Twin Falls, Idaho, is a distinctive city in the heart of Magic Valley. From world-renowned BASE jumping sites to top-tier fine dining, Twin Falls offers an abundance of attractions and experiences. But beyond its vibrant present lies a rich history—some properties and landmarks date back to the early 19th century.
Do you know their stories?
Step back in time with us and explore the rich tapestry of Twin Falls' history through its iconic buildings and sites. Each location tells a story of resilience, transformation, and the community spirit that shaped this vibrant city. From historic theaters to beloved local landmarks, embark on a journey that brings Twin Falls' past to life.
Perrine Memorial Bridge
Although the I.B. Perrine Memorial Bridge is known today as a hub for BASE jumpers, its history dates back to the roaring 1920s when it served the purpose of a toll bridge for residents. Nicknamed a “Titanic structure” by Twin Falls’ local paper at the time, the opening of the I.B. Perrine Memorial Bridge in September of 1927 was celebrated with a barbeque of 12 steers and a gathering of nearly 4,000 people. Originally named the Twin Falls-Jerome Intercounty Bridge, this steel structure was the highest bridge in the world at the time. It cost around $662,000—a significant sum even by today’s standards. Initially, the bridge wasn't open to everyone; it operated as a toll bridge, allowing drivers to cross the canyon and significantly reduce their travel time by several hours. Drivers would pay 60 cents per car, about $9 in today’s economy, and a nickel for every passenger. However, drivers only had to pay if they were headed North out of Twin Falls.
In 1940, the state of Idaho purchased the bridge, eliminating the toll fee and allowing drivers to cross it freely at their leisure. Then, in 1976, the state realized that the bridge’s original structure couldn’t hold loads of traffic and increased in use, so they rebuilt it. The rebuilt bridge still stands today, costing approximately $10.5 million and taking three years to complete. It was eventually renamed the I.B. Perrine Bridge in honor of Ira Burton 'Bert' Perrine, the founder of Twin Falls, Idaho. Today, it’s the fastest way for residents and visitors to travel between Twin Falls and Jerome Counties.
Milner Dam
Imagine this: It’s the early 1900s, and the Magic Valley is a desert expanse covered in sagebrush—an irrigation system seems like nothing more than a distant dream. Until one day, Ira Burton Perrine (the same Grandfather of Twin Falls mentioned above) has a vision for a dam that will provide a reliable water source to transform the barren landscape into fertile, thriving farmland. With financing from Stanley B. Milner, a banker from Salt Lake City, Utah, and support from Frank H. Buhl and Peter L. Kimberly, the Buhl-Kimberly Corporation was formed in 1903, initiating a dam contract. Over the next few years, locals worked tirelessly to construct the dam, forming three earth and rock-filled embankments, setting them against the river banks and two islands. Finally, in 1905, the dam was completed and ready for the water.
On March 1, 1905, Frank Buhl pulled the wheel on a winch, closing the Milner Dam’s gates. This action set off a ripple effect, opening thousands of miles of canals and laterals, diverting the Snake River, and causing the Soshone Falls to run completely dry for the first time. Water surged across the desert, bringing Perrine’s dream to life as 262,000 acres of land were transformed into a lush, fertile landscape. Over the next few decades, the dam successfully watered the land, turning the once arid desert into a thriving agricultural hub that supported surrounding communities and fueled economic growth. In December 1988, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s Division of Dam Safety and Inspection notified the state that the dam was at high risk of collapsing during a potential earthquake due to wear and tear over the years. It would cost about $11 million to rebuild the Milner Dam, but the community was determined to make it happen.
To pay for the reconstructed dam, the canal companies and Idaho Power agreed to renovate the dam and build a new 57.5-megawatt power plant downstream. Idaho Power would lend the canal companies the money to reconstruct the dam, ensuring the Twin Falls agricultural industry continued to thrive. Today, the Milner Dam remains on the Snake River, diverting water to farming uses and occasionally allowing the riverbed to run dry during low flow periods. Its continued operation supports the agricultural industry and contributes to the ongoing growth and prosperity of Twin Falls.
