Spend A Day at the Herrett Center

Visiting the Herrett Center for Arts and Science is one of Twin Falls' most engaging activities. It allows visitors to explore history, natural science, art, and astronomy all under one roof. Located on the College of Southern Idaho campus, the center includes museum and art galleries, a public observatory, and Idaho’s largest planetarium.

The Museum

The Herrett Center's museum galleries take visitors through exhibits covering anthropology, natural history, archaeology, and the cultural history of Southern Idaho. The collections include more than 35,000 artifacts and specimens representing cultures and environments from around the world. 



Things to See and Do

• Discover Ancient Cultures: Explore artifacts and reproductions connected to ancient cultures of Peru and other regions of the Americas.
• Learn About Southern Idaho: Discover how water and irrigation helped transform the Snake River Plain and shaped the development of Twin Falls and the Magic Valley.
• See Natural History Specimens: Encounter fossils, minerals, geological specimens, and displays highlighting the natural history of the region and beyond.
  

The Planetarium

The Earl & Hazel Faulkner Planetarium gives visitors an immersive way to explore the universe beneath a 50-foot dome. As Idaho's largest planetarium, it seats up to 144 guests and uses a modern fulldome projection system and surround sound to create an engaging experience. Shows cover subjects related to astronomy, space exploration, and the night sky, with programming changing throughout the year. 

Faulkner Planetarium admission is separate from the free museum galleries, and visitors should check the current show schedule when planning a visit.

Things to See and Do

• Watch a Planetarium Show: Sit beneath the giant dome and travel through the solar system, explore distant worlds, or learn about current astronomical discoveries.
• Experience Fulldome Visuals: The planetarium's projection system surrounds viewers with images and animations that make space science more immersive.
• Explore Changing Programs: Show offerings vary, so visitors can return for different astronomy and space-themed presentations throughout the year.
  

The Observatory

The Centennial Observatory provides visitors with an opportunity to look into the night sky through the Norman Herrett Telescope. The centerpiece is a 24-inch telescope housed beneath a 20-foot motorized dome, with an accessible design that allows visitors with limited mobility to enjoy the observing deck. 

Public viewing opportunities include monthly Star Parties and seasonal Telescope Tuesdays, with special events sometimes held for notable celestial occurrences. Because telescope viewing depends on clear skies, visitors should check the schedule and weather before making plans.

Things to See and Do

• Look Through the Norman Herrett Telescope: View planets, stars, and other celestial objects through the observatory's impressive 24-inch telescope.
• Watch for Special Events: The observatory occasionally hosts viewing opportunities for eclipses, comets, planetary conjunctions, and other notable events.
• Try Solar Viewing: During summer, visitors can sometimes observe the sun safely through specialized equipment during scheduled daytime programs.
  

Art Galleries

Art adds another dimension to the Herrett Center through the Jean B. King Gallery of Art and additional works displayed throughout the center and its grounds. The gallery features rotating exhibitions focusing on contemporary art and related topics while also providing opportunities to showcase Idaho artists. 

Things to See and Do

• Visit the Jean B. King Gallery: Explore rotating contemporary art exhibitions featuring artists from Idaho and beyond.
• See Special Exhibitions: Changing exhibits introduce visitors to different artistic styles, subjects, and themes throughout the year.
• Explore Outdoor Art: Walk around the grounds to discover sculptures and other works displayed outside the museum.
  

Stay at Splash Canyon Hotel

After spending the day exploring the Herrett Center, Splash Canyon Hotel provides a comfortable place to relax and recharge. Our convenient location gives easy access to the area's outdoor attractions, scenic landscapes, and family-friendly activities while providing a comfortable place to return to at the end of the day. 

Guests at our Twin Falls hotel enjoy comfortable accommodations and convenient amenities designed to make every stay relaxing. After a day filled with exploration, come back and enjoy our big indoor waterpark, complimentary breakfast, and cozy rooms. 



Book your stay today!