Overview

Hype:

The Mesa Falls Visitor Center occupies the historic Big Falls Inn, built around 1915 by the Snake River Electric Light and Power Company. With its spectacular setting, the Inn was a popular spot for social gatherings in its past lives. It had its day as a hotel, a cafe, and a dance hall. Later it became a way station on the Yellowstone Highway for ranchers, sportsmen, and tourists. After acquiring the inn from Montana Power in 1986, the Forest Service partnered with Harriman State Park and other generous groups to renovate the facilities and keep the site open. Big Falls Inn is now listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Exhibits on the natural and cultural history of the area can be enjoyed inside the visitor center.

Time:

Fees: None

Recommended Ages:

	0-3
	4-11
	12-19
	20-49
	50-69
	70+

Recommended Months to Visit:

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Links: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/ctnf/recreation/outdoorlearning/recarea/?recid=80612&actid=120

Location

Closest City or Region: Island Park, Idaho

Coordinates: 44.187701, -111.327922

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Brochure

July 11, 2024 Trip Report

By Jeremy Dye

Trip Members

Jeremy Dye, Tara Dye, Savannah Dye, Madilyn Dye, Cooper Dye, Greg Dye, Laura Dye, Anthony Dye, Arianne Dye, Miller Dye, Kingston Dye, Ondylyn Wagner, Jaren Wagner, Killian Wagner, Calliope Wagner,

Story

After Bear world, we drove to Upper Mesa Falls. We hung out at the visitor center and kids did their Junior Forest Ranger packets while we waited for others to catch up. 

Then we walked out to the falls and took a bunch of pictures. 

We then went back to the visitor center so the kids could redeem their badges, but all the rangers closed up and left at 4:52 when they were supposed to be open until 5:00. The kids were quite disappointed that they didn't get their badges.

Pictures