Turf Club
Turf Club is a one-of-a-kind fine dining establishment in the heart of Twin Falls, Idaho—but it doesn’t only serve savory steaks and craft cocktails; it also has a history that dates back to the Prohibition era. The year was 1946, and although the dry era of America had ended 13 years ago, the state of Idaho was still affected by its consequences. One law prohibited the sale of liquor by the drink over a bar unless the building was part of a municipality, which Turf Club was not. But the spirit of independence and rebellion prevailed; on July 4, 1946, a group of businessmen and local ranchers opened Turf Club, a speakeasy that secretly served liquor by the dozen. When law enforcement would conduct a raid in town, residents would notify the Club, and employees would race to pick up the liquor and hide it in a nearby barn until it was over. In its first decade of operation, the Turf Club became a hot spot, hosting nationally acclaimed musicians, offering dancing, and serving drinks under the counter—all while letting the good times roll.
Over the years, Turf Club has overcome various challenges. In 1953, Idaho banned slot machines while maintaining a strict prohibition on liquor, causing the Turf Club to suffer significant financial losses. After a decade of trying to keep its doors open, the Club reluctantly closed in 1963 without hope of reopening.
Fortunately, in 1968, Bob and Leo Soran purchased the building, gained a liquor license, and completely renovated the property. Under their ownership, Turf Club quickly became a first-class fine dining destination in Twin Falls, Idaho, welcoming live music and dancing once again. Throughout the next few centuries, famed personalities like Presidents Reagan, Nixon, and Bush and celebrities including Bruce Willis, Ernest Hemingway, and Albert Finney would participate in Turf Club’s unfolding story. The Sorans tried various methods to keep the Turf Club afloat, from serving Italian food in the 1970s to hosting special events and banquets in the space. In the early 1990s, the Sorans passed down the beloved Club to their son, Steve, who carried on the legacy by focusing on high-end banquets and events. In 2022, the property changed hands again, this time to Mariann and Robert Griffith.
The Griffiths breathed new life into the Turf Club, revitalizing the original speakeasy vibe and establishing a fresh menu featuring locally procured steaks and delectable desserts. Griff’s was born during the renovation—a hidden bar serving craft cocktails that’s quickly become a must-see spot in Twin Falls. The Club still welcomes nationwide talents for lively music and exhilarating entertainment, standing as a testament to its rich history and enduring spirit of celebration. Stepping through the doors of the Turf Club, you become part of its storied past and the exciting future ahead for this cherished local destination. Reserve your seats for a night of tasty 5-star dishes, unique drinks, and unforgettable memories.
Twin Falls’ Milling Warehouse and Grain Elevators
The Milner Dam isn’t the only historical site contributing to Twin Falls’ thriving agricultural economy. The grain elevators in downtown Twin Falls, towering above the historic warehouse district, hold a story that dates back to the early 1900s.
In 1916, the milling warehouse and grain elevators comprised the largest flour mill in the Western United States between Denver, CO, and Portland, OR. Throughout the 19th century, the railroad near the warehouse district transported grain exports from Southern Idaho to the rest of the United States, supplying Americans with a steady food source and supporting the nation's growth and expansion. Professor Emeritus of History at the College of Southern Idaho, Dr. Russ Tremayne, said about the mill, “This is a symbol of agricultural history, and this is the center of original Twin Falls. That is the Pan-American Highway that way, the Oregon Trail that way [pointing to areas surrounding the warehouse district]. This is one of the most central historic sites in Idaho. This was a time when we, in this area, developed agricultural products and Duncan Hines Flour and Cake Mixes.”
Following the end of World War I, Idaho was affected by the Great Depression, entering into a 20-year agricultural recession. During this time, Twin Falls’ grain elevators and flour mills became vacant since producing grain in other regions across the country was cheaper. It sat in the historic warehouse district for decades, becoming an eyesore within the city. Then in the 1990s, the building caught on fire, and Twin Falls was prepared to dare it down—but Preservation Twin Falls was founded and the grain silos were saved. The organization spent years cleaning up the area and making it safe, eventually forming it into a historic park for tourists and locals. Today, this piece of history still stands in Twin Falls, Idaho, offering a glimpse into Southern Idaho’s agricultural past for visitors.
Depot Grill
Sitting across from Twin Falls’ grain elevators, the Depot Grill is the pinnacle of an all-American diner, complete with a menu of over 85 varying breakfast choices from classic biscuits and gravy to made-from-scratch hearty soups. Not only does the Depot Grill provide a sense of community and warmth to Twin Falls, Idaho, but it is also a historic building with a story that dates back over 100 years. On May 7, 1908, the Benoit family built the Blue Lakes Bottling & Spring Water Plant, which is now the present-day Depot Grill. Their space quickly became the go-to spot for ginger ale, soda water, and other beverages made with water collected from Rock Creek.
