling is found in nearby towns of Rockland and Arbon, with Jackson Hole, Sun Valley, Pebble Creek and Pomerelle within a 3 hour drive. In addition, Yellowstone National Park, Teton National Park and Craters of the Moon National Monument are also just a few short hours away.

American Fall Library, Hospital, and Courthouse

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