Around 1917, the Diegert family started operating a Texaco gas station at the same location, serving sandwiches to the railroad crew and those who stopped on the train. Then, in the 1930s, the Depot changed hands to the Mays family, who turned it into a 24-hour counter service to workers and passengers from the “Gallopin’ Goose” railroad train. Over the decades, the property passed through the Chevalier and Soran families, progressing into a diner that served the local community. Over the last century, the Depot Grill has experienced over 18 additions and remodels and served the area’s first smörgåsbord buffet in the Caboose Room (which still stands today) in 1962.
Finally, in 2023, the Sorans passed the Depot on to the next generation, and Chelsea Bordewyk took over the beloved establishment. Preserving the timeless recipes from the 1940s era of the diner, Chelsea has enhanced the Depot Grill and honored its tradition of hometown hospitality by creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere that continues to bring the community together. From classic American dishes to enticing new offerings, the focus of the Depot Grill still focuses on quality, affordability, and a place that feels like coming home.
Rudy’s A Cook’s Paradise
Rudy's is located on Main Avenue in Twin Falls, a kitchen supply store that’s any food lover’s dream. Opened in 1904, Rudy’s was initially opened by Roy Gager as a hardware store named Twin Falls Hardware. It’s now known as the oldest continuously opened retail store in Twin Falls, Idaho. In 1935, it switched hands in ownership to Coe M. Price and became Price Hardware. Throughout the 1900s, it was an integral part of the community, selling hardware appliances to locals. After returning from serving as a fighter pilot instructor in World War II, Rudy Ashenbrener purchased it in 1947 and continued to sell hardware supplies. After graduating from the University of Oregon, Rudy’s son Tom started to work in the store. Finally, Tom took over in 2002 and decided to drop the hardware line, turning the property into a cooking store and renaming it after his father.
Today, Rudy’s A Cook’s Paradise serves as a beacon for culinary artistry, offering various cooking classes and events and selling kitchen supplies like espresso machines and microplane zesters. Rudy’s is a gathering place for those who love food to come together and enjoy the many tastes and flavors of expertly crafted dishes, bringing people together through unforgettable culinary experiences.
The Orpheum Theatre
The Orpheum Theatre is a must-visit space in Twin Falls, Idaho. Offering everything from musical theater productions to classic film screenings, it delivers an unforgettable entertainment experience for locals and tourists. What visitors may not know about the theatre is its rich history, dating back to the early 1900s. The Orpheum Theatre opened its doors in 1921 with 900 seats under “The New Orpheum.” It originally opened as a venue for vaudeville acts, “photo plays” (our modern-day movies), and live music performances. Over the decades, the theatre has undergone several renovations. In the 1950s, the Orpheum Theatre was modernized by Intermountain Amusement. The murals and marble staircases were painted over, turning the property primarily into a movie theatre. During this time, it was considered to have the sharpest CinemaScope screen in Idaho. This could be due to the projection booth being placed downstairs rather than on the balcony, which gave it a short and direct throw.
Then, in the 1970s, Interstate Amusement purchased the theatre, renaming it to the “Mall Cinema,” restoring the original staircases and renovating the exterior. It was then changed to the Orpheum Theatre in the late 1990s, reflecting its location in Historic Old Towne, part of Twin Falls’ downtown district. After operating as a movie theater for a few decades, Larry and Stephanie Johnson and the Ovation Performing Arts bought the theater and started renovations to revive the live performances. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the finishing touches took place on the Orpheum. In the interior, renovations occurred in the lobby, concession stands, balcony seating, ticketing area, and dressing rooms. On the theatre’s exterior, ticketing windows were built, and awning and streetside marquee plans were made. The final project blended the original 1920s building with a unique modern twist to create the now-historic Orpheum Theatre in downtown Twin Falls, Idaho.
Experience Historic Twin Falls Idaho Buildings For Yourself
Whether you're a Twin Falls local or just passing through, immerse yourself in history by stepping into one of the city's most cherished spaces—the Turf Club. Our menu features the best steak the community offers, craft cocktails, fresh seafood, and mouthwatering desserts. Plan your visit and experience the historical Turf Club for yourself.